A New Kind of Something Blue
Bridal Boudoir is becoming one of the most talked-about pre-wedding experiences for brides. It’s a new way brides can boost their confidence or present a spicy gift to their partner. Melbourne Wedding & Bride’s Chloe Jaenicke speaks with Alyce Capurso, director of Adarling Boudoir, about how it all began and why more women are giving it a go.
Written by Chloe Jaenicke
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your business:
When I started out as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed photographer, I never imagined that lingerie shoots for everyday women would become my life’s passion. I began shooting weddings in a small country town in South Australia.
Early on and by chance, I met with a high-profile American photographer who said, ‘There is this new trend that brides are loving, as a gift for their fiancé. It’s called bridal boudoir.’ There was nothing like it here and it sounded like a fun idea. After inviting my brides to come in for a session and seeing how they left with so much confidence, I really found my jam and my purpose.
At this point, I knew our style was different to a traditional boudoir shoot, so I renamed it ‘an Adarling shoot’. Our style is pretty and elegant, with images spicy enough your fiancé will love them but tame enough that you would show your best friend.
After five years specialising in bridal boudoir in Adelaide,I decided to bring the Adarling brand to Melbourne.We grew to a small team of women to look after themakeup, session, retouching and editing.
When the lockdowns hit, things got challenging. It was one of those times in life where you have no choice but to go all in or cut losses and tap out. Luckily, we took a huge risk and secured a new space in Melbourne that now, if I’m cheeky enough to say it, is the most gorgeous dedicated bridal boudoir space in the world. Imagine chevron oak floors, chandeliers, French linen furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows for amazing light. Fast-forward to today, and we have also expanded into Sydney and Brisbane, with an all-female team to create this beautiful and unique Adarling experience for brides-to-be.
Why do women book boudoir sessions in the wedding lead up?
You may have seen the viral videos of bridesmaids handing out polaroids of the bride on the wedding day to the groom. The groom’s face will flush red – and it’s a playful wedding day idea.
Some brides will leave a book, which we call ‘Bella Books’, under the bed the night before the wedding as a surprise, if the two are staying separately. That’s kind of the last impression, no more texts after that, until their eyes meet down the aisle.
Most women love gifting their fiancé with something fun and flirty, often as a thank-you gift right after the engagement.
How does the Adarling team help women feel confident at the photoshoot?
Our sessions begin with professional makeup and a glass of bubbly. It’s important to keep things light and upbeat and our photographers guide every client through the poses.
During the session we will always spin around the camera so clients can see their photos, which is often the moment everybody starts to relax, gain confidence and realise just how amazing they look.
How can women get the most out of their Adarling session?
I think coming in with an open mind is the best way. It’s best to book in 6-12 months before the wedding. We ask brides to bring in three different lingerie sets, or whatever they feel comfortable in. As this is often done as a complete surprise, some brides steal something from their fiancé’s wardrobe, like their white shirt to throw over a black outfit, or a favourite tie, which makes the images feel uniquely theirs.
How do women react when they see the finished photos?
The reactions are honestly the best part. I can’t tell you how many messages I receive from women who are completely blown away by their images. They often come in a little nervous, and leave feeling on top of the world.
What advice do you have for any women considering doing a bridal boudoir photoshoot? Especially if they are nervous?
When you are engaged, it’s a special time in life that you don’t get back. It’s the perfect time to buy lingerie for your honeymoon and really invest in yourself. A boudoir shoot is a fun experience, it can feel liberating, is confidence building, and makes a beautiful engagement or wedding gift.
The funny thing is that our typical client isn’t the womanhood thinks to do this. She’s usually the woman who tells us, ‘I’m absolutely not a model, and this is way out of my comfort zone.’
It’s a leap of faith that brides are taking, and then they fall in love with the results.
Images courtesy of Adarling Boudoir
www.adarling.com.au
Instagram: @adarling_original