Everything you need to know about bridal boudoir as a wedding gift for your fiancé.

First of all congratulations on your engagement! Happy dance time!

That is so exciting. I’ve been married for 15 years this coming February, and I still remember the thrill of the engagement. Soak up every minute of it.

Second, you have a fabulous idea for a wedding gift. But… just like most things you’re about to take on, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out where to start. So I’m going to help you out with everything you need to know about making this bridal boudoir photoshoot one that neither of you will ever forget.

When do I book a bridal boudoir session?

Your photoshoot should be at least 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding date (or when you leave town). This allows plenty of time for your photoshoot, ordering appointment and products to be created. Many of the best photographers book up 3-6+ months in advance, so it’s a good thing you’re planning. If your wedding date is less than 6 weeks away, no need to panic, we might be able to squeeze you in and make sure you’ve got a beautiful gift in time.

How do I find a boudoir photographer?

You’re already looking for a wedding photographer, but it’s a little bit different. Who you want sharing your big day might have a different energy than the one who will be part of this intimate experience. First and foremost, you want an experienced specialty studio. The way you feel on your honeymoon depends on it. The right photographer will leave you feeling so confident that you are burning up those honeymoon sheets. Start by asking your friends. Then use your favorite search engine and check out reviews to see the vibe you get from real clients. You can see highlights of mine here or just google Lavish boudoir reviews.

What should I wear for bridal boudoir?

This one is all relative to your taste. But I want you to consider what adjectives you want to describe the mood of your session… classic, flirty, girly, wild, edgy, pretty, timeless, vintage, discreet. Go with wardrobe that speaks those words to you. Here are my favorite outfits that always look beautiful:

• your wedding day lingerie (don’t forget accessories and your new ring)

• blue bra and panty set that is delicate and oozes romance

• white lace bodysuit/teddy

• nothing but white sheets, tousled hair and a smile

• black lingerie set that matches your adjectives above. That can be strappy and daring or a corset that looks vintage. Black is always a safe bet.

What gift should I give my fiancé? What do I do with boudoir photos?

Sometimes it’s difficult to splurge when you’ve got a whole lot of other things to fit in your budget. I’m totally biased, but I believe that when all is said and done… all you have is the love of your life, your photos, and the way they make you feel. Imagine cuddling up together on each anniversary to look through a beautiful leather book filled with gorgeous saucy photos. Think of the passion that can ignite. Special photos created just for the occasion. Printed photos are entirely different from digital photos. Holding them in your hands and delivering them will create all those flutters of passion. Splurge. Get the quality album that will last until your golden anniversary.

When do I give my fiancé the boudoir photos?

My favorite idea is to have a close friend deliver an eye-popping gift like a 3d viewmaster or mini album. Attach a note that says, “I’m all yours tonight. Wait until you see the rest of these photos!” Prepare to have your fiancé try to get the reception done with as quickly as possible. When the champagne has run out and you’re settled into bed together… present the full album. I advise you not to take it on the honeymoon and leave it home for safekeeping.

What if a luxury boudoir photoshoot isn’t in my budget?

Maybe this isn’t what you want to hear, but doing it right is more important than doing it now. It will be just as amazing on your first anniversary after you’ve financially recovered from the wedding. The traditional anniversary gift is paper, so I can’t think of a better use of that than a boudoir album. Another option is to ask for gift cards in lieu of shower gifts from your closest friends. Boudoir or breadmaker? Boudoir!

Either way, bridal boudoir is a wedding gift to you both. If you’d like to learn more about booking a photoshoot with Leslie in her Maryland studio, schedule a consult below. I look forward to making this session everything you want and more.

It's not once-in-a-lifetime after all!

Meet Jessica (I’ll use her real name because she’s proud of these photos).

She became a client years ago and has continued to work with me over the years (twice flying across the country just to be photographed).

Let me tell you about Jess over the years I’ve known her.

2011

She had just graduated from college. She wanted photos while she was young and cute. Her shoot was over-the-top and a little wild. The kind of wild that comes with being 22.

2012

Jess was coming into her sensuality. She was learning what it meant to be a woman rather than a girl. She exuded confidence in a way that said, “I don’t need to impress you.”

