Crispy Baked Peanut Tofu and Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry Recipe

I am not a good cook. I can semi follow a recipe alright. Although the bok choy in this shot is not cooked all the way, the tofu isn't caramelized enough, and I stuck the plate in the microwave after taking this photo, it was SOOO delicious. The recipe was from Minimalist Baker and you should definitely make it. Click HERE to get the recipe. I used frozen cauliflower rice to save time (although I didn't thaw it long enough hence the microwave) and used expired maple syrup instead of honey because my honey had solidified. I'm still alive and it was still good!

Sneak Peek Boulder Colorado Intimate Home Wedding - Sarah & Simon

I'm trying so hard not to write a dissertation on this wedding. I met Sarah years ago when she was interning for Angela Proffitt and I took her headshot. Not long after, she took a job with The Collection, the company that I was photographing for. She was the Diana to my Ann(e). She was around when I met Taylor, she got chiggers at sessions when I got chiggers and when she moved away, I missed my Sarah. This girl was one of the main reasons that I stayed sane at my wedding. She oversaw setting up my reception and I didn't have to lift a finger. So when she called me and told me that she wanted me to photograph her tiny wedding (can we start calling them that) in her backyard in Boulder, Colorado, I could not wait to be involved.

About a year ago Sarah and I were chatting on the phone about this awkward dinner that her roommate was making for her and this guy that her roommate wanted to set Sarah up with. She was mortified by this idea and could not imagine a more awkward situation. Well that awkward dinner led Sarah to the love of her life. Sarah and Simon are literally perfect for each other. It's undeniable. 

Last week I flew from Nashville, Tennessee to Boulder Colorado for their Intimate Home Wedding and Reception. I photographed a lifestyle engagement session in their home on Thursday and their vow ceremony and reception on Friday. They wrote some of the most poetic and beautiful vows I have ever heard and had a spontaneous first dance in their living room with no one around. Also Rosie, their Min Pin who was also my friend in Nashville, was an active part of their day. 

I'll stop there. Please enjoy the Sneak Peek of their Boulder, Colorado Intimate Home Wedding.

Special thanks to all of their vendors:
Hair: West End Salon
Makeup: Tru Skin
Wedding Dress Designer: Willowby by Watters
Dress Shop: Boulder Bridal
Reception Dress: Mod Cloth
Florals: Fiori Flowers
Catering: Savory Cuisines Catering
Chair Rental: RC Special Events

Sneak Peek Intimate Clarksville Backyard Reception - Erika & Joseph

Every once in awhile you are contacted for a wedding three weeks before a wedding date and sometimes they are in a couple's beautiful backyard on the Cumberland River. Usually not, but sometimes. Erika & Joseph met at work and knew right away that they had something special. Last Friday with Erika's children as the biggest part of their wedding party, they were married at Grace Community Church in Clarksville. It is the summer of tiny weddings for me (I love it) and at Erika and Joseph's ceremony they only had 20 people present. After I photographed their ceremony and portraits we traveled to their home where they met more guests. With the help of Lauren from Randi Events, they transformed their backyard into a romantic reception venue. Please enjoy this sneak peek of Erika and Joseph's Intimate Clarksville Backyard Reception!

Special thanks to all their vendors:
Planning & Design: Lauren from Randi Events
Florals: Branching Out Event Florist
Seating: Please Be Seated
Rentals: Music City Tents
Catering: G Catering
Video: SheHeWe

Sneak Peek Bengali-American Wedding Weekend - Tanya & Asad

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that these two are madly in love. As soon as they look at each other, they light up. This past weekend I was very fortunate to photograph two of the days of their wedding celebration. Saturday night was the Gaye Holud. During the Gaye holud, gifts are brought to the bride and groom (including their wedding attire), tumeric is rubbed on their faces and sweets are hand fed to them by their relatives. All of this was done as a beautification process for their reception the next day. 

Sunday was their reception. And with the help of Angela Proffitt, the couple added their personal touch to their decor. Their centerpieces centered around their love for sci-fi and video games, quotes on their favor boxes came from well loved movies, video games, etc., and their music although it most of it sounded like chamber music, was actually some of their favorite rock songs. Sunday also included the traditional gate ceremony where the bride's family blocked the groom and his family from entering the hall. His family had to bid on his behalf in order for him to enter in to the reception see his bride. They paid and pushed their way through only for Asad's shoes to be stolen by the bride's family. To get the shoes, he had to pay for them. I don't think he ever did!

