{Pretty Posts} ..... The Effects of Boudoir Photography on your Groom

     "As a busy bride your wedding plans have all fallen into place and now it's time to think of a special gift for that special significant other....what's a better gift then some boudoir photos!!!
     First of all, it gives you a day of pampering and a day all about YOU...from hair- to -make-up to- your one on one photo session, it's definitely going to give you a super model feeling! 
     I think woman in general have trouble excepting how truly beautiful each and every one of us are!  It's in our nature to compare ourselves to today's superstars (a.k.a. Kim Kardashian) and the publics definition of beauty!!! 
     We often let our insecurities get the best of us and when we aren't feeling our best it does effect our special someone wether or not you mean for it to. After having these boudoir photos done, your new found sexy confidence will follow you home.  
    When you finally give the gift to your spouse and you witness their excitement and pleasure from your photos it will start your marriage off with a passion like no other!  The spontaneous and out of the ordinary gift will show that you promise to love and share crazy, adventurous excitement with them for all the years to come!!!  It's on my list of things to do!  Is it on yours?"

Quoted & Written by:  --Heather Ann

     

{Sexy Spotlight}... Chicago Bridal Trends 101 Recap | Chicago Wedding Expo

     In case you missed it, this past Wednesday, May 23^rd, Jenny Taylor held a small bridal expo at the studio called Chicago Bridal Trends 101. Brides from all over Chicagoland ventured over to hear various informational mini-lectures from the different people who can help you plan your wedding — covering any detail from flowers to music to dress alterations . . . even dance lessons! Wedding planning can be so overwhelming, and the event was created to help future brides have an easier time knowing what’s current and what’s available today.

     Upon arrival, brides signed in with me, the Boudoir Bloggin’ Babe, just outside of the studio (it was a beautiful day!) and received their canvas Jenny Taylor swag bags packed with a Chicago Wedding Guide (check out the back cover; we’re on it!) and tons of free samples. In addition to the swag, the brides and their guests also received raffle tickets for a chance at the various prizes Jenny and the vendors would be giving away that evening. (There were so many giveaways . . . after all, generosity is Jenny’s middle name!)

     The studio, alive with music, was simply bustling with people! Jenny’s right-hand woman, Amber, efficiently milled around helping out wherever she was needed. Refreshments were served as the brides arrived, and eventually, guests convened in the living room of the studio. There was hardly an empty seat for me, but it was awesome, because the space really buzzes with a crowd.

     Each vendor’s informational speech was fifteen minutes, so there was ample time to learn about what’s currently trending in the wedding industry no matter what area they specialized in. Every now and again Jenny would step in to say a couple words, telling anecdotes or a joke, to make sure the guests were enjoying themselves. She really lights up when she hosts events!

     One particular bride, Sadhna, who is in the midst of planning two unique weddings over a long celebratory weekend next year — a Catholic one for her hubby-to-be and an Indian one to honor her family’s culture — was really impressed with what she learned from the event: “It’s key to ensure that they’ve got your back and really go above and beyond to make sure everything goes smoothly at your wedding. It’s important for whoever you hire to be able to pick up on those nuances so they can anticipate what might happen. I liked the emphasis on breaking out of tradition and focusing on what you want rather than what you ‘should’ do; obviously, that’s so true for my fiancé and me.”

     For Sadhna, it was also a great opportunity to meet Jenny Taylor at last and take a look around the studio. “Jenny was really nice and friendly, and I loved what I saw of the studio!” she said. “It’s also great that it was in suburbs — it was convenient for me to get to, and I feel like she brought vendors from all over Chicagoland to us, which I really appreciated.”

     If you’re curious about the vendors, Bridal Trends 101 welcomed Soirée Weddings & Events, Classic Wedding Car, JewelMint, Music and Photo Booth By Design, Arthur Murray, Bri’Lan Couture,  Le Chocolat, Kathryn the Trainer, Reverend Barry Kolanowski, and Taafe Jewelry to share their informational sessions with our guests. It was especially interesting to hear how weddings are transforming nowadays and to see what’s available to customize your own — even if it’s a huge undertaking!

