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!”

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.”

The Grass Is Already Green Under Your Feet ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

Isn’t it silly that we’re like people who look across a river to admire the view, but we’re oblivious to the ones on the other side looking back at us through their own binoculars? Look under your own feet, friends. The grass is already green - no matter what season of life you’re in.
It’s about changing your perspective. A true perspective allows us to see a view from many angles. One with a better understanding, self-awareness, and gratitude.

So excited to finally share these images :)

Miss T's Boudoir ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

I’ll never pressure you to share your images - that is a completely personal decision and not for me to decide. But, nonetheless, I love it when a client says ‘YES, you can share anything you want on your blog’. Be still my happy heart.

Happy Friday, friends!! :)

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

We love when clients take the time out of their day to write a review for us. Not only does it help bolster our own ego, ;) , but it also really helps future clients who might be on the fence or are really nervous before their own session. Reading words from actual clients help make it all the more real for them.

Miss R - In her own words…

“I was recommended to Grace and Lace Boudoir by a few friends as I sought out advice on a Groom’s gift for my fiancé, now husband :)

I was super nervous and all I had done was book the appointment! This is something totally out of my element and not anything I would have ever dreamed of doing. I started to feel better because the email I received back was friendly and very informative. I seriously must have read it 50 times in the weeks leading up to my session.

The day finally arrives, and there’s a cute sign on the door welcoming me. Music was playing and they offered me a drink, which totally helped me relax and feel comfortable. Sarah is hands down the best hair and makeup artist in existence! Her work is seriously amazing, and thank God because there’s no way I would have been able to do what she did. I was so sad when I finally had to wash my face later that day haha. Jeni was encouraging, direct, and so patient! She showed me exactly how to pose and was patient with me when I was like, no my body doesn’t do that or as I asked multiple times what she meant lol. After we were finished, I was surprised at how easy they made it for me, and that I actually had fun doing it! You really kind of appreciate yourself for being bold and daring and having that confidence to just do it.

The day I viewed my photos, I literally could not believe that they were of me. Like completely shocked and surprised and sooo excited at the same time! The photos came out so incredibly amazing. Like my jaw dropped at how phenomenal they turned out. I can’t thank Sarah enough for making me look amazing and Jeni for shooting at all the right angles! These two women are AWESOME and this is definitely an experience every woman should try!”

Putting some SPICE back into the relationship:::Orange County Boudoir

This beautiful soul is a new mama and came in hoping to put some spice back into her relationship. I thought it was so sweet of her to do this for her man. Jeni and I know, it is HARD being a new mom and also trying to keep that romance alive in the relationship. So props to this Badass mama for putting romance first.

In her own words…

I feel like I owe a huge THANK YOU to both Jeni and Sarah. First of all, trusting strangers with your body is a bit mind-consuming on top of being well aware my own body didn't look the same as it used to since I was 5 months postpartum. I wanted to bring myself alive again not only for the sweet man who I am gifting this but for my self-confidence to inch its way back into our love life.

Both Jeni and Sarah handled every aspect of my experience with grace, warmth, support, encouragement, and fun! They carry themselves with both professionalism and a laid-back attitude. Which for me was huge because I didn't know what the hell I was doing, I know I just wanted to do it.

On top of it all, I felt beautiful. I felt wanted. I felt like I could bring that fire that was ignited into my relationship again without the insecurity completely overtaking the moment. I so appreciate both the women for creating a memory with me and also an epic experience for my boyfriend to have forever!

I will definitely be recommending Grace and Lace to all my girlfriends and I absolutely can't wait to do it again!

Loving our Stretch Marks ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

We always send out a questionnaire before your session to make sure we tailor the session to fit you. One of the questions asks if there is anything you’d like me to help conceal during your shoot with strategic posing … most clients will answer they’d like to hide stretch marks, etc. But NOT this stunner … she asked for her stretch marks (she refers to them as her tiger stripes) to be accentuated. I love that confidence and I was happy to oblige. I love that she is normalizing what 99% of women have on their bodies. Thick or thin, we all got ‘em. We should all learn to love ‘em more!

Before & Afters ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

We are firm believers that all women are beautiful – and WE LOVE giving our clients an experience where they can see themselves in a new light and celebrate themselves. We don’t share before and afters to show how different you can look for your session or to insinuate that you are not enough in your day to day look - the reason why we share these is that we hear over and over again from women who say, ‘I could never look like that’… Ummm, YES YOU CAN! Our boudoir clients come from all over and they are everyday women just like you – of all ages, all shapes and sizes, and from all walks of life. These women ARE YOU!

