Hey future Grinkie Girls take a deep breathe and know you are in amazing hands. It’s ok to love your body and feel comfortable with who you are. My favorite part was the laughter. I needed a good laugh I forgot how withdrawn I had become over the past few weeks and man I smiled for days after.
The three most important things in my life are 1) my family, 2) to laugh, and 3) good food.
My families laughter lights me up, as does Disney world, and I teach orientations for new hires and when that lightbulb goes off in a mentee’s mind- it’s glorious, and my mom’s eggplant casserole
Something people don’t know about me is that I’ve never read Harry Potter and I’m a millennial.
I came in for a session because I had been to a few pinup sessions and Christi very kindly suggested a surprise for my husband, little did I know how amazing the session was or I would have booked it a lot sooner :)
Guest blogger: Cass
Let’s start with the cliff notes version of my story. My journey, if you will.
Hello! I’m Cass, and I’m a nonbinary transmasculine person who was assigned female at birth. I’m also queer, black, Latinx, biracial, and a big nerd. That all factors in, I promise. Still with me? Cool.
I’ve gone through many phases, many identities in my 33 years on this earth. But they all have one unfortunate common thread: feeling not enough. Not good enough, not talented enough, and definitely not pretty or attractive enough. The privilege to live my truth has certainly helped me squash these feelings at least temporarily, which in part gave me the courage to take a chance.
I had contacted Christi at Grinkie Photography near the beginning of my gender journey when I decided to look for boudoir studios on a whim. I had grown fascinated by the art of boudoir after taking pole dancing and burlesque classes years ago. I love the beauty, strength, and femininity of it all, so I wanted to see if my increasingly not-feminine self would still be welcomed into the world. Thank goodness Christi said yes!
Fast forward to last month. While scrolling through Facebook, I noticed a model call in the Grinkie Boudoir VIPs group. Christi was looking for people to test a white canopy bed. I thought nothing of it at first - what would a masculine person like me do with a frilly white bed? - but as her deadline got closer something about it intrigued me. So I picked four of my favorite selfies, sent them her way, and waited. I was proud of myself for submitting but didn't think I would get chosen.
And then I got a call. Or should I say missed it. (Sorry!!)
We talked about her ideas for the shoot and I surprised myself when not only did I have ideas too but I agreed to wear white. To say white clothes and I don't get along is an understatement. But why not? I thought. I was more than willing to follow her ideas, honored that she chose me.
I decided to go into the shoot with very few expectations for two reasons. First, there isn't really much gender-neutral boudoir inspiration to go off of (but I'm so glad it does exist!). And most importantly, I just wanted to look good and feel good about my body. Let's just say it worked.
I went into shoot day (my birthday!) relatively chill until about an hour beforehand when I suddenly got nervous. Paranoid. Critical. Not worthy? Probably. After the short trek across town (thanks to my partner for driving me), I found myself in front of the studio and heard a friendly "Hey!" from Christi down the hall.
She immediately made me feel welcome and comfortable in her space. We talked a little bit about what to expect before she gave me time to change. "Suit up," she said, so I stripped down. I chose to wear a muscle tee since it's one of my most gender-affirming tops and instead of shorts, I wore briefs. But I didn't feel exposed or anything like that. It felt natural. *I* felt natural.
I specifically remember the first photo of me. We could have stopped there but I'm so glad we didn't...even if it made the task of picking my favorites that much harder. Christi would periodically stop and show me the pictures she took, both from her camera and on a bigger screen. No matter the size and no matter the pose, I was amazed. In awe. Speechless (and those who know me know that's hard to do!). I couldn’t believe that was me in the pictures. Whether they were smiling or reacting to one of Christi’s ridiculous jokes, that person looked far too masculine, far too confident to be me, the awkward kid who overthinks everything. But it was! And I looked *good.*
I felt overwhelmed after the shoot but in a good way. I almost cried a bunch which is also hard to do. I would have picked all of the pictures we took if I could. I never thought that arm hair and stubble would make me feel euphoric. Thanks testosterone!
When Christi made the post with the picture we chose on social media she included an excellent quote from one of my inspirations, Elliot Page: “I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self.”
