Boudoir - SouthBound Bride

Adorable Couple’s Boudoir

12 September, 2017 by gaby

I have to admit you guys, when I heard that ‘couple’s boudoir’ was a thing, my first thought was: ick. I mean, some things should be private, right? But since then, I have to admit my mind has been changed by the classy way that photographers have captured fun, playful, intimate moments between couples. As today’s photographer, Samantha Jackson, says: “There are rules – we don’t want to get too out of hand! But overall the sessions are sexy and fun, and a reminder to couples of the steamy connection that they share.” That’s why I love this Mr and Mrs session – it’s super sweet (and beautifully captured) and, like the best kind of boudoir, is like a peek behind the scenes rather than a dodgy provocative lad’s mag shoot. It’s full of laughter and fun, and of course – love! And just wait until you read the adorable couple’s love story and how they pulled off the perfect, relaxed elopement!

Lady of the Manor Boudoir Inspiration

30 May, 2017 by gaby

Get ready for some absolutely beautiful images this afternoon, lovely ones, because this boudoir session, styled and photographed by Natalie Shelton, just makes me want to stare at my screen all afternoon. With delicate lace, soft light, and the backdrop of an elegant manor house, she’s captured not just the beauty of her model (which is what boudoir is all about, as far as I’m concerned) but that feeling of anticipation and grace the morning of a wedding and it’s that time before the celebrations kicked off that actually inspired this session. Natalie was originally born in SA but now lives in Germany where this session was shot, and I’m so thrilled to be bringing you this gorgeous feature of her work!

Candlelight & Roses Romantic Boudoir Inspiration

4 July, 2016 by gaby

It’s the start of a new month editorially on SBB, and if you’re the kind of bride who’d describe her style as classic and romantic, you’re going to love it! This month we’re focusing on the timeless and the traditional, with a heavy helping of romance. So what better way to kick it off than with lace, candlelight and roses? This styled boudoir session by Nadia of Wildflower Photography and her team of talented creatives pays tribute to those moments of sweet serenity before a wedding day begins, just a bride in her boudoir. I do love a pretty boudoir session and this one has all the most gorgeous ingredients – love letter-style stationery, evergreen wreaths, macarons, beautiful soft light. All wedding mornings should be as lovely as this one!

Bridal Boudoir: What to Wear

30 June, 2015 by gaby

Guys, we’re at the end of our month of Natural Beauty, and it’s been fun to focus on the hair, makeup, beauty and natural side of things for the last few weeks, including some absolutely beautiful boudoir sessions. For me, boudoir is a great way to make a bride-to-be (or any woman!) feel beautiful – it can be a gift for your fiance sure, but I think it’s really a gift to yourself. Because let’s be honest, when it comes to our bodies, most of us are pretty unforgiving of ourselves. Seeing yourself through a photographer’s lens is a chance to see yourself differently, in the best light really (flaws and all) – the way that your partner sees you. Which is all awesome, but what the hell do you wear? ;) Now personally I’m a fan of the more subtle form of boudoir rather than the FHM-style shoots, but however you choose to play it, the key thing is to wear lingerie that makes you feel comfortable as well as gorgeous. You can go as covered up or as daring as you like, but you want to feel confident. So no matter what your shape or style, here are some top tips for what to wear, as well as highlights from some of our favourite collections to inspire you.Read More

For Love & Lemons Bridal Lingerie Collection 2015

15 June, 2015 by gaby

Afternoon, lovelies! As part of our month of natural beauty, we’ll be looking at all the little bits and pieces that go into making a bride look her best on that all-important wedding day – and night. That includes lingerie, so today we’re showcasing the new bridal collection from trendy LA label For Love & Lemons, a favourite of stars such as Ellie Goulding. This series of dreamy lookbook shots is so pretty that they also serve as beautiful boudoir inspiration, for those of you considering a shoot. Whether you’re after something fun like the ‘I do’ or ‘Wifey’ knickers, or something super sexy like the Honeymoon thong, garter and bra set, you’ll be inspired – my fave is the lacey little ‘Yours Truly’ lace robe – and I’ll bet your man will love it too, wink wink.Read More

