Oct 11

Oct 11 THE MOST MEMORABLE BRIDAL BOUDOIR I EVER PHOTOGRAPHED

Cate Scaglione | Editor, Photographer, Business Owner

(c) 2019 CATE SCAGLIONE, LIFE AS FINE ART STUDIO, Red Bank, NJ Boudoir Photographer www.lifeasfineart.com — (c) 2019 CATE SCAGLIONE, LIFE AS FINE ART STUDIO,
Red Bank, NJ Boudoir Photographer www.lifeasfineart.com

It’s bridal season; October is now considered the most popular month to get married. So while we’ve been blissfully inundated with brides throughout August and September, I thought it made sense to talk about one of my most memorable brides ever.

Word of mouth is one of the major ways I receive new clients. Thrilled former clients share their stories (or even photos!) with friends …they want THEIR friends to experience the same. I am so overjoyed and honored to receive referrals. Not only does it mean I did a great job for the client, it also means that I get to work with people just as fabulous as the ones I have come to adore.

Referrals from clients don’t always come right away. It’s all about timing. Sometimes, it’s just casual conversation as they’re having girls’ cocktails. Sometimes, it’s when they think their friend could use an emotional pick-me-up. Or sometimes, it’s when they’re about to experience a major life event — like a wedding.

For this client, it happened to be all three.

Typically, I let Toni do her magic in our in house hair and makeup salon. I stay out of the way as the styling process happens. I let the masters do their work, and freely as they are the best in the industry. That’s how I get the BEST talent and the BEST results. This is my experience every day at the studio. Clients agree.

When I walked into the room to offer my client some prosecco, I was knocked over by how gorgeous she was. She was fit, a bit exotic, and completely unaware of her own allure. But then, I was quickly interrupted by a familiar voice in the background. I have this really weird trait of being able to remember voices very specifically (even if I sometimes cannot remember a name!)

So, in walks this model that I worked with nearly 2 years — YES 2 YEARS— before. I recognized her voice immediately. She was the referral source who brought her bestie to me. And honestly, having a model refer work to you is the most spectacular thing — they are used to the best.

She told me that my posing guidance and my ability to induce comfort was the best she ever had. And, she knew her BFF was in need of that because she was SOOO nervous. As I poured a bit more into her flute of prosecco, I wondered how such a gorgeous creature could be so fearful of something she’d clearly EXCEL. We continued styling, as I watched her nerves mount. And her friend agreed to exit the studio as our time began together.

Now, I have this thing I call my “8 Minute Magic”. It means that, without fail, within 8 minute I almost ALWAYS clear a clients’ nervousness so they can rock their session. In just 8 damn minutes. I’m not cocky about much, but I am cocky I can DO THAT.

At minute 9, I realized there was more to this picture. Something was weighing on this beautiful woman, so in love, with a perfect wedding about to happen. I stopped shooting and kneeled next to her as she laid on the couch. And we talked. We just TALKED.

As it turns out, her profession is to take care of people. Specifically, sick and incapacitated people. And like any empath, she was very used to bearing the burden of others, but rarely her own. She had recently experienced a profound loss of a loved one. As such, wedding planning began to feel wistful and difficult. Stress was mounting and her caregiver routine was emotionally heavy. In these moments, I knew we needed this to be so much more than a photo shoot — but rather a day we could take care of her soul.

She needed laughter and fun, and a feeling of sexy — something that one who wears scrubs on the daily does not always feel. We needed her to feel OUT OF HER ELEMENT, but in the safest, most secure way possible.

This badass girl needed a bit of gentle, comical, TLC. She was gonna get my empathic treatment to my fullest degree. Because, by the time this conversation was over, my heart already adored this person. I felt personal responsibility to protect her and release her inhibitions. She deserved more joy than most. And, I kinda specialize in that.

So —once the tears cleared (hers and mine)… I gave her cool tattoos and awesome bod a once over and decided we were gonna shoot ALL DAY until that joy was flooding up to the ceiling. (and my ceilings are 20 feet tall, btw!).

I literally didn’t care how long we stayed or how many outfits we needed to photograph. She needed a Boudoir fairy godmother that day. I’m 45 years old to her 20 something, so I guess I am of fairy boudoir mom age. And we were going to bring the SEXY AF.

Now… I could get into the specifics of how we did this, but then I’d reveal all the secrets. Mine and hers. Instead, let’s let her photos speak for themselves and her words provide the proof. Then, you can come find out for yourself in your own session!

Some clients just touch your heart and make an impact. Many do, in fact. But this bride will forever be my boudoir fairy goddaughter and I adore her.

READ ON AND SEE THE IMAGES SHE CHOSE, HERE IN THIS SLIDESHOW…

WHAT SHE HAD TO SAY….
“The bridal boudoir shoot is such a great gift for my fiancé and also for myself. My whole experience with Cate was just amazing. She just so down to earth and she makes you feel as if you have known her forever.
She makes you feel confident and comfortable. I was extremely nervous to do the shoot since it’s completely out of my comfort zone, but I’m so happy I did it and I would do it again in a heartbeat! Every woman needs to experience this.
I had a friend work with Cate and she told me how great she is. I looked into her and I knew right away that it was her I’d work with. There was no reason to keep searching. Her work is amazing! After we emailed each other back and forth it just felt right and automatically I was comfortable with her. I went in nervous and not confident whatsoever!.She changed that real quick! It was super fun and sexy AF. “

Are you a bride (or not!) in need of a little wedding-jitters-detoxing? Let’s give you the best day ever. To inquire, click here.

xoxo,
Cate