     Plus, you can always give your future husband a little extra something as a wedding gift that you know Jenny Taylor loves to provide: photographs from a boudoir shoot. “Don’t worry,” Jenny said to Sadhna that evening, “your man’s jaw will drop when he sees the photos. They’re always like ‘Wow!’ That’s the woman I married.’ ”

     So, bottom line? Yet another fun and enriching event with a fabulous turnout thanks to the efforts of our very own Jenny Taylor . . . Missed out? No worries, we’re planning another expo this upcoming fall. You want in?

{Pretty Posts} .....Christian Louboutin is Coming to Chicago!

     Take a deep breath… Christian Louboutin is coming to Chicago!!!  According to my inbox this morning, it appears that the old Esquire Theatre on Oak Street in downtown Chicago will soon reveal a plethora of red soled pumps.  Woohoo!!  Looks like the store is set to open just in time for Christmas… I think my Starbucks cash just found a new home in a red-soled piggy bank! :-)

{Pretty Posts} .....Stop to smell the roses!

     As I enjoy this gorgeous weather that we all know as Chicago spring (thank goodness it is back), I can't help but see all the beautiful blossoms on the ground and in the trees. Everything is so green and lush! The colors are vibrant and best of all, very feminine! Mother nature is a woman to the core. The silky texture, the fragrant aromas, the soft pale pinks, the fierce and sexy reds, the playful purples…

     I could go on and on and on! The point that I am trying to make is that flowers scream femininity and as you interview different florists and arrange the different floral-scapes to make up your wedding, find a flower or two (or three) that really speak to you and who you are. If you incorporate those flowers into your wedding, all the better. If not, grab a few and use them in your boudoir shots! 

     Bring them with you to the shoot, whether they perfectly match your outfits or not! Flowers can be used in so many different ways! They can be subtle background props; a flower can be the perfect hairpiece in the midst of perfect bombshell curls. 

     Bottom-line: Enjoy spring, enjoy shopping with your florist, and be sure to bring the unique and personal blossoms with you to your unique and personal boudoir shoot with Jenny!

{Review} Montgomery Boudoir Photography

Jenny Taylor Boudoir Testimonial

     My experience with Jenny Taylor Boudoirs has been seamless from beginning to end. From the time I first requested information from Jenny she has been nothing but helpful. I was able to contact her anytime and get a quick response. I was extremely nervous the day of my session. When I arrived I was greeted by Jess, my hair and makeup artist for the day. She was very warm and personable. We chatted like we knew each other even though this was our first time meeting. She made me look fabulous and let me have input on what my hair and makeup were going to look. 

     When I got in the room with Jenny she instantly made me comfortable. All my nerves melted away and I was smiling and laughing the rest of the session. I couldn't believe how relaxed I was with her. She has a personality that just makes you feel good. She was complimenting me and if I wasn't smiling enough she would get me to laugh. I was very pleased when she kept turning the camera around so I could see some of the shots as we were still shooting. It helped me see that the photos really were fantastic and got me so much more pumped to keep shooting. 

     By the end of the day I was sad to leave. I had so much fun and walked out really feeling like I had gained a friend in the process.  This was my first boudoir experience but now I don't think it will be my last. In the future I will definitely go to Jenny for my photography needs.

-- Jen   (Montgomery, IL)   May 2012

{Review} Central Illinois Boudoir Photography

Boudoir Photography Bloomington

     I cannot believe what awesome pictures I got from Jenny Taylor Boudoirs! 

     I felt like a total Rock Star/Barbie Doll the day of my shoot!  Brooke, my hair and makeup artist was SO super nice and did a great job making me look smokin'!  She was very friendly and knowledgeable about how to make me look my best and work within my special requests.  And I TOTALLY recommend getting the eyelashes, it MAKES the look! 