Isn’t that what it’s all about in the end? We’re all just trying to find ourselves, to find our inner peace. I am so grateful to Christi and Grinkie Photography for helping me do just that. I hope my pictures will help inspire other people who don’t fit traditional beauty molds to give photoshoots like this one a try. I know I’ll be back - with a corresponding outfit for the vest this time!
Guest Blogger: Juliet
Christi has things set up well and is very welcoming! I recommend that people go with the flow, follow your gut on the choice of what you are wearing and just ENJOY the whole process!
The most important things in my life as I get older are appreciating each member of my family more and more! My friends - although we don't see each other often, the lifetime friendships I have hold me up on the hardest days, and giving my time to others - I learned this from my mom -whether it is something as simple as holding a door or making eye contact and smiling at a stranger or making a meal for someone struggling....these are the moments that make me feel like I am making a difference in the world - one kind act at a time
Laughter lights me up, whether it be with my friends, family or my kindergarten students - laughter is an amazing, contagious gift!
People don’t know that I love a road trip - from the planning, to the snacks, to the journey, to the destination - close or far.....I love the idea of just getting in the car and driving somewhere....
I was motivated to come in for a session when I saw the confidence portrayed in the photos online - I wanted that!!
Guest Blogger: Heidi
I am so grateful to you for making the photo shoot a comfortable experience for me. It was not easy and you seem to understand the complex basket of emotions I brought with me. (Dealing with Breast Cancer) :) The hard seltzer definitely helped blanket my jumpy nerves and certainly talking with you while Livi worked her makeup and hair magic.
Future Grinkiegirls need to know that you will guide them through any uncertainty they have! The idea of a photoshoot prior to having my breasts removed seemed so incongruous to the adversity I was facing. They need to know you will show them a part of themselves they either didn't know existed or never had the courage to acknowledge the beauty that had always been with them. When I looked in the mirror for the first time, my first thought was that I was looking at a distant relative I had never met. My brain felt like it was misfiring trying to accept that it was me I was looking at.
My favorite part was handing the reins over to you!! I had NO IDEA how to structure up a photo shoot to accomplish something great....and you did! I would love to be a part of a blog, not just yet. There is still so much for me to process.
Given my daughter may carry the same genetic marker which increases her risk of breast cancer, I want to be a good role model for her. I never imagined it would be a real model! I wanted to show her that I have courage and was willing to go out of my comfort zone to do something meaningful for both of us. I also selfishly (in a good way) wanted a timestamp of my body before my breasts are gone. I don't really think it was selfish-more of a bold way to take care of myself emotionally.
Guest Blogger: Alex
Have you ever met someone and you just knew they were going to change your life? That was immediately my sentiment the summer of 2012, after meeting Christi Williams. On the advice of my bestie Anissa, I signed up for my first pinup shoot. No experience or even a clue of how to pose, I walked in to be greeted by the brightest smile I’ve ever seen.
Right away, she introduced me to her friends who would be my hairdresser & makeup artist that afternoon. The day was flawless. I got to be a girl… laughing with everyone, trying on outfits, fulfilling a bucket list item, to feel pretty and going outside of my comfort zone. Later that day it would occur to me, I felt so beautiful inside and out.
Christi was the best teacher, guiding me thru my poses & smiles, assuring me I was doing great. It was such a validating experience. If I may say, if you are in the market for a photo shoot, I recommend you do it with Christi. I’ve done three other photo shoots with Christi over the course of the last ten years…every one going so wonderfully and me walking away feeling accomplished & confident.
I’ve left every session with more knowledge and appreciation for my inner girl But it wasn’t until February of this year (2022), that I didn’t realize how much I would need her and her photographic gifts. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was heart broken. I was about to lose my best friends. To make lemonade out of lemons, I decided to seize the moment & make it count. Right away, I contacted Christi to share my diagnosis and asked if we could memorialize this chapter in my life.
Without hesitation, she said Let’s get you in now! Before I knew it, I was greeted with that same infectious bright smile I know her to have and have come to love. Knowing what I was about to do, I knew Christi was the person for the job. Her calm cool collect personality was exactly what I needed to pose for the images of my life. It was such a wonderful day! Her team of friends proceeded to make up my face & grace me with a beautiful hairdo.
