This past October, I had the incredible honor of co-hosting the very first Embrace Retreat with my dear friend Gillian Goerzen, and wow, what a transformative experience it was. It feels almost impossible to put it into words because the weekend was so much more than we could have imagined. What started as a dream five years in the making turned into something profound—something I know we’ll carry with us for a long time.

The Embrace Retreat wasn’t just a space to gather; it was a collective journey toward self-acceptance, body neutrality, and the kind of inner peace that comes from simply being you.

As I reflect on the weekend, I’m still in awe of the women who came together. Women who, in many cases, had never met each other before but quickly formed bonds that were as deep as they were powerful. There was no judgment, no pretense—just a raw, beautiful space where we could all be vulnerable and real. Watching these women support one another, laugh together, and share moments of deep connection was nothing short of magical.

There’s this constant, quiet pressure on women to shrink themselves—whether it’s physically, mentally, or emotionally. As women, we’re expected to fit into a mold that’s often unrealistic and impossible. But for plus-size women, this pressure is even heavier. We’re not just asked to fit into a box; we’re often told we shouldn’t even exist outside of it. Our bodies are policed, our voices are dismissed, and our worth is reduced to our appearance.

But here’s the thing: we have a right to take up space. And more than that, we have a right to be seen, to speak, and to feel powerful in doing so.

At Captured Essence Photography, we believe that everyone deserves to celebrate their beauty and milestones through stunning, professional photography. Whether you’re booking a birthday boudoir session, an outdoor adventure shoot, or another of our offerings, we understand that investing in yourself isn’t always easy on the budget. That’s why we’re proud to offer flexible, no-interest payment plans and Afterpay options to make your dream photoshoot more accessible.

Steamy, intimate, and moody. That’s how I’d describe the first-ever couples session in my new studio space—and I couldn’t have asked for better "test subjects" than this incredible couple. They’ve been together for over 20 years, yet this was their first time doing a couples boudoir session. Their goal? Connection. And let me tell you, it was magic.

Birthdays are more than just cake and candles—they’re a time to celebrate you. They’re an opportunity to reflect on your journey, embrace your growth, and step into the next chapter of life with confidence. And what better way to mark the occasion than with a boudoir photography session designed to celebrate the incredible person you are?

If you’ve ever thought about doing a boudoir shoot, your birthday might just be the perfect moment. It’s all about empowerment, celebration, and embracing the unique beauty of you. Let’s talk about why a birthday boudoir session could be the most empowering gift you give yourself this year.

At Captured Essence Photography, we’re all about celebrating your unique beauty and story. Recently, I had the absolute joy of working with Lexi for her second boudoir session. Her experience was so inspiring that I just had to share it with you.

Lexi’s first words about her session? “ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!” Hearing that kind of excitement is why I do what I do. From the moment she booked her session, I could tell this was going to be something special.