Working with this bride and groom and their immediate and extended families was incredible. They were some of the nicest and kindest people that I have ever encountered and I don't think I have ever been asked if I have eaten so much in my life....which if you know me, that is my love language. I also love color so this was a dream come true. There was honestly some of the most beautiful clothing I have ever seen. Thank you so much for including me in your wedding weekend.

Special thanks to the vendors:
Planning & Design: Angela Proffitt
Venue: Hilton Downtown Nashville
Florals: Lauren Marie Atkinson
Drape: Visual Elements
Lighting: Nashville Event Lighting
Linens: BBJ Linen
Seating: Please Be Seated
Hair & Makeup Sunday Reception: Karissa Paige Beauty
Dessert: Ivey Cakes
 

Day Two - The Reception & Gate Ceremony

Sneak Peek Riverwood Garden Wedding - Ashley & Mike

Ashley & Mike's families knew each other long before Ashley and Mike met. When they were in elementary school, their dads shared the same room for an office in the Pentagon, but Ashely & Mike didn't meet until high school. Mike eventually won Ashley's favor (which took some time) and they dated through high school and college, but life took them in different directions. Several years later they reconnected and started dating again. If you ever see Mike, ask him about it. He has a rather humorous and slightly embellished version of their rekindled relationship.

I loved these two as soon as I met them and their wedding day couldn't have been any more beautiful! It was amazing to see their relationship with their families and the friends that  had become their family in all the different places they have lived. It was a gorgeous day and I am so happy that I got to be a part of it. Please enjoy this sneak peek of their Riverwood Garden Wedding.

Special thanks to their vendors:
Venue & Planning: Larissa from Riverwood
Florist: Enchanted Florist
Caterer: 8 Lavender Lane Catering
Cake: 8 Lavender Lane Catering
DJ: DJ Chris 
Ceremony Music: Wedding Musicians Company
Officiant: Ralph Griggs
Transportation: FADDS
Videographer: SheHeWe

Inspiration Shoot - Netflix The Crown

Since Downtown Abbey is over I had to attach my Anglophile self to another show that takes place in England and preferably involving royalty. I fell in love with the manners (sometimes lack of) and elegance of Netflix's The Crown. I found a fellow Crown lover in Brittany from Inspired Help and we started conspire on a styled shoot. We decided that East Ivy would be the perfect location and Brittany built a color scheme around a play on the colors of the British Flag. We mixed old world and new old design elements together to show that you can utilize both on your wedding day. Please enjoy our efforts and special thanks to everyone that made this possible.

Venue: East Ivy Mansion
Planning + Decorating: Inspired Help
Hair & Make-up: Chelsea Coker
Crown + Earrings: Eden Luxe
Dress: The Dress Theory
Dress Designer: Miss Hayley Paige
Florals: Rachael Ann Event Design
Rentals: Music City Tents & Events
Vintage Rentals: Two Monkey's Vintage
Catering: Dream Events & Catering
Bakery: Baked in Nashville
Paper goods: Fete and Quill
Ring: Brentwood Jewelry
Model: Maddy Newton

Mini Sessions for Mom - Summer Mini Sessions

NEW MOMS, EMPTY NEST MOMS, GRANDMOMS, PET MOMS. For Mother's Day buy the mother in your life a mini session with her "baby". Surprise her by booking a photo session of her, you, and all your siblings or maybe surprise your significant other by booking photos of her and your new baby. For the mother in your life who is always the one taking the photos and is never in them. For the grandma in your life who would love photos with her and all the grandkids. Give her moments that last a lifetime!

Mini sessions will be June 4th. If there is enough interest, June 11th will be opened.
$225 for a 30 minute session and 10 final hi res edited image files of your choice. 
Session will take place at Cloverbottom park in Nashville, TN. Email erin@erinleeallender.com for more information!

6 Month Baby Photos - Harper

Oh sweet, sweet Harper! I am so glad that I not only get to photograph your Baby's First Year Photos, but that I get to see you grow while doing them. Your 6 month session was so different than your newborn session because you now have a full on personality. Things you found hilarious at the session - "no", "bad dog", "creepy mouse" (when I googled it I became more confused), chewing on mommy's pearls that daddy gave mom at their wedding, and mommy jumping around like a crazy person. You found me curious and you weren't sure about bubbles. We knew the session was over when the last photo in this blog happened. I can't wait to do your 1 year photographs!