While I got ready, Christi & my bestie Chauntee worked on picking out my outfits for the shoot. I felt so taken care of, looked after & loved by her & her team. Christi took a most vulnerable moment in my life and made it beautiful. The time she took to ensure my poses were sharp completely took the pressure off of “performing”. I have still yet to conquer the seductive eye, but she always knows the right thing to say to prompt the look she’s going for. She does not disappoint!
I want everyone to know Christi cares about her craft, she cares about you and she cares about her end product. Every photo I have taken with Christi represents a moment so special to me, and I know care was taken to make my visits the most wonderful they can be. Her guidance and specialty make her royalty in her craft. And if you ever get the chance, I say go for it. You won’t regret it. And that first part about changing your life… I guarantee you, it will.
Guest Blogger: Carol
I have been following Grinkie Girls on social media for ages. I know friends and acquaintances that have worked with Christi and I really enjoyed the results. Working with her has been on my bucket list for quite a while. I’m not sure if I was waiting for a major event to celebrate or if it was the money that was holding me back, but one day I said screw it, let’s play and have some fun.
I initially thought I would do some glamour photos because I am a therapist and of a certain age, but I realized I was 54 and I don’t care what other people might think. I wore a bikini at a Vegas pool a few years back and several middle-aged women came up and told me I was an inspiration, so I decided to be the inspiration I want to see in the world.
It was a blast. Started out with hair and make up by artists from Luminous Beauty and then into wardrobe and posing. Christi is amazing to work with. I laughed, felt safe and was very comfortable. She has a knack for poses that highlight your curves and gods, does she know her lighting. Looking at the shots on the camera was thrilling.
After 2 years of staying in and wearing comfy but boring clothes, it was wonderful to get dolled up and feel sexy. I think most folks have come through the pandemic not really enjoying their bodies. I suggest you throw on some make up, take off some clothes and have some pictures taken of your glorious self.
As Mame Dennis said, “Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!”
If you feel like you need a permission slip, hit me up, I can write one for you!
Guest Blogger: Shannon
I've been following Christi's photography journey for many years via social media, and I had firmly placed myself in the category of someone who could Never Do That ("that" being a photo shoot of any kind). I was in absolute awe of all the brave women who primped and posed and knocked it out of the park over and over again. I couldn't imagine ever looking sassy, sexy, polished, put together, and oh-so-lovely as the beauties who graced her studio. Then I went through a year of my entire life being turned upside down, and suddenly I started thinking about myself and who I am and could be in a completely different way. Christi put out a model call one day, and I dared to comment on the post... the rest is history. She invited me to join the Grinkie Boudoir Facebook group, and there I got to see the before and afters of so many women of all ages and shapes and sizes... real women who looked not unlike me... and were obviously having an amazing time being pampered and looking fabulous. I decided to take the plunge and become a Grinkie Girl at long last.
The days leading up to my shoot I vacillated between super excited and completely terrified. I kept going back to the Facebook group and looking through the photo shoots featured there to pump myself up. The day of my shoot finally arrived, and I fought through tons of nerves and seriously crappy driving conditions to make it to the studio. Christi met me with her signature smile, a big hug, and I immediately felt a boost of confidence. Her professional demeanor as I struggled in and out of outfits and needed her help, her incredibly positive attitude, her sense of humor all put me at ease and made me comfortable and so glad to be there. The time went by quickly, and before I knew it, I had selected a bunch of images for an album and was headed for home.
My journey didn't end there, however. About a week later, I got a message that my album was in, and we arranged for pickup. Coming back to the studio and seeing Christi again made me feel warm and fuzzy, and then she handed me a gift bag with my album and flash drive of digital images. When I sat down and paged through my album, I was absolutely stunned. There were tears. Hugs. So much gratitude. I've looked through the album a dozen times now and still cannot believe it's really me on those pages. Christi is magical. Truly, undoubtedly, genuinely magical... and I can't wait to do it all again someday!!
Guest blogger: Geri
What a gift to oneself this experience is. I’ve followed Christie’s work for several years now and have been very inspired by her artistry and that of those she works with.
