The Love Story series are pieces written by real women, posted with some of their Boudoir photos. They are sharing with you their Body Love Journey and their experience with Leaf & Lace.


The following has been written by Verity Stilley


"I am a woman that is in the process of learning to know, accept and love herself on all levels. Mind, body, and spirit. I am on a mission to become the best version of myself and to grow as much as I can throughout this challenge that we call life. I say ‘in the process of’ because to me personal growth is an open-ended journey. One that is comprised of many twists and turns that are carved out of many highs and lows. It is not an endeavour that leads to a destination and it is one that equals the effort that you put in. One of the many foundations I have used to lay my path is the experience that accompanies the undertaking of a boudoir shoot and the many layers a shoot of this nature entails.


“Boudoir” is a French word meaning a lady’s private dressing room or bedroom. It is an intimate place that she has all to herself. It makes sense then that a boudoir shoot can offer you a sensual, intimate look at yourself from a perspective outside of the one you have formed from the reflection you scrutinise when you stand before your mirror. Putting your trust in your chosen boudoir photographer will offer you the best view of yourself in existence. What you will see is the raw inner beauty that you are made of. You will see unique qualities within yourself that are otherwise hidden from your view if you are one who allows yourself to be blinded by everything you see in yourself that you hate. If I were asked for my opinion on the single most powerful resource to help you learn the art of self-love and self-worth, it could only be allowing yourself the experience of a boudoir shoot.


A boudoir shoot celebrates what it means to be a woman, in every sense of the word. It offers each individual woman the opportunity to see that she is indeed beautiful and not only is she beautiful, but she also possesses a beauty that is unique to her. It is no secret that the mere thought of a boudoir shoot terrifies many women, but it is something every woman should do at least once in their lifetime. You cannot conquer what you refuse to confront. It comes down to a choice. It is only through honesty and vulnerability that we can not only learn to accept our flaws and grow to be comfortable with the knowledge that they are what makes us real, but we can also begin to identify our strengths and allow ourselves to cherish them. 


I back the magic of a boudoir shoot enough to put myself out there on a public platform as a source of moral support and inspiration for those who are looking for it and I can only hope that I provide enough of it to ultimately empower women to be brave enough to travel the unknown path, to learn what they are capable of and to become aware of the infinite potential inside of them. From my personal experience I can guarantee that when your gallery is delivered and you are seeing your images for the first time, you will not only be amazed that the woman you are looking at is you, but you will also feel a strong sense that this is only the beginning of your journey of self-love. The journey if continued will compel you to continue to push your limits. Your light within you will be shining bright and you will grow to become a woman who is determined to rise. If you want to be that woman, leave your fears behind, and get in touch with a boudoir photographer today. You owe it to your future self. "


Follow me on insta if you’re in need of moral support: @be.see.embrace_you