Tenth Anniversary Gift | Orange County Boudoir Photographer

“I’m already having the time of my life, and I haven’t even put on a teddy yet!”

- Ms A (during glam/mimosa portion of her photoshoot)

Ms A reached out to me with the intentions of planning a super special gift for her husband for their tenth wedding anniversary (and let me tell you, we created a gift to beat all other future gifts. #sorrynotsorry, future gifts). But what I love the most, is how much of a gift to HER it was. While trying to plan the perfect session, it led her down a path of self discovery and acceptance, and ultimately changed her perception of herself.

That’s the magic in what I do.

When women reach out to me with the goal of creating a gift for a significant other, I always giggle inside a little bit, and then remind them that this is also a gift to THEMSELVES too. It’s just that us women need that “excuse” to do something nice for ourselves.

Let’s hear what Ms A had to say about the experience...


“This session was a gift for my 10-year wedding anniversary. After ten years of marriage and two kids, I wanted my husband to see me as a strong, sexy woman again (there was no indication he didn't, just my insecurities). Most importantly, I wanted to FEEL sexy again. “

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“I really don't like getting my photo taken! It's hard for me to pose seriously for photos without doing something goofy because I never know what to do with my face. I also had reservations about showing my tummy, about which I was very self-conscious.”

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“The session itself was much more fun and comfortable than I was expecting, and I felt like an actual model! But the whole process was also different from what I expected... I feel so happy in my own skin again, and accepting of my flaws but also my strengths. I never expected to feel so affected by it all in such a positive way. “

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“I loved the weeks leading up to the session where I got to spend some time picking out lingerie and shoes, and also the anticipation of waiting for the photos. But the session itself was so fulfilling that I would have to say it was my favorite. And of course seeing my husband's reaction the first time he saw the photos was also pretty awesome. :) “

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“I definitely got emotional seeing myself the way I was hoping: a strong, sexy woman. When I look at the photos now I still have to remind myself that it's actually me. ;) “

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“In general, the whole process from start to finish was an unexpected exploration of how I saw myself. I never realized that in my day-to-day life I was focusing so much on my flaws and not embracing my body's beauty. Preparing for this session changed my outlook because I wasn't going to be able to hide in front of the camera. I discovered what I like and dislike, and what lingerie flatters me. During and after the session I truly felt sexy again. I am walking taller and I'm more confident than I have ever been. When I look in the mirror now, I notice my perfections and strengths before my flaws (if I notice them at all).”

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“Mandy exceeded any and all expectations. She guided me perfectly throughout the whole process and paid attention to every little detail to make it an amazing experience! From having my favorite music playing when I arrived, to making me feel completely at ease during the session, she made the experience comfortable but so much fun!! “

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To any ladies who’ve been considering their own boudoir experience:

“Just do it. Don't wait for "the perfect time." Do this for yourself, you deserve it! Go buy that lingerie, those high heels (or whatever you're into) and take a couple of hours to feel like the sensual goddess you are. It is so incredibly worth it.”

I don’t think there’s much else I need to say. Are you ready to get in touch?

Win a Complimentary Session | Boudoir by Mandy Merino Photography | Orange County, CA

One lucky Southern California woman has the opportunity to win a complimentary luxury boudoir session with Mandy Merino Photography.

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Part of our mission at this studio is to empower women. To tell them they’re beautiful, and help them celebrate who they are in a judgement free zone. To curate a stream of content that makes you wanna kick-ass and conquer the world (or at least comb your hair that day). I also want YOU to contribute to that stream, by participating in our private Facebook group “BOUDOIR by Mandy Merino Photography”. If you stumble across an inspiring article/quote/link that represents female empowerment, feel free to share it in the group!

Help me grow this awesome group by adding all your fiercest, bravest and most awesome girlfriends and family members. Then, engage with each other! Tell another woman she’s beautiful. You’ll put a smile on her face – I promise! In a social media world where women endure so much scrutiny and social pressure associated with their physical appearance, let’s make this group a departure from the negativity; and a place where you can complement a stranger.

As a way to thank you for helping be grow this awesome group and joining in the community, I’m giving away one complimentary session!  

Here’s how this works:

Invite 10 ladies to join the group, and get one entry into the contest. Invite more friends to get more entries. Example: 50 members = 5 entries.

Must be ladies who live in Southern California and over 21 years old.

Women only, please! I want this group to be a safe place for women to celebrate themselves through intimate portraiture, and recognize how badass they are. A place of “girl power” and female empowerment.

The complimentary session will include a wardrobe consultation, hair & make-up on your shoot day, 1.5 hours of studio time and $100 product credit to use at your viewing & ordering appointment (a $450 value).  

For your entry into the contest to be complete make sure all of the following are complete:

- Minimum of 10 entries required to qualify

- Must like “Mandy Merino Photography” and be a member of the “BOUDOIR by Mandy Merino Photography” group on Facebook

- Lastly, comment on this blog post when you’ve finished all steps

This contest will end once we reach 2,000 members. Winner will be chosen at random once the contest ends and announced LIVE in the group.

The lovely lady who adds the MOST friends to the group will win a $25 Victoria’s Secret gift card.