THE COCOA TREE | nashville, tennessee

I spent the weekend in Nashville visiting old college friends, who are also artists themselves. Shoutout to Katie Fair, Amanda Baker, and Ben Norton! Anyway, Katie works part-time at a chocolate shop, and it was on our priority of things to do! This heavenly place, which is located in Germantown, is The Cocoa Tree. Bethany Thouin is the chocolatier and founder. Check out her story on the site. Truffles are her signature. Each is named after a person in Bethany's life. There's something special about knowing there's a story behind that chocolatey goodness. A favorite title of mine: Beck's Margarita, The one that makes you honest. This just makes me smile. Ah, I wish I could've tasted them all! Bethany, it was such a treat visiting your cafe! Katie, you were a wonderful hostess :)



Meet Gabby!





Next time you're in Nashville, plan a visit to The Cocoa Tree! You won't regret it.. you're just going to have a really hard time deciding which to try! I recommend a sample of each!! WITH a sample of the hot chocolate. Don't forget the hot chocolate! It's indescribable and that delicious.

ALEX | huntsville, al photographer

Since moving to the South, I'm always on the lookout for new spots for on-location sessions. I'm still not too familiar with the area, so I rely heavily on my Garmin. The downfall of that is I also don't realize when the Garmin takes me on a detoured route... The other day while driving, I took a wrong turn, rerouted, and stumbled upon Old Madison. I immediately fell in love with the textures, architecture, the variety of the buildings, and the atmosphere. I had to go back. Alex was lucky enough to be my model :) Thanks for being a good sport! He turned out to be a natural. Below are a few of my favorites.











>>> P.S. Have you "LIKED" Lauren Tomasella Photography on Facebook yet for a chance to win 1 of 5 free lifestyle sessions? Drawing is on March 15th! Click here for more details. Thanks to everyone who has already become a fan! <<<

Just because | huntsville, al photographer

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous recently, and I've been looking for any excuse to be outside. This afternoon I took a break from editing and headed to Green Mountain Nature Trail. Here's a few from the afternoon! Hope everyone's enjoying the warm weather and beautiful sunshine!

♡

First off, I want to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! Alex and I are the couple that avoids any restaurant on/near Valentine's Day, but we always find a way to make it stick out among the rest of the 364 days of the year :) I hope everyone shares this day with someone special!



We tend to never take good pictures with each other.. one of us usually has our eyes closed or cheesing too big.. This one surprisingly turned out alright.


We've been passing back and forth the same giant greeting card for Valentine's Day for the past 4 years.. It still has plenty of space to fill!


This is how our pictures typically turn out.



“Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear.” - John Lennon

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Dinner for two | huntsville, alabama photographer

I had one of those days. You know those days. Where nothing seems good in the fridge or pantry, even though you JUST went to the grocery. I love to cook, but I admit, every once in awhile take-out seems like the perfect solution... I found the next best thing - the local market - where I stumbled upon carryout sushi. YUMMY. So delicious, I had to photograph it. Since moving to Huntsville, I've been on the lookout for a healthy food store... and Earth Fare came to the rescue.




p.s. Don't forget to like Lauren Tomasella Photography fan Facebook page by March 14th for a chance to win one of five FREE lifestyle sessions! Check out the post below! Thanks to all of those who've already become fans!

GIVEAWAY on Facebook!

"LIKE" Lauren Tomasella Photography on Facebook, and you'll be entered to win one of FIVE free lifestyle sessions! Sessions include newborn, children, family, high school seniors, and couples. The drawing will be random and winners will be announced on March 15th. Only fans on Facebook will be entered, so like Lauren Tomasella Photography Facebook page today!

Here are the details:

- To be eligible for the contest, contestants must be a fan of Lauren Tomasella Photography on Facebook. To "Like" visit here: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenTomasellaPhotography

- March 14th is the last day to be entered into the contest. Drawing will be random. Winners are announced on Facebook on March 15th.

- The winners will receive a free lifestyle session ($285 value), which includes newborn, children, family, high school seniors, and couples. Weddings are excluded.

- Winners will also receive a $50 print credit towards prints and products of their choice.

- Promotion is valid to all US residences. Even though I love to travel... Travel expenses may apply to those residences located outside the Alabama, Ohio, or Boston, MA area.

- Must schedule the session before March 15, 2012.


Thanks in advance to all of those who become a fan of Lauren Tomasella Photography!

Good luck!!!!!!!

LOWE MILL | huntsville, alabama photographer

Over the weekend, I headed to Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment. Once an old textile mill, this place has transformed its facilities for the arts and sciences. It's become a community for working artists, and I can't believe it has taken me this long to check it out. They offer classes, workshops, art exhibitions and much more. It's such a unique and eclectic space. If you haven't done so already, visit!! Here are a few images, just to give you a taste!




2nd and 3rd floor space is dedicated to working artist studios and exhibition gallery space. I'm telling you, it's every artists dream to be surrounded by working artists.


I became fascinated with these teabowls. These were from "The Beauty of Imperfection" teabowl exhibit by artists Jennie Couch & Monte McKnight. All proceeds to benefit Sickle cell anemia and Breast cancer.


Vertical House Records. I could spend hours here.


This is just one of many more visits!