The BRAVA Boudoir by Hillary Schave

Recently, I had the opportunity to write up a little something about my boudoir business for the local Madison, WI Publication, BRAVA Magazine. It is live on their website as we speak and you can see it here. But, as usual, I went a little crazy with it and wrote about three times more than what they needed! So I thought I would share the long version here. And also, some more photos!

Boudoir photography is for women (or men) who want to have suggestive and sensual photos taken of them to document a special time in their lives, to reaffirm romance and love between long term partners, or most commonly, a gift to a future spouse. They are typically taken in a woman’s private bedroom or dressing room, or a photographer’s studio that is set up with amazing light and beautiful props such as Azena Photography .

Romantically inclined.  I love to photograph the softer side. The beautiful side of a woman. Romantic lingerie and suggestive attire rather than explicit is more of what the boudoir experience is all about.

Artfully and tastefully captured.  It can be erotic, sulky, provocative and sexual but I really love using beautiful flattering light and creative ways to capture without going full nude.

Vibrant, vivacious and vulnerable. Bring in colorful lingerie, laugh, and show me your vivacious personality. Open yourself up and show me your inner beauty and your outer grace.

All sizes are beautiful! Don’t wait to lose that last 5 pounds. I will pose you to flatter your body type. Seriously, any size! Even if you are missing a limb or an eye!

 

Brave beauty, yes!  You should celebrate your body! When you are 70 years old, (unless you are 70 now and want to do this, that would be fun too!) you will look back at these celebrated photos and the vessel that changed but the spirit shining through wil still and forever be yours.

Own it! This is for your own enjoyment. Afterwards, when you look at these photos, you will see the attractive, open, sensual and desirable woman that you truly are.

Unclothed, or not. You don’t have to get naked for this. Some of my favorite sessions have been with an oversized men’s shirt and a smile. Unlock your inner confidence and then take it off!

Dress to be sexy. Be daring, desirable and dreamy.

Open and exposed. You are already taking the steps through my doors. Now, with someone you have never met, taking off your clothes and being photographed! Don’t worry; I’ll break the ice with an awful joke or some champagne.

Intimate portraiture. This type of ph

otography is empowering, provocative, naughty, and for some, fantasy fulfillment for their loved one.

Really FUN! I want women to see in themselves what their loved one sees and what I see through my lens. Nothing is sexier to me than a great big laugh and I’m there to capture it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sky and Andrew are getting married tomorrow! I loved their engagement session at their home and lovely farm. We get to go back for sunset on the wedding day too! Their daughter Sofia was so cute in  her little red boots. I can’t wait to see her all dolled up for the big day. And there is snow! Finally!

I’ve been saving this blog post for today! Since it’s St. Patrick’s Day, what better wedding to show off than Josie and John’s Green Wedding!

Josie and John have a really beautiful and unique story. I was blown away by the deep feelings and love in the details she shared with me. They met and started dating in the 6^th grade! Though it was just a fun early stage romance, they always kept each other in their hearts. Both of them had rough teenage years. Josie was in a car accident due to hydroplaning, which resulted in two friends dying and in critical condition. John had some neuro issues due to a birth defect, was hanging out with some naughty kids and got into some trouble with the law. About 2-3 years later, they started dating which was 2010. They fell in love in their junior year of high school. John told Josie after three weeks of dating, he was going to marry her.

Later that same year, a neurological birth defect John was born with began to show symptoms again and over the next year and a half he had 10 surgeries’. The last surgery leaving him wheelchair bound for a year and a half. John learned to walk again after many medication trials, some successful and other’s failures leading to stuttering, tremors, etc. He first walked with bilateral knee high leg braces and two arm crutches. Today he walks with just bilateral knee high leg braces and has worked to kick the arm crutches to the curb. He worked so hard.

In May of 2014, at the end of Josie’s practical nursing pinning ceremony, John walked down the aisle, up the stairs with his leg braces on and one arm crutch and asked her to join him on stage. There he got down on one knee in front of family and peers and asked her to spend forever with him!  Melting heart over here!

Josie and John’s first dance was to “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran for the  significance of of the lyrics: “when your legs don’t work like they used to, and I can’t sweep you off of your feet” because John physically couldn’t while in the wheelchair.  How sweet is that? What a great love story! These two are such an inspiration and I am honored to be a part of documenting their beautiful day.

Vendors: Second Shooter: Melissa Austin  //  Ceremony: Korth Park, Lake Mills, WI //  Reception: Comfort Suites Johnson Creek, WI  //  Florist: Generations Wedding Flowers and Photography  //  Dresses: David’s Bridal  //  Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse  //  Cake: Aggie’s  //  Wedding Rings: Zales

 

Our final wedding of the 2016 busy season was one of the most inspiring and emotional endings I have ever had. It was my very first gay wedding and I am so happy that Heidi and I were able to be a part of this momentous event for Nick + Michael and capture every amazing detail!

When I think back to the day of the wedding, all I can remember is how joyous everyone was.  We walked into their house full of amazing friends and loved ones, all getting ready together and drinking and laughing. These people are the kind of people I want to be around every day and throughout the day, there was never-ending laughter, cheering, hugging and dancing. It was such an amazing thing to witness.

We had so much fun taking photos at the Capitol with the wedding party and family and then just a few moments alone with the Grooms over at Yahara Place Park (one of my favorite places in Madison!).  The ceremony and reception took place at Madison Turners which is a fantastic venue for dancing and fitting in close to 300 guests! I was overwhelmed with the happiness, acceptance, emotion and just plain YES!

Here are just a few of my favorite moments from the big day. There are so many more but alas, I can only fit a small sampling of the amazing day. If I had to use three words to describe this incredible wedding, it would be: Unforgettable, Emotional, and FUN. Enjoy!

Vendors: Second Shooter: Heidi Johnson  // Ceremony and Reception: Madison Turners // Officient: Diana Kessel // DJ: Midwest Sound // Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse // Women’s Attire: David’s Bridal // Cupcakes: Becky Huttenlocher // Catering: Hyvee