     Jenny is a wonderful photographer--SO talented and she makes you feel very comfortable even when waltzing around in your naughty clothes!  She knows just how to position you for the most flattering poses--no matter your body type.  And she's a great help when trying to get that 'just right' facial expression!

     This shoot was worth EVERY penny and I've been telling everyone I know that if they are looking for a great and UNIQUE gift for their guy or just a pick me up for themselves, that Jenny Taylor Boudoirs is definitely the way to go! :-) 

Thanks, Jenny! :-)

--Samantha C   (Sheridan, IL)   May 2012

{Review} Orland Park Boudoir Photography

Orland Park Boudoir Photography

Amazing!!  

     I decided to do a boudoir session as a wedding gift for my fiance, although the thought of doing it scared me, I knew it was something that my fiance wouldn't expect and that he would love. I researched a bunch of different photographers and Jenny seemed like the best choice - she had excellent reviews and her pictures were beautiful. I knew this was something I really wanted to do, but I was still super nervous. I'm not a model, I'm not a size two and while all of her reviews were amazing and everyone said she made them feel so comfortable, like a friend and that they laughed and enjoyed the session, I was still skeptical. I really didn't think I would feel that way, I thought I would be too nervous to get any good pictures. I was so wrong. From the minute I walked into the studio I was amazed! The studio is gorgeous! Brooke did my hair and makeup - she did an excellent job and she also helped me to relax. We talked, she answered some of my questions and told me a little bit more of what to expect. I was starting to relax a little, but I still couldn't believe that I was doing this! I met Jenny and alll of the reviews I had read were so true! I couldn't believe how quickly I felt comfortable with her. She made me feel so important, so beautiful and special. She knows what she is doing and she is great with helping you pose and moving through the poses quickly. We laughed and joked the entire time. I was shocked at how much fun this was! I really did feel like I was with a friend I had known forever. So all of the reviews that you read about Jenny really are true! She's amazing at what she does!!

-- Maria   (Orland Park, IL) -- May 2012

{Sexy Spotlight}..... Curvy Girls Boudoir -- Think Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe

The Most Popular Boudoir Session ever!

     A boudoir photo experience with Jenny Taylor celebrates your unique beauty and femininity, and what could be more beautifully feminine than a curve? The right combination of clothing, posing, and lighting can work wonders to flatter any body type. Every woman possesses beauty special to her: You’ve got a bombshell inside of you, and Jenny Taylor knows exactly what to do to unleash her, no matter what you look like. She takes pride in being able to cater to women of any and all different types and to help you look your best!

     But what if you’re a curvy vixen on the fence about getting a boudoir shoot?  Every woman has the right to feel great in whatever body she has! So if you are a bit unsure, you may especially love the experience, known to create confidence you never knew was there. “All women need is to be celebrated,” Jenny has said. “My stylist team and I are here to make any and every woman look and feel gorgeous and glamified.” Jenny has tried-and-true techniques to help highlight your assets — and the resulting photographs will leave you absolutely smitten with yourself.

     Jenny knows how to flatter every curve and silhouette without having to resort to extreme editing. “I have never, and will never, alter a woman’s shape. It’s just not what I believe in.”

     The moment you book a shoot with Jenny, she’s there for you 100%. Upon receipt of your deposit, you’ll get her juicy “Goodies e-mail” jam-packed with all the information you need for your boudoir shoot and is ONLY available to her clients. (For your reference, visit our previous series on what to wear to your shoot, parts 1, 2, and 3.) If you still have questions, Jenny is only a phonecall away, and just short of coming to the mall with you, she is completely available to walk you through your shopping decisions. She’ll offer tips and reminders like:

·      Make sure your lingerie offers the right support, coverage, and fits you well. Try it on before you buy! Anything way too big or too small will not do you any favors; pinched and reddened skin is impossible to edit out.  Jenny doesn't recommend that anyone wear prints or floral.  An excellent place to find curvy girls lingerie: Hips & Curves & Torrid

·      Know what colors to wear. You may opt to wear more than one outfit, which is great and highly recommended! But for variety, make sure what you pick out complements your skin tone and your body. (For the universally flattering colors, refer to this post.)

