Resist reading this post Mr. Petunia
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Ok, I heard so much about these from the local Knotties and my fellow Bees that I decided I just had to do it, too! I’m excited/nervous/petrified about it, but I’m doing it!
I just got my contract from Carmen of studio by carmen and I’ll be doing a boudoir photo shoot at the Whitelaw Hotel in South Beach come November (I’ll need some time to get my body in boudoir photo shoot shape: gotta do something about the back fat and the sagging bottom!)
I haven’t seen the Whitelaw in person, but from pictures, it looks like the perfect place for this kind of photo shoot! A little bit racy, a lot bit sexy and a tad vintage to boot.
I’m feeling awful that I didn’t hire my wedding photographer, Ricardo Serpa of luximagesphoto, to do these pictures, too. But I just couldn’t bring myself to have a man photograph me half-naked! (Don’t hate me Ricardo — you know I love you!).
Here are some samples of Carmen’s work…I’m going to have to get to work on practicing my sexiest poses. I’ve got Carmen’s previous work for inspiration and for extra homework, I can study the Victoria’s Secret catalog, secretly of course, and very very sheepishly, over the months to come…
That hotel looks gorgeous, and definitelly perfect for a boudoir shoot! What fun — can’t wait to hear more!!
Hi Val!
The way I found Carmen was by reading a lot of posts in my local Knot discussion room. Everyone literally kept raving about her…maybe you could see if there’s anyone being raved about in your area from your local board?
Hey Miss Petunia- I’m using Carmen too! My shoot’s in December- I’m equal parts excited and nervous as hell.
Ahhh I love this idea! I keep seeing bees doing this and I am so jealous! I can’t do it because I will be a lawyer by the time I get married and will probably go into politics (as a staffer)… I am so jealous!!! You will rock that photo session! Will you post some proofs when you do? I think Ms Onion (maybe?) did that… I just think it’s the coolest.
Can somebody recommend a boudoir photographer in Chicago ?
@ lilpetunia -
I can recommend Jennifer Girard (www.jennifergirard.com). She has done boudoir shots for women at G Boutique (www.boutiqueg.com) on Damen Ave. They usually offer a “Make Me A Pinup” special around Valentine’s Day where you can pay a fee, dress up in lingerie, get your makeup professionally done, get posed by Michelle L’Amour, and have photos taken by Jennifer.
OMG! I took a photography workshop this summer with Carmen - she is just SO AMAZING! And such a sweetheart - you are going to have such a great time doing this. What a fabulous surprise for your sweetie!
I had not seen that she was offering these - I’m so excited! Squeee! (Hey, any Bees want to be my models for some in Houston? Contact me! *grin*)
oooh, exciting! i love these (when done properly… not too skankalicious) + your photographer is awesome!
maybe you should change the title on the post… mr. p might be able to figure it out w/out reading the text after the jump!
Miss Petunia, you have just inspired me with these beautiful sexy photos. IF I lose the weight and get back into the shape I want to before my wedding next April, I’m totally going to try to do this! It would be a nice way to show off the results of all my hard work, no? Shannon, thanks for the heads-up on Chicago b-pic resources.
When when is the best time to give these to your future husband? and do you give it to him in a photo album or digital? I wouldn’t want someone unsuspecting to find them!! 
ChicagoSarah: go for it! I say no better way for that hard work to pay off! Actually, either way, you should totally do it. I bet your FI could care less if you lose weight and thinks you’re one hot momma!
Leila: I’m giving these to Mr. Petunia on our wedding day, and I’m purchasing an album from our photog. The album is not included in the package, but then I’d have to print them myself - the horror! =)
ChicagoSarah, don’t think of it as an “if” sort of thing! He thinks you are wonderful and fabulous just the way you are! Don’t pass up the opportunity! A good photographer can work with you and help you “hide” any problem areas and make sure you’re in the most flattering pose as possible. He would LOVE it!
Really nice albums can be made from the photos, and you can either give them to him after the rehearsal dinner when he is on his way home and can store it safely away from prying eyes, or on the wedding night - maybe left on his pillow as a little teaser while you’re getting out of the dress and ready for bed?
It is a really fun thing to do for an anniversary too!
Holy Snapple! Carmen is on Wedding Bee! I took b-pics with Carmen earlier this month, and I had so much fun. She is a sweetheart and makes you feel so comfortable. I plan on giving my FI the pictures on a wedding day.
very nice! i like how the shots have a vintage-y, yet modern feel to them. like modern pin-ups!! it’ll be fun looking for the perfect outfit! 
(i don’t know about adding body jewelry though, just my opinion)
aww! i wish carmen had a twin in nyc. i like her style a lot!! can anyone recommend someone w/ a similar eye in nyc?
I did my bpics at the Whitelaw with Carmen as well. I actually introduced her to the hotel and she ended up adoring it and making it her “signature hotel” - you won’t regret it, she’s so easy to work with and a total sweetheart
Mrs. Petunia, Ft. Lauderdale
Age and Occupation: 31, College Professor
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Engineering Student/Part-time Barista
Engagement Date: December 8, 2006
Wedding Date: March 2, 2008
Venue: Riverside Hotel
Blogging Since: August 6, 2007
About Me: Our original idea of running off to get married quickly turned into an event with 100+ guests once other people got involved and I, too, got swept away in the lovely madness that is wedding planning. Mr. Petunia and I are obsessed with all things World of Warcraft, Monopoly, and Nintendo, so we’re planning on including some fun “game-y” details into our wedding.
Looks like fun! I have been searching for something like this in the Houston area. Do you know what key words I should use online to begin my search for the perfect photographer?