Celebrating How Far You've Come: A Thanksgiving Reflection on Progress

As we gather around tables filled with gratitude this Thanksgiving, there's a beautiful and new "(to me) practice I want to invite you into – one that celebrates not just what we're thankful for, but how much we've grown and accomplished this year.

It's so easy to get caught up in the endless to-do lists, the goals still pending, the projects half-finished. We have a tendency to focus on the gaps rather than the ground we've covered. But today, let's pause and truly acknowledge the distance we've traveled.

Looking Back with Pride

This year has been a journey of growth in ways both big and small. As I reflect on my own path, I'm filled with gratitude for the progress made:

Those large house projects that seemed overwhelming at the start of the year? They're done, well, some of them at least. The rooms that felt chaotic and unfinished now bring me peace every time I walk through them. Each completed project represents not just an improved living space, but proof of my ability to see challenging tasks through to completion.

That licensing test I'd been preparing for – and honestly, worrying about unnecessarily – is now behind me, passed with such success that my coworkers teased me about overachieving. It represents not just professional growth, but the courage to bet on myself and invest in my future.

My reading goal for this year felt ambitious when I set it in January with the new job taking up more of my time than my old one. Now, with just weeks left in the year, I'm nearly there – pages and pages of stories, wisdom, and new perspectives that have enriched my mind and soul.

And perhaps most importantly, the countless hours spent with friends and family. The conversations that went late (but not too late) into the evening, the spontaneous dinners, fondue nights, beach trips, and the quiet moments of connection. These hours weren't just spent – they were invested in relationships that make life meaningful.

Your Journey Deserves Recognition Too

Now I want you to take a moment to reflect on your own path this year. What victories are you overlooking? What progress have you made that deserves celebration?

Maybe you:

• Finally tackled that organizing project you'd been putting off

• Started a new hobby that brings you joy

• Improved your health in small but meaningful ways

• Strengthened relationships that matter to you

• Learned a new skill or earned a certification

• Made your living space more comfortable and beautiful

• Read more books than you expected

• Traveled somewhere new, even if it was close to home

• Overcame a fear or challenge that once seemed impossible

• Simply showed up consistently for yourself or others

The Power of Celebrating Progress

There's something profoundly healing about acknowledging how far we've come. It shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance, from "not enough" to "look what I've accomplished." It reminds us that we're capable, resilient, and constantly growing.

When we celebrate progress, we're not being complacent – we're fueling ourselves for continued growth. Recognition of past achievements gives us confidence to tackle future challenges. It reminds us that we've overcome difficulties before and can do it again.

A Different Kind of Gratitude

This Thanksgiving, alongside gratitude for family, health, and blessings, add gratitude for your own growth. Thank yourself for the effort you've put in, the challenges you've faced, and the progress you've made.

You are not the same person you were at the start of this year. You've learned, grown, accomplished, and persevered. You've made decisions, taken actions, and moved forward even when it felt difficult.

That deserves recognition. That deserves celebration. That deserves gratitude.

Moving Forward from a Place of Strength

As this year draws to a close and we look toward new goals and dreams, let's carry this awareness of our capabilities with us. We're not starting from zero – we're building on a foundation of proven growth and accomplishment.

Yes, there are still things on our lists. Yes, there are new mountains to climb. But we're climbing them as people who have already proven we can finish what we start, pass the tests that matter, create beauty in our spaces, and invest deeply in what matters most.

This Thanksgiving, give yourself the gift of recognition. Celebrate how far you've come. You've earned it.

What progress from this year are you most proud of? Take a moment to really acknowledge it – you deserve that recognition.

Miss S {A Boudoir Story}

I have lost a lot of weight over the past few years. It was due to health concerns, but now that I'm considered "skinny," I still feel like I'm not skinny enough. Ancient Greeks thought the most gorgeous woman had a little bit of cellulite around the midsection, so why am I not pretty with that same little bit?