We also believe that you are in control of the entire shoot. You have a say in how you would like your makeup - you’ll let us know when you fill out your questionnaire by choosing from below (multiple answers are allowed, too ;)

Natural (Freckles are still visible, minimal eye makeup, neutral lip color)

Natural with a touch of sexy (Soft glam with glowy skin and a soft smokey eye; almost bridal like makeup)

Full Glam (Sultry smokey eye, glowy contoured skin, bronzed)

Dramatic (Sultry smokey eye, contoured face with a dramatic lip)

I have no idea, I trust the makeup artist

Before & After photos are here so that you can see that ANYONE can do this!

What Do I Wear For My Boudoir Session?? ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

Our favorite question is "what do I wear for my shoot?" The answer to this depends on the mood you are trying to convey - some clients like to bare it all and some are more conservative. Think about the mood you want for your session - are you looking to spice it up or are you looking to keep it playfully seductive? Maybe you want both? The key is finding lingerie that fits your style and that is a good fit to show off your beautiful shape!

Don't worry about bringing in too many options, we will help you narrow down your wardrobe choices while you're sitting in hair & makeup. We select up to 4 different outfits and choose shoes, jewelry, and any props you brought.

Ideas for wardrobe:

1. Corsets, stockings, and heels are great for shaping and accentuating the body and breast.

2. Cut Off tank tops and crop tops are great for showing a toned midsection and can help give an "edgier" look

3. Garter belts and stockings are perfect to make any outfit a little bit sexier. Don’t worry about knowing how to fasten them, we’ll help you if you need it!

4. Bra and panty sets are classic. Choose a softer cup with a color that is flattering to your skin tone. Push up bras can gap if you're laying down or it's not sized correctly, so get your bra professionally fitted before your session.

5. Topless with just panties - High Waist, Cheeky, or Thongs look amazing.

6. A man's dress shirt can be sexy, but if you find it is too big for you, find one that is closer to your size.

7. Long necklaces with jeans or cut off shorts

8. Bodysuits and teddies are designed to look much like a one-piece swimsuit and therefore will cover your midsection. The amount of coverage provided by a teddy can vary from thong to brief, sheer to opaque, triangle to underwire. A teddy with underwire will help if you're looking for a little lift for the girls but also want to minimize your tummy area.

9. Waist cinchers/pasties/harness bras/fishnet tights are all great if you are looking to have a spicier session.

10. A white sheet (we'll provide that!) Less is more and it's also one less thing you have to think about bringing.

11. If you and/or your significant other are sports fans, bring in a jersey. Jerseys that are made for women are much more flattering.

12. A cardigan/sweater is great if you are going for a fall/winter cozy look.

13. A tank top and panties will give a much more casual, relaxed vibe.

14. Consider going fully nude -this may sound intimidating but sometimes this is where you'll learn to love yourself completely.

15. Don’t forget to bring some killer high heels! Nude heels can go with many outfit choices. Black heels are a MUST. However, anything strappy, studded or with bling is great. The higher the better. Try to stay away from platform and wedges for your shoot - they can shorten the look of your legs.

16. Baby Dolls are NOT recommended as they tend to hide your figure and make you look boxy. They don't photograph as well as they look in person, unfortunately.

17. Confidence and a smile.

A list of our fave places to shop:

Yandy www.yandy.com

Hips & Curves www.hipsandcurves.com

Forever 21 www.forever21.com

H&M www.hm.com

Adore Me www.adoreme.com

Journelle www.journelle.com

Victoria's Secret www.victoriassecret.com

True & Co www.trueandco.com

Naja www.naja.co

Honey Birdette www.honeybirdette.com

Anonymous Bridal Boudoir ::: Orange County Boudoir ::: Grace and Lace Boudoir

Come take a peek into this stunning, anonymous bridal boudoir. Just because it is a gift for your wedding day, definitely doesn’t mean it has to be all white or with your vail. By all means, if that’s what you want to do, let’s do it … it just doesn’t HAVE to be. You could do blue like this stunner below. And nude. ;)

Whatever you end up deciding, let it be something you’ll be thrilled about later on, too.