·      Bring high heels. As ’50s bombshell Marilyn Monroe famously said, “I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot.” You can’t argue with the legendary icon of sexiness!

     Having worked with hundreds and hundreds of ladies who took the plunge and donned their skivvies for the camera, Jenny is extremely well versed in what outfits look best on every body. If you come prepared, she’ll take it from there. . . .

     As your photographer and director, Jenny has an arsenal of poses and clever lighting techniques to help you flaunt what you’ve got and downplay any tricky areas. Not only can you trust Jenny’s photographic eye, but you can certainly express your concerns to her before and during your shoot to ensure you get absolutely stunning images. Remember, everyone starts out nervous, but Jenny’s famously friendly attitude will put you at ease and almost make you forget you’re not just hanging out with your BFF — which is super-important for natural photos that don’t look like you’re hiding something. After all, this session is about celebrating YOU and your unique beauty.

     Before you know it, you’ll feel so comfortable in your own skin, you’re sure to understand how Marilyn Monroe managed to exude sex appeal and charm to the world, because you’ll be doing the same! That feeling of empowerment will have you absolutely high like you can conquer the world. What better gift for you, or the special someone in your life....and for yourself!

{Pretty Posts} ....Mom's are rockstars!

Mothers Day Gift Idea - Boudoir Photography

     Today's mom is a bombshell mom! She is confident and nurturing. She is fierce and proud. She is forever young in her ability to enjoy a nightcap with the ladies and a tea cup full of imaginary tea with her princess. Today's mom is independent, daring, and feeling sexier than ever. 

     It's an honor to work with rockstar moms and empower them with photos that cherish their womanhood. Whether it's a boudoir photo shoot or fashion photo shoot, these woman continue to inspire me in the confidence that radiates from them.

"Happy Mother's Day to all of you rockstars out there!"

     This post was inspired by one such Rockstar. Thank you Jenna!

     "Got my sexy awesome photo album today! Thank you to Jenny Taylor (Photography) & Megan Bach (Stylist)!! I have always wished I could look like the girls int he Victoria Secret catalogs, even if for a day. I had no idea that this thirty-three year old mother of two young daughters really could, until I met Jenny Taylor." - Jenna (Sept 2012)

From the Desk of Jenny Taylor

 "From my Desk" of Jenny Taylor Boudoirs studio!  

• We have custom painted Jenny Taylor wine glasses!  Please let us know if you would like one for your own home!  
• We have a crystal chandelier hanging in each one of our rooms of the studio!  Complete transformation of the entire studio will happen mid year in July!  :)  Stay Tuned!  
• Also --We have a gorgeous strapless silk ivory wedding dress from Jenny Yoo on display in my office.
• Purple, black, white & hot pink frames adorn each one of our rooms that hold some of the most dazzling people that we have had the opportunity to capture!
• Fun white leather furniture and purple pillow accents will be scattered throughout.
• Purple roses and the eiffel tower are always a fun prop and girly accents!  
• Of course we have a pair of Sexy black pumps with some fun hand cuffs as buckles too!
• Who Wants to know more?  Leave a comment!

{Pretty Posts} ....School Portraits is all mom has! Oh No!!!

     Do you remember picture day in school? Every year, mom would lay out our clothes, tell us how we were wearing our hair, and drop us off with the last words: "Be sure to smile pretty!"  Then, of course, we hit adolescence and we knew what was best for us… we would find the trendiest outfit in our closet (as if the camera captured the entire thing) and pretend that these photos were our glamour shots. After all, this was going in the yearbook!

