Yeah.. I think it’s a brilliant idea. Not that the professional ones aren’t a great idea too.. In fact – they’re pretty inexpensive.. But for someone like me who doesn’t want to get all sensual in front of someone else.. or who has an FI who doesn’t want you to get all sensual in front of someone else. I have a few tips.

1. Lighting, Lighting, Lighting. The best way to get great shots in your own room is to make sure the lighting is JUST right. You have to try different things – opening a curtain, turning all the lights off and using the flash, putting a lamp by the bed but out of the shot, etc.

2. Clothing Optional. You can strip tease on film. Start in something he loves to see you wear and make it all the way to ALMOST Bare! (yeah – I rhymed that myself). Some guys like to be teased. Some guys like to see it all – and if you do them yourself – that IS an option. Just make sure you don’t let them get into the wrong hands.

3. The bed.. Make it pretty or pretty messy. Set the scene. Take test shots to make sure the bed looks the way you want it.

4. Creative angles. A tripod is ideal.. if you don’t have one – try sitting the camera on a movable table, the dresser, a drawer chest, etc. That’s what an automatic timer is for.

5. Set the mood. Have a glass of wine and play your favorite Jill Scott, Norah Jones, etc CD. Light some candles and remind your self how beautiful you are.

6. Try poses and faces. Take as many shots as you like.. Look them over and try again. They don’t have to be perfect because you’re the only one who’ll see them – until you’re ready to share them with your FI.

7. Have fun! Don’t be afraid to be daring in your pics. And laugh at yourself if you catch yourself in an awkward pose. It’s a chance to have fun with yourself.

If you’re really daring.. Get your FI to take the shots! It could turn into a REALLY fun date night.

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Technorati Tags: Candles, Cheap, DIY, Free, Inexpensive, Pictures

Ok – so this topic has come up a few times since we’ve announced our engagement… What will my new name be? Whoa – new name? Oh yeah.. I’ll be the same person but called by a new name.  Hmm.. How do I feel about that?

Now – as long as I can remember… I’ve met many, many women who have come to the point in their lives where they take their hubby’s name. But for some reason – as the time for me to make that switch comes closer and closer – I am starting to feel like re-introducing myself to society is a little 9th hour. I mean – I know “that’s how it’s done.” But why??

I’ve been me for almost 29 years.. almost 30 years by the time of the wedding.. and I’m VERY comfortable with who I am. I’ve learned my habits, changed a few and learned to love myself and be the best me I can be.. and now I’m supposed to change all of that?

On the flip side.. I’m becoming a wife to a WONDERFUL man.. a man I’ve known would be my husband for 17 years. I’ve ALWAYS wanted to be “Mrs. DetroitBoy.” I imagine what it would be like to walk into a room and be called- “Mrs. DetroitBoy” – for the first time. I’d turn around and coyly reply – “Yes?” (::eyelash flutter::)

That’s just what women do.. they change their last name in America and become known as someone new… and re-invented.

But I’m the same old DetroitGyrl..  but with a hubby now..I’m the dancer, the artist, the chef, the daughter, the writer (oh yeah – and I’m published in my field – changing my name would most certainly confuse things). And I’m not sure I’m ready to just BE SOMEONE else.

The future hubby and I have had conversations about hyphenation and changing my last name to a middle name.. and even me just taking his name. I just can’t decide – so many pros and cons. And at the end of the day – I don’t mind being referred to as Mrs. DetroitBoy – I’m just not sure I want to legally CHANGE my identity..

Thoughts?

~DetroitGyrl

(ps – and no – I’m not trying to destroy the institute of marriage or emasculate my DetroitBoy by keeping my name.. I’m just trying to make the best decision for US, me, my career, my SANITY, etc.)

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Technorati Tags: Idea, Tradition

So a little birdie (Twitter, of course), told me that Anthropologie is going to start offering wedding gowns. I’ve only discovered Anthropologie myself in the last couple years, but I loooove their stuff. It’s always so girly and feminine. Sometimes a little too vintage-y for me, but overall, very nice stuff.

Now, all you brides getting married this summer, don’t get your hopes up. The line of bridal gowns isn’t set to debut until next spring.

Check out the full story at InStyle.

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Technorati Tags: Anthropologie, Bridal Dress, Bridal Gown, Urban Outfitters, Wedding Dress, Wedding Gown