2013

This was J’s first shoot where we got her completely nude. Honestly, I think it was the first time I was brave enough to shoot nudes. I have those in the studio. She is so lucky to have captured her figure at this stage.

2014

Bridal boudoir! Recently engaged, she wanted a gift for herself (and her amazing husband-to-be). We did get a more traditional shot, but I think this one shows off the woman she was going into a marriage. Strong, fierce and sexy.

2015

Inspired by the ANGELS book by Russel James.

2016

We actually brought out the lucky groom for a vintage-inspired engagement shoot. Yes, it escalated into a little bit of boudoir… as my shoots always do.

2018

We missed our annual shoot because I was living in Albuquerque and she was in Georgia. But when she had an opportunity to fly out here, we grabbed it.

How amazing is she in this?!

2019

It could not bring more joy to my heart than to do Jessica’s last photoshoot in her 20s. Oh and I got to photograph her just before her baby will make its debut.

I plan to visit her in Georgia next year to capture her and her little one.

Jess, you are going to have the most loved child. You are one for great adventures and this will be your biggest yet.

2022

We had a little gap because of the pandemic and moving states, but here she is in my new Maryland studio. In fact, I insisted she be the first woman I photographed here.

Jess brought her husband and little boy along for the trip. We stayed up late drinking wine and reconnecting while my “big boys” entertained her little guy. The following morning, it was all glamour. Her darling husband even made a Starbucks run for us.

J's Bridal Boudoir Shoot

Dear J,

You were one of the most beautiful brides I've photographed. Women like you give me the urge to come out of wedding photography retirement.We met over the phone since you were coming all the way from Midland, Texas. We chatted between flights because we needed to get you booked asap. I remember hanging up and thinking that this was going to be so much fun. Your enthusiasm was obvious, and that's the best kind of photoshoot. We wanted to surprise your groom with a gift that he'd love. We created a photoshoot to be bright and airy. To show off your smile. I knew that we could create photos that showed him just how sexy and confident you are.

Some women worry about fading their tan lines before a boudoir photoshoot, but I think it adds to the allure. What do you think?

I'm so glad you wore your wedding shoes that had so much bling on top and the bottom had the prettiest teal bottoms for your "something blue." This is one of my favorite photos.

Your engagement ring is so beautiful. I'm sure that every time you look at it, you fall in love with B all over again.

Thank you J for trusting me with capturing you as a beautiful bride-to-be. I can't wait to have you and B back next year to celebrate your anniversary.

Sincerely,

Leslie

Photos: Leslie Cersovski Makeup: Edgar Campos Hair: Amanda White

Miss S | Bridal Boudoir

I've been going through my clients' files and came across this gorgeous photoshoot from a couple of years ago. I cannot believe that I haven't posted it already. Miss S came in for a shoot as a groom's gift and whew she rocked it. She listed to my coaching and spanned the emotional range from vulnerable, to flirtatious, to confident, to longing. Thank you, S, for being such an incredible woman to work with!

Miss J - Now a Mrs! - Lavish Boudoir - Georgia

I have worked with J several times and her most recent session was the most special by far.  After all, she was about to get married!!!  In preparation, her girlfriends threw a lingerie shower for her and boy did they spoil her.  J scheduled her wedding hair and makeup trial run on the morning of the shoot.  Candi Ganas did an amazing job and J was bridal perfection.  Out with the veil and in with the sparkly accessories.  I've been waiting until after J's new hubby had a chance to check out his album before I could share them with the world.  But they said their I-Dos on Saturday... so here they are.  Congratulations to J & Mr. J!

Miss C - Boudoir

I featured a single image of Miss C a few months ago, but never got around to publishing some extras.  I shot Miss C's wedding way back when.  She found me on Google and decided to take a chance on my work.  Wow... the energy and celebration of that wedding was off the charts.  This girl can move.  When I announced that I was offering boudoir, she decided that she had to have her own session.  On a vacation to the East Coast, she called up and said... meet me in Savannah!  We worked out the perfect location and got to work planning her session.  These are just a few of our favorites from the session and I am so thrilled that she allowed me to share them here.  Thank you to my favorite little red-head.