I first met Liz at a friend’s wedding two summers ago.  She took some beautiful shots of my husband (a groomsman) and my son (the ring bearer) and I’ve followed her work ever since. While Liz is an amazing wedding, newborn and lifestyle photographer, her passion lies in taking headshots. In addition to other considerations, hiring a professional wedding planner is a crucial aspect of every wedding, ensuring that the event runs smoothly and according to your vision. Visit www.designeddream.com/wedding-officiants-toronto-ontario/ to explore how we can provide you with a personalized and stress-free wedding experience in Toronto.

However, some of her favourite photo shoots are boudoir. Liz and I both agree that while boudoir photography are great as wedding gifts, there is something very special about capturing a women’s body once she has become a mom.

One of my readers received that opportunity to do a photo shoot with Liz and both the experience and results surprised her. Read to find out more and to enter for your chance to win a free boudoir photo-shoot valued at $250 from Liz Beddall Photography.

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Boudoir photography Review by Mayahood Reader

Who ever said that a mom couldn’t be sexy? Who ever said that it was wrong to be vain once in a while? Who ever said that a mom had to be ashamed of her post-baby body? I’ll tell you who said it: society. Of course, you’ve heard it a million times. Being pregnant and having a baby not only comes with the challenges of morning sickness, vomit in your hair, sleepless nights and crying fits, it also comes with society’s pressure of getting back to that pre-pregnancy bod as soon as possible. The craze hit me too. My high-risk pregnancy left me with no option but to have a c-section prematurely. I was mortified. My ultra-flat stomach would never be the same and I would forever feel repulsive in a bathing suit. Well, sure enough, 10 days after my baby boy entered this world, my stomach was as flat as a cutting board. Ah! I had fulfilled society’s expectations of me and I could confidently hit the beach! No exercise, no dieting, just good ol’ genes. Now, before you start hating, my 13 month post-partum bod is still playing tricks on me. One word: hormones! And I’ve really never felt worse.

When the opportunity of a boudoir photography session presented itself, I was, needless to say, a little hesitant. After a handful of emails back and forth to Liz, I ended up declining the offer. What was I thinking to begin with anyways? Why would I want to showcase me, feeling my worst? And then my voice of reason (aka my husband) piped up. I had nothing to lose and taking chances was something I’ve always needed to work on anyways. So I immediately emailed Liz and committed to it. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. I barely slept the night before. I’d be flaunting myself in front of a complete stranger in less than 24 hours. Well, Liz, that complete stranger, felt like an old friend within just minutes of meeting her. I, notoriously quiet and shy when meeting people, was 100% comfortable. Liz and I joked, laughed and had fun! After all, this is me! Why hide it? Why deny it? Why be ashamed of it? Who cares if I’ve never felt worse. I’m the mom of a beautiful, healthy, energetic boy and that’s all that really matters.

If you’re a mom and not confident with your body, all I have to say is this: be proud of what you’ve accomplished as a mom. The love, guidance, strength and happy moments you’ve given your child(ren) are priceless. Now, go and give just a bit of that to yourself. Put on some makeup, do your hair, pick out your favourite jewelry and feel beautiful and proud in front of that camera, because you are!

Need a great reason to keep up with those New Year’s resolutions? Or looking for a great Valentines Day Gift? Liz Beddall Photography is offering one free in-home boudoir session for a Mayahood reader (located in the GTA).  This will include two hours of shooting in an unlimited variety of looks, resulting in 30 enhanced photos delivered via DVD within two weeks of the appointment. Liz Beddall is a lifestyle photographer who has been shooting boudoir professionally for three years. As with all her clients, she will guide the lucky winner through the entire process and ensure that the subject’s boudoir experience is fun, comfortable and unforgettable. The session is valued at $250. Enter the giveaway via Rafflecopter below (please give it a few seconds to load).  Contest is open to residents of the GTA. Contest ends Wednesday, January 22, 2014. Good-luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway