WEDDING NEWS

Chantal Storrs-Barbor a boudoir photographer and educator based in Camberley, Surrey; specialises in photographing everyday women in a natural, editorial style that focuses on confidence and empowerment. Here, she tells us more... 

"Wedding planning is full of decisions. Flowers. Dresses. Venues. Timelines. But more and more brides are adding something unexpected to their pre-wedding plans — a bridal boudoir photoshoot.

"Not just as a gift for their partner (although it makes a very good one), but as a confidence boost before one of the biggest days of their lives. Because somewhere between dress fittings and seating charts, it’s easy for brides to forget something important: It’s not just for them!

"Bridal boudoir offers a rare pause in the chaos — a chance to step away from planning and reconnect with confidence, femininity, and a little bit of fun. And yes, it does make a pretty unforgettable wedding morning surprise. After all… happy wife, happy life!

Boudoir, But Keep It Fresh
"If you’re picturing awkward poses and overly dramatic lingerie shots, or even feather bowers, think again. Modern boudoir is much more refined. Soft natural light. Elegant styling. Thoughtful posing. Images that feel more like pages from a magazine than something hidden in a drawer. A veil slipping off a shoulder. An oversized white shirt catching the morning light. A bride seeing herself the way everyone else already does — confident, radiant and beautiful.

"And here’s the thing most brides don’t realise at first: The women in these photographs aren’t models. They’re everyday women who simply decided to try something a little outside their comfort zone. 

How to Choose the Right Boudoir Photographer
"If the idea of booking a boudoir session feels exciting (and slightly terrifying), choosing the right photographer is the most important step. A good boudoir photographer isn’t just someone who takes beautiful photos. They’re someone who makes you feel safe, confident and supported throughout the entire experience.

Here are a few things brides should always look for:

1. Do They Photograph Real Women?
Look closely at their portfolio. Do the women look like professional models — or real clients? The best boudoir photographers specialise in photographing everyday women and guiding them through flattering poses so they feel comfortable in front of the camera.

2. Do They Help You Feel Prepared?
A professional boudoir experience should include clear guidance before the shoot — what to bring, how the day works and how to prepare. This helps remove the biggest worry most brides have: “What if I don’t know what to do?”

You shouldn’t need to. A good photographer will guide you every step of the way, their website should make the whole process as clear as possible

3. Do You Feel Comfortable With Them?
Boudoir photography is a personal experience. Trust matters. 
Many photographers offer a phone consultation or a chat on zoom before booking so you can talk through the session, ask questions and make sure you feel completely at ease. That connection is often the difference between a shoot that feels awkward — and one that feels empowering. It’s ok to ask where the shoot will take place, who will be there and any other safety questions you may have. Ensuring you feel safe and comfortable should be the number one priority for any good boudoir photographer.

Where Do I Find This Great Boudoir Photographer?
"If Surrey is too far away and you can’t come and see me then, jump on Google and look for “Boudoir Photographer in…"
Some find their photographer via Instagram or Tiktok which is great as you get to see exactly what they are up to and if you connect with their vibe.

"On my website I have curated a list of wonderful boudoir photographers from up and down the country, they are all fantastic and will photograph you beautifully!

A Gift That Means More Than You Expect
"Of course, bridal boudoir does make an incredible wedding gift. Many brides present a luxury album to their partner on the morning of the wedding — often delivered by a member of the wedding party or its left waiting quietly in the Groom/Brides room. But what surprises most women is that the experience becomes just as meaningful for them. Seeing yourself through someone else’s lens — confident, elegant and strong — can completely shift how you see yourself. And that confidence doesn’t stay in the photos, It walks down the aisle with you.

When Should Brides Book?
"In my experience, booking a boudoir shoot is often not a last-minute decision, most brides ponder this idea for a while, then often talk themselves out of it!

"If you’re thinking about bridal boudoir, timing is important. Most photographers recommend booking your session 6–8 weeks before the wedding to allow time for editing and album design. But if you have left it late, don’t worry I always do my best to accommodate!

"Many brides also bring personal details to the shoot — a veil, wedding shoes or even their partner’s shirt — to subtly connect the images to the wedding story. But the most important thing to bring? An open mind. Because the brides who walk into a boudoir studio slightly nervous often walk out saying the same thing: 'I wish I had done this sooner!'."

Find out more www.captivatethestudio.co.uk (Boudoir) www.chantalstorrsbarbor.com (Fashion & Portrait)
Instagram: www.instagram.com/captivate_beauty_boudoir