Best of 2020 ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir ::: Orange County Boudoir

Soooo, 2020 has come and gone. Thank freaking goodness! In all fairness, though, 2021 is shaping up to be a pretty tumultuous year, also … but there is A LOT of the year still left, so here’s hoping it corrects its course.

While 2020 was a weird year, we still had some pretty amazing clients. I’ve piled a list of my fave images from the year (at least the ones I can show you ;)

I have my reasons for having these as my favorites - the feelings these photos have for me is unique. Sometimes it’s because of the moment in the studio when it was being photographed or sometimes it’s knowing how much courage it took for my client to have this particular shot taken. Sometimes, I just really like the photo. Whatever the reason is for me, I hope these images speak to you as well.

Celebratory Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir ::: Orange County Boudoir

When your own words can’t possibly top what she has to say.

In her own words…

“My mom was my best friend who I talked to every single day (I lived in Vegas; she lived in CA). She unexpectedly passed away in February 2015. In September 2015, I finally decided to get my life together to lose weight to have a better life and be healthy. I have lost 160 lbs since then and this photoshoot was a celebration of that, along with turning 35 years old, and loving life. I chose the date for the shoot as that was my mom's birthday. She would have LOVED the idea of the photoshoot and would have been right there with me if she were here. This photoshoot meant so much to me and I can't tell you enough how much I love the pictures and how great it was working with you both.

Grace and Lace Boudoir is life-changing!!! I found them, via Instagram, and fell in love with their photography. Decided as a birthday present to myself to book a session. I was amazed by the professionalism of Jeni and Sarah and how they both make you feel at home and gorgeous! I had the best time and am looking forward to booking more sessions in the future! No experience is necessary. Hair and makeup are done for you and you're told (and showed) exactly how to pose!”

Curvy Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir ::: Orange County Boudoir

I was asked recently if I change my style or my posing with curvy women during the shoot.

Answer? Nope. Not at all.

The only reason I would ever change my posing is if you’re physically not capable of getting into certain poses (i.e. bad knees, hips, etc.) Even if you tell me you’re not flexible, I’ll work around you. You don’t have to be a contortionist to do boudoir.

The layout of a shoot for a curvy woman is identical to any other of our sessions – planning and prepping before the session, professional makeup and hairstyling on the day of your session, several wardrobe options and sets, plenty of posing and coaching, editing and retouching, and a beautiful viewing a week later.

In Her Own Words ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

She came into her second session to really show off her fitness journey progress. But not just the visible progress. She took up kickboxing since the last time she was here and has loved the changes she’s seen - in her mind & spirit as well. During quarantine, she really leaned in more to fight off the feelings the rest of us had, as well. She looks amazing. She feels amazing. She is amazing.

So, this time around, we focused more on strength, eye contact, and fierceness. And she freaking.kicked.fierce.booty 🖤

In her own words…

“Came back two weeks ago for my second shoot!
Felt so good to be back. Loved catching up with Jeni and Sarah. It's amazing how comfortable I always feel with them. My makeup and hair were even more stunning than the first time if that is even possible. I did this second shoot to document my fitness journey.
I got to see the final pictures on Thursday, I legit almost cried. They were STUNNING
Jeni did amazing at not repeating poses and capturing everything!
I would highly recommend them to anyone. Hands down the best you will feel sexier and more confident than when you first walk in the door!”

Sizzling, Sexy Boudoir ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

This stunning client leans into a sexy boudoir session, and the results are amazing! She wanted to give her firefighting hubby the gift of a lifetime for his 40th birthday, so she booked a session with us. Little did she realize we would be hit with a pandemic and she’d go weeks without seeing her husband because of his work schedule. So when she came in, she knew she wanted to knock his socks off. Prettyyyy sure we accomplished that.

Is Boudoir on your Bucket List? ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir ::: Orange County Boudoir

Bucket lists. Most of us have them. Some of us want to travel to exotic places (well, ok, maybe after CV19), others want to something adventurous like skydive or bungee jump, some want to get married, have kids or adopt. But have you considered boudoir for your list? Boudoir is simply celebrating your life, no matter what stage you are in it. It’s something that will help you live your ideal life, right here, right now. It’s about living. And if these last few months have been anything for us, it’s a reminder that this life is WORTH LIVING and living well. It can push your boundaries and give you a sense of accomplishment like nothing else can.

Contact us today if you are ready to celebrate the most incredible person ever - YOU.

Boudoir is for all ages ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir ::: Orange County Boudoir

A common objection I hear from women over 40 about having a boudoir session done is their age. I think women remember themselves when they were younger and feel like a boudoir session is something that should have been done in their 20’s or 30’s thus buying into the myth that boudoir is only for younger women. Pshhh. I beg to differ… Age doesn’t matter when it comes to beauty.

