Empowering Bridal Boudoir

Ariana Rodriguez
of Ariana Rodriguez Photography in Dallas, Texas is talking to all bride-to-be’s on how empowering bridal boudoir can be!

I have been shooting boudoir for 4 years now and each time I have a new client walk through those doors of my studio, I am blown away about how much I love my job. I never thought that photography would lead me down this path, but I am so glad it did. Over the years I have developed lots of new business friendships and even became long time friends with my clients.

I firmly believe every woman should have a boudoir experience at least once in their lifetime, so I collaborated with the incredibly talented Kerstie Tarango, one of my resident hair and makeup artists (you can see more of her work at @themaneprimp on instagram) and Brittany Daywn, owner of Blissful Weddings and Events (@blissful_planning on instagram) on this styled bridal boudoir session. We wanted to give the opportunity to a bride-to-be to get the FULL experience of a bridal boudoir session for free! We promoted the giveaway on social media for about a week and chose a winner at random. Katelyn, our bride and winner, had been following my Instagram page for a while. She said that she was planning on booking with me anyways, but thought she would enter the giveaway just in case. Obviously, she was super excited when she found out that she had won!

Kerstie, Brittany and I drew inspiration from Pinterest, of course, and put our own twist to it. We wanted something sultry yet, sweet and had all the bridal vibes. As opposed to the normal big loose waves in my day to day boudoir clients hair, Kerstie styled Katelyn’s (our bride) hair into a boho braid with loose curls. We wanted for her to still be able to run her fingers through her hair, but also have enough product in her hair to hold a long, heavy veil. Her makeup was done something similar to what she was wanting for her wedding day, which is going to be held in Panama City Beach, FL– a total destination wedding dream!

Brittany is not only a wedding planner, but she designs the most beautiful floral arrangements for her clients. She is so delicate with every arrangement she designs and you can tell it’s her true passion. We found several inspiration bouquets on Pinterest, but we ended up combining a few of the flowers to make our own GORGEOUS statement bridal bouquet. Brittany also brought some loose petals for us to use as props during the session.

Katelyn and I chatted about outfit inspiration a couple of weeks prior to the session. We knew that we wanted for her to wear white, since she was gifting her images to her soon to be hubby. She brought basically half her closet, including shoes and accessories so we were not short on options. She brought her something borrowed and blue which just made the session even more special. She ended up wearing 3 different outfits, and used one of mine from my boudoir client closet. Once the shoot was over, I asked Katelyn some questions that I normally ask my boudoir clients after their session.

1. Why did you decide to do a boudoir session?

– For years I contemplated doing a boudoir session. I spent so much time contacting different photographers, buying gorgeous pieces of lingerie, and vigorously exercising/dieting in hopes of finding the confidence to do it; But a boudoir session always felt out of my comfort zone. Over the past few years Ive overcome so much adversity and I’ve learned how to love myself unconditionally at every weight or size and at every stage of life. During my wedding planning I decided I finally wanted to do a bridal boudoir session, not only as a wedding gift to my future husband, but also for myself. This session for me was not only a celebration of getting to marry the love of my life but also a celebration of being able to love myself unapologetically. I believe every woman should experience a boudoir session, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.

2. How did you feel before your session? What about after?

– After setting a date with Ariana, I counted down the days until my session. I was so excited to work with such a talented photographer; But naturally I also felt anxious about how my body would look in the outfits I wore for the pictures. Upon arriving to Ariana’s studio on the day of the session, I immediately felt comfortable as soon as I walked through the door. Ariana was so welcoming and laid back and Kerstie helped me feel even more confident and beautiful. After my session, I walked out of her studio feeling sexy, beautiful, and CONFIDENT, which was all along what I was hoping for. This session allowed me to see myself the way my future husband sees me and so much more.

3. What would you say to someone who hasn’t had a boudoir experience before?

– No matter your age, your weight, your confidence level, or whatever else, you WILL feel sexy after a boudoir session! Don’t hesitate and you will never regret it! Also, be prepared for your boudoir session by choosing outfits ahead of time that will make you feel sexy, confident and comfortable in.

4. Why did you choose me over all the other boudoir photographers for this experience?

– I chose Ariana Rodriguez Boudoir as my photographer for many reasons. After following her on Instagram several months prior to my session, I instantly fell in love with her work. I love that her pictures showcase the pure, natural beauty of every woman that she photographs. The natural lighting and minimal editing makes them still look like themselves. Her studio is absolutely gorgeous, very clean and versatile, allowing her to shoot so many different styles. Ariana did such an amazing job at helping me feel confident in my outfits, and poses throughout my session and made my overall boudoir experience more than I could’ve imagined. I would choose Ariana Rodriguez over and over again!

As you can see, I am passionate about celebrating the female form in all its shapes, sizes and skin tones. I focus on my client’s needs and desires for the shoot before it even begins by starting with a consultation that aids in our direction for your shoot. No woman is the same therefore, my sessions are never repeated from one client to the next. Your images will reflect and enhance the beauty that is already within you. Whether these images are for yourself or for your significant other, this experience will make you embrace, rediscover, and fall back in love with YOU! To see more of my work visit my website at www.arodriguezphotography.com or you can follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/arianarodriguezstudio If youre in the north Dallas, TX area email me to book your session at info.aortegaphoto@gmail.com