This past week, I was a bundle of nerves. My job is good, my relationship is good... everything was…read moregood. So why the nerves? I pride myself in being a strong, independent woman however as a larger woman I've always had body issues and this week I had decided to step out of my comfort zone and get some pictures taken to show myself that I still have some sex appeal. I live in St. Louis, so after only a 20-minute drive, I found myself sitting outside of Bellisimo Photography Studio with 3 outfits, my personal foundation, and a desire to embrace a little body confidence. You first walk into an office with beautiful pictures of women of all sizes and colors. These photos are inspirational, and I'm starting to get a little excited to pose like some of those photos. Jay is amazing! A master promoter of women, she put me at ease right away. She did my makeup, threw some curls in my hair, and then I was off to the dressing room. I will say that I brought no jewelry to this because I didn't want to detract, but I kind of wish I had brought a couple of pieces and asked Jay what she thought. Because I only had moisturizer on my face and Jay didn't know how I usually wear my makeup, I was looking forward to her view. The makeup was perfect for an evening out (or a photo shot obviously) and I got so many compliments on my hair afterward that I may start putting a few curls in it. (Those curls actually made me feel a little more (dare I say it) sexy.) The studio itself is gorgeous. The building looks very commercial, but when you walk into this studio, you "see" part of the "glorious" Opera House this building once was. There are 3 photo nooks in the room. Two contain couches and one a huge beautiful bed with satin sheets. They move things around every so often (so I was told), so you could technically go back every once in a while to get more pictures done. I showed her my outfits, and we were ready to go. The dressing room has a ton of robes that can be used. There was one that had a lot of ruffles that I really wanted to wear over a black gown that I brought, and I did. The session was easy. Jay walked you through every pose and sultry look. As the session continued, I realized that I was truly enjoying myself, was less self-concious and beautiful, and felt like I was so powerfully woman. It's hard to explain, but I felt unstoppable. After it was over, I'll admit I was sad. I was feeling so amazing. I suppose I enjoyed the pampering and assurance that I was killing it. I got dressed and went out to talk to the art director, Ashley. She was excited to see my photos and to discuss all my options and put them in my own collection book. I've since been back to order my photos. I walked in thinking...I bet we can only find one photo I approve. But while I didn't embrace all 60 photos that were taken of me. After some time, we were able to narrow it down to one of the packages they offer. They sent the prices of their packages before I went in to order (which I liked because they were very transparent (much like one of the outfits I wore. Hahaha), and while I told myself to get one specific collection, I settled on one with a few more pictures. Now let me rant a little... we all have cameras that we carry around with us. Sometimes, we manage to take a photo that is epic. Sometimes. Very seldom. Photo taking isn't easy. Especially in this field where pictures never lie. You see it all in these photos, but only a pro can create a work of art out of you, even with so many flaws screaming to be seen through the lens. Jay is that kind of pro. I will be posting some pictures of their studio nope...not of me... but when you see me next, you'll see me standing taller with an air of sensuality and power. Thanks Bellisimo!!

Today, I had the most wonderful experience of a Boudoir Photo Session! I had attended an event 2…read moremonths ago and the ladies of Bellissimo had a vendor presence to which I signed up out of curiosity. I came up with an outfit that was sexy chic, at least to me, and arrived at 4p. The ladies were ready for me upon arrival and super friendly and welcoming. This being my first time with this type of photography, they put me at ease. The studio area had about 8 or 9 stations, but tons of props and design throughout. The session included photos at all the stations which was fantastic. I try to follow directions very well and the photographer was pleasant and patient. She took alot of angles. At the end, scheduled follow-up appointment to view the results and make orders. Can't wait to see them!

Alecia was wonderful, and the photoshoot experience was sooooo much fun. She knew exactly how to…read moredirect the shots based on what I told her I was looking for, and I wish I could have purchased every photo! She is so accepting and open, she made the experience even more than I imagined and pushed me to see the beauty in myself. I got to also enjoy getting my makeup and hair done and felt like a MODEL all day long--the whole experience was nothing less than absolutely fabulous!