Boho Berry Boudoir

12 June, 2015 by gaby

Morning lovely ones! We’re starting off our day today with some boudoir inspiration that really encompasses the idea of natural beauty to me. Our subject looks so comfy, so happy and so beautiful! And she’s surrounded by gorgeous nature, and the most delicious light – spectacularly captured by photographer Angie Capri. The other things about it I adore, are the deep berry/jewel palette that comes through in the flowers, both bouquet and floral crown, which I think makes a drop dead amazing colour scheme for a wedding, as well as the ‘bride’s’ awesome curly hair.Read More

Spanish-inspired Styled Boudoir by Angie Capri

19 March, 2015 by gaby

There’s nothing I like more than opening up my inbox to find some amazing inspiration, and when I saw this styled session by the fabulous Angie Capri, there was a lot of oohing going on. Angie always shoots beautiful boudoir, but she really takes it up to a whole ‘nother level here, with an absolutely gorgeous palette, original concept, and spectacular images which serve to inspire not just visually, but in bringing confidence to brides to be. I also love how it’s sexy, but very tasteful – if the idea of posing in your undies isn’t for you, it just shows that a boudoir session can be as covered up as you want it to be without losing any of the spark! That’s why, alongside a bath lined with sequins (which let’s be honest, I want to basically live in now), my favourite detail is the mirror calligraphed with the words: ‘Confidence is the most beautiful accessory’. Spot on. That’s exactly true!Read More

Saltwater Sirens Boudoir Shoot by Angie Capri

29 January, 2015 by gaby

Years ago, my friend Marcelle and I went to see Blue Crush, and when we walked out we basically decided we should give up our jobs and lives in London immediately, move to Hawaii and learn to surf. That obviously didn’t last past the post-movie cocktails, but there is a part of me – the same part that grew up in Port Elizabeth with a bunch of heybrus – that secretly yearns to be a surfer chick. Considering that involves standing on a moving board and my sense of balance is at a negative, that will probably never happen, but today I’m living out the fantasy vicariously with a gorgeous tropical boudoir shoot from US photographer Angie Capri. I just love the sunny, laid-back feeling in these photographs, and the way that Angie’s hands, boudoir is playful and fun rather than lad’s mag trashy. Looking beautiful and enjoying being in your own skin. That’s what good boudoir is all about, folks.Read More

Retro Pinup Bridal Boudoir by Angie Capri

6 November, 2014 by gaby

It’s been a while since I featured a boudoir session here on SBB, but I couldn’t squeezing one into the schedule when I saw the fun 1940s pinup style that photographer Angie Capri and her bride-to-be, Rachel, put together for this shoot! For me, it’s the perfect example of how a boudoir session doesn’t have to be nudey to be sexy (in fact, Rachel was pretty much covered up throughout), and best of all, how much fun and confidence boosting it can be! Rachel looks like she’s having an absolute ball in these pics, and looking amazing while she does it. Be sure to read her account of the day too, because it really reflects what the boudoir experience should be all about. So what are you waiting for, ladies?Read More

Romantic Boudoir Inspiration by Kate Pleasants {Plus Top Boudoir Tips}

6 June, 2014 by gaby

Happy Friday lovelies! We have a full day of inspiration here on SBB, starting with the most BEAUTIFUL boudoir imaginable from the talented Kate Pleasants. If you’ve been wondering if bridal boudoir is for you, and whether it’ll make you feel sexy or silly, then this is a great example of how subtle (and classy, and gorgeous) it can be when done right. It’s about what isn’t revealed, not what is, and photos like Kate’s are little works of art (a gift for your groom, but a gift for yourself too). As well as sharing them today and making the blog all pretty (yay!), Kate’s answered a few frequently asked questions to help introduce you to the boudoir concept.Read More