If you’re wondering what to gift your fiance on your wedding day, boudoir photos are the most unique and personal gift you can ever give! There’s nothing else that can come close to surprising your partner while also making YOU feel amazing. Some of you may not know this, but my career as a boudoir photographer began during a bride’s “getting-ready” session.
Years ago, I was taking photos of a wedding in New York City with my husband Julian Ribinik. We were shooting some “getting-ready moments” when the bride asked if we could take a few boudoir wedding photos of her in lingerie. We’d never been asked that before! Julian turned to me and said, “Well, I can’t do that, so you have to.”
Truth be told, I had no idea how to pose someone in lingerie. But as I worked with the bride, I thought about how incredible it would be to shoot boudoir photos professionally. Long story short, the bride ended up adoring her photos and from that moment on I became captivated by the niche of boudoir photography.
I knew, however, that if I was going to become a professional boudoir photographer I wanted my work to reflect who I was as an artist. And in that, I mean I wanted the photos I took to showcase my raw, sensual, dark, and moody style.
What do you think of the photos below? Hopefully, I’ve achieved that in my career so far!
Why I Encourage Brides-To-Be To Take Boudoir Wedding Photos
Getting married is one of the biggest milestones in your life and I can’t stress how much bridal boudoir photography will help you prepare for it. Just like pre-wedding day jitters, there’s also a nervous excitement that builds up when you book a boudoir session. You’re waiting and preparing for the “big day” of the photoshoot. But once you get inside the studio and start trying on beautiful lingerie to pose in, all of the nervousness goes away and the fun truly begins.
I love seeing brides-to-be feel confident, relaxed and beautiful in front of the camera. This is exactly what this time in their lives should be all about! Read what my recent client had to say about her session:
“This was supposed to be a wedding day gift for my now-husband, but it turned out an even better gift for MYSELF.
I have never seen myself so beautiful. So sexy. So Fierce. And mind you this coming from a girl that doesn’t even like to wear bikinis or take selfies. I was floored with how gorgeous the shots were. They were the perfect blend of artful and naughty. Evgenia’s execution is a cut above. If you take the time to search other boudoir photographers you will find that the lighting is often flat and overproduced. The styling of the sets can be basic and a little cheap. And the poses can feel a bit cheesy. Evgenia’s work is premium and radiates authenticity.
Her studio is gorgeous and posh. All her light is natural. And she has a closet of beautiful lingerie you can supplement with your own stuff.
My experience with her was wonderful. She made me feel so comfortable walking around with in my undies (or less). She told me exactly what to do. Where to put my hands. How to position my legs, etc. And one hour later… BOOM, ART. I had to buy an extra 10 photos in addition to the 20 I put in the book because I couldn’t decide which I liked the most. I also decided to do this pretty last minute and she was super accommodating and made it all happen for me so fast!
Side note: I would also recommend doing hair and makeup with her makeup artist. She was exceptional and so sweet. And it also kinda gives you a little boost so you really feel the part. It seems like a steep additional cost at first, but it really elevates your photos.
I can easily say that this was one of the best things I have ever done in my life. Worth every penny and more. I look in the mirror and I now see that girl I saw in the pictures. And I may even have a little more pep in my step.
And oh yeah, my husband was SPEECHLESS. He cried and said it was the most thoughtful gift he’s ever gotten. He wants to look at it all of the time.
Evgenia is the absolute best, and a master of her craft. I will forever be grateful.”
– Katrina M.
Why Not Show Off How Much You’ve Been Working On Yourself?
I don’t need to tell you how much your fiance loves you for you – no matter what size or shape you are. But if you’re like many brides-to-be, you’re still probably spending extra time before the wedding working on yourself. You may be eating healthier, trying out new hairstyles and makeup, and taking care of your nails and skin more than usual.
If I had to guess, I’d say you’re feeling your best EVER right now. That’s why I think it’s the perfect time to show off this incredible you. Many of my clients have even told me that they revisit their bridal boudoir photos years later for some self-care inspiration. How awesome is that?!
Boudoir Wedding Photos Make the BEST Groom’s Gift.
Classy images of you in sensual lingerie (or even naked)… all for his eyes only. Imagine leaving a luxury photo album of these on his pillow the night before the wedding. I think it’s pretty safe to say that there’s no groom’s gift that would outdo this!
What you may not realize is that these sessions often start out as a treat for him, but turn into the ultimate self-confidence booster for you.
Boudoir Photos Will Give You a Huge Confidence Boost Before the Wedding.
Speaking of self-confidence, who couldn’t use some before a wedding day? A boudoir shoot will give you a chance to get out of your comfort zone for a little bit and realize how truly beautiful you are. Once you see how easy it is to be in front of the camera at a boudoir session, you’ll be a pro for your wedding day photos!
What Should You Wear?
While some brides like to take photos with their veils or wedding day heels, I encourage my clients to switch it up. Think about it this way – Your fiance will see you in your veil in your wedding photos. A boudoir session is your time to get sensual and do something different! If you’re looking to create an album for your significant other, I recommend luxurious and glamorous lingerie from some of my favorite brands including:
Ready to say “YES!” to a bridal boudoir session?
If you’re a bride-to-be, I’d really love to talk to you about your ideas for a stunning photoshoot. Contact me and let’s plan a day that will have you feeling empowered, gorgeous and ready to walk into you future with total confidence!
