Featuring the fabulous Julia!!!

Julia’s story begins in Michigan, but her most vivid childhood memories are rooted in New Orleans, where she moved at age 10. As the eldest of two sisters, she has always embraced—and cherished—her role as the big sister.

She married her high school sweetheart, and the two eventually relocated to Nashville with their two young children. Julia landed a position as an executive administrative assistant at HCA on the 4th floor, working closely with both Tommy Frist Sr. and Jr. During this time, she also enrolled at Belmont University and began working toward a degree in Psychology. If that sounds like a lot, it’s because it was—and much of it she managed as a single mom.

Although her marriage ended amicably, co-parenting with mutual respect and lasting friendship was a priority to each of them. Both remarried and welcomed two more children each, and a beautiful, blended family evolved. Thanks to supportive spouses (who she calls “rock stars”), the entire crew remains close. Their extended family continues to grow, and by September 2025, Julia will be “Gabby” to 14 grandchildren—a name she chose with care, while her husband Gordon went with the classic “Grandpa.”

Professionally, Julia’s path took an unexpected turn during her time at Belmont, when a temp agency placed her with Ben Page & Associates and Anderson Design Studio. That temporary position turned into a 30-year partnership with Ben Page and Gavin Duke at PAGE | DUKE Landscape Architects. When the PDLA partnership dissolved in December 2021, a new chapter began. In January 2022, BFT Land Design was founded by Ed Tessier, Mamie Finch, and Julia. Now heading into year five, BFT is a team of six, designing beautiful outdoor environments across the Southeast.

Outside of work, Julia is all about family, food, and fun. She’s famous for her bread pudding—which she confidently calls “the best in the South”—and her Cajun roots still shine through in her cooking. Nothing brings her more joy than gathering her loved ones around the table. One of her favorite weeks of the year is the annual beach trip, when the blended family of 30 comes together—though finding a house big enough for everyone is becoming a real challenge!

In this season of empty nesting, she is fully embracing the joy of celebrating life’s milestones with friends—often through travel. From the Caribbean to the East Coast, she’s cruised from New York to Boston, Rhode Island, and Canada, collecting stories and memories along the way.

It was an absolute pleasure getting to know Julia - hearing her candid, optimistic view on life, and seeing the sparkle in her eyes whenever she talks about her family.

I would love to photograph YOU next and feature your story on my blog!! I have met so many remarkable women so far and want to keep it going! If this is something you are thinking you might want to do, I would love to talk to you further.

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40 Over 40: Julia's Story

Featuring the fabulous Julia!!!

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