     Once mom got her paws on the photo packages she would buy the biggest package possible. Did we really have THAT many relatives. What ever happened to all those wallet prints?? Mom loved those photos and she truly cherishes them to this day. They captured her little girl growing up. But wait…

     We've grown up significantly since our senior year of high school. The photo-story doesn't end there… can't end there. Mom knows that. We know that. Why doesn't her photo album know that?  Sure, mom has taken a few pictures since then and gotten them developed. She has even stolen some off our Facebook page and printed them out. 

     Chances are, we have not gifted her with a true professional photo of our grown-up self! A photo of the woman that she can be proud of. Something that isn't as stiff as a corporate head shot but is fashionable, confident, and captures how far we have come since moving out of her house. She did a great job and she deserves to know it! Good thing Mother's Day is coming up…

{Sexy Spotlight} .....Jenny Taylor Honored as a Diva Artista

     On Thursday, May 3, the self-proclaimed “connection agency” based in Chicago called Maven held their “Diva Series: Artistas” at Jbar in Chicago. Our very own Jenny Taylor was to be honored as a “Diva Artista” that evening, and she invited me to attend. I didn’t know what to expect before I went; as usual, I just showed up to see what would happen so I could give you all the scoop!

     I showed up at Jbar, a modest yet elegant lounge downtown on Rush Street, just as the night was to begin. The menus were bound in leather and offered an extensive list of enticing drinks (I had the Lychee Thrill — delicious). In honor of the Diva Series event, all items from the food menu were half price. It was dimly lit, playing lounge music and a video loop of photos and descriptions of the Diva Artistas of the night on several little screens embedded throughout the walls of the main room. Small groups of professional looking men and trendy women mingled in different corners of the room, chatting enthusiastically with glasses in hand.

     When Jenny, clad in a loose black dress, I asked her if she had had to prepare anything — a speech? She told me that even she didn’t really know what to expect, but that she had some friends coming, and before I knew it, she was swept into the crowds. If you know Jenny, she’s Miss Personality, and she was completely in her element as she took full advantage of the meet-and-greet. She introduced me to one of her best friends, Jessica, and yet another Jessica she’d just met — who had previously been honored as a Diva as well! I was thankful to Jenny for the introductions, as it was a great way to get into the groove (I’m not a natural networker like she is, so it really helped me open up).

     The people were all super friendly, since they were there to make great new connections. Once I introduced myself to Sarah, the founder and president of Maven, I asked her to explain what her vision for the event was. “We love to set up intimate networking events where people can make some real connections with one another rather than losing themselves in the crowd in some huge venue,” she told me. “Sometimes I’ll grab the microphone from the DJ and say a little something about the Divas, but I’m not feeling that tonight. It’s pretty mellow today, so I’m just going with that.”

     So I asked her to go more in-depth about what the Diva Series was, in her words. “It’s a way for us to honor talented and up-and-coming women successful in their fields — this one is for ‘Artistas,’ so they come from different areas of art .  (When she found out I was a writer, she dangled the possibility of my becoming a Diva in the future!  This girl is the original Diva in the best sense of the word, with sparkling eyes and a go-get-’em personality.) As a fateful reward for reaching out and talking to the creator of the event, Sarah introduced me to a few others, which cascaded into meeting more friends of friends. There were men and women there from a variety of professions, from fitness to PR to massage therapy to painting, and of course, photography.

     I left the evening feeling so glad I came and happy to have met such lovely and energetic people. If you’re like me, and ever so slightly intimidated by networking events, take it from me: Once you’ve spoken to one person, it sets off a ripple effect that can potentially make you some wonderful connections. (Psst! Since Jenny’s no stranger to networking events, it could be an excellent way to get to know her, too.)

     If you’re interested in checking out the future Diva or Divo Series events, check out Maven on Facebook or take a look at their site.

-----------