I booked a Grinkie Girls photoshoot as a long-distance anniversary gift for my soldier. It ended up being a gift to me too! My husband has been deployed to Iraq since October 2019. The separation has been difficult, and we’ve missed each other fiercely. I knew I wanted to do something extra special for him for our sixteenth wedding anniversary. A boudoir and retro pinup shoot was the perfect gift!
Being a military family is not easy, and being a military wife is exhausting – mentally, emotionally, and physically. I knew this deployment would be a huge challenge, but I did not know we would also be enduring a pandemic simultaneously. My three kids and I have been home more than ever before. I don’t have many spare moments to myself since I’m the sole person parenting our kids, taking care of the house, cooking, cleaning, and doing all the things while also working my job. Like most people, I’ve been living in pajamas and sweatpants since March. There’s never been a less glamorous period of life.
Doing my Grinkie Girls shoot made me feel beautiful again. It made me feel sexy. It helped me to remember that I’m more than a mom, a wife, an employee … I’m a radiant stunning woman! It gave me my confidence back after feeling like a disheveled hot mess for so many months. It sparked a flame in my relationship with my husband again as well. Keeping the romance alive when you’re separated for so long is vitally important.
I loved every second of my experience in the studio. Christi was the best combination of fun and professional. I was amazed at how quickly and effortlessly she was able to coach me into positions that made me look like a freaking supermodel. Her skill behind the camera was very evident and my photos attest to it. Lela styled me so beautifully. I’m considering hiring her to come to make me up every morning once covid is over and I’m actually leaving the house regularly again! Honestly, though, she’s magic. I never looked so good as I did that day.
Do it for you. Do it for your person. Just do it. It’s an experience worth having, memories worth documenting, and the fun you really need!