With V'day just hiding around the corner, no doubt you've been bombarded with subtle and not-so-subtle messages from media and friends that you need to buy the perfect gift which could include but not be limited to flowers, candy, and jewelry. These gifts are lovely, but I'm here today to propose a unique gift that only the brass of a siren of a woman could pull off....boudoir photography!  Hold on to your quiver and arrows, my cupids!  

If you're not familiar with this term then lets fill in a little background info.  For starters, the pronunciation is boo-dwahr. The word means a lady's private room, and it derives from the French verb bouder which means to pout.  Essentially it boils down to taking sexy pictures clothed, partially clothed, or nude.  You may have just grabbed your face with both hands as it turned a lovely shade of red.  Did I dare say "sexy" and "nude" in a tasteful QCWeddings.com blog post??  Yes, ladies and gents, I did.  

image courtesy of claris photography

 

Boudoir photography can be what you want it to be.  If a woman decides to take boudoir pictures, the results can range from sweet and demure to full on centerfold material, if she pleases.  The pictures are a unique and fun present to give to a significant other that captures some fun sexy moments that were made just for that person.  

Here are three links to some photographers that specifically specialize in boudoir.  They have lots of examples on their websites for you to peruse...

http://www.lboudoir.com/boudoir-portrait-showcase/

http://vavoompinups.com/?load=flash

http://intimates.leahstaffordphotography.com/?tag=chicago-boudoir-photographers

Boudoir photography can often created in your photographer's studio, where it has become very fashionable to create a set of sensual images for ladies of all ages, shapes, and sizes in the "boudoir style".  Does your photog do boudoir photography?  Many don't outright advertise it, but just go ahead and ask them about it!  

The important thing to keep in mind is that a professional photographer who does boudoir will never share or release your pictures without your consent.  Deciding to do boudoir does not mean that you moonlight as a lady of the evening or that your morals have flown the coop.  While boudoir does reverberate sexual messages, it IS meant to be something that a woman can share with her lover and no one else unless she pleases.  

This really has become more than just a passing fad, and there is a whole industry of photographers who are happy to help you create this one of a kind present. So what do you think, ladies? Is boudoir on the horizon or not? I bet your fiance wouldn't mind. :)

On the last post we talked about the possibility of winning an amazing dress. Today I'd like to focus on brides who can't wait to trash an amazing dress.  Trash The Dress sessions have been a growing phenomenon lately, and I can't quit scratching my head over it.  If you're thinking to yourself, "Surely she can't mean that they trash their dresses...", then I will tell you that 1) Yes, they trash as in destroy their dresses, and 2) don't call me surely...  :)

Here are some examples:

 

photo from chugach peaks blog

 

photo by nine photography

 

photo by rachel richter photography

 

photo by rick johnson photo

I have good feelings and bad feelings about this. Let's do some pros and cons.

Pros: Those pictures are interesting, thought provoking, and unique. It would be very liberating to go crazy in a dress that you've been fairly cooped up in during the wedding day. I've heard that dry cleaning can get out just about any stains other than motor oil, and you might have to dry clean your dress even if you didn't trash it..

Cons: You will quite possibly ruin your dress forever. If you ruin your dress you won't be able to pass it on to a daughter or donate it, so it's pretty eco-unfriendly. Your mother would kill you. (Hint: If you do this, dry clean your dress, and show it to your mother before you show her your Trash the Dress pictures. Less chance of a heart attack for her or a slap in the face for you.)

So what do you think? I think...the jury's still out...

QCWeddings.com took the time to capture a few images at the Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center where our September 20, 2009 Fall Bridal Show will be held.  It is a new facility that was presented to the community at the beginning of the year.  Not everyone has had a chance to visit, so we want to show you some of the reasons we chose this location for our upcoming bridal show.

 

We worked only in the grand concourse facing State Street, and outside on the State Street side.  We are leaving the main hall, lobby, skywalk, and all the nooks and crannies for you to discover.  It is a photographer’s playground with strong architectural lines, panoramic glass paintings that change with the weather and time of day both inside and outside.  A beautiful fountain and a large expanse of space outside further add to the beauty and  the photography opportunities.The plaza on the State Street side faces North.  No harsh sun to deal with after mid-morning.  

 

If you like our hot pink and long ivory veil you can adapt the idea by purchasing 5 yards of chiffon in the color of your choice or 5 yards of ivory tulle.  Her veil is separate, but you don’t notice once the wind begins to blow.  No hemming.  It came straight from Hobby Lobby just like they cut it.  You cannot tell in photos.

 

VIEW SLIDESHOW

 

Thank you to:

Lexie’s scrumptious wedding gown came from A Storybook Ending.  It was an absolute fun time to work with them on selecting the right gown for Lexie.

http://www.efashioncentral.com/storybookendingbridalsalon/

Erin Kay Seddon

http://www.erinkayseddon.com
Lexie and Rebecca’s fabulous makeup

and ViJay (the handsome young man is Erin’s finace. He was nice enough to be our groom for the shoot.  Erin was even nice enough to lend Lexie her beautiful engagement ring.) all courtesy of Erin.  Thank you Erin for lending us ViJay…that was way above the call of duty.

 

Clazzy Designs

http://www.clazzydesignsweddings.com/

Bridal Bouquets and Linens.

 

Photography by

Studio D Photography

http://www.studiodblog.com

A special thank you to Daryl Paddock for opening up and giving up over two hours of his Sunday for us.  Add to the special thank you's Flora Cantu for hair El Salon Molino in Silvis.  Thank you Rebecca, Lexie, and ViJay!!

 

 

 

 

I'm going to make it really simple today...and then I'm going to add ten thousand complications.  It's what I do.  :)