Miss Katie got to work with my insecurities. Suggested poses to help me cover what I didn't like and made it look flattering in other poses. She helped me feel confident in my ability to look attractive even with my thoughts. I took a look at the photos and I feel happy (so, so happy) and think that I look amazing. It's definitely what I needed to boost my confidence.
Miss Jessica did makeup that I'm not used to wearing, and now I want to do my every day appearance just like how she did it. It wasn't too heavy and it made me look wonderful. I enjoyed working with the both of them so much I want to work with them in the future (for more boudoir shoots and for my wedding). The both of them were very professional and that made me feel more comfortable as well.

I think my favorite part of the boudoir shoot itself was trying something new. I was nervous, but Miss Katie opened me up and tried some things in front of different backgrounds, using different outfits, and utilizing different poses that worked well with each outfit chosen.
As far as products, I got the full package. I'll have a big canvas picture I can hang on my wall to remind myself I'm stunning. I'll have an album I can look through just for me to do the same thing (in case a giant picture isn't enough). I got the little boudie view thing for my partner's birthday (and I can't wait to see his reaction to how I look).
To other women looking to do a boudoir shoot, go for it! I can't believe I didn't do it sooner but I'll come back again and again. Not only do you work with two people (If working with Miss Katie and Miss Jessica) who make you feel pretty, but you also have a fun experience essentially "modeling" for yourself or your special someone. At the end of it all, you get picture proof of just how gorgeous you are.

Thank you again, Miss Katie and Miss Jessica <3

To the Women Who Lift Each Other Up: A Women's Entrepreneurial Day Thank You

Today, as we celebrate Women's Entrepreneurial Day, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude – not just for the opportunity to pursue my passion through photography, but for the incredible network of women who have made this dream possible.

Running a business can feel isolating at times. There are late (but not too late) nights editing photos, moments of self-doubt, and the constant challenge of putting yourself and your work out into the world. But what I've discovered is that behind every successful woman entrepreneur is a community of other women cheering her on, and I am blessed beyond measure by that community.

To My Amazing Clients: You Are My Foundation

To every woman who has trusted me to capture her most precious moments – you are the heartbeat of my business. When you book a session, you're not just purchasing photography; you're believing in my vision, trusting my artistry, and allowing me into the intimate moments of your life.

You've welcomed me into your lives, shared your stories, and trusted me to preserve your most treasured memories. You've celebrated milestones with me, shared your joy, and allowed me to be part of your journey. You’ve trusted me with the most intimate parts of you and I could never thank you enough. Every session reminds me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.

Your trust is not something I take lightly, and I'm honored to be chosen as the one to tell your stories through images.

To My Social Media Supporters: You Amplify My Voice

To the women who consistently double-tap my posts, leave encouraging comments, and share my work – you are my marketing team, my cheerleaders, and my confidence boosters all rolled into one.

When you comment on a photo saying "Gorgeous!" or "You captured her perfectly!" you're not just being kind – you're helping potential clients see that my work resonates with real people. When you share my posts to your stories or tag friends who might need a photographer, you're extending my reach far beyond what I could achieve alone.

Your engagement tells the social media algorithms that my content matters, which means more people get to see my work. But more importantly, your words of encouragement arrive exactly when I need them most – often right when imposter syndrome tries to creep in.

To My Word-of-Mouth Warriors: You Are My Greatest Advertisement

To the women who recommend me to their friends, family members, and coworkers – you are worth more than any paid advertising campaign could ever be.

When you tell someone, "You have to book with her, she's amazing," you're putting your own reputation on the line to support mine. You're vouching for my work, my character, and my ability to deliver on my promises. That level of trust and endorsement is priceless.

Some of my most treasured client relationships have started with "My friend Andrea said I absolutely had to work with you." Those referrals represent not just new business, but proof that my work has made such an impact that you want others to experience it too.

To My Behind-the-Scenes Supporters: You Keep Me Going

To the women who ask how business is going, who celebrate my wins, who offer encouragement during challenging seasons, and who simply believe in what I'm doing – you provide the emotional foundation that makes everything else possible. To my mom who would never in a million years let me take her boudoir pictures but still stands beside me at every bridal show bragging on me and supporting me and my dreams - where would I be without your unwavering confidence in my work.

