Hey there! I’m Critsey, the owner and lead photographer of Couture Boudoir®. I want to share a little bit about what I do and why it means so much to me. When I’m behind the camera, it’s not just about taking pretty pictures; it’s about capturing the heart and soul of the amazing women who step in front of my lens. Their strength and resilience never cease to blow me away.
Every story that unfolds during a shoot goes far beyond just striking a pose. These stories are rich with the complexities of womanhood, filled with moments of overcoming adversity, breaking through barriers, and coming out the other side even stronger. As women, we have so much to learn from each other’s journeys, and these stories are like a treasure trove of inspiration, hope, and empowerment. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing them—because they show us all what’s possible, even when times are tough.
In the coming months, I’ll be sharing some of the most moving stories from my clients. These women have faced all kinds of challenges, from struggling with body image issues to dealing with tough relationships and traumatic experiences. But every single one of them has found the courage to embrace their beauty and celebrate their bodies.
My hope is that these stories will light a fire in other women—to feel confident, empowered, and beautiful no matter what obstacles they face. Every woman deserves to love the skin she’s in, and these stories are a powerful reminder of the incredible strength and resilience we all carry inside us.
All I can say is WOW! Thank you Critsey for creating this beautiful gallery of magic for me! at the spectacular age of “I don’t give a F@$k!” 49, I am finally loving who I am. The unapologetic, beautiful, hot mess that I am! I am a health coach to other women going through many of the same things that I have been going through and I LOVE that I got to do this shoot to show other women that even at our age we can feel sexy, pretty, loveable, and SEEN. We do not have to feel frumpy and yucky, tired and unworthy!!!
Side note, since this shoot, I have lost 10 pounds! It really made me realize that I have plenty of life left in me, that continuing to take care of myself and putting in the work is really worth it!!!!
“I was pretty nervous about the shoot beforehand. I have posed for many photographers and artists for drawing classes in my younger days, and I even did a semi-nude photo shoot when I was pregnant at 46, but I have not had a good relationship with my body since my mid to late 30s as many women do…I could not even find any clothes that fit me or that I thought made me feel sexy when I was trying to pick out outfits. I have felt so homely (the best description I have) for so long! From the moment I met Critsey at the location, I immediately felt comfortable and at ease. She helped me choose a look that made me feel most comfortable and had so many poses that would bring out the best of my body! We connected and had fun and I was able to be silly and at ease through the whole session! The wild thing is, I realized when I was getting ready, that I have avoided mirrors while I have been naked for YEARS! before that day! I had, like many people, gained weight during Covid, then lost it, got back in shape, and immediately found out I was pregnant at 46! I am 49 at the time of the shoot. After a couple of shots, Critsey showed me the camera and how I looked in the photos and I suddenly just melted into sexy mode!!! I had no idea I was so pretty, or sexy, or even just not yucky!!! I literally felt YUCKY for 3 years! This was obviously something I had completely created in my own head! From then out I was comfortable and just at ease and elated that I would have these beautiful photos of myself!”
hahaha
It is wild that I am a health coach and Yoga instructor and part of my job is to empower women to feel more beautiful, and it caused me such an issue with imposter syndrome all the way up to that day!!!
Critsey finished getting the photos ready pretty quickly and honestly, once I got them, I was shocked at how many of them I loved! I knew that she did a great job, I knew I felt pretty that day, but you never really know how the final product will be. It was perfect! I Loved all of the photos! It was hard to choose which ones I liked the most. I had to have my husband pick his favorites. Full disclosure. After this photoshoot, I decided to make a true effort to get fit again. I got back into my fitness routine, reset my eating habits, and lost 12 pounds! NOT because I did not love my body in the photos, BUT because I wanted to continue to be my best self, and to feel as great about myself as I did the day of the shoot and the day I saw my photos. It helped me see myself in a new light. AND now I never hesitate to check myself out in the mirror!
“If you have thought about doing a Boudoir shoot, RUN do not walk to book a session with Critsey today. It can change your life. I think it is important for women to see themselves as the stunning beings that they are and not through the lens of society, But, in this case, through the lens of Critsey!” ~Mandi
Mandi Murrow is an Integrative Wellness Coach specializing in women’s health and hormone balancing. She is a Certified Holistic Wellness Coach, yoga teacher, meditation facilitator, and Reiki master. I have lived in Charlotte for over 20 years. Mandi practices a holistic approach to health and wellness, which means that she looks at how all areas of your life are connected. Her Life and Health coaching follows the belief in intuitive living and bio-individuality. You can find Mandi’s connections below:
www.rootedholisticwellness.com
Facebook: Rooted Holistic Wellness
Instagram: @rooted_beautyandwellness
Email: Rootedbeautyandwellness@gmail.com
________________________________________________________________________________________
You Deserve to Feel Sensual and Sexy
Every woman deserves to feel sensual, sexy, and confident. Boudoir photography is more than just a photoshoot; it’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. So, if you’ve been on the fence about booking a session, consider this your sign to go for it. You are worthy, you are beautiful, and you deserve to celebrate yourself in all your glory.
Ready to take the plunge? Let’s create some magic together. Reach out to me at Couture Boudoir® and let’s start planning your empowering boudoir experience today. Remember, this is all about you—and you are absolutely worth it.
–