A sexy spin on Christmas in July
So we had a thought. A little bit of a crazy thought. Around our 1 year anniversary, what if the Speak To Me Squad did something unique for one another to celebrate. While we had already planned the party, we wanted something special for each other. And it is from here that the Secret Santa Photoshoot came to be.
Picking names out of a hat, we randomly chose one another, with the assistance of a neutral party. We provided short lists of our wish lists, and our won’t lists, and with that we let our minds roam in how we wanted to challenge one another. The challenge being to choose a vision, props, outfits, venue and in some cases even shoot the experience. Top to bottom, including hair and makeup.
The day of the photoshoot was Sunday July 23, 2023. Upon arrival we made mimosas and toasted to the creativity and love about to happen and be shared. Then it came time to reveal who everyone had and what they would be doing for the day.
Sam
First up, Kasi had me (Sam), and showed a video of Christina Aguilera in the movie “Burlesque.” She is singing the song “I Am a Good Girl,” dripping in pearls and wearing all white everything. This was VERY outside of my comfort zone, I don’t wear white, period. And the look in general was very classic Hollywood glam which is definitely something I never saw for myself. She had a whole bustier, lacy panty options, and so many pearl accessories. The hair would be very Hollywood curls, a unique part to my hair. The makeup very glamorous with pearls integrated into the look and big ole lashes. We decided Kasi would have to be the photographer for me, obviously couldn’t do it myself. And she did absolutely amazing. Start to finish, it was fun to see her do things I would do when shooting, making adjustments, with only slight direction for specific shots, she really carried out in her vision inn the most beautiful way. Some of these photos are some of my absolute favorite ones I’ve had done for myself.
Kasi
Next up was Kasi who’s photoshoot was curated by Leah. She drew inspiration from the 90’s, with a classic Kasi twist and some new agey vibes thrown in there. Showing some very high fashion looks with different strong angles. A black body sock, chunky silver jewelry, and a lot of it, some glasses and heels to complete the look. Makeup was a beautiful mauve look, and hair in space burns to bring it all together. I did the shooting but Leah took point on posing, which is something she has gotten so good at. Getting some strong angles, getting some fun and flirty looks. Also out of Kasi’s comfort zone and a lot of fun, though he did joke it some together more Grand Theft Auto prostitute, but gorgeous and glam.
Leah
Finally it was time to get my hands on Leah. While Kasi and Leah decided to go completely off list for the ideas they chose, I decided to pick something adjacent to something Leah had identified as something she wanted to shoot. She had put on her list wanting to do a mermaid theme, with water and everything. I decided to go with a siren theme. Didn’t have access to water, and she has done a lot with pink, but with her pink hair, the jewel tones spoke to me (see what I did there). So she had a black thong under some jeweled black fishnets, and a very blue teal lace top. Shells, a thick rope as props, beautiful waves in her hair and very glittery and Smokey makeup, the best to capture young men in her grasp. I had cleared my living room so against the hardwood floors the vision came to life. We also had never done a completely floor based photoshoot with Leah so it was all just beautiful. And again, something she wouldn’t have chosen for herself.
Sound like fun?
This experience was so unique and so much fun. Especially for a group of people that have done several photoshoots for themselves, it was interesting and exciting to let someone else curate a photoshoot and take the reigns. From this experience we decided to integrate it into our offerings. Curations from the team for people to choose, and the secret Santa concept for our boudoir parties. Look out for what that looks like coming soon.