You're the friends who get excited when I share a favorite photo from a recent session. You're the family members who proudly tell others about my business. You're the fellow entrepreneurs who understand the journey and offer both practical advice and moral support.

Your belief in me often carries me through moments when I struggle to believe in myself.

The Ripple Effect of Women Supporting Women

What strikes me most about this community of support is how it creates a beautiful ripple effect. When women support women-owned businesses, we're not just making individual purchases or giving single compliments – we're contributing to a culture where women's dreams can flourish.

Every booking, every share, every referral, every encouraging comment creates momentum. It builds confidence. It provides the resources needed to grow and improve. It sends a message that women's entrepreneurial efforts matter and deserve support.

And here's the beautiful thing – when one woman's business succeeds, it often creates opportunities for others. Success breeds success, and support multiplies when it's given freely.

Looking Forward with Gratitude

As I continue to grow my photography business, I carry the knowledge that I'm not doing this alone. I'm supported by an incredible network of women who believe in lifting each other up rather than tearing each other down.

To every woman reading this who has supported my business in any way – whether through bookings, engagement, referrals, or simply believing in my dreams – thank you. Your support means more than you know.

And to every woman entrepreneur out there: remember that behind your success is a community of other women cheering you on. Don't be afraid to acknowledge their support, thank them publicly, and pay it forward by supporting other women's dreams too.

The Power of Community

Women's Entrepreneurial Day isn't just about celebrating individual achievements – it's about recognizing the collective power we have when we choose to support each other. My business exists not because I'm working in isolation, but because I'm part of a community that believes in the power of women supporting women.

So today, I celebrate not just my own entrepreneurial journey, but all of you who have made it possible. Thank you for being the wind beneath my wings, the voice that amplifies my message, and the community that makes dreams come true.

Here's to all the women lifting each other up – because when we rise together, we all rise higher.

To every woman reading this: thank you for being part of this beautiful community of support. Your encouragement, trust, and belief make all the difference.

Please pass on the support to other woman owned businesses, post your favorite in the comments so that we can support them as well.

Small Acts, Big Hearts: Meaningful Ways to Make a Difference

Today is Make a Difference Day, and while grand gestures and organized volunteer efforts are wonderful, I want to talk about something even more powerful – the tiny, unexpected moments of kindness that can completely transform someone's day.

We've all heard about paying for the coffee behind you in line (and that's lovely!), but what about those deeper, more personal moments of connection that cost nothing but can mean everything? Sometimes the most profound impact comes from simply seeing someone who feels invisible.

The Power of Being Seen

There's something magical about the moment when someone feels truly seen and acknowledged in their struggle. Here are some small but mighty ways to make that happen:

For the Overwhelmed Parent

Tell the mom wrestling with a screaming toddler in the grocery store that she's doing a great job. Look her in the eyes and say, "You're handling this beautifully – we've all been there." Those few words can turn her worst parenting moment into a reminder that she's not alone and she's doing better than she thinks.

Offer to help load groceries for the parent juggling kids and a full cart. Or simply say to the child having a meltdown, "I can see you're having big feelings right now" – sometimes acknowledgment from a stranger can be surprisingly calming.

For Those Facing Hard Times

Keep a case of bottled water in your car to give to homeless individuals you pass by. Add a granola bar or a pair of socks. It's not about solving their entire situation – it's about acknowledging their humanity and showing that someone cares.

Leave encouraging sticky notes in library books, on bathroom mirrors in public restrooms, or tucked into clothing at thrift stores. Someone having a tough day might find exactly the message they needed: "You matter," "This too shall pass," or "Someone believes in you."

For the Service Workers

Learn the name of your regular barista, cashier, or janitor and use it. Ask how their day is going and actually listen to the answer. When someone spends their day serving others, being treated as a person rather than just a service provider can be incredibly meaningful.

Leave a glowing review that mentions a specific employee by name. That review might be read by their manager and could impact their job security or morale in ways you'll never know.

For the Struggling Students

Call AEP and ask who is getting their power shut off today sometimes all it takes is $50 to keep someones lights on.

Leave quarters on washing machines at the laundromat with a note that says "For whoever needs this." Sometimes it's not about the money – it's about the reminder that kind people exist.