I always thought “if only”.
Just this past month my “if only” came to be. I was nervous and obsessed way too much over what outfits to bring but I put my trust in Christie and her team. I started out so very awkward but very quickly I was put at easy and felt comfortable in front of the camera (at least sort of, and definitely more then my normal). My normal is to avoid a camera and if I can’t avoid it at least to turn away whenever one is near.
My photo shoot with Christie took me out of my comfort zone! And I am so glad I did it! As I first viewed my images at the end of our session, I found myself pointing out what was wrong or what I didn’t like; Christie gently redirected my focus and shared what she saw in the photographs. This gave me the lens to look at them differently and I was able to see a strong joyful person. Simply put the photos made me happy, made me believe in possibilities and myself.
As it has been for many, the last two years of COVID have proven challenging; prior to these years I was putting in the work to reclaim myself. Having been a single parent frequently working multiple jobs, completely prioritizing my children and everything before myself I now had time for myself. With my children grown and responsible for themselves, it was time to find once again the me that wasn’t Mom. Prior to COVID I’d been stretching myself to go outside of my comfort zone, (improv classes, a career change). Then bang COVID, focus on personal discovery and growth shifted to working on the COVID response, and simply getting through the time of isolation and challenge that we all faced.
As COVID started to release its smothering grip I started to again find time for me and to look for ways to stretch and challenge myself. I found the opportunity for a visit to Grinkie Girls. My photo shoot with Christie has been a great way stretch and move outside my comfort zone. The power and confidence gained from this photo shoot has only increased as I’ve reflected on my session and been able to see some of the shots online. I have been able to refocus my efforts in preparing for my next chapter.
I am very excited to pick-up my album!
To anyone considering working with Christie I say don’t hesitate! You are worth it. The experience itself is a treat and empowering; the pictures are a bonus, something to help you remember that strong individual that exists outside of our labels of mom, employee, boss, etc.
A photo shoot with Christie is truly a safe and loving space! A space to which I’m already planning a return visit.
Guest Blogger: Melanie
My husband and I both work full time and we have two young children. On a rare night when we were both still awake enough to have a conversation; my husband mentioned that he had an appreciation for Pin Up style photography. Even after 25 years of partnership you can still learn a thing or two about your other half. It so happened that earlier that week I discovered Grinkie Girls via the Border Town Betties. Christi had taken a Bettie’s profile picture and I liked her work, so I started to follow her on Facebook. I showed my husband her portfolio. We both agreed it was cool and it was something that we could do “someday.”
The pandemic has made things challenging for everyone. For me, I felt like I had no time for myself, no time with my husband and I was tired of making plans that almost always got canceled. Then Christi had a Black Friday sale and my husband and I said, “Let’s do it!” The spontaneous- for- us decision was exciting! We decided that we would travel the two hours south on a Saturday and do the shoot on a Sunday to make a weekend just for us. It took planning; finding an Airbnb, finding someone to watch the kids and the dogs overnight and keeping our fingers crossed that no one got sick…Finally, the weekend was close and I was nervous, excited anxious and in disbelief, “I can’t believe I’m doing this!!”
Christi’s studio is in a beautiful old brick warehouse with a craft brewery right next door. Awesome! We walked in the studio and we were greeted by Christi’s familiar- to-me face as I had been closely following her Facebook page while I patiently waited the several months for my shoot. We also met my stylist for the day Livi. Both of these ladies clearly love what they do. And best of all they made my husband comfortable enough to jump in to a few photos! The last time we had pictures together was when I was pregnant with our second child…very pregnant and bloated. Don’t get me wrong, these photos have their place!! But, dang, the pictures that Christi took of me and my husband have their place, too. And I’m grateful that she made the suggestion to get some “just us” pictures.
This studio is a place to be loved, to be comfortable and to feel empowered. I was in tears a couple of times throughout the day….Good tears! I felt validation. I was hearing things that hit home for me, things that I knew were true, but wouldn’t let myself acknowledge. Christi is a photographer and a therapist. Seriously. There were so many things she said to me, but the one thing that stuck was, “You’re being critical of your smile. But everyone else sees your smile and it makes them happy.” I don’t think anyone has ever said anything like that to me before.
