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Empowering your friends

Recently engaged? Recently divorced or have a major milestone coming up like a birthday? Sure, boudoir in general is amazing, but you know what’s better? Boudoir with your friends. I know what you’re thinking, it could be awkward and strange, but you’ll only think that until you actually do it. It’s something else entirely.

With a typical boudoir session, it’s you and the Speak To Me Squad. With a party, you bring your own squad too. Everyone still gets their own moment to shine, but everyone also comes together.

Story Time

Back in October we held a Boudoir Party. It was with friends of the team, to explore different set options and scenarios going into the holidays. We had 6 people total to shoot, 4 individuals and a couple. A huge task to say the least, but we were up for the challenge. Every detail planned; snacks, mimosa bar, information for local eateries for everyone would inevitably get hungry.

Everyone arrived around 10 AM, after I had just finished final touches, and the Speak To Me Squad finished getting set up. Everyone put their stuff in the designated space, reviewed the schedule for the day, before popping a bottle of champagne. From there, the ladies started having their hair and makeup done by the incredible Kasi and Leah, each slot strategically planned to make the most of the time, and in consideration for those who chose to do their own.

Simultaneously our first girl started the first shoot of the day upstairs. She stepped in at the absolute last minute, my good friend and stunning model Ginelle. She has always believed in Speak To Me Photography and me. We did some spooky vibes, spicy at times. She had some Halloween photoshoot opportunities fall through so it was the perfect opportunity. After a lot of laughs, we nailed everything we hoped too. Always a professional and some of the moodiest and most sensual photos I’ve taken.

Next up was our beautiful gal trying out some Christmas type esthetic. She had originally backed out of the photoshoot actually. She had had an experience with another photographer that left her feeling insecure and upset. However, you would never be able to tell from the way she owned her 30 minute time slot. Her facial expressions, confidence and curves were absolute magic. Ironic considering that aspect of the party came later. Her skin glowed in the light, and encapsulated everything we built Speak To Me Photography on. She even created her own braids because she is also a business owner.

Logisticall, the group photoshoot came next. Seeing as my birthday is the November 1st, Halloween has always been close to my heart. The inspiration coming from the movie “The Craft,” and other various thing, this was easily one of the most fun photoshoots I’ve ever done. Kasi brought tea lights from her Halloween wedding the year before, so many props, pumpkins and oracle cards. Everyone changed into their black outfits and the match was lit. Posing that many people was definitely a challenge, and I climbed on absolutely every surface of my kitchen to get the shots. We even had a moment of light as a feather stiff as a board, but at the time I had a hard time making the effect work. It was beyond fun, we got to slow down and really make sure everyone had their moment. Those photos are one of my favorite of my entire portfolio. The way the girls interacted with one another, trusted each other. Organic, mystical you could say.

Next up was our first model, we joke I own her butt because I put it on everything. She was the first person to take a chance on me and was our first photoshoot. So this was extra special, seeing as she had the confidence behind her concept. Which, was baking in the kitchen, sexy version. She took time to plan her outfit, and we had so much fun finding the poses. It was messy, the lighting was finicky, but we got the most incredible moments and poses that were ultimately recreated in future photoshoots. Fun fact, we used gluten free flour for allergy consideration, and the cookies were baked ahead of time. They were delicious, we ate most, if not all of them before the end of the day.

Next up was our first shower photoshoot, with the addition of some fun flood lights with contrasting colors. I had found incredible shower boudoir inspiration and thought it could be fun to play with, and I had the perfect shower for it. In retrospect I’ve learned a lot since then, and can’t wait for another chance to do a shower photoshoot, I still love the shots. The pink and blue, how the model warmed up and stripped down with the support of friends. That bathroom was filled to the brim with people, which made keeping track of reflections in the shower door and mirror a challenge, but we made it work.

Last, but certainly not least, we had our very first couples photoshoot with some of my closest friends. This couple provided me sanctuary during one of the the most difficult periods of my life, it was such an honor to be able to give them the time and space to enjoy and appreciate each other in a way they never have. I wasn’t sure how he would be in front of the camera, and this was a first for a lot of us! But once again, with an audience, they came alive. She is always the life of the party, he’s generally quiet, but aware. There was a moment where Kasi suggested he whisper something in her ear during a pose. None of us could hear it, but she ended up with the biggest smile on her face. Just a few feet away was some dear friends providing support, love and all the hype in the world. What could’ve been so awkward, was honestly such a beautiful experience.

At the end of it all, there were so many laughs, memories and incredible photos to memorialize the day. I was completely exhausted, I left to pick up my dogs from daycare and my takeout order, before melting into my couch with the leftover half bottle of champagne. Then, rest. This photoshoot was both incredible, and bittersweet. It was the last that was to be be in my house before it sold. Soon after, I said goodbye to it following my breakup. My pups and I would move somewhere new, and start photoshoots with a different feel.

Boudoir parties are a unique experience and opportunity for those invited. A time where friends can get together, empower and support each other in a sexy fun way. An environment and experience you will never forget guaranteed.

Inquire, check it out, what would your dream photoshoot with friends look like? Speak to us, we can’t Wait to meet you.