On your wedding day, you'll promise to love and care for your new husband in sickness and in health. If you're looking for a way to also say, "And, how about we keep it hot, too!" you really can't go wrong with boudoir photography. Boudoir: the best grooms gift!

First, let's talk about what it is. In French, boudoir refers to a lady's bedroom or dressing room. It comes from the French verb, bourder, which means "to be sulky." Ooh la la! Taken tastefully and with your taste in mind, boudoir portraits become classy, sassy, and outrageously fun. 

I love what Carrie Denny, Philadelphia-based all-things-wedding writer at phillymag.com, had to say about her experience with a boudoir photo shoot last year. Denny went in a wary skeptic and after her experience boldly declared that every bride ought to consider a boudoir shoot.

According to Denny--and I couldn't agree more--the magic of the boudoir shoot happens when you enlist the help of a photographer you trust. With the right photographer, a wardrobe that makes you feel sexy, and a welcome and comfortable atmosphere, the boudoir shoot becomes a fun mini-party with girlfriends. To make it literal, bring those girlfriends along! 

It's easy to see the appeal for your groom. A sexy portrait serves as a permanent reminder of the gorgeous woman they married. But it's pretty terrific for you as the bride, also.

I love the way brides transform during a boudoir shoot--when they tap into the beautiful and bold women underneath. Although you may be doing what you don't normally do, looking differently than you normally look, and even feeling differently than typical, what comes out during this shoot is charmingly real and authentically you.

Although you may initially embark on the boudoir adventure as a gift for your groom, inevitably it becomes a gift for yourself. Perfect.

I'd love to help you create the perfect gift for your groom (and yourself). Contact me to talk ideas for your boudoir photo gift.

by Opie Janzer