Meet Mahlia | Nashville College Senior Photographer
Hey y'all!
I'm Mahlia
Owner. Lead Photographer. Color Lover.
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. My husband, Pat, and I are Disney World Sweethearts... we met & fell in love while working at the happiest place on earth.
Seriously. i am crazy pumped & can't wait to meet you!
How I Photograph College Seniors
specialize using both natural light & off camera flash to create dramatic lighting and colorful sunset portraits.
I believe being prepared means you don't have to stress. I use both natural light and off-camera flash to create colorful, dimensional portraits in a variety of settings—from bright campus afternoons to colorful golden-hour and nighttime 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!
ivory door believes in fun, stress-free photoshoots!
core values
Relationships
Service
Respect
Quality
Professionalism
Attention to Detail
Creativity
Exceeding Expectations
Take a Peek Behind the Scenes Over the years
Ivory Door Origin Story
it's ok, you can creep on me
you know you wanna
Ivory Door Studio is a Nashville photography studio specializing exclusively in college senior photography. Founded by my husband, Pat, and I, in 2012, our studio transitioned away from wedding photography to a dedicate our focus on college seniors in 2025.
Fun Facts About Ivory Door Studio
15+ Years of Business
and 3 Different Countries
in 11 Different States
over 400 Happy Clients
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
a few of
Mahlia's favorite things
TACO
Tuesdays
Teal or Purple
Flower
crowns
Statement necklaces
Bubble Tea or Whiskey
DRINK
Color
Teal, Purple, or Anything Sparkly
ANIMAL
Pandas & Hedgehogs
SNACK
Avocado or Mango
MOMENTS
Reunions with my Soroity Sisters
READING
TRAVELING
BOARD GAMES
Gilmore Girls
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.
Outlander
Umm... hello, time travel and an epic romance?! Sign me up!
Veronica Mars
Basically, anything with Kristin Bell. She's a Marshmallow. But, seriously, she's like Nancy Drew... only slightly vindictive and just overall better.
Grey's Anatomy
I'll be your person for your senior session.
The Chicago Franchise
It started with Chicago PD, next was Chicago Fire, and then Chicago Med. Don't even get me started on crossover episodes!
Brooklyn Nine Nine
Rosa is an inspiration to all.
My husband and I live for the annual heist & the full bullpen!
alias
I know I'm showing my Millenial, but if you haven't seen Jennifer Garner in her OG role, you're missing out!
Teen Wolf
I didn't mean to get addicted, but come on... Stiles and Lydia?! Who can say no!
Game of Thrones
HODOR! Winter is coming, but so is your graduation! You should probably get your senior session booked... like yesterday.
Firefly
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.
TOP 10 SHOWS
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
Bahamas
Grand Cayman
Belize
British Virgin Islands
Jamaica
US Virgin Islands
Aruba
= Been there, loved it
= Photoshoot
creative color-loving photographer
i don't like cheesy
... unless I can eat it!
Featured nashville College Senior Sessions
"If I could rate Ivory Door Studio higher than 5 stars, I would!"