Featured On Every Last Detail - Sasha & Darian

So excited that Sasha & Darian's wedding is being featured on Every Last Detail today. Click on the image to see the feature!

Monsoon Wedding Weekend - Allison & Tim

Allison and Tim! The first time I met them, I instantly knew I wanted to work with them because I loved their attitudes. Despite the monsoon we had in Nashville this weekend, they still had the best attitudes. And because of Allison's willingness to tromp around in rain boots all day and their willingness to get a little wet, we still got great outdoor photographs. It took some umbrellas, some overhangs, and some grumpy faces from their adorable dog, Birch, but we got them. 

I have to say that I love it when couples have bigger families. It can be a lot more work for me, but there is just something about the bonds that they have and the fact that there is always some wedding tradition that they have....it usually includes some sort of reception prop. In Allison and Tim's case, light up tambourines. From all the tears, the blow up dinosaur, the toast, the signing of Backstreet Boys by the whole dance floor, to the most rampant "Shout" dancing I have ever seen, this wedding was wonderful. I am so, so glad that I got to be a part of it. Please enjoy!

Special thanks to all the hardworking vendors:
Planning & Design: Locklane Weddings & Events
Venue: Green Door Gourmet
Hair & Makeup: K Miller Artistry
Bartending Services: Hamilton Bartending Services
Wedding Gown: The Dress Theory
Cake: Kay McConfections
Catering: Smoke Et Al
DJ: Choice DJs
Florist: The Farmers Florist
Rentals: Southern Events Party Rental

Easter Wedding Proposal - Shelby & Jackson

I honestly think proposals are one of the most complicated things that I photograph. You can't be seen and you pray and pray that the proposee (is that a word) doesn't walk into bad light or turn away from the camera. Mainly you hope that you don't wreck the surprise!

Jackson, with the help of his family, planned out a very sweet proposal on Easter Sunday at Cheekwood in Nashville, Tennessee. An egg trinket box with the ring in it was placed in a planter with the intention of having Shelby find it. I arrived early and kept an eye out for the couple and watched over the ring. Everything was quiet (other than the woman singing the full soundtrack to Beauty and the Beast) up until the moment I see Shelby and Jackson walk up. At that point a family decides to stand by the bench so I quickly shoo them off. Jackson sees it happen and does a loop past the proposal spot. When they are about ready to walk up again, a woman spots the egg and picks it up. So I run over and ask her to put it back. My heart is racing probably as much as Jackson's at this point and I'm really worried than Shelby has seen all this commotion. But she hasn't. She has NO IDEA. She doesn't even see the egg box. You can see what unfolded below. Once Jackson pointed me out, we did a couple of posed photos, but mainly I stayed back and photographed them basking in their happiness. I would like to call this collection of photos - "The Many Flabbergasted Moments of Shelby". Thanks to Angela Proffitt for sending this adorable couple my way!

Sneak Peek Hamilton Bar Mitzvah - Lawson

Young, scrappy, and HUNGRY was the theme of Lawson's extremely cool bar mitzvah. I got to know Lawson when I photographed his portraits and he is honestly one of the coolest and greatest kids, sorry young man, that I have ever worked with. I really enjoyed getting to know him, his brother, and his parents!

Lawson's bar mitzvah ceremony took place this past weekend at The Temple Congregation Ohabai Sholom and was followed by a luncheon at The Temple. That same evening a party was held at The Omni in downtown Nashville to celebrate Lawson's coming of age. The event was planned and designed by Sara Fried of Fete Nashville.  

Wait until you see the images of the party. Lawson had a Hamilton (loosely) themed party. There was an adult side of the room with a three course meal and an adult cocktail bar. Then there was the way cooler children's side of the room with a burger bar and a mocktail bar. The kids side also had a living room sort of feel with light up tables, a photo booth, a slow motion booth, and at the end of the night a custom nitro ice cream bar. Both sides of the room were connected by a dance floor where Music City Mitzvah had games and entertainment galore for the kids along with music for the adults. 

I hope you enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed photographing them. Special thanks to everyone that put this on.

