A daring-ly relevant post for Valentines Day

[For her eyes only, not for the weak at heart]

     If you are one of my lovely brides, or a friend that has come to me for advice, you know there is one tradition I tell you to keep: that the Bride and Groom give each other a gift. It can be before the wedding day, it can be the day of, it can be sneakily hidden for him to find, or exchanged together. However you want to exchange it... as long as you do, please. …exchange it.

     What is it? It can be something you will use on the honeymoon or something sentimental that will make you both teary eyed.  My heart drops when a bride tells me they are going to skip it.  You know me, I am a fan of the non-traditional, but this tradition is a must.

Why? Well, for many reasons. For one, you have both been busy planning your wedding, on top of working, and it is time to show each other your appreciation.  And two, months and months of planning later, you need to let him know that the Bridezilla is now gone. Remind him how much you love him. Let him know that he is saying "I do" to not just any girl…but a Woman. A woman who is beautiful inside & out and who will spend the rest of her life making him happy.

   So as some brides give nice monogrammed cufflinks and others give a sweet homemade card (which is sweet, perfect and are some great ideas)…why not opt for this little scenario….

{please cue the music}

...You give your gift to his best man so he can place it in the perfect spot for your Groom on your wedding day. While your guy is getting ready, the Best Man sets the gift on the bed and leaves. Your Groom walks in to find the little package laying on his sheets, picks it up to find a simple card attached that has nothing but a handwritten, "I am Yours." Probably with that little curious smirk you love, he opens it and finds a photo…You wearing nothing but 5 inch heels and his favorite sports team's jersey….

    Now, obviously, I know how a woman thinks.  Some of you are probably thinking this is a totally awesome idea and are already undressing (hold on to your britches, ladies). Some of you are thinking, "Oh my gosh, I could never!!".  And then some of you are on the fence, but will admit that the wheels are turning.

 

Ok, so. Let's discuss some reasons of why not. 

[Please raise your hand and do not shout out while in class...]

You do not think you have the right look. 

 No, no, no.  This is not the time to be shy and lack self-confidence.  This is about being sensual and bringing out that gorgeous work of art that lies in every woman.  It is no secret that women are lacking in self-confidence these days, but let's start a movement! Size 1 or 100, every woman is beautiful and what better way to reassure yourself than to see yourself in this new light.

 n

 You would feel silly giving that to him.

Silly? Can I remind you that this is the man you are going to spend the rest of your life with? Who is going to be taking care of you, holding your hand when you are wrinkly and smell like Bengay.  Loving you when you will be wearing mismatched clothes because you can't see, even though your lenses are 4 inches thick! This is a gift he gets to hold onto forever.  Every time he gazes at the picture, he will be taken back to the day he received it and still be grinning like an adorable schoolboy.

 n

I don't think he would like it. Honest. 

If you can say that with a straight face, kudos to you {smile}. Do you honestly believe that?  I can tell you, little lady, to the "T", what he will do when he opens it up. As he tries to catch his breath, he will probably do this odd half giggle, half stutter, mixed with some gasps as he blinks his eyes and thinks to himself (or even yells to the heavens) "I HAVE THE COOLEST CHICK ALIVE!!!!!!!"  He won't know what to do with himself. Imagine that next time you see him that day, walking down the aisle…the look that boy will be giving you!

 n

What about the photographer? 

Oh, ok. See, most of you weren't even thinking about the photographer, I bet. And now you are, and I know you…. you are thinking, "Oh, the photographer, that's right, no. Never mind. Way too embarrassed."  You know, you are right…you have me on this one. But what about a professional female who specializes in capturing exactly what your eyes say?  A photographer who knows how to make the light so perfect , that it blows a supermodel spread out of the water. A photographer who can capture the right amount of innocence and sensuality in one perfect shot.?  A photographer who makes you feel comfortable in your skin? 

any. further. questions?

The pictures in this post are from O' So Lovely by Ella Photography located in Montreal. Don't let the distance scare you, she travels the world photographing weddings, pets, nature, and specializing in Boudoir. I especially love her attitude towards her O' So Lovely! Boudoir Sessions. She wants to empower women. In fact, the tagline on her website says, "the sexiest gift you can gift your partner or yourself".  

What an attitude to have. What a way to build your confidence. What better way to say, 

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Photography: Ella Photography {click}

Makeup: Janet Persaud {click}

Location: Hotel St-Sulpice, Montreal {click}
Lovely Lady: Let's call her Miss S.
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Interested? Intrigued? Want to read a little more? Read the  O' So Lovely Boudoir Marathon post that includes a recap of a boudoir session that was complete with bubbly and fat free cupcakes! It also includes a video on how nervous they felt before and how awesome they felt after.  See it here.