Please do a photo session. You deserve it.
Guest Blogger: Amanda
Something people don’t know about me is that I’ve been slowing clawing my family out of poverty and now I’m actually at the point of looking to improve our financial future. We will never be wealthy but we will not have to worry about the necessities again (please, God)
The three most important things in my life are my kids, becoming the confident person whom I would want them to model, and building a better future for them and myself
Doing a shoot like this has been a bucket list item for almost six years now. One I am thrilled to have checked off. I have never had any self confidence and this year my resolution was just to not talk bad about myself. In my head and to others. This event really helped boost my confidence.
I drove 383 miles each way, to come from Illinois, and I’d do it again in a hot minute. Actually I’m already thinking I need to in ten years (maybe five). Every woman needs this experience at least once in their life
Guest Blogger: Laura
I had been following Grinkie Photography for a number of years after looking for a pinup photographer in St. Paul. I had originally planned on booking a pinup shoot, but after seeing all the gorgeous boudoir photos Christi had styled and taken, I made a spur of the moment decision to change to a boudoir shoot, and I am so glad I did. The last two years had been crazy and I wanted pictures of my body that I would be proud of.
Christi makes you comfortable and welcome right away. I had no experience whatsoever in doing styled shoots and I was immediately comfortable and excited to start. Lela is a fantastic makeup and hair stylist. She made me feel and look amazing. The level of care and craft that goes into both their work is exceptional and I cannot wait to go back and do a pinup shoot!
Guest Blogger: Tessa
It was so fun and so easy!! :) Don’t let yourself over think it!! If you don’t know what you’re doing, know that Christi and Lela definitely do! Have comfort in knowing that. :)
I loved that there were extras of items and a clothes thoughtless process on my end. It really took the pressure off to know what I should wear as I had no idea!! Not having bras that fit right now, and knows your prepared for it all made me feel so comfortable!
The three most important things in my life are My family (both fur and naked), my passions, and memories!
Seeing a shelter pet get adopted, and the person(s) face as they adopt a new furry family member lights me up!
People don't know I have some introvert tendencies. I was motivated to come in for a session after seeing my auntie come and be so happy!! I don’t have high self esteem and self depreciate a lot. A boost of confidence felt so nice.
Guest Blogger: Amanda
I was in for a shoot recently and it was such a fun experience. I was in a very abusive marriage where I was constantly told how fat and ugly I was. I did this shoot for me 4 years after the divorce and have never been so comfortable wearing next to nothing. I've done one other shoot like this before and it was made to feel much more rushed. These ladies took all the time needed and talked and joked the entire time. I highly recommend Grinkie photography and already have plans in the works to do another shoot.
Amanda Strachota
Guest Blogger: Liz
I've done 2 photoshoots with Christi. I'm already trying to figure out how to do a 3rd.
I'm an Air Force veteran and always wanted to be one of those pinup girls you've seen painted on the side of an airplane. My 1st shoot with Christi was just, that a pin up girl shoot. I wasn't sure what to expect when I got there. I had never done anything like this before.
Christi and Lela (the most amazing hair and makeup person ever) made me feel very welcomed and almost instantly at ease.
I remember looking through her closet and being overwhelmed by all of the amazing choices.. I remember sitting in the hair and makeup chair and watching myself transform from a mom in a hoodie to FOX. It was a great experience that built my confidence like you wouldn't believe and I was so surprised in a good way with the results. I've never considered myself photogenic. Apparently, I am.
Fast forward 5 years. I'm going through a bit of a metamorphosis in life and was looking for a way to get that confidence back. So when Christi did a model call, I volunteered. Again, I was not quite sure what to expect, as my last shoot was pin up and this time I was going to be in my undies. I went in with the same little bit of trepidation but was more confident that once we got going I would feel at ease. Lela did my hair and make up again and I looked like me, only glamorous! A far cry from my everyday messy bun in a hoodie and jeans.
The shoot was fun. We were telling jokes and laughing pretty much the whole time. Looking through the pictures at the end, before Christi even had a chance to edit them, I was kind of blown away that that was me. I don't ever feel sexy anymore. I wanted to. I did. I am sexy!
