The thing I find difficult about bridal portraits is that I have to wait until AFTER the wedding to share them. But the wait for these is over. Jennifer and Kyle tied the knot Saturday night at Heaven on Earth, a 19th century mansion in Missouri City.
We met for our portrait session at the wedding venue on a hot steamy Houston Summer afternoon. Hot-steamy-Houston-Summer — now that is a bunch of redundant words all in one sentence, don’t you think?
Not only did Jennifer and her mother attend the session, but we had the pleasure of shooting with her sister and maid of honor, another bridesmaid and the future Mother in Law. I sort of wish that I had brought snacks to make a party out of the event, because when you get that many girlie-girls in one room at the same time, it is bound to turn into a fun time — and it DID!
Jennifer is a quiet doe-eyed blonde, and it would be hard NOT to fall in love with her sweet spirit. I know I did when I first met her a couple of years ago. Special Kudos to Jennifer. It’s because of her and her community activities that I have had the opportunity to work with a number of organizations and individuals in Fort Bend County.
And here she is . . . now that she is a beautiful married woman — and Kyle is one lucky man.
Long before I ever met Anikka, I knew I liked her bold and fun-loving spirit. Then after I learned that she wraps up a rough day by putting on her wedding dress to sit on the sofa and drink a beer, I decided she would make a great candidate for a Trash the Dress Session. And was I ever right! She jumped at the idea and even invited her good friend Kisha to join us. I’m so glad she did too. The more the merrier . . . We had tons of fun, laughing and playing all morning and we thoroughly enjoyed providing a little free entertainment for passers by who loved seeing such well-dressed ladies in very casual locations.
The term “Trash the Dress” is a bit of a misnomer. While some women are willing to stain, shred, or even burn their dresses, most just want to put them on again, play, and get some non-traditional images of themselves having a good time in their dream dresses. After all, there is a dry cleaner on nearly every corner of our city and most of these dresses even come out looking as good as new after a bathtub hand wash or a gentle cycle in the washing machine.
We met early on a Saturday morning and headed down to a pretty little bridge for the first part of our session.
It takes strength and fortitude to spend too much time in a low creek bed during a Houston summer day. We’re renown in this part of the world for our heat and humidity anyway, and by climbing down the banks where no breezes can reach we had to remind ourselves that some people pay good money to sit in saunas. Before long we decided that we were healthy and well-steamed, so we moved along to a nearby open field. Trash the dress is all about fantasy though, so let’s call it a meadow instead. That just sounds better.
Since we were photographing in a newly developed area, we couldn’t resist a chance to explore a nearby home that was under construction. The light in there was phenomenal, but because the external walls had already been put up, we again had no breeze at all. Our respect for construction workers jumped tenfold.
With only a few construction images, we walked out of the house as the construction crews arrived.
They laughed. We left — and headed for the lake.
As I mentioned before, some women embrace the idea of actually “trashing” their dresses. While I never expect this of my brides, I will not turn down the opportunity either. Kisha had brought a can of hot pink spray paint to end our session. I asked her three times if she was sure she wanted to do this, and each time her enthusiasm grew. Anikka changed clothes so that her own dress would still be suitable for her next hard day’s night and then the spraying ensued.
We have tentative plans for Part II with these ladies and their phenomenal dresses before the end of the summer. If it all pans out, you won’t want to miss the results.
Boudoir — cool word, but just what is it? boudoir [ˈbuːdwɑː -dwɔː] noun — meaning a woman’s bedroom or private sitting room. It’s derived from the French language and means literally a room for sulking or pouting.
With boudoir photography we create beautiful and sensuous photographs of a woman. The images are sexy, sassy, sultry, seductive, and always classy. They make a perfect gift for the lady to present to the one man in her life — or simply to keep to herself and treasure, knowing that she is indeed as beautiful on the OUTSIDE as she is on the inside. While boudoir is a wonderful gift for a new bride to present to her husband, most of the women I photograph are between 40 and 60 years of age — women who have paid their dues.
Check out this little video compiled of shots from some recent studio sessions. These women are not models, just normal women who have graciously agreed to help showcase some of my work.
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So . . . is Boudoir for you? If you’re over 21 years of age the answer is yes. This is not about losing those 10 extra pounds or wishing away some well-earned character lines. We will set up the poses that are most flattering to your body type, and we’ll play on YOUR unique personality. We’ll accentuate your best assets and smooth out the rough edges.
Ladies — it’s your time! You’ve earned it, and it’s all about you.
So — for June 11 -12 I have reserved a sleek and sexy hotel room in West Houston for a boudoir photography marathon. We’ll have floor to ceiling windows for incredible light, hardwood floors and ultra modern super-cool furnishings. Participants get two hours of private photography time with four different outfits. Come alone or bring a friend. Better yet, schedule a consecutive session with a friend for a super- fun shared experience. Available appointments are limited so contact me quickly for more information and to reserve your time.
What better excuse to start shopping for your stilettos and sexy outfits?