My first session with XOXO Alice was in 2018; it was purchased as a wedding gift for my husband. I…read morehad lost 100 pounds over the course of our relationship and was super nervous to have boudoir photos done because of how embarrassed I was by the loose skin that I had all over my body. I imagined options for outfits and poses would be very limited, and I would spend the whole time nervous as heck and hating myself. The super detailed instructions to prepare for the session were the first thing to set my mind at ease. I was glad to know I only had to personally bring SOME of the outfits I wanted to wear but that there was a full wardrobe of varying sizes waiting for me. I was greeted on the morning of the shoot by one of her kitty cats, which immediately made me feel more at ease. The conversation held between myself, Alecia, and the make-up artist that morning to determine the kind of photos we wanted to shoot was eye-opening and very information, though I felt like a shy newbie not having the answer on-hand when I showed up. Alecia used creative methods to get me the best shots possible and made me feel more at ease throughout the course of the day by cracking jokes to make me laugh and just have general conversation about shared interests (specifically pet birds). By the end of the day, I had come to love how my body was portrayed in a way I never knew was possible. The directions she gave throughout the shoot were kind and specific so that she got the exact bodily post and expression that she needed. My husband could not have been happier with the photos, and I will always cherish the self-esteem boost I left with. The second shoot I had was vastly different than my first. It took place in early 2022 while I was still scared witless about catching COVID-19. She had a process in place requiring each client to take a rapid test in their car prior to the session to confirm a negative result. This made me feel much safer considering she was the first person  outside my family and close friends that I would spend a day around maskless since the pandemic began.  Some relevant background information includes something that developed over the course of time since the initial photoshoot: this included the onset of chronic (nearly constant) pain in my neck, shoulders, and upper and lower back that is greatly flared by too much motion of my joints that were weakened by illness and major surgery recovery. I was nervous as all get-out to reach out to Alecia to see if I could request a session (via one of her model-calls on her Facebook page) thinking that I would be too hard to work with due to my physical limitations. Remembering how much I had to move or bend during the first session, I thought it would be impossible to have a similar experience again. My weak and painful body had driven me to hatred and depression because my body had all but given up on me. I had also put on a teensy bit of weight due to my inability to exercise. Alecia assured me that she could work with me to show me that my body wasn't to be hated and was confident that she could use feedback given by myself during the session to ensure she didn't cause an excess of pain. She ended up discussing my changing life situation while makeup and hair were being handled. Not only did she make me feel like a "normal" person regardless of my illnesses and pain, she made sure I knew that she saw me as no less of a woman or model. She did a lot of moving and shifting to accommodate my decreased abilities of motion and took my inability to stand for long periods of count all into ability when choosing the outfits and poses. We even made a sort of silly game out of taking water breaks since I am required to drink far more water than most people; she was sure to take a water break whenever I did and made sure I ate when I needed to. I was so shocked by the resulting images and felt like she helped me along the first step of accepting my new disability by taking myself for how I am and not just hating my own existence. I know this may seem like a little much to come out of a boudoir photography session, but she has a magical way of seeing everyone she photographs the way they need to be and deserve to be seen. I am already saving up for my next photo shoot! The first one was for my significant other, but all additional ones are purely for me!

Something Bleu did the photography for our son and daughter-in-law's wedding. There was a huge…read moresnowstorm that weekend and several businesses closed and roads were covered in snow. Meg was amazing! She battled the snow and captured stunning photos and cherished memories despite the challenges. We were all very impressed by her presence and involvement and best of all the photos. Simply BEAUTIFUL!

To say amazing is an understatement. My daughter was left in the dark when her photographer…read morecancelled on her a week before her wedding. i am so glad she did because the photos you captured are sassy, vibrant, and magical to say the least . You have a great gift and you use it very well. Very family oriented , focused and driven. You know what you are looking for and capture that special moment. I am greatful that you were a huge part of Nieves and Kodi wedding. I 1000 percent recommend Something Bleu to capture your memories so you and your loved ones can treasure them!! Breathtaking and beautiful wedding photos!!!

I don't even know where to start! Carol is one of the sweetest people I have ever met! She's…read morepassionate! She's flexible! She's understanding! She made my entire wedding party feel comfortable including our parents and the flower girl! We were able to have fun with the photos! My experience with Carol and her husband was definitely a blast! The photos came out great and she even gifted me some prints including an 8x10 to fill one of my new frames. I'm looking forward to having her shoot my family photos when the time comes!

From the owner: Empowering women through the art of portrait photography. Breaking down the walls of…read moreself-deprecation and fear.

Jennifer was our photographer at our wedding and was AMAZING. She was so easy going, professional,…read moreand accommodating to us! She made sure we were comfortable with the photos and made the process so much easier. I really appreciated her effort to keep me calm during the photos, I was getting a little stressed and she sat me down and helped me center myself. Overall I am very impressed with her and would recommend her to anyone needing a wonderful photographer for any event, and especially their wedding! Thank you so much Jennifer! Our photos are GORGEOUS!

From the owner: I LOVE to photograph fun, interesting and intriguing people!…read more I love watching people interact and have fun together. I am highly intuitive and that creates a unique experience for you! We all have a story that has shaped our life. Positively and otherwise. My style is more photojournalistic, lifestyle or full on posed. I have worked one-on-one with many clients, large events - including over a hundred during Freedom 13's first event! (Much love and support always to their families.) I have photographed musicians, autos, horses, and many veteran events. I'm a nature lover... and the mountains are calling! Previously known as: Spirit Journey Photography

Quite possibly the best photographer you'll find in the St. Louis area. Joel Conner has…read morephotographed many events for me in the past and has been incredibly reliable and consistent -- he usually shot the events himself, but if he was already booked, he would gladly send someone else in his spot. Photos turned out brighter and better than the others, and I'm not sure how he gets such great shots but I wasn't ever let down! I always had the photos in hand less than a few days later in easy file formats. No strings photographer willing to shoot weddings, kids photos, events, and pretty much whatever you need. Plus he's an all-around great guy! Give Joel a shout for all of your photo opportunities.

I called Joel and I was thrilled when he could do everything I needed and more…read more Top-notch guy.