Hey y'all!
I'm Mahlia. (Mah-lee-ah)
While I was born & raised in Oregon, I'm a Southern girl at heart, I drink my tea sweet & I say y'all like it's trending. I attended Montana State University (go bobcats!) where I studied graphic design, joined a Sorority (any guess what sorority I'm in?), and discovered that it's freaking cold in the Northwest!
So I zipideedoodah'ed myself all the way down to the Sunshine State to defrost & work at Disney World. I was a tour guide at The Great Movie Ride where I also occasionally hijacked vehicles dressed as a 1920's gangster & I launched people into space at Star Tours. Pat & I are Disney World Sweethearts... we met & fell in love while working at the happiest place on earth.
I'm Mahlia
Owner. Lead Photographer. Color Lover.
"Choosing Ivory Door Studio was one of the best decisions I made."
Mahlia's favorite things
a few of
TACO
Tuesdays
Flower
crowns
Statement necklaces
DRINK
Bubble Tea or Whiskey
Color
Teal, Purple, or Anything Sparkly
Teal or Purple
ANIMAL
Pandas & Hedgehogs
SNACK
Avocado or Mango
READING
TRAVELING
BOARD GAMES
MOMENTS
Quality Time with my Grandma or Soroity Sisters
I am an INFJ. If you are unfamiliar with Myers-Briggs, it is a questionnaire that dives into how individuals perceive the world and make decisions based on psychological preferences.
INFJs, are considered the rarest type and value integrity, ambition, and helping others. They are creative, insightful, principled, passionate, and altruistic. Known for balancing both intuition and compassion to find a solution, INFJ's are all about head and heart. They are creative solvers for people's problems and are dedicated to helping find solutions to challenges. In group settings, they are often the inspiration and vision providing clarity.
Recommended careers for an INFJ include Photographer, Counselor, Designer, and roles in Management.
MEYERS BRIGGS
Oy with the poodles already! If you love the Gilmores we're going to get along together like Rory + books, Lorelai + coffee, and Emily + #throwingshade.
Gilmore Girls
Umm... hello, time travel and an epic romance?! Sign me up!
Outlander
Basically, anything with Kristin Bell. She's a Marshmallow. But, seriously, she's like Nancy Drew... only slightly vindictive and just overall better.
Veronica Mars
I'll be your person for your senior session.
Grey's Anatomy
It started with Chicago PD, next was Chicago Fire, and then Chicago Med. Don't even get me started on crossover episodes!
The Chicago Franchise
Rosa is an inspiration to all.
My husband and I live for the annual heist & the full bullpen!
Brooklyn Nine Nine
I KNOW I'M SHOWING MY MILLENNIAL. BUT IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN JENNIFER GARNER IN HER OG LIMELIGHT, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND WATCH THIS.
alias
I didn't mean to get addicted, but come on... Stiles and Lydia?! Who can say no!
Teen Wolf
HODOR! Winter is coming, but so is your graduation! You should probably get your senior session booked... like yesterday.
Game of Thrones
The reason my husband and I first started talking. It may have only gotten a few episodes, but there is a reason it's a fan favorite.
Firefly
i don't like cheesy
... unless I can eat it!
creative color-loving photographer
Ivory Door Origin Story
it's ok, you can creep on me
(YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO)
Ivory Door Studio launched in 2012 and exclusively photographed weddings.
considered one of the Best luxury Wedding Photographers in Nashville.
in 2018, ivory door's focus shifted to include branding and college seniors.
in 2022, ivory door stopped taking wedding bookings to focus on college grads.
in 2025, ivory door became exclusively focused on college seniors.
ivory door believes in fun, stress-free photoshoots!
specialize using both natural light & off camera flash to create dramatic lighting and colorful sunset portraits.
Ivory Door Studio launched in 2012 and we are so thankful to be considered one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Nashville.
We believe in personal connections and a fun, stress-free time during our photoshoots!
We specialize using both natural light & off camera flash to create dramatic lighting and colorful sunset portraits.
I love making the types of connections that feel like we've been friends for years. Not only do seniors love working with me, but their friends and families rave that I bring the perfect balance of professionalism & fun!
I believe in being prepared so you don't have to stress. Combining natural light and flash helps ensure you have an amazing experience and get the photos you want, even in a room with low lighting. My lighting expertise also allows us to capture breathtakingly colorful sunset & nighttime portraits that showcase both you and your alma mater!
Seriously. i am crazy pumped you & can't wait to meet you!
Take a Peek Behind the Scenes Over the years
My love language...
My Favorite Part of Senior Photos?
Seeing how excited my grads are to be graduating college! It's taken years to accomplish their goals, and they're finally at that final milestone to let loose and celebrate their accomplishments!
My Super Power?
Binging 2 seasons of Gilmore Girls in 1 day? JK! My Party trick is that I can spin and toss things high in the air because of four years of Color Guard.
QUESO!!! err.. I mean, Acts of Service & Quality Time
core values
Relationships
Service
Respect
Quality
Professionalism
Attention to Detail
Creativity
Exceeding Expectations
"If I could rate Ivory Door Studio higher than 5 stars, I would!"
Fun Facts About Ivory Door Studio
13 Years of Business
over 400 Happy Clients
in 11 Different States
and 3 Different Countries
= Been there, loved it
= Photoshoot
Aruba
Grand Cayman
Jamaica
Bahamas
Belize
British Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands
travel history
Alabama
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Washington
Wyoming
Canada
Mexico
Grand Cayman
Jamaica
Bahamas
Aruba
Colombia
Panama
Costa Rica
British Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands
Honduras
Belize