For the Lonely Hearts

Strike up a genuine conversation with someone eating alone at a restaurant or sitting at the park. Not to intrude, but to acknowledge them. Sometimes a simple "How's your meal?" or “Isn’t the weather lovely?” can turn a lonely moment into a pleasant memory.

Compliment someone specifically and genuinely. Not just "nice shirt," but "that color is absolutely perfect on you" or "your smile just lit up this whole room." Specific compliments feel more sincere and can boost someone's confidence for days.

For the Essential Workers

Bring homemade treats to your local fire station, police station, or hospital with a note thanking them for their service. These folks work around the clock to keep communities safe and healthy.

Leave a cooler of cold drinks outside your house on hot days with a "Free for delivery drivers" sign. Mail carriers, Amazon drivers, and food delivery people spend long hours in the heat.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

Here's what I've learned about these small acts: they don't just change the recipient's day – they change yours too. When you actively look for ways to brighten someone else's world, you start seeing humanity differently. You notice the single mom struggling with groceries, the elderly man eating alone, the teenager who looks like they're having the worst day ever.

And often, these tiny acts create ripple effects. The mom you encouraged at the store might be more patient with her kids later. The homeless person you acknowledged as a human being might feel a little more hopeful. The lonely diner you chatted with might smile at the next person they encounter.

Making It a Practice, Not Just a Day

While Make a Difference Day gives us a beautiful reminder to be intentional about kindness, imagine if we carried this awareness with us always. What if we made it a daily practice to look for someone who needs to feel seen, valued, or supported?

The beautiful thing about these gestures is that they require no special skills, no significant financial investment, and no organized planning. They just require us to pay attention to the humans around us and respond with compassion.

Start Where You Are

You don't need to change the world today. You just need to change one person's moment, one person's day, one person's perspective. And you know what? That might just change the world anyway – one small act of kindness at a time.

So as you go about your day today, keep your eyes open. Look for the person who seems overwhelmed, lonely, unnoticed, or struggling. Then do something small but meaningful to remind them that they matter.

Because they do matter. And so do you. And so does every tiny act of love you put into the world.

What small act of kindness will you share today? Sometimes the tiniest gestures leave the biggest impact.

Miss T {A Boudoir Story}

Last year, when I turned 60, I thought I’d handled it pretty well…the “Big 6-0” hadn’t affected me at all – or so I thought. I didn’t realize it, but I started using my age as an excuse to get lazy, forget my sex appeal, and basically find a reason not to be intimate…”I’m too old to be frisky anymore,” I told myself. Basically, I thought that all was left to me was the rocking chair and my knitting needles.

Enter Katie Larrington Boudoir Photography.

My partner recognized that I was pre-emptively sliding headlong into my AARP-era when he suggested that we take part in a boudoir shoot for our birthday (we celebrate our special day, with him being 3 years younger…call me a Cougar-ette). Having just celebrated our 10th anniversary, I had gifted myself / him with some cute and sexy lingerie since it had been quite awhile since I’d worn anything special for him. He noticed how much fun I had with that, thus the spark of a boudoir shoot was ignited.

I surprised even myself when I immediately pounced on his suggestion. I’ve never been overly-modest and I admit that I found the idea of such a thing to be titillating and sexy – and certainly just the gift to myself to help celebrate both my birthday and a recent 40 pound weight loss. I was thrilled and surprised when my partner eagerly agreed to take part in it with me!

In the weeks leading up to the shoot, I knew I wouldn’t be at my ideal weight or even in the shape I would love to be in by shoot time, but I still worked on getting my daily steps in, a wee bit of resistance training, and a LOT of sit ups. I finally faced the fact that I would never be the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model ideal I was pursuing, so I decided to love the body I was in and I jumped in with both feet.

I also spent that time doing the “fun stuff”: curating a wardrobe and making a mix tape of music that made me happy, made me feel sexy, and would put me at ease. (as it turns out, Katie has great pieces to augment any wardrobe – right down to accessories and shoes. I only wish I had enough time in our shoot to get to all of them!)

