I’m so excited to share this session with you! I’m all heart eyes for this client and she’s the reason I’m throwing a PARTY! So first…the party details, then…her gorgeous images.
Saturday, October 22nd from 2pm-4pm my studio will be the place to be! We are having a Breast Cancer Awareness party! Debbie (who you will meet in a moment) will be there with her Stella & Dot trunk show and you can shop for the cause. My team will be there with pink hair extensions to raise awareness. We will have pink cocktails and snacks and SO many other fun things that you’ll have to come to see! ALSO, I’ll be giving away a boudoir session! EEK! So…you’re coming right? CLICK HERE TO RSVP!
Well, now that you have plans next Saturday…let me get on to this week’s, very dear to my heart, Friday Favorite.
Debbie called me on a Wednesday to plan her shoot for Friday. Most of you know, that’s not how the Blush & Tease experience works. Its important to have time to plan, shop, get ready! But Debbie’s circumstances were different. She was scheduled to have a double mastectomy the next week. I felt so so honored that she landed with me and all I wanted was to give her girls the best photoshoot possible.
On the phone Debbie told me her story (which you can read all about HERE on her blog) and we brainstormed about what she could wear ‘the day after tomorrow’. We texted non-stop until Friday morning when she showed up with the bag full of perfect, randomness. Including pineapples lol! The next 2 and half hours flew because we had so so so much fun! It was truly a celebration of her life and boobs! I’ll let her tell parts of it too…
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, someone along the way suggested a photo shoot to “document” my OG tatas. I talked about it with my mom and she thought it was a great idea (I was a little surprised). I found a photographer through google and went back and forth with her for a bit. I needed a second biopsy and wanted those places to heal before doing a shoot so they didn’t stand out too much. I also went back to PA to see my family before surgery. By the time I was ready to schedule, the original photographer was booked. I asked her if she knew anyone else that may be able to help me, that’s how I found YOU!
I couldn’t be happier. Sometimes when you meet someone, you just click. I know that sounds so cliche but it is so true. Maybe it is because this shoot was so much more. I don’t know. After our first conversation, I knew things would be just perfect. I felt like we have known each other forever. I wasn’t nervous at all but so excited for this part of my story. You have given me something no one else could. Certainly better then the few iPhone pics I took along the way.
Having been through the shoot, I think this is something every girl should do at least once in her life. And if you find yourself in this crummy cancer situation, like me, I would say this is a must. I mean it. I felt like a million bucks when I left. The hair and makeup alone is a mini pamper session. Let alone the actual shoot. So if you are reading this and you know someone going through this, maybe give them the idea. This will for sure be my best memory of having breast cancer!” – Debbie
Cue the fire hydrant in my throat…hold yourself together Adena! I have so so so many favorites from this session so I was glad that Debbie was able to narrow it down a little! Also, a huge shout out to Makeup by Heather B. She’s so super talented and made Debbie see her beauty in a whole new light!
“A good friend gave me this shirt shortly after I was diagnosed. I love it because laughing with a smile is the only way I was going to get through this. I only had one shot to nail the shoot and all I had to do was show up! You were amazing. You completely understood what I wanted to get out of this experience and exceeded beyond my expectations.”
“I had less then 24 hours notice once we spoke. I threw a bunch of different things in a bag to take with me. I had picked up this PJ set at Victoria’s Secret for after surgery. I wasn’t going to be able to put my arms up so I needed button down tops and PJs. These ended up being some of my favorite pictures. I love how we featured by boobs without showing them in all their glory!” (Which, I must add, we did a little of that too!)
“I grabbed this scarf at the last minute just because it was pink. I feel very sexy in this photo. The shoot really became a celebration of this journey and made the looming surgery more of a turning point vs. a loss.”
Ok ok, this last one was on BOTH of our favorites lists! Debbie had sent me a quote that said “Be a pineapple: Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.” And after a little encouragement from me, she showed up with pineapples! We did a couple of shots in the studio and then I asked if we could take them outside. I mean, pineapples need sun in your hair right? I did not expect her to say yes, not even one little bit. But this…was magic. “I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and the studio for these. It was the perfect ending to the day. And I smile every time I think of this.”
Debbie darling, thank you so much for sharing your side of the Blush & Tease experience. I know that last minute shoot has turned into a friendship and you can’t get rid of me now! Thanks for giving me a reason to throw a party! Its going to be so much fun. You are not fighting alone, not ever. Lets kick some cancer’s ass.
xo
Adena
