Warm Hearted Gina

Hey Ladies - in case you have not yet met our fabulous wardrobe Stylist, Gina Clark, here are a few pictures of her. Her warm heart and glistening spirit are truly cherished! And just wait until your photo session - she is a miracle worker with all body types. Her great talent is making all women look and feel gorgeous! Even a long-legged gal like me!

I love you Gina!! Jen

You must see this Boudoir Beach session!

Our Passions and Our Beauty

Lately I have been devoting more time to my art. I sew and make clothing, jewelry, and bags. When I was in high school I stayed up all night working on my outfit for the next day. I wore some very creative outfits back then. I would get to bed around 2 am then wake up around 5 or 6 to get started on hair and make-up. I believed then as I do now that an outfit is not complete without the perfect hair and make-up. Unfortunately, as a busy stay at home mom of two with several creative projects in the air I do not have the luxury of devoting all my time to looking picture perfect. I do my best though (as I'm sure you do as well) but here is something I am learning as I allow myself the time to have fun with the gifts that God has given me.

God has made me an artist and if I do not feed and nurture that part of me then I am not wholly connected to God. When I am not wholly connected to God then I find that I am not as happy with myself. You probably already knew that but it took me a long time to make that connection. I wake up every morning to pray and study the Bible. I am active in my church and mentor young women. I get to work with Jen and other talented women through our business, Bombshell Beauties. I have the most incredible husband on the planet and my kids, when they are not driving me crazy, are actually quite awesome. With all of that I still had a hard time feeling happy with myself and all that I have accomplished. I would obsess over my skin and my body. Pouring money into creams and over thinking my diet. Looking into my over stuffed closet and feeling dissatisfied with what was there. I have spent years feeling like life is passing me by and blaming myself and the bad choices I have made in my past and then feeling distressed because time is running out and I'm only getting older. Does any of this sound familiar? If it does then read on-it actually gets better!

In September I decided to buy myself a work table. Something I have always wanted but have never invested in because my family of four lives in a shoe box. After that I enrolled myself in a silk screening class. Another thing I have always wanted to do but there were always more important things to spend the money on. Those two decisions opened something up in me. For my class I decided to print on a t-shirt and from there I decided that I wanted to make the t-shirt. Now I have decided that I want to make most of my wardrobe which will take me years with all I've got going on! I try to be patient and give a little bit of time daily. Every piece I complete fills me with so much satisfaction. I have made jewelry and bags and even a jacket with a lining. I love that jacket and wear it everyday! OK, so here's the best part-since I have started I am happier with myself. I don't stress about flawless skin and appreciate my body more. I have never felt more beautiful. I think I should say that again-I have never felt more beautiful. It never occurred to me that my own unhappiness could be the result of my not using and completely ignoring my God given gifts.

So here are some questions to think about. What gifts has God given you that you are ignoring or setting aside? Do you have passions that have been thrown out because of lack of money or space or because they don't "fit" with your current schedule or lifestyle? Are you feeling dissatisfied with your life? Have you believed the lie that you are not special and that you have nothing of value to contribute to this world?

Take some time to pray and talk to God about these things. As you enter into that conversation I just want to tell you that you are special. That God created you to do some wonderful things in this world that only you can do. I also want to remind you that you are beautiful and if you don't believe me then ask Jen, she thinks you're beautiful too!

The Beauty of a Woman

My aim through portrait photography is to show women how truly BEAUTIFUL they are. Whether your are in your twenties or sixties, any age or size you are created to thrive in your loveliness. But how can we define beauty? Mr. Webster says:

beau·ty

  [byoo-tee] –noun, plural -ties.

1.

the quality present in a thing or person

that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind,

whether arisingfrom sensory manifestations

(as shape, color, sound, etc.),a meaningful design or pattern,

or something else (as apersonality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest).

Is it the senses alone that are delighted by such a wonder as Beauty?

I have to agree with the author of 'The Beauty of a Woman' when I think of

what truly defines the desire to posess Beauty and be our lovely, loving,

grace-filled best - this will certainly take a lifetime to achieve!

The Beauty Of A Woman

The beauty of a woman

isn't in the clothes she wears,

The figure that she carries,

or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman

must be seen from in her eyes;

Because that's the doorway to her heart,

the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman

isn't in a facial mole;

But true beauty in a woman,

is reflected by her soul.

It's the caring that she cares to give,

the passion that she shows;

And the beauty of a woman

with passing years only grows.

Authorship is variously attributed to the following authors:

Maya Angelou, Ralph Fenger, Audrey Hepburn & Sam Levenson

Here is an attempt at capturing a little sense of that beautiful feeling during a recent Pin-Up Party with my sisters. Looking at this photograph I recall how delighted I was to spend the afternoon photographing my lovely sisters, all in their 40s and 50s. What a thrill to laugh and take joy in one another - what a gift to feel beautiful with my wonderful sisters!! (I will post their photos soon!)