Planning & Design - Fete Nashville
Ceremony Location - The Temple
Party Location - The Omni
Florals - Enchanted Florist
Drape & Rentals - Visual Elements
Lighting & Light up Tables - Bright Event Productions 
Linens - BBJ Linens
DJ - Music City Mitzvah
Slow Motion Booth - Full Frame Cinema
Food at Luncheon - Goldie Shepard Catering
Food at Party - Omni
Reception Stationary - Tenn Hens Design

Sneak Peek Franklin Frenchie Family Session - Tia & Michael

Meet Reggie the French Bulldog and his mom and dad, Tia and Michael. I photographed Tia and Michael's wedding in Nashville 3 years ago and when Michael contacted me about buying a family session for Tia for Christmas, I was excited! Tia had been pleading with Michael to do a session with me and she had no idea that Michael and I were already talking. Michael was concerned that Tia was going to get frustrated and contact me herself to book and I was under strict orders to tell her that I wasn't taking any more clients. Christmas came and Tia was so surprised! This past Sunday we photographed their family of three session. Here is their sneak peek from their session in Franklin! 

Sneak Peek Thursday Elopement at The Hermitage - Cara & Ron

Congratulations to Cara and Ron who last night after 16 years of being together, eloped and were married at The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. The bride and groom and two of their longest friends flew in from Florida for the weekend to have a private wedding ceremony at The Hermitage Hotel. I was fortunate enough to be one of the few people there! I instantly knew that I liked Cara when we spoke over the phone (she's a crazy dog lover like me) and I was so excited to be able to capture such an intimate and special event. We took a few photographs around town and then the couple and their longtime friends had dinner at the Capitol Grille to celebrate. Here is a sneak peek of their images. And yes, Ron's bowtie is made out of turkey feathers. He's a turkey hunter and they were from one of his conquests. 

Special Thanks To:
Bouquet - Lauren Marie Atkinson Designs
Hair and Makeup - Katie Russo Beauty
Officiant - Unforgettable Ceremonies Stephen Seymour

Sneak Peek Urban Engagement Session - Kelly & Neil

Kelly, Neil, Major and I ventured out on Sunday to photograph their engagement session! Well, Kelly and Neil's engagement session...Major was involved in the proposal though. Who are we kidding? This was Major's engagement session too! Please enjoy the sneak peek of Kelly & Neil's downtown Nashville engagement session! 

Sneak Peek Christmas Eve Elopement At Prima- Cara & Scott

Surprise! Cara and Scott are married! Here's a little sneak peek of Cara & Scott's Christmas Eve elopement at Prima in Nashville. Cara and Scott decided that they wanted to "elope" and although an elopement normally means no one knows about it, Cara and Scott wanted to let their immediate family in on the news and have them present at their wedding. Everyone travelled to Cara and Scott's new hometown of Nashville where Cara's brother officiated the ceremony. Cara got ready at Union Station and the couple were married on the vista overlooking Prima's dining room before it opened. Their reception was dinner in a private room in the restaurant. This extremely fun couple and their families spent Christmas Eve celebrating Cara and Scott's marriage, talking about As Seen on TV items, and eating a delicious meal. Please enjoy their sneak peek! 

Bridal Gown- The Dress Theory
Florals- Geny's Flowers and Bridal

Venue Feature – Long Hollow Gardens

I was able to visit Amy at Long Hollow Gardens and Nursery. Long Hollow Gardens (20 minutes outside of Nashville, TN) is a garden and nursery center, but they also do weddings. They offer several different settings: a greenhouse that can accommodate up to 300 guests, a wildflower meadow, a barn, and an 1880’s Historic Home. All of this is on 35+ acres in the beautiful countryside of Gallatin, TN. The Greenhouse is stunning and offers a romantic outdoor feel no matter what the weather. I’m itching to get a bride and groom in here to photograph. Below is more information from their website!

“Constructed in 1880, the Farmhouse at Long Hollow Gardens has become the icon for Sophisticated Farm and Garden Weddings. More than just another barn wedding, we offer refined authentic spaces dressed for the most romantic day of your life.

The Farmhouse, Gardens, Wildflower Meadow, Barn, and Greenhouse on our 35 acre grounds offer a versatile array of incredible and renowned vignettes to accommodate intimate weddings to larger ceremonies of up to 300+ guests: Indoors or out. The versatility of The Barn and The Greenhouse can be used as your primary space or as a rain plan to surely amaze.”

