Boudoir photography is a sexy way to document the ritual of getting ready for the wedding day, and no doubt a popular wedding gift for the hubby. Boudoir need not be triple rated (unless that's the model's cup of tea). Rather, classic pin-up PG-13ish suggestive images tend to be more sexy (at least in my opinion) and a fun boudoir shoot for the bride. Since my goal was to freeze frame the feeling of our vintage style wedding, I choose a vintage boudoir shoot on the morning of our wedding.
Allow plenty of time the morning of the wedding to have a little fun in front of the camera - I recommend 1-2 hours. I must admit that looking sultry was more difficult than I could ever imagine - the "come hither" look is not natural for me and my foolish attempts resulted in laughter every time. Make sure to have bubbles on hand to loosen things up. And let the photographer coach you into the poses and pouts. Lesson learned - practice those poutty lips in advance of the shoot and research poses that will feel "natural to you". I wish I would have known about The Boudoir Cafe because there are some inspiring poses on that site.
Photo credit: Cherie Steinberg of The Boudoir
Wear lingerie that you feel comfortable in. A corset, high heels, and your wedding ring are a classic combo. Don't be afraid to mix it up with your bouquet, veil, garter belt and (time allowing) a costume change. My boudoir attire gave a nod to our wedding's vintage Hollywood glamour theme and included black vintage hot pants paired with my bridal bustier, along with rhinestone embellished Manolo Blahnik kitten heels.
If you are having a challenging time getting your sexy on (as I did), ask the photographer to take a few abstract or silhouette images. The bonus of this approach is that the end results may be frame worthy for your hallway.
After the conclusion of the wedding affair, present your newly minted hubby with the boudoir photos - one last surprise from the big day that will cause all the emotions of the day to come flooding back. The photos will provide the hubby with a sexy window into the bride's behind the scenes and the bride's final moments before taking the plunge. A perfect way to memorialize the moment and share it with your hubby, don't you think?
Photo credit: Long Island Boudoir Photography
Style Notes
- You've already hired a professional photographer for your money, so save money by conducting your shoot on the morning of your wedding as opposed to a different day.
- Review boudoir poses and pouts for inspiration - check out The Boudoir Cafe.
- Wear costume jewelry for bling that stands out in pictures.
- Don't forget to incorporate your favorite stilettos.
- Be playful with your veil.
Last words...As a curvy woman with short stocky legs, a boudoir shoot was a bit intimidating for me. It was also however, empowering to explore and embrace my femininity. If I were to do it all over again (and, hey, maybe I will), I would opt for a Vanity Fair inspired shoot and I would definitely practice my poutty lips in the mirror! (p.s., my husband would die of embarrassment if he knew about this post.)
Wedding day boudoir photos by Javon Longieliere