Thank you Christi for helping me get my groove back!
Guest Blogger: Rachel
Hi! My name is Rachel and I had the best experience shooting with Grinkie Photography. Before my shoot, I had been following Grinkie Photography on Instagram and was a big fan her style and work. When I saw that there was a model call, I knew I needed to jump on that opportunity to shoot with her!
In my normal everyday life, I work In Human Resources from my home office. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be able to work from home but, sometimes being in the same atmosphere day in and day out really has a toll on creative inspiration. As a former dancer, I really missed having that creative outlet. The photoshoot with Christi was just what I needed to feel inspired and beautiful! From the start of hair and makeup all the way to the end of reviewing the pictures was absolutely amazing.
When we were shooting together, Lela and Christi made me feel like a rockstar. The environment that you are put in is so positive and uplifting, you forget about everything that you may have been insecure about and end up feeling so sexy and confident! Not to mention, Christi could be a comedian with the jokes that she has- and who doesn’t love a good laugh?! Lastly, If you are thinking about having a boudoir photoshoot and are having any doubt, just do it! You will have an amazing time and memories that will last forever!
Guest Blogger: Molly
I felt so incredibly comfortable and at ease the minute I walked into the door. Christi’s space is warm and inviting and she is a complete doll!
If you are thinking about coming in for pictures, don’t fixate on your least favorite part of your body and take risks with your wardrobe. I’m very conscious of my birthing hips and my stretch marks and would not currently go to the beach in a bikini, high waisted or otherwise. I surprised myself when I went with the underwear I brought instead of my lacy nightgown, and quite frankly, all I saw was a drop dead gorgeous version of me.
I loved being fussed over and pampered with hair and makeup! Such a nice vacation from my usual Stay at Home Mom life.
The three most important things in my life are my husband, my kids and my chihuahua. Time spent with family and friends lights me up. It’s even better if there’s fabulous food!
Something people don’t know about me is that I have an extensive vintage cookbook collection. My favorites include a Good Housekeeping one from the 1920s with a menu plan for every week of the year and my mother’s copy of Betty Crocker’s New Cookbook for Boys and Girls from 1967.
I’m very buttoned up and conservative in my daily life, but doing a boudoir session has been on my private bucket list for years. It felt so good to let loose, get glammed up, and put on something revealing!
Guest Blogger: Mariah
Hi! I am Mariah and something that not a lot of people know about me is that I struggled with getting pregnant. Infertility is a tough journey. After 2 years of trying, 2 miscarriages, many months of medications, shots, and 2 IUI rounds later I am finally pregnant! It was a hard couple of years, but it taught me a lot about myself and brought my husband and I closer than ever. I think that when we share our struggle with others it helps us to not feel so alone and maybe it will help someone else.
My friend told me that Grinkie Girls was doing a maternity photo shoot and said that I should try for it. I had never thought about going outside of my comfort zone and doing something like this especially while being 9 months pregnant! Would I be showing my belly not covered?! The thought of that was scary! But I decided to face my fear and to do the photo shoot.
The miracle of creating life is such a beautiful and incredible journey that needed to be captured in a way that could be remembered forever and boy did they ever do just that. I can't wait to show my daughter these pictures someday and share with her the journey of how she came to this world.
I am so glad that I did the photo shoot! The whole experience was wonderful, from the makeup, hair, to the ladies making me feel completely comfortable! I felt so beautiful in a time that is hard to accept and embrace the changes in my body. They helped me see my baby bump in a way I had not looked at it before, a beautiful miracle to be celebrated!
Guest Blogger: Billie
This was a great experience Christi and Lela made the entire process wonderful and so comfortable. I don’t think there is anything in the process that should change, they both where so personable and made conversation flow easing my nervous mind.
My advice to the future Grinkie Girls is have an open mind. This experience is much like a positive first date you're nervous and not sure what to expect, but it turns out going so well that you're impressed with the outcome.
