As a person who has wholeheartedly hated being in front of the camera for most of my life (strange, because i’m not shy and have loved singing and acting, on stage, for the majority of it), thinking about doing a boudoir shoot prior to my wedding literally gave me chills. I couldn’t say “NO” fast enough, really. But now that years have passed, and I’m one postpartum period into my adult life, I am sooo regretful and wish I could turn back time. Enough from this new mommy, though, maybe once I’m all done having little ones I’ll make it happen…
Just having the choice to do a boudoir shoot - at all - is empowering, but then actually doing it is beyond liberating. You get to dress up (OK, down, actually), flaunt some fancy hair and makeup that you wouldn’t necessarily envision for your big day bridal beauty look, role play being a model for the day, and unleash your inner goddess. What more could a bride ask for?
Whether you want to gift your guy or girl with a present that’s surprising and a little less buttoned-up than usual, wish to commemorate a momentous time in your life with not-so-basic glamour shots, need a pampering/therapeutic break from all the wedding planning craziness or just want to see all your photographer has to offer, if you decide to unrobe for a risque photo romp, you’ll inevitably have a lot of fun. And hopefully walk away with some sexy keepsakes, especially to help inspire your wedding night!
1. If you’re having trouble coming up with the perfect gift for your new hubby or wifey, a boudoir album (and some NSFW jpegs) is a great way to go. Of course, you’re the best gift your partner could ask for, but he or she definitely wouldn’t mind getting some cheeky captures of you with less clothes on. And it’s something that can be titillatingly treasured all behind closed doors, together, apart, whatev. There’s something so sensual and exciting about this secret souvenir from your time as a fiancée.
2. If you’re hoping to bottle those bride-to-be feels up, a boudoir session can be the perfect time capsule. In all likelihood (and with fingers crossed), you’re probably feeling your absolute best in the days leading up to your wedding. You’ve gotten all of your parts in shape (and if you haven’t, SO WHAT?!?), you’ve gotten your beauty game in peak performance mode, and you should celebrate all of the above. Balls to the wall. Get glammed up and enjoy the day. Tease and tousle your tresses, smoke out your eyes, get that falsey eyelash look in line, and smile big.
3. If you’re dying to demo some new lingerie, a boudoir shoot is the best place to ditch the duds and slip into some more contouring couture. You might be wearing something a little more conservative or demure for your wedding day, because bridal can become pretty basic and you have family, friends and other guests to impress (which doesn’t always allow you to go rogue with your dress/veil/shoe/jewelry choice). So, having a photoshoot where you can choose the garments - and or lack-of - is amazing. You can go with an all-white or all-black ensem, or switch it up with some color (hello #somethingblue). Just treat the session as an excuse to embrace your engaged alter ego.
4. If you’re a photography nut and just want some pretty photos, a boudoir shoot will help build out your repertoire. Perhaps you’re sticking with more posed (not prom-style) shots for your wedding day. If that’s the case, and you still want to see what your photographers have up their sleeves re: a more photo-journalistic approach, then give them the opportunity with your boudoir snaps!! You can go with classic and in-color captures for your wedding, and candid, editorial-worthy black and whites for your boudoir vibe. And if you’re ‘testing out’ your photographer, you’ll get to know them SO WELL during your session [vulnerable, yeah, we’d say so] that you’ll be totally comfortable at your nuptials.
Photo from: @dontetidwell
5. If you’re in need of some spotlight, a boudoir sesh is a shining spot to start. Yes, you’re the bride, but sometimes it doesn’t feel like that when you’re catering to everyone else’s opinions, stressing about every meticulous detail of your wedding, playing mediator for feuds going on with your friends and family, breaking up bridesmaid drama, it happens. A boudoir session is an opportunity for you to take back control, mellow out, and have some unapologetic ME time. You’re the muse for the day. Oh yes! And this works as a gift FROM your groom to be, too, he can get the pics, but he can book YOU the Hollywood experience.
