Boudoir Photos-Q & A with This Is Life Photography

If you are searching for the perfect wedding day gift for your husband to be, I highly recommend doing a boudoir photo session. 

Marisa, owner of This Is Life Photography, and I did a mini Q&A session in hopes of answering a few common questions below about what boudoir sessions are and how to get comfortable enough to do one!

For starters a boudoir photo session isn't a naked photo session-it's classy and tasteful photos with a touch of sexiness. 

Question: What should women wear for their boudoir session? 

Marisa: Bring a white lingerie outfit, a black one, and at least one bold color that accents your body, eyes and hair color.  Red is always a great choice.  Think about items that accentuate your body in the way that makes you feel the most sexy and comfortable in your own skin. You also don't have to limit yourself to lingerie.  Sometimes less revealing ensembles are even more sexy!  If you have a favorite or sentimental outfit, include that as well.  Feel free to also bring fun accessories such as your fiance's favorite tie or work short, a favorite necklace, fun pumps, heels, earrings, etc...

Question: What should women do to prepare for their session?

Marisa: The biggest preparation is deciding whether you would like the session to take place in the comfort of your home, or in a hotel suite.  For your home, make sure you have plenty of natural light spilling in for optimum results.  If that is a problem in your home, there are plenty of beautiful hotels that you can also book for the session. 

The next best thing to do to prepare is picking those outfits we discussed above.  When you are this exposed, you want to pick outfits that accentuate your features and make you feel like a million bucks!

Also think about your hair and make up.  Stay away from experimenting with new looks.  This is a time for you to feel like you.  You may want to hire a hair or make up artist but make sure you feel comfortable with the styles you choose.

Question: What suggestions can you offer to women who are really nervous about taking these pictures? How can they get more in comfortable in front of the camera in their lingerie?

Marisa: For help relaxing in front of the camera, I recommend:

1-Bring a friend along who will help you relax and have fun.

2-Have some champagne on hand. Drinking to help you to relax is perfectly normal but try not to overdue it as you don't want to appear intoxicated in the photos.

3-Play music to help set a calm mood

4-Remember-this is about you and feeling sexy!  This is supposed to be fun so just relax and have a good time.

Question: I've actually heard some women talk about taking their own boudoir photos. What are your thoughts on DIY boudoir sessions?

Marisa: Professional photography is just that, professional.  Although everyone has a digital camera these days, it takes certain equipment, lighting techniques and posing skills to create flattering images. 

Question: What does This is Life Photography offer for boudoir sessions? Can you swap this out with the e-session in the wedding package? Albums? Etc?

Marisa: The most popular way my clients present images from their sessions are through custom designed albums. We also offer standard prints and wall prints.

The e-session is a complimentary session that we include in our wedding packages.  We don't substitute this session for other sessions because the e-session gives the couple and myself the chance to get to know each other and for the couple to get used to being in front of the camera for their wedding day.  We are very flexible though, and if an e-session won't work for you, we can talk more about substitution.  

A huge thank you to Marisa for sharing all the above tips! I highly recommend her for any type of professional photography needs you may have. Below are some great samples of her boudoir work.

All Photos Courtesy of This Is Life Photography

For more information on scheduling your boudoir session, contact Marisa:

Web: www.thisislifephotography.com

Email: thisislifephotography@gmail.com

Phone: 480-710-6135

P.S. You don't need to be getting married to do this-these would be a great surprise gift for that special guy in your life or just a great reward for yourself for kicking butt in the gym!

Back after a long weekend and a few tips for being a relaxed bride

Hope everyone had a good three day weekend! I didn't spend as much time enjoying the sun as I would have liked but I did get to break out my brand new sewing machine (if that doesn't tell you how dorky I am I don't know what will). I'm going to post this week about how to make table runners and napkins with or without a sewing machine so stay tuned! 

I also posted some tips for alleviating wedding day stress for Burnett Photography so check them out!

Since every blog post should have a picture, here is one of me, from my wedding day-as you can tell, I was pretty stress free and relaxed...nothing a glass of champagne and some great friends can't cure!

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Any tips you'd like to share about how you relaxed on your wedding day?

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred

I have been hearing all these great things about the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred so you can imagine how excited I was when I saw it FOR FREE on my Cox OnDemand. It has been SO hot in AZ that it makes it a little harder to get to the gym (I know, I know, bad excuse) so finding this free video on TV makes me so happy. I have done it two days in a row now and I am already in so much pain!

Jillian Michaels says she can make big changes in your body in just 30 days if you do her videos religiously. She is pretty hardcore and says she doesn't "allow breaks" but if you want good abs, you've got to work for them. Case in point:

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Hello!?! Look at her body! Wow!!! If her claims are for real, this would be a great way to get in shape for your wedding-toned arms, tight abs-what more could you ask for!?

Have you tried the 30 day shred? Good results? 

How to Host a Cooking Party

Are you looking for a great idea for an exciting night in? Hosting a cooking party is a great way to relax with friends, learn some new recipes, and eat a great meal while you're at it. Watch the how-to video at She Just Got Married or read below for some tips for throwing your own!

