Why Bare Sessions Should Be for You

Today I was looking around on the interwebs for inspiration and came across this article in Magnolia Rouge (one of my favorite wedding inspiration sites).  

Artistic Boudoir Shoot in the Colorado Mountains

These images are STUNNING.  Absolutely stunning.  I love the airiness, the light, but above all I love that these are unique.  They are personal because they are telling a story.  They bring the Bride's talents and passion into the session and it takes it to the next level.

I am a firm believer in the idea that you must do things for yourself first.  While this may sound selfish at first, it's actually quite the opposite.  For example, in an emergency situation on a plane adults are asked to first put on their own oxygen mask and then help their child.  You have to make sure you are in a place to help others.  Elizabeth Gilbert goes into this topic in her book, "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear."  If you're into living creatively, I highly suggest you check it out.  It's kind of my jam right now.  

This is a lesson that I have really taken to heart over the past year as a new Mom.  It used to be that I could push myself beyond my limits.  I was notorious for pushing hard until I emotionally and physically crashed and burned.  As a Mom though, I HAD to take care of myself first.  I had to eat enough calories to breastfeed.  I had to sleep when I could or I wouldn't later.  I had to take moments of peace when I got them to stay sane.  (Those should be HAVE since it's still ongoing!)  But I believe these principals also flow over into our passions and our personal needs.  Even if you do a selfless job like volunteering for charity, it has to be because you love it for you first.  Otherwise you won't be able to give of yourself more and more.

So what the hell does all this have to do with getting naked and taking pictures?  As I have stated many many times.  Bare Sessions (or boudoir if you're fancy) are all about vulnerability, openness, and trust.  And therefore they need to be for yourself first.  You are giving of yourself, you are opening yourself up, and you are allowing someone else to see YOU.  And I truly believe that is a beautiful thing to share.  And SHOULD be shared.  But if you are doing it because you want someone to see you a certain way, or to strive for perfection, or to be someone your not...it falls flat.  Authenticity is the key to beauty in my opinion.  Authenticity is what takes those images to the next level.  So be you.  Be true to yourself.  Be passionate.  And do it for you. 

Beauty and Badassery

I am so excited to announce that I will be offering Bare Mini Sessions on January 23rd at The Hive!  These sessions will include professional makeup by Katelyn Comer from The Skin Studio, 30 minute photo session, champagne and strawberries (because why the hell not), 40 high resolution digital files, and a password protected gallery.  

These sessions are about loving yourself.  I am passionate about boudoir and the confidence that boudoir sessions can bring.  These sessions are all about inner beauty and badassery.  I want to show the real you.  The sexy you.  The goofy you.  The playful you.  Just you.  I do very little touch ups to my images.  If you are looking for airbrushed images, I ain't your lady.  However, if you're craving a fun time, a time to pamper and celebrate all that you are, you've come to the right place.  

Contact me today for more information and to schedule your session.  Time slots are limited!

Free Engagement Session Finalists

I had so many amazing Brides at the Pink Bridal show that I just could not choose a winner for the Free Engagement/Bridal Session contest!  So this year I decided to leave that up to you, my readers, and the couples families and friends.  I have narrowed it down to three amazing couples and now its up to you to vote!  Vote for your favorite couple to win!  Voting will be open all week and on Friday I will announce the winner!  Don't forget to share this post on Facebook to get more votes.  Good luck! [polldaddy poll=9038850]

Jacob and Morgan Get Hitched

I met Jacob and Morgan when Jacob hired me to photograph his surprise proposal. Which means I met Morgan mere moments after she said, "Yes."  Kissed Jacob.  And then asked, "What's that clicking noise?"  And I jumped out of the bushes like a crazy creeper, grinning like a fool and yelling, "Congrats!!"  Since then we've been bosom buddies.  Well, maybe not bosom buddies, but I'd say we're pretty tight.  When they asked me to photograph their wedding as well I was overjoyed.

Jacob and Morgan are pretty awesome people.  And by pretty awesome, I mean really awesome.  They met in the 5th grade!  How adorable is that?  Apparently though, Jacob was not interested even though Morgan had a huge crush on him at the time.  Their families became friends and traveled together, so they were around each other alot.  This also made the wedding feel like a big family reunion instead of two families becoming one.  They began dating in college and were engaged their senior year (see previous paragraph on awesome engagment).

One thing I absolutely loved about their wedding is that they were themselves.  The wedding was chock full of details that were little pieces of each of them, their love story, and their families.  You could tell Morgan loves Disney.  From the Disney quotes on the bottom of her shoes from her bridesmaids to her first dance with her Dad to "When You Wish Upon a Star," each detail was perfect.  Jacob was clearly a Lord of the Rings fan from the attendants processional being "Concerning Hobbits," to the SPECTACULAR Groom's cake theme from The Lord of the Rings (seriously the best Grooms cake I have ever seen...no lie).  But you could also tell family was a huge part of their day.  Morgan did a first look with her Dad (which I adore!) and afterwards gave hankerchiefs to her Mom, Dad, and soon to be Mother in Law with notes stitched on them for each. :ENTER WATERWORKS:  It was incredibly sweet and touching!  Morgan and Jacob are also the first couple I have ever photographed that had all sets of grandparents on both sides at their wedding.  It was a serious legacy of love.  They incorporated a lot of vintage details into the day and I felt like those were small shout outs to their grandparents.  One of the best being an heirloom cake topper from Morgan's family from the 1930s.

However I would say, because Morgan and Jacob were themselves, it meant each moment was lots and lots of fun.  The Groomsmen were a blast to hang out with.  Jacob's two Best Men, his brother Kyle and best friend Evan, gave fantastic speeches that had everyone crying with laughter.  Best of all though was Morgan and her Dad's surprise father daughter dance.  One moment they were elegantly dancing to "When You Wish Upon a Star," and then BAM they were breaking it down to "Uptown Funk."  I. LOVED. IT.

The truth is I could go on and on about these two and their wedding day.  Morgan and Jacob are the type of people you are honored just to know.  They are the type of clients that when it's all said and done, you're sad not to have an excuse to talk to them on a regular basis.  So guys, don't be surprised if you get a lonely email in a couple months from yours truly, just wanting to chat and tell you that I'm glad I got to know you.

 

  

   

     

 

               

Mad Props Go To:

Planner: Mardee Miller

Venue:The Read House Historic Inn & Suites

Caterer: Venue

Florist: Rainbow Florist

Baker: Publix (Main Wedding Cake) and Sweet Angel Cakes– Toni Repko (Amazing Groom's Cake)

Dress(es)/Suit(s): White Lace & Promises  and Savvi Formalwear

DJ/Band: Sound Force

Makeup/Hair: Hair-Stephanie Holt, Makeup-Maddie Holt

Attention Brides

Tomorrow is officially the last day to take advantage of the Bridal Bucks offer from the August Knoxville Pink Bridal Show!  This is an opportunity to save a lot on your wedding photography package.

I will be taking calls all day long setting up times to meet with brides tomorrow, so feel free to give me a call, schedule a consultation, contact me through email or Facebook!