I took a bottle of Persecco to enjoy among Katie, Jessica, and myself while I was getting my hair done. I chose to do my own makeup since I know my way around a mascara wand and it was important to me to look as much as my authentic self as possible. The bubbly and the camaraderie among us girls were a HUGE help in putting me at ease. My partner even came early to watch that part just to see me in my element…did I mention what a terrific sport he is!? Any other time, I would say that the “pre-gaming” was my favorite part, but…

The shoot was a total blast. I’ve never felt more attractive, alive, or vibrant - and certainly have I never felt sexier than I did for the next 90 minutes. Katie simply blended into the background as my partner and I retreated to our own little, sexy world. She provided direction when necessary, but basically left it to us to be as intimate and romantic as our instincts took us. I could definitely feel that he was into it (ya get me, guys and gals?). I had no idea that my otherwise quiet, stoic, and “vanilla” guy had such an exhibitionist streak in him…and I loved it! There are so many things to say that I loved about the experience, but seeing myself through his eyes made me feel something that I don’t think I’d ever felt in all our time together…and I don’t think I’ve ever felt so desired – or desirable. I won’t even go into the post-shoot adventure that we enjoyed once we got home.

The wait for the photos seemed like forever when in actuality, it was a very short turnaround. Katie even teased us with a small group of preview pics that only served to whet our appetite for the final product – which we loved. Words fail to properly describe how much we love the end result…there are times I can’t believe it’s actually us…she made us look just that good – and HOT!

To anybody on the fence or having doubts, I say unequivocally, “GO FOR IT!!” There is no question that it is one of the most adventurous, daring, and rewarding experiences of my life. I feel better about myself (even my “muffin top”) and the appeal of that rocking chair no longer calls to me.

Our relationship has regained its footing and dare I say our intimacy level is off the charts. Going forward, anytime either of us start to fall into that old ennui or get “stale”, I guarantee we’ll pull out our photo album and remember that day in late April when we came alive and rescued our mojo.

Thank you, Katie. You’re a magician with a camera. I’m telling everybody I know they NEED to spend an afternoon with you and get their sexy back!

Megan {A Boudoir Story}

I was considering a boudoir photo shoot as a gift for my significant other and I’m so glad I ended up doing it! Not only do I think he’s going to love the photos but I really enjoyed the experience.

I was really nervous before going but as we got started I felt comfortable and by the end confident! Katie gave me feedback that made me feel beautiful. I was scared I wouldn’t want to see the photos or be happy with what I saw but after I got the previews I couldn’t wait to get the rest! I would definitely recommend this experience.

Rachel {A Boudoir Story}

I have always struggled with body image. I always compare myself to other people and wish I looked a certain way.

Doing this photo shoot, I got my confidence back and feel more comfortable in my own skin. I see myself as beautiful and strong. I would recommend doing this for anyone who wants to feel confident about their bodies. I’d women need to stop comparing ourselves to other people and love our own bodies which this will definitely do!

Kaysee {A Boudoir Story}

My experience with Katie was awesome! I was very hesitant to do a boudoir shoot. I had a few friends that had done them for day-of wedding presents for their husbands. But I always thought, “I could never let someone I never met photograph me basically naked.” But then I thought more about it and met Katie at a bridal expo.

Her business card said something along the lines of “… because no man ever said he’d rather have a watch.” I literally also considered getting my fiancé a nice watch for a gift to him on our wedding day. Right then, I knew it was meant to be and these photos would be the best gift I could give him on our wedding day.

During the shoot, I was a little bit nervous at first. But as time went on, I felt more comfortable with Katie photographing me. She was super super sweet. And I sort of just let my guard down and had fun! I definitely enjoyed it way more than I thought. Doing the shoot also definitely boosted my confidence. My whole life, I was super skinny- barely breaking 100lbs. Now granted, nowadays, I’m not much heavier than that. But 20lbs to me has seemed like a lot. So recently, I’ve been struggling with my body image. I think this shoot came at exactly the right time and gave me the confidence boost I needed.

