Hermitage Hotel and War Memorial Auditorium Engagement Session

Eriny and Fady’s engagement session at the Hermitage Hotel and the War Memorial Auditorium was everything I expected it to be and more. The weather was perfect, the venue was absolutely breathtaking and the couple, so much in love, was a beautiful last piece of the puzzle.

When Eriny and Fady reached out to me to do their engagement session, I was so excited! She also asked that I photograph their celebration after too. In their culture, when a couple gets engaged, they have a celebration to marry them. I was all for it!! I couldn’t wait. After their session at the Hermitage hotel and War Memorial Auditorium, we headed to their celebration.

Lets discuss their engagement session first!

When going into our engagement portrait sessions this is what you should expect.

1. Typically, our engagement sessions are an hour long. We truly don’t fret over the time. We want to get the best photos of you and your fiancé! If we happen to go over one hour, no big deal! We’re in no rush. As long as you’re ok, we’re ok too!
2. We will help you choose 2 locations for your session. Yes, 2!! We want you to have some variety within your gallery.
3. We will help you choose your outfits with a Pinterest board built personally for you and your significant other. We give our couples the option of choosing 2 outfits. We suggest choosing a dressier option and a casual option. 
4. Expect to have fun! Our sessions will always include a bottle of champagne to pop or confetti! Take your pick!! 

For Eriny and Fady’s engagement session, we went to 2 locations in Downtown Nashville, the Hermitage and the War Memorial Auditorium.

1. Hermitage Hotel

Brides, if you are looking for a luxurious, classy and timeless touch, the Hermitage Hotel is your wedding venue.

The Hermitage Hotel is one of the oldest standing hotels in Downtown Nashville. I always knew I wanted to photograph just about anything at this beautiful hotel because the outside alone was dreamy. Outside the hotel are dressed in large white pillars with a black overhead with the Hermitage hotel in gold plated letters. On the beautiful gold plated overhead sits 2 huge American flags swaying in the wind. Ok- so call me cheesy, but I feel as if the Hermitage on the outside, already had a luxurious, very classy touch. 

When you walk inside the Hermitage hotel, ladies and gentleman, be ready to be amazed. WOW. Just as I expected, this hotel on the inside is the outside times 10. I truly couldn’t believe just how beautiful and breathtaking the inside of this hotel really is. From the walls, to the ceiling, to the carpet, to the furniture, I felt like I just teleported to France. No, really! If and when you come to Nashville, stop by the Hermitage hotel to understand the love I have for this beautiful piece of art. Yes, yes I did just call this hotel art… because it is. From the outside of the hotel, while yes the outside is STUNNING as I’ve already told you, you would never think you’d walk into this. It. Is. Perfect! 

So brides, if you are planning to get married here… please ask me to be your wedding photographer. In addition to hosting weddings, the Hermitage is also know for their afternoon tea at their restaurant. You can also sit in the seating area with a cocktail hand delivered to you by their butler or have desert at their casually elegant cafe called the Pink Hermit.

For Eriny and Fady’s engagement session, we photographed some photos inside the colonnade and took full advantage of the beautiful outside the Hermitage as to offer. 

2. War Memorial Auditorium

After the Hermitage hotel, we ventured our way to the War Memorial Auditorium which is right across the street. The auditorium was a ghost town. We were about the only people here and it was perfect. With the Capitol in the distance, we were able to get the most beautiful photos of Eriny and Fady. 

The War Memorial Auditorium is a stunning venue which, by the way, is also a wedding venue in Downtown Nashville. The auditorium is dressed with stairs leading up to 4 huge white pillars. This building reminds me of something you would see in Washington DC. Smack in the center, is a iron statue. While facing the War Memorial, to the right of us, is the Capitol on top of a hill. 

The War Memorial Auditorium made a perfect backdrop Eriny and Fady’s engagement session.

After we finished their engagement session at the Hermitage Hotel and the War Memorial Auditorium, we headed to their wedding ceremony with Eriny and Fady’s closest friends and family to celebrate!