1. Select a menu ahead of time and print recipe cards for each station. Make sure dishes have similar cooking times so everything is ready at the same time.

(Almond crusted tilapia station)

2. Set stations for each item-include ingredients, mixing bowls, utensils, baking dish, and recipe card.

(Couscous station)

3. Assign two people to a dish. If it's an easy dish, assign them two items.

(Salad station)

4. Have your friends bring mixing bowls, measuring spoons, and cutting boards if you don't have enough for each station.

(Bread pudding station)

5. Don't forget the drinks! For some reason, I find that cooking in someone else's kitchen can be a little intimidating-having a glass of wine can take the edge off!

Oh yeah, and don't forget to bring your aprons! Have you ever hosted a cooking party? Any tips you'd like to share?

Wedding Dress Disappears During Flight to Wedding

I just read this article on the Consumerist about a girl who packed her wedding dress and checked it-only to find out a few hours later when she landed that her dress had been stolen from her luggage! She was only eight days away from her wedding and according to the story the airline was of zero help to this poor girl.

That being said, here are some tips for flying with your wedding dress.

1. Call your airline ahead of time and ask them if they will hang the dress for you on board in a garment bag. Some airlines may charge an extra fee for this.

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2. Pack it in your carry on bag or a garment bag and carry it on with. Once you get to your wedding location, hang it up and steam out any wrinkles. If you do pack your dress and have to fold it, be sure to roll the dress to minimize wrinkles.

3. OR ship your dress to your wedding location via Fedex or UPS-make sure to insure it and get a tracking number.

Bottom Line: Avoid checking it at all costs! What would you do if your dress disappeared from your checked luggage on the way TO your wedding?!? Have you ever had anything stolen from your checked luggage? Any advice to brides traveling with their dresses?

Custom Digital Portrait Silhouettes

Arent these custom Digital Portrait Silhouettes on Etsy so adorable? You could use these for invitations and paper products for a party or wedding, you could frame these of your children and hang them as artwork in your home, use the silhouette on stationery-the possibilities are endless.

Images below are from the Etsy store Petit Debutant

Images below are from the Etsy store Pretty Faces

How would you use these custom silhouettes?

DIY Paper Purses

These paper purses would be such a great addition to your next girly party-can't you just see these at each place setting with the guest's name, filled with some girly goodies? You could even make bigger ones and use them as centerpieces and decor items throughout your space. Or, use these as a creative way to ask your bridesmaids to be in your wedding.

I found these pictures and tutorials below and they look super easy!

Picture below and online template can be found at CarlosNmolina.

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The paper purses below can be found at In the Making Design and the tutorial can be found here

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Aren't these adorable? What would you use these for?

How to Host a Guac-Off!

With Cinco de Mayo a few days behind us and summer close ahead, I am already dreaming of catching some sun out on my patio with a frosty margarita in one hand and chips and guac in the other...ahhhh, can you hear the fountain and birds chirping in the background? Okay, back to reality.

Everyone loves a good competition, especially when it comes to chips and guacamole. I recently put together a guacamole cook-off contest and it was a blast!

Here's how to do a blind guacamole cook off contest:

• Put each guacamole in a different bowl and number each bowl. I made these little Mexico flags to put in each bowl-(this way the judges don't know who made what)
• Each of the judges gets a score card where they write down notes about the guac (flavor, texture, spicy-ness, overall) and then they have a column for ranking each guac
• Total up the rankings for each guacamole and announce your winners

I put all the paper stuff I used into a pdf in case anyone wants to host a similar guac or salsa cook off party.

Guacamole Cook Off Contest

Publish at Scribd or explore others: How-to-Guides & Manu invitation guacamole contest

Enjoy!

How to Tie a Ribbon (3 ways)

I put together a short video on how to tie a ribbon a few different ways for She Just Got Married. Be sure to check it out if you are adding ribbon to any of your wedding stuff. These are really easy examples of ways to tie a ribbon to dress up your wedding invitations, vases, programs, favor tags, and more.

If you prefer step by step instructions, I have included them below:

Simple Knot

Step One:

Step Two: Bring top ribbon down


Step Three: Bring bottom ribbon over top ribbon, then pull bottom ribbon through the loop


Step Four: Pull both ends to tighten

Fancy Gift box Bow

Step One: Lay ribbon on top of item


Leave some ribbon hanging off the bottom


Step Two: Bring the top ribbon around the back and then back up the front


Step Three: Cross the ribbon to the left and hold it with your finger.

Step Four: Pull it around the back and then back up onto the right side, crossing over the middle

Step Five: Pull the ribbon you just pulled over under the fold and the ribbon (pull toward top right corner at a diagonal)


Step Six: Tie it off in a knot or a bow

Every now and again when using ribbon, you will probably have to deal with some slight fraying (it is worse depending on the material of the ribbon). When you do have frayed edges, an easy way to clean them up is to use a lighter to quickly heat the edges. This seals the edges and gets rid of the fray:

Before Picture

During Picture (only use the flame for about two seconds)


After Picture


Are you using ribbons on any of your wedding stuff?