When I saw the pictures, I was like “dang okay maybe I am pretty sexy!!” Katie definitely posed me in the best positions to make me look great. Plus seeing myself with full glam hair and makeup definitely helped. When getting my makeup done, I told Jessica to just do whatever she thought was best and she did amazing!! My hair and makeup looked so so good. Katie was the best and also sooo fast!! She had sneak peaks literally the day of the shoot and the full gallery within a week. My advice to anyone on the fence about doing a boudoir shoot would be just do it. You might surprise yourself and it might be better than you ever thought!! I would 10/10 do it over again!!

Brianna {A Boudoir Story}

I originally did my boudoir shoot as a Christmas gift for my boyfriend, but it become a gift for myself! It was such a confidence boosting experience. Social media makes it so hard to not nit pick every little “flaw” on your body, but this boudoir experience has helped me realize that I need to love my body no matter how imperfect I think it is. Everyone should do a photoshoot like this! It’s so empowering and it’s a great way to feel like a badass.

I don’t think my experience would have been as amazing if it weren’t for Katie and Jessica. From the minute I walked into the studio I felt at home! They did such a good job of making me feel comfortable. Jessica’s hair and makeup skills are top tier! I don’t usually wear makeup and she made me look and feel so beautiful! I don’t think I would have felt as confident during the shoot if I didn’t get my hair and makeup done.

Katie is a badass photographer! She was such a pro and you can tell she LOVES what she does. She has so many props and sets. She was hyping me up throughout the entire shoot. She showed me every pose she wanted done and guided me in posing which was amazing! No awkwardness in front of the camera. If you are considering doing a boudoir shoot with Katie, take this as your sign to say yes! You know you want to!

Jenny {A Boudoir Story}

I wanted to do a boudoir shoot for my husband and my anniversary. This is something totally unexpected of me to do. But once I started picking out my outfits and trying them on before hand, I realized I needed to do it for myself as well. I have very low self esteem when it comes to my body even though my husband brags on me and compliments me all of the time. For once I wanted to see myself the way he does, a beautiful, sexy woman.

I still don't like my body that I saw in the pictures, and I probably never will, but I do feel so much better about myself after seeing all of them. Having my hair and makeup professional done and talking to Katie while getting it done relaxed me so much and made the shoot so much easier for me. Katie explained every little thing she was going to do and told me how to pose perfectly. Everyone's body is beautiful no matter the size of it and that beauty comes out in Katie's photography. I am so glad I did this not only for my husband, but myself as well.

Ashley {A Boudoir Story}

My advice for other women would be yes, a boudoir session might seem a little weird at first but at the same time the outcome of the final photos are drop dead gorgeous. Katie walked me through everything and it was really great. I had fun and it was a big self esteem and confidence booster for sure!

5 out of 5 stars

Andrew and Ashley {A Couples Boudoir Story}

We had done a couple's boudoir shoot a few years ago, but some of the photos and poses were a little awkward, so we wanted to do another one with a different photographer. Ashley was also having some confidence issues with her body and we felt that a photo shoot would be a perfect confidence boost, which it most certainly ended up being.

After a quick Google search, we found Katie, and her website looked great, so we filled out the intro questionnaire, and Katie got back to us very quickly. She was super nice and helpful and got us excited for our shoot.

On the day of the shoot, we were both a little nervous and excited at the same time, and while Ashley was getting her hair and makeup done by the FANTASTIC makeup artist, we had plenty of time to sit and chat with Katie to ease our nerves. Once we started shooting, everything felt completely natural, almost as if Katie wasn't even there. We just focused on each other.

Our favorite part of the boudoir experience was the shower scene by far. It was a first time for both of us having professional photos taken of us naked, and it was exhilarating.

Seeing our photos for the first time was very impressive. We almost couldn't believe how amazing they all looked, and knew instantly that we wanted to get a book along with digital copies of all the pictures.

We absolutely loved working with Katie and definitely want to book another session in the future, it was just so much fun!

Sarah {A Boudoir Story}

I have always wanted to have a boudoir photo shoot. But I also wanted to be at the goal weight I had my mind set on. I had lost 50lbs back in 2019 but during Covid I had put 20+ back on. So I had been feeling down on myself for not maintaining that lost, for not handling stress well, and just feeling bluh.