My favorite part of the experience was seeing the first picture on Christi’s camera. I was absolutely floored, I had forgotten that I was capable of looking as amazing as the image I was shown. Christi had such a beautiful view and was so positive and insistent in making me realize how stunning I looked. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to feel like a beautiful, fierce, and powerful force of a woman.
The three most important things to me are;
My beautiful, smart, and sassy little girl
My husband who provides support in everything I do and my pets.
Things that light me up; music all kinds different genres and decades, crafting, and being a mom of a wonderful little girl.
Guest Blogger: Sharon
I felt very safe and comfortable! If you are thinking of doing a shoot have fun with it! Do what feels good and comfortable. Tell yourself all the beautiful things to spike that confidence. Repeat after me: I am stunning. I am loved. I am bold. I am brilliant! — I’ve been practicing... they feel weird and silly at first, but it really does start impacting the mood!
My favorite part was wearing the prettiest things and feeling like a queen for a moment.
The most important thing to me are the people that believe in me and supported me even while I was going through the toughest point and struggling. I love you all so very much. Especially my daughter, she reminds me to take time to enjoy the little things and to pay attention to how life should be enjoyed rather than rushed.
Taking the time for myself is the hardest for me to do, but I’m learning!
What lights me up? Watching people find their voice and calling and growing as humans, finding the beauty in the small things, watching children discover, getting dressed up, long chats over local coffee, walks surrounded by nature, getting crafty.
One thing people don’t know about me is that I love fuzzy bumblebees but I’m afraid of butterflies. The wings are pretty, but the rest of them is freaky!
I’ve never done anything quite like this before but have always wanted to! When the opportunity arose, I couldn’t pass it up. I’m comfortable in my skin, but afraid of the perception at times. My casual wear isn’t exactly modest, but when I am meeting with people I know, I tend to cover up due to insecurities of others’ perception. I’m trying to get over that and be able to wear what I want to always.
Guest Blogger: Alice
We've all seen the typical maternity photo shoots of the beautiful couple or family, the beautiful belly, the strategic poses to commemorate the moment in time. I've never seen or experienced anything like what I experienced at Grinkie Girls Photography!
My pregnancy journey, this chapter of my life, is coming to an end. This is my second and final pregnancy, completing our family of 4. I always knew I wanted to have two kids, hopefully a boy and a girl, and wouldn't you know it I got what I wished for! My first was a boy and this one is a girl. These two pregnancies could not have been any more different though.
My first pregnancy began after 14 months of trying to conceive. We were so overjoyed when that test said 'Pregnant'! Pregnancy was a wonderful experience surprisingly, but birth was very traumatic. My water broke at 37 weeks, I labored for 26 hours, and then developed HELLP syndrome where my liver and kidneys began shutting down and I got very sick. Three hours later my son was finally born via emergency c-section. We weren't prepared for such an experience and had to adapt quickly. I'm so thankful for the amazing care and expertise of all my doctors and nurses who took great care of me and my son.
It took a long time to process that trauma and grieve not having the birth I wanted. With the support of my husband, friends and family, and therapy, I moved forward through that grief. Three years later, we knew our family wasn't yet complete and were ready to try again to have another child.
This pregnancy has been completely different from my first. Weeks of morning sickness (all day really), heartburn, hip pain, Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, edema, anemia, joint pain, and other crazy pregnancy symptoms I never had nor knew to expect. Trying to feel special while pregnant was such a struggle because my body was so sore and really struggling.
Enter Christi and Lela. I had been following them for a while on Instagram after seeing stunning photoshoots my friends had with them, and was so lucky to see the model call for pregnant women to play with these gorgeous blue, flowey maternity robes! I immediately knew this was it, this was just the thing I needed to remember how lucky I am to have had two healthy pregnancies, how amazing my body is for growing and caring for these two beautiful babes, and how special of a time this is for me, in this chapter of my life. I immediately reached out and was excited when I got chosen!
The photoshoot was just the boost I needed. Not only did I feel so pampered and special, but every photo was beautiful and Christi and Lela both made sure I knew it! I was nervous at first, but Christi's great directions helped me relax and capture incredible shots. It was a collaboration and sharing of ideas too! Every day since, I've woken up feeling so special and thankful for my body. I can't wait to see the final product!