A Family Winter Wedding - Alena & Bryan

I first met Alena 6 years ago when I photographed her sister Kathleen's wedding. When Alena contacted me to photograph her and Bryan's wedding, I was so excited to work with her and her family again. Alena is one of three sisters so I knew there would be lots of sister banter and if Kathleen's wedding was any indication of what the reception would be like, I knew that I would be photographing her dad getting down on the dance floor. When I met Bryan, my excitement became even greater because as you'll see in the photos, he's such a good natured and fun guy. 

If you've known me for a little while, you have heard me talk about this family a lot. They have been through so much together. Alena's sister Kathleen (my previous bride) had cancer and as soon as she was pronounced in remission, Kathleen's husband Nathan (my previous groom) was diagnosed with ALS. This family is a tight knit unit so when Alena's wedding day came, this family was there together to welcome Bryan into their tribe. Nathan, despite being bed-bound, not able to talk, and not able to move endured a very painful ambulance ride so that he could be there at Alena's wedding. Alena and Bryan's wedding had a lot of tears but so much laughter and joy because everyone was thrilled that Alena and Bryan had found each other and that they were joining their lives together.

Special thanks to:
W.O. Smith Music School
A Village of Flowers
Homestyle Bakery
Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe
J. Clark w/ Snyder Entertainment
Yazoo Brewing Company.

ALS is an underfunded disease and because of that, there is currently not a cure. If you would like to donate towards research to give Nathan and people like him more home, please visit here.

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Colorful Intimate Destination Wedding - Blaine & Steve

Intimate weddings are definitely one of my favorite things to photograph and this couple and their family were some of my favorite people to work with. Blaine and Steve met in Nashville years ago but haven't lived here for sometime. They decided that for their wedding they wanted to bring their friends and family back to the place where they first met and fell in love. 

They had a colorful, intimate destination ceremony at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville, TN and a private dinner in Husk's carriage house. The bride wore a stunning Anne Barge wedding gown, the florals were filled with bright pink peonies, and the guests each got to choose their own entrees that were cooked for them by a private chef designated to the wedding group. It was lovely, relaxed and elegant. Please enjoy some of my favorites from their day and special thanks to their vendors-

Ceremony - Cheekwood
Reception Location and Food - Husk Nashville
Florist - Enchanted Florist
Wedding Cake - Dulce Desserts
Hair & Makeup - Katie Russo Beauty
Wedding Gown - Anne Barge
Groomsmen - Men's Warehouse 
Bridesmaids - Jenny Yoo

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English Summer Wedding at Cedarwood - Hope & Freddie

Hope and Freddie met while Hope was studying abroad at Oxford. Freddie was from England and Hope was from New York City. They fell madly in love but the time came for Hope to move back to the states and at the time they weren't able to maintain a long distance relationship. They kept in touch and two years later Hope made an excuse to visit a friend in London and as they say, the rest is history.

Hope and Freddie both live in London, but Hope parents recently moved to Nashville. Hope and Freddie fell in love with the southern charm of the city. The whole wedding was planned by Cedarwood and Hope from opposite sides of the ocean. They chose to have a traditional English wedding ceremony at Scarritt Bennett in Nashville. Hope got ready at her parent's house and traveled to the location via a double decker bus. The wedding took place in the early afternoon and the men all wore wool morning suits. After the ceremony everyone, including the guests, changed into their evening attire which for Hope, was her mother's wedding dress. When the guests arrived at Cedarwood they were greeted by a cocktail hour on the lawn with a bluegrass band playing for their enjoyment. 

The decor was natural but elegant. The reception pavilion was decorated with trees and large white floral arrangements on tables with classic white lines. While the guests were enjoying their family style dinner and passing the different dishes, they could view the rolling Tennessee hills of Cedarwood. Their guests came from all over the world and Hope and Freddie gave them a beautiful southern experience on a gorgeous summer night.

Ceremony Venue- Wightman Chapel Scarritt Bennett
Reception Venue- Historic Cedarwood 
Cake: Patty Cakes
HMUA- One 10 Beauty
Catering- Chef Christopher 
Paper goods- Designs in Paper 
Rentals- Liberty Party Rental

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