So when I saw the questionnaire I was like ok I am going to fill it out because I was like I need to do something for me. I was so nervous days getting closer to photo shoot. And day of I was excited but nervous. I was afraid that there wouldn’t be a good picture because I don’t see myself as sexy and too overweight to be taking photos in lingerie.

Katie made me feel comfortable and at ease. She directed me on poses and did so many there would have to be a good picture in one of those. When I finally got my images I was shocked. Not only was there one good image but there was so many. I saw myself looking sexy, confident in my skin, and happy.

Tamara {A Birthday Boudoir Session}

I have always been a big girl, but I learned how to love myself for me and for no one else. I wanted others to see how confident I am in my skin. Society makes it to so hard for someone my size or bigger to even go out in public and enjoy ourselves because there is so many judgmental people around.

So, I had been looking for Boudoir photo sessions and came across Katie and I was impressed by her work. I contacted her to do my photos for me as a 30th birthday gift to myself. I was nervous and didn’t know what expect when I arrived, but Katie made me feel comfortable and I felt empowered about myself throughout the session.

The reveal of my pictures blew me away because I knew I was already fine, but Katies photography had me looking fine as hell. If you want to do something out of your comfort zone and want to feel confident in your own skin, then Katie is the person to go.

Carrie {A Boudoir Story}

I am not a fan of my body. I never have been. And its been many shapes over my 43 years and 3 kids. This year, I wanted to do something fun for my 10 year anniversary but I also wanted to do something for me. Something outside my comfort zone but also flattering that I could "accept" to maybe get a boost in confidence.

And BOY, did Katie do that for me. Self Love is so hard, but Katie makes you WANT to be sassy, empowered and feel beautiful. I was not disappointed in how I felt about the entire experience from makeup to the shoot. It was something I will never forget and when I need a reminder that I AM IN FACT beautiful as I am, I have a visual reminder.

Thank you Katie for helping this middle aged mama feel like a million bucks, even if it was for only a few hours, I have the reminder to last me forever!

Niki {A Boudoir Story}

Katie and I have been friends for years and you would have thought I would be the most comfortable because of that. I was terrified. Being naked and vulnerable for someone you don't know seems so much easier then someone you will have to face again. Katie brought down each level of my anxiety and before I knew it I trying all kinds of new outfits, poses and sceneries. She knows exactly where to start with you, how to ease you into it, pose you just right and make you feel sexy. And BOOM! It all comes together just like that. My only regret was that I hadn't done it sooner!

Dont wait until you're "ready". You will always be at your best when you are in her studio, feeling like a million dollars no a matter what. I want to post my pictures everywhere, show everyone, but they are a little risky, if you know what I mean!

Haley {A Boudoir Story}

So going into this I was terrified and extremely nervous. I was doing this shoot to get out of my comfort zone and do some self love. words cannot explain how empowering it is to get your pictures back and not even see the flaws that you see everyday. And to look at your pictures and think damn I look good and want to show people pictures of you. that is a huge deal for me and I highly recommend doing this for yourself

Kercia {A Boudoir Story}

My thoughts about soviet beauty standards is everyone should have a vixen body. Everyone you see on TV has a slim waist, perky boobs and a big booty! I wanted to do this shoot you feel beautiful at any size! I recently lost 80 pounds to gain my confidence back and to be more healthier. I still see myself as I was before the weight loss and I wanted to do this photo shoot to celebrate my hard work and prove to myself that the weight loss is real! My biggest fear was to see myself in photos half naked! After the shoot I’ve learned to embrace my body as it is currently! My body confidence before the shoot was probably a 3; after the shoot 7. I was definitely nervous, Katie helped by saying “yaassss” when she got that perfect shot then showing me a sneek peek of that photo right then and there! When I de my photos for the first time o had to say to myself... IS THAT ME?!?! I really enjoyed working with Katie and look forward to working with her in the future. I would tell those that are thinking about a boudoir photo shoot to GO FOR IT!!! Such a great experience!! Very professional and a great photographer.

Jessica {A Boudoir Story}

Katie is so magical to work with!

