Search the Community

As I was planning my destination wedding several years ago, I spent many a nights with my head spinning in trying to decide what to gift my husband-to-be on our Wedding Day. There are sentimental favorites of course, like a handkerchief embroidered with his initials, a new set of cufflinks or a brand new watch. But I wanted to give him something that would knock his socks off -- something that he'd always remember and cherish. And so I decided to gift my sweetheart with an album full of boudoir photos starring me Yes, opting to book a boudoir session was something I had to talk myself into doing. Like many women, the thought of being photographed in lingerie was quite frankly freaking me out! I am definitely one of those women who isn't 100 percent confident with my body image, but I knew he would absolutely love this gift and I knew it would most definitely take him by surprise. And you know what, on our Wedding Day while he was getting ready for the festivities, he opened that album (with my photographer documenting each and every moment) and yes it made his heart skip a beat. It was ... The.Perfect.Gift. So if you're contemplating doing a boudoir session for your sweetheart as a Wedding Day gift, here are a few tips to consider when planning your boudoir shoot: 1) Do your research when booking a photographer. Look through plenty of portfolios/blogs and find a style that you love. You will find that much like wedding photography, boudoir photographers come in all price ranges -- but as the saying goes, you typically get what you pay for. Boudoir photography is an investment so look for consistency in style and quality in their work to ensure that you will get similar results. When it comes to boudoir photography, because it's such an intimate and personal experience, look carefully at reviews. Also make sure to book your session giving your photographer enough time to edit and deliver the photos before your Wedding Day (if you plan to order prints or an album, also make sure there's enough time to do this with your deadline in mind!). 2) Pick a photographer that offers products. Yes, you can certainly go the money savings route of printing your own photos or making your own album, but photographers often have access to professional labs who will create products that the typical consumer just doesn't have access to. These are high quality products that will last much longer than what you could ever find via Shutterfly or printing at Target -- plus do you really want the high school or college student working behind the counter at your local drugstore or Costco having access to such private photos? Think twice and if it's in your budget, invest in the professional grade products your photographer offers. 3) Consider the location for your photos. Does your photographer provide the location for your shoot? This is an important one to consider because it may require additional investment. Some photographers will provide the location (studio, hotel, etc.), but others will rely on you to provide the setting. Boudoir photographs can be done in the comfort of your own home or perhaps a friend's home -- just make sure you have plenty of privacy and lots of natural light! Setting matters when it comes to indoor portraits. 4) Invest in a hair/makeup stylist. This matters, trust me! Make a day of your boudoir session and get dolled up with both hair and makeup from a professional. Tell the stylist you hire that you'll be taking boudoir portraits and give him/her some inspiration photos so they have an idea of what you like. It will make a world of difference in your photos to use a professional stylist, plus you'll feel like a million bucks! And hey, plan a special date with your honey afterwards if you'd like. Take advantage of that gorgeous styling, don't let it go to waste!!! 5) Mix up your wardrobe. There is a belief that all boudoir photos have to be done with sexy lingerie. And while you should have at least a few photos with some gorgeous lingerie on, boudoir photos can be equally sexy with simple pieces. Consider wearing a jersey or clothing piece from your sweetheart's favorite sports team or college alma mater. Some of my favorite boudoir photos were shot with my bride just wearing a simple white tank with a cute pair of undies. You could also wear your spouse to be's favorite dress shirt and tie (leaving it open and unbuttoned of course!). And of course, you could also do nude or implied nude photos wearing just a simple white bedding sheet -- just make sure your photographer is OK and comfortable doing those types of photos. These photos are your vision, so make it your own and wear/bring things you think will get your honey's heart racing! 6) Relax and have fun. You're nervous, I get it. If you're not one of the 10 out of a million girls blessed with a bikini model's perfect body, then you will probably be nervous. And that's OK. If you feel inclined to diet or workout so you're in great/better shape before your shoot, do it. If you're not, hey no worries! You are perfect exactly how you are. But most women, have trouble/worry areas that make them nervous. The best thing to do is talk to your photographer ahead of time about the areas of your body that you are not confident with and share your concerns. This will give them a head's up when it comes to angling and photographing you in the best way possible. The most important thing is to relax and enjoy the process, so exhale, get pampered and enjoy the experience. Boudoir photography is a beautiful gift your spouse-to-be will love! To book or inquire about a location for a destination wedding or honeymoon, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! or visit the website atwww.wrighttravelagency.com - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife wedding + portrait photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