Wedding Day Hair and Makeup-Q&A with Allison Pynn

If you are still searching for a hair and makeup artist to make you look amazing for your wedding or event, look no further! 

Allison and I did a mini Q & A session in hopes of answering any questions you might have before hiring a professional hair & makeup artist. Read below for some great makeup tips and to learn what to expect at your hair and makeup trial.  

K: How long have you been in the business?
A: 8 years

K: What products do you use on your brides?
A: I pull from ALL different lines!  No line has the "best" of everything so I have spent thousands of dollars and a lot of trial and error finding the best of the best!  I carry Bobbi Brown, Jane Iredale (the best Mineral line there is!), MAC, NARS, Smashbox, Laura Mercier, Mary Kay, Kiehl's, Benefit, etc...

K: Do you travel to your clients for their trial and wedding day?
A: Always! I've done weddings in Hawaii, Las Vegas, Sedona, San Diego and Phoenix!

K: Do you have a team you use for larger wedding parties? Do you offer discounts for large groups?
A: If everyone in the party is wanting makeup AND hair, I can take parties up to 8 by myself (given we have the time, 1 hour per gal). Any more than that and I will bring a hair assistant.  If the party is 9 or more and some are wanting "makeup only" or "hair only", I can bring an assistant if necessary.  It really depends on how much time we have to get everyone ready too! I do touch-ups on everyone before I go (especially those I do first thing in the morning) and don't leave until everyone looks PERFECT!  I offer discounts on parties of 6 or more.

K: How far in advance should a bride book your services?
A: Anywhere from up to 1 year to 1 month in advance.  Most brides book me 6 months out so my schedule fills up very quickly!

K: What is the one beauty product you cannot live without?
A: Mascara!

K: What should brides do to prepare for their hair and makeup trial/wedding day session with you?
A: Trial prep: Freshly clean face, clean dry hair.  No dirty hair!  Oily hair won't allow me to build volume and most brides don't like the feeling of having dirty hair on their wedding day.  Its a win-win to have clean hair.  If they have pictures of hair/makeup they'd like me to use for inspiration, have them ready!  I love pictures and it gives me a great indication of the bride's style.  Just dress comfortably!  I have a smock to cover clothes, so if a bride tends to get hot easily, take that into consideration to stay as comfortable as possible.  I also carry a personal fan to keep my client nice and cool!

K: What is your number one tip for brides when they are choosing their hair and makeup style for their big day?
A: YOU NEED TO FEEL LIKE YOU!  Hair: Don't talk yourself into an updo just because it's traditional.  Choose 4 adjectives to describle your style (natural, fun, dramatic, relaxed, feminine, etc..) Once you have these in mind, start flipping through magazines (not necessarily bridal magazines) and see if you spot "the perfect hair" for you.  If you don't find any pictures, no worries!  That's where I come in!  At our trial, I will get a feel for your personal style and the look you're going for.  Together, we will create your "perfect hair"!  Makeup:  Most brides say they want to look "natural" in the makeup department.  Just keep in mind, you've hired a professional photographer and you want to look your absolute best!  How we look in person is not how we photograph.  It may be necessary to pump up your look a few notches to avoid looking washed out in the photos.  The idea is to look like YOU, but better!

K: What is the one mistake most women make when it comes to their beauty routine?
A: Wearing foundation is the worst thing you could put on!  No one needs foundation!  For undereye issues, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, etc... use concealer.  For a fresh, evened-out skin tone use a tinted moisturizer.  A tinted moisturizer will give a hydrated, clean complextion and you will see YOU, not your makeup. Forget foundation!  For more on this, product suggestions & techniques, you can visit my website.

Below are some samples of Allison's work:

From left to right: Source, Diane Wallace, Source

Clockwise from top left: Source, Source, Source, Source, Source

The thing I love about Allison is not only her great style, but also the fact that she does both hair and makeup, and travels to you! This makes your wedding day so much more relaxed-you only have to worry about scheduling one vendor for hair and makeup appointments and get to relax with a mimosa in your getting ready location.

To get rates or more info on Allison Pynn's services:

Email: allisonpynn@gmail.com

Web: www.makeupaz.com

Phone: 602-670-1631 

New USPS Postage Rates Effective Today

Effective today, the United States Postal Service has increased the price for First-Class letters from 42 cents to 44 cents.


When putting together your wedding or event budget, don't forget to include postage for your save the dates, invitations, and return RSVP cards. That's at least 3 stamps/couple!

Also, only count one invitation per couple, not per person!

I don't know about you but I cannot keep up with all these postage increases.

Happy Monday!

Win an Alfred Angelo Wedding Dress!

Get Married and Alfred Angelo have teamed up to give one lucky bride the wedding dress of her dreams! All you have to do is play an online wedding dress matching game (similar to Concentration), match the dresses as fast as you can, submit your score, and if you're getting married September 09 or later, you can win your choice of wedding gown from Alfred Angelo or their Sapphire Collection valued up to $1,800.

Click here to play.

Here are a few of my fave dresses from the Alfred Angelo site.

If you won what dress would you get?