Boudoir as a Gift

This week I had the opportunity to meet dozens of brides at Tampa Bridal Expo. I loved listening to their stories and hearing what brought them to the show. To be honest, I wasn't sure about having a boudoir booth at the bridal show. But there were so many times I heard a bride say, "He would love this!" that I couldn't count. So why give boudoir as a gift? Let us count the ways.

• On the wedding night- I photographed weddings for 15 years before making the transition to boudoir photography. Weddings are so much fun as they include celebrating with family and friends. This is a day filled with joy and love sharing. This is your special day! The day may start with hair and makeup, then onto pictures with family and wedding party, ceremony and reception. You are so juiced through the entire day that you do not realize how good it feels to sit down as the reception winds down. Then when everyone is gone and bride and groom are alone, she tells him there is one more gift to be given. As the groom turns the pages you can imagine the magic that is about to happen. And the gift is something to cherish forever.

• Valentine's Day- Of course! What other day is filled with love and romance like Valentine's Day? Sure, flowers and candy are a wonderful thing, but they will both be gone in a very short time. Light the candles, dim the lights and open the champagne. Chocolate-covered strawberries are a nice touch, too!  Then give them the gift of you for their eyes only. No gift says intimacy between the two of you like a boudoir album. Doesn't it feel like February already?

• Birthday- How many times have you said, "But they already have everything! I don't know what to give them." I bet they don't have this! Ever hear the saying "It's the thought that counts"? Can you imagine giving yourself on their birthday? I bet they would be having to up their game for when your birthday comes around! Another trip around the sun is always a cause to celebrate. And they would have your boudoir photos for many more trips!

• Anniversary- It could be your first anniversary or maybe many more. I know that wedding budgets can be tight, and a boudoir session just doesn't fit at that time. But what about the first anniversary? Go out to dinner, come home and take the wedding cake from the freezer and give them the gift that will last forever- you! What if you are celebrating many years? Even better! Isn't it great to know that your romance spark is still glowing white hot? 

• Just Because- Do you need a celebration for a boudoir session? Absolutely not! Boudoir photography is a gift that you can give at any time. Boudoir is a gift that- pardon the cliche- keeps on giving. Boudoir photographs last a long, long time and are a celebration of your life right now. No need to wait for a special occasion. Just do it!

We have discovered ways to give boudoir as a gift. But it can also be a gift to yourself. Your album is something to cherish for many years. It can give you a confidence for now, and a reminder when you need a boost the most. Not sure? Research shows that people regret the things they didn't do more than the things they did. Jennifer nettles said, "The two questions I ask myself are 'What if' and 'Why not?' "