Sure, we might not look or feel like we did in our 20’s, but guess what? We have had time to know our bodies (yep, I’m lumping myself in this, too). We already know how to look great and how to feel sexy. A boudoir session is just a way to bring that confidence back out into the spotlight!

Whether you’re looking to celebrate a milestone birthday or spice up an anniversary or birthday, boudoir is the perfect way to bring that confidence out.

This gorgeous gal, while needing to remain anonymous because of her job, is a stunner who is in her 60’s. She came and she conquered it!

“Getting old is a privilege, an art, a gift. Accumulating gray hairs, pulling the pages off of the calendar, and celebrating birthdays should always be a reason for happiness. Happiness for life and everything it means to be here.”

Virtual Session ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir :::: Orange County Boudoir

“It’s ok to enjoy your life while you have a problem. Being miserable won’t make it go away any faster.” ~Joyce Meyer

During the stay-at-home orders, I grabbed my beautiful friend (and 2 time client!) who lives 5 hours away and we did a virtual boudoir session with our phones! Gotta love technology!! It was so fun. It challenged me and made me think outside the box in so many different ways. It tested my verbal skills but it soothed my ache-y, creative soul in a way that it desperately needed. They’re not print worthy caliber, but they are definitely creative and fun and it was a great pick me up for both of us at a time when we needed it most. I’m so grateful for that.

Planned Studio Reopening

We hope that this blog finds you in good health and well. We have missed our Boudie Babes so much over these last few weeks and we are eager to resume our routines shortly. Our community has certainly been through a lot and many things have changed but our commitment to your well being has not. 
We are targeting to reopen our studio by the end of May unless we hear otherwise from the Governor's Office. As of right now, we are very encouraged that this date will be on!
Our top priority will be filling in the spots with women we have had to reschedule from March and April and then focusing our efforts to include new clients. We will open more days to our calendar if need be to make this happen but will not schedule more than 1 appointment per day to leave enough time to sanitize between clients.

Sanitation and hygiene have always been a huge priority for us here in the studio - well before Covid19. We would like to list out the ways our studio will continue our efforts.

What we've always done...

* Cautious about cross-contamination, our makeup brushes and palettes have always been disinfected with a 91% alcohol-based solution after every client.

* We always decant products onto clean palettes, tissues, or clean hands. We use disposable wands, applicators, and spooleys, and we never double dip back into original products. 

* Our studio is disinfected after every client, this includes sofas, chairs, and carpets. All blankets, sheets, and bedding are washed between each client. (this is the reason we have so many sheets and blankets in our studio. :)  

* Bathroom and all high touch surfaces are steamed and/or wiped down after each client

* Washing our hands before and after each client (makeup artist and photographer).

The new measures we will be adding to step up our efforts...

* We will communicate with you the day before your session for confirmation and ask some screening questions. If you feel ill for any reason or have had a fever within the last 72 hours prior to your session, we will ask you to reschedule. We will be much more flexible and waive our rescheduling fees to get you on the calendar for when you are feeling 100%.
* We will ask you to wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer upon your arrival in the studio.
* We will not be lending out any of our studio lingerie during your session for the time being.
* Both of us (your photographer and makeup artist) will be wearing masks if desired by our clients. 
* Our studio will have windows open and fans going to allow ventilation. 
* We ask that no other friends/relatives join you at your session. They are welcome to wait for you outside of our studio. 
* Lastly, all viewing/ordering appts will be done via Zoom for the time-being to limit exposure.

We look forward to seeing you again or meeting you for the first time and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every client, healthy in our studio. To schedule your Boudoir Session, please call 714-401-1519 or visit our website www.graceandlaceboudoir.com


Also, we would like to say a huge thank you to our front line healthcare heroes! To those keeping us healthy and our communities running, we are offering a $99 Boudoir Session fee with a $150 product discount. You've worked hard and deserve to have a little pampering! This offer is valid until September 1, 2020, and must be used by December 2020. 

The Vulture and the Hummingbird ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir ::: Orange County Boudoir

“The vulture looks for death and decay and the hummingbird looks for life and nectar. They both find what they seek.”
If you focus on the negative, you’ll always find it. Instead, let’s open our eyes and look for gifts. This time is crazy for us all (to say the least). One thing I’ve loved seeing, though, is encouragement; people supporting small businesses despite not knowing what their finances will look in the future; people choosing to speak life into others; people encouraging others. It’s really easy to get down and feel discouraged but it’s even easier to stay there. Don’t do it. Don’t let yourself feel controlled by fear and uncertainty. You’re stronger than that - I know it!