The Extent of it All...Hair extensions, Eyelash Extensions and Extending Your Wedding Day Look into the Night! Hair Extensions have come a long way. They are much more common and an everyday tool for hairstyles. If used correctly hair extensions can make your style look lustrous and chic. Many of my brides ask if they should use hair extensions? I base my answer on a few questions. If you answer yes to any of them you are a candidate for hair extensions... 1) Do you want to wear your hair half up, half down but you don't have enough hair? 2) Do you want the "beach wave" look but don't want it to look like you got stuck under a wave? 3) Does your hairstyle fall out in the heat and/or humidity? 4) When you put your hair up does it look "puney"? If any of this sounds familiar then I would recommend hair extensions. Hair extensions can create volume to an up-do, thickness to a side swept look, chic to your chignon and you can also add height to your puff if you so desire. Hair extensions hold a curl like no ones business and have more staying power than just hairspray. While your natural hair may lose the curl throughout the day, your hair extensions (if curled and applied correctly) are there to camouflage and blend in to create soft, flowy curls. There are many different hair extensions to choose from. I recommend talking with your stylist first about the look you both want to create. After your trial and/or consultation your stylist will know what type of extensions you should purchase. Please keep in mind the hair color should match yours. Also, if you decide to wear your hair up, you do not need as good a grade of hair extensions. If you opt for a down style, you should invest in some good extensions. Reason being, when your hair is up, your stylist can hide the quality of the extensions. When your hair is down, the whole beauty of the style is lavish hair. Eyelashes- Just like hair extensions, there are TONS to choose from. Depending on the look you and your makeup artist decide on will be the deciding factor on what type of eyelashes you should use. Here are a few rules of thumb (beauty rules are ALWAYS made to be broken!). NOTE: If you are not accustomed to using lashes I always recommend individual lashes. They are extremely comfortable and light. Individual Lashes - Look best with a "Natural" look. Mixing different lengths will create a very realistic look. You can use long lashes at the corners of your eye for a very understated cat eye. Strips - Look best with a "Smokey", "Clean" and "Dramatic" look. Short-Medium lashes that are not too close set are great for a smokey eye. Strips that are just for the corners of your eyes are great for a cat eye and a clean look. Long, close set strips are great for a dramatic look. Extending the wear of your makeup - Before you start your makeup be sure to use a light-weight moisturizer for oily skin (even if you do not have oily skin). Stay away from any products that say "moisturizing", "dewey" or "glow." Your makeup artist can create a dewey or glowing look for you without you looking like your middle initials are KFC. Once your makeup is all done, use a setting spray. Don't spray too close and form an "X" as you spray. Unless you have a lot of experience with humidity, I recommend you stay clear from touching up your own makeup. Over-use of makeup, especially if you are perspiring, will result in a cakey look. Otherwise, stick to blotting papers or hire your artist for touch ups! I beg all you beautiful brides out there to stop being so hard on yourself. I bet that every single picture you have saved as your hair and/or makeup inspiration, the model is using hair extensions, eyelashes and she has someone touching her up after every shot. You can look EXACTLY how you imagine with the right tools and application. You are only a hair extension and eyelash away All my best, Melissa MVP Hair and Make-Up Artistry

Wedding dresses can be expensive -- yes, we're talking down payment on a house expensive. But your Wedding Day attire certainly doesn't have to break the bank because these days, there are tons of resources and options when it comes to finding "the dress" aside from the standard bridal shop or bridal boutique in town that everyone goes to. Here's a list of other places where you can go searching for your dress at a fraction of the cost, and you don't even have to leave the comfort of your own home: -- Nordstrom.com: Yep, it's no longer just your go-to-spot for shoes. Nordstrom has it's own section dedicated to all things wedding attire and the prices vary and the designs are fabulous. Best of all, all purchases included free shipping and free returns, so if you don't like it, it doesn't take more than a trip to the post office to send it back. Click here to check out the retailer's Wedding Suite section. -- Etsy.com: Want something truly unique and custom made just for you? Try searching through Etsy and you'll be amazed at the options. The prices on Etsy are totally reasonable and you'll be purchasing a gown made just for you! Click here to check out Etsy's Wedding dress section. -- JCrew.com: These dresses are simple but beautiful and you can easily find something gorgeous for less than $500. From gowns to little white dresses to stylish separates, JCrew creates with the fashion-forward bride in mind. Definitely worth a peek! Click here to check out their stylish threads. Where did you buy your Wedding Dress? Did you find a great deal? Share your experience in the comments section! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.