I have now done two boudior sessions with her and each have been absolutely amazing!

My first session was a Valentine's Day gift for my then boyfriend (now husband) and I loved them so much I returned to her to have a bridal boudoir shoot done when my husabnd and I got married.

Katie truly makes you feel so comfortable throughout the whole process ams each time I have been so pleased with the outcome!

I seriously can't believe how sexy and confident her work makes me feel and look! It is such a confidence boost and of course my husband loves all the photos. I framed a few and hung them in our bedroom to remind myself that I am a badass, sexy woman everyday!

Andrea {Another Boudoir Story}

While I have written my story before, my story is still continuing and I still have constant struggles to overcome especially when it comes to self love.

I was bullied in school for my weight even though I honestly wasn't fat. I had gained weight from stopping gymnastics since I wasn't as physically active but it wasn’t too bad. But I was made fun of for it and made to feel like I was fat and ugly. Because of that I became bulimic. I was sexually assaulted at the age of 13 and raped at 16. After the rape, I had an even worse view of my body and myself as a whole. I felt dirty and disgusting. No matter how many baths I took, I couldn’t become clean. No matter how deep I would cut myself, it would never be deep enough to take the guilt and disgust away. I finally spoke up about the rape a year later, in 2009 ... my senior year. I was looked at like I was filthy by some people. My health was also declining due to chronic migraines and had me hospitalized for a lot of my high school years but it was getting worse because of my stress and depression. I was in so much emotional and physical pain that I felt like I was drowning and taking my family along with me. One thing led to another and I tried to commit suicide. I stabbed myself in the abdomen and had to be rushed into emergency surgery where the doctor barely saved my life. I have the scar from the stab wound but I also have the huge surgery scar that has made me feel even more self conscious and honestly ... ugly. It has taken many years to try to train my mind to not think that way, but it comes natural to me to put myself down. Not but a little over a year after that, I ended up losing our first child. The one thing that my body is supposed to be able to do, the one person that my body is supposed to create and protect ... it failed. I failed. My body couldn't keep my own child alive. That is when I really started to hate myself. I felt helpless. Two months later, I got married .... to a man who not too much later became abusive and cheated on me. If my own husband can't even love me, how can I love myself? The abuse and cheating went on for years and I ended up divorcing him in 2014. I felt like I had nothing going for me. I failed in my marriage and I had failed as a mother. I still felt trapped but by my own emotions. I felt worthless for so long that I didn't know how to think differently. But I have ended up getting stronger and trying to reset my mind and way of thinking to learn to give myself plenty of patience and some much needed grace. But one reason why I have done multiple sessions with Katie is because I still struggle some with suicidal thoughts and how I feel disgusted with myself and how I have "let myself go" in how much weight I have gained.

All of this has been what has caused me to have the view of myself that I have. I have slowly been changing that and by some happy circumstance, I was led to Katie. I had always wanted to do a boudoir photoshoot but it would have been for my husband. After learning about what Katie does, I knew that this had go be for myself. I needed this for ME.

I was quite nervous going into my first session as I had never done anything like this before. Jessica helped pamper me with doing my makeup and hair and then Katie helped make me feel comfortable and sexy as I was doing the photoshoot. She gives you great directions and suggestions on what poses to do and let's you rock it in your own style. She helps make it comfortable and you end up having more fun than you imagined. I love all the kinds of different props that can be used and the different colored backgrounds that help give a different vibe to each look. So not only is it fantastic to be in lingerie and feel drop dead gorgeous, you have a photographer who brings you in as a client but then you end up leaving as a friend. To me, that is one of the most valuable things that I have taken away from these photoshoots. Katie is so encouraging and caring in real life and it spills out into her photography. She puts care and love into each of her clients's sessions and photographs. And when you see the finished products, you will be in awe of the fact that it is YOU in those pictures. It is YOU in that lingerie looking sexy, beautiful, gorgeous and worthy. YOU!

These sessions and pictures help keep me motivated to pursue better for myself mentally and emotionally. It is an encourager and a confidence booster. This was the starter to my self love journey and has helped me so much. If this can help me in the way that I needed, I know that it can help you too.