Enthralled with Your Beauty

"The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord." Psalm 45:11

It's Friday - THANK GOD! I can barley believe I made it through the week, and wonder if I look as bad as I feel? To be honest, what I am truly feeling is grateful that I have had a week filled with high times: a wonderful bridal session with Kalen (who is getting married tomorrow!), teaching children in various classes, meeting with women friends to encourage their livelihood, and coaching my courageous friend Julie in the birth of her daughter Eliza. I am exhausted but wouldn't change a thing!

Thankfully I can rely on the fact that no matter how tired I may be, both my husband and the Lord are "enthralled with my beauty!" No matter your weight, marital status, hair color or skin color, know that you can define yourself through God's eyes. If you are looking for some words of encouragement today as you muster energy to do you work, complete homework or raise your children, read this wonderfully encouraging note that Shari Braedel had written for Proverbs 31 Ministries in September:

One word. Flabbergasted.

That was the emotion I had coursing through my body as I sat at the coffee shop discussing my weight issues with a friend.

I told her I had recently cut out certain foods from my diet, but was continuing to maintain my "happy weight," that number the scale just seems extremely happy to faithfully report whether I have eaten healthy and exercised that week or not. We had a good laugh as she described how sometimes she locks her scale away so she's not tempted to jump on it every day just to find out if she's still her same "happy" self.

As a result of this conversation I realized that if I am not careful I can easily allow the scale, or the mirror, to become a compass that shifts my focus and points me in the wrong direction. It seems illogical, yet at times I look to this digital device, or this earthly reflection to gauge my emotional status and essentially define me.

The Bible tells us that the God of the universe is enthralled with our beauty. Seriously? Yes, indeed! He thinks we are amazing and wonderful. Unfortunately, more often than not, we look in the mirror and only see our flaws; hair that's just a mite too frizzy; a tummy that's a bit too fluffy; and thighs that have a few too many dimples on them. My friend Renee likes to call her cellulite "the fingerprints of God." One time I shared that with a group of women, and one of them said, "Well then He must have REALLY big hands!"

So, what would life look like if we accepted God workmanship? Can you imagine how different we would feel about ourselves if we glanced in the mirror and told God "thank You for making me so wonderfully"? If you listen closely, I bet you would hear Him respond, "All beautiful, you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you" (Song of Solomon 4:7, NIV).

No matter your size or shape, the number on your clothes tag or your scale, you are beautiful! Let's embrace that we are fine just the way we are because if God says so, then it's true!

Dear God, thank You for making me the way I am. Please help me to have more confidence. I will practice defining myself through Your eyes and not my own. I am grateful, and humbled to be Your beautiful daughter, and I can feel Your approving gaze upon me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Wedding I Hope Everyone Forgets By The Time I Get Married

This month I had the honor and absolute pleasure of standing up for one of closest friend's in her wedding. Yes, this is the girl who had the blast of a bachelorette party in Vegas.

This was by far one of the most elaborate, detailed, thought-out and well-spent weddings I've ever seen- or ever will. I'm talking top shelf open bar, a 14-foot outdoor bar made of ice, three different table centerpieces, phenomenal food including a mini potato bar, a scrumptious lemon cake with vanilla icing, chocolate fudge Houston Texans stadium grooms cake, live band, the list goes on. Greeting guests at the entrance to this renovated train depot were men in conductor suits handing out tickets featuring individual seating assignments- in lieu of a place card table. I highly recommend this alternative as it is much more personable and creative.

My personal favorite was the photobooth. Fun props such feather boas, cowboy hats, masks and silly sunglasses were provided to set the stage for guests as they jumped into the booth to take pictures that printed out seconds later. What a clever and memorable idea! We had a blast with this and you bet there was always a champagne adorned line to jump in.

After hours of dancing and celebrating this wonderful union, a late night snack of mini hamburgers and french fries were passed around before it was time to send the newlyweds off. We lined the the walkway with mega sparklers that led to a horse-drawn carriage. Next stop for these lovebirds? Kaua'i, Hawaii.

This was by far one of the most amazing weddings I've ever been to and I can hardly believe the bride's mother planned the entire thing herself. What an incredible woman!

The ceremony took place at the adorable chapel of our alma mater, Texas Christian University, the reception was held at the Ashton Depot in downtown Fort Worth.

The Pin-Up Session

Having had the pleasure of meeting Brenna this spring and then having had the wonderful privilege of photographing her during a Pin-Up Party session, I thought she would be the perfect client to tell you about her Bombshell Beauties experience. We photographed her at Celebrity Salon on Chicago Ave. in Evanston, then ventured over to the elegant Homestead Hotel on Hinman. We had a great time and as you can see Danielle of Celebrity Salon (who also works for Oprah, styling guests for the show) did a great job with the retro hair-dos, and Linda Tran brought glow and sensuality to Brenna's look with a facial and make-up (gotta love those lashes!). Make-up is an essential part of the portrait session and Linda is a true artist.

Have a look at this short video and let us know what you think. Thanks for stopping by to visit Bombshell Beauties!!

Hot Summer Wardrobes

Who says thrifty clothing doesn’t thrive? Bombshell Beauties has found a treasure trove of pre-loved designer clothing. Classy Closet in Evanston is full of pre-loved clothing that comes together with ease to create glamorous wardrobes. Gina used her exceptional sense of style to design a few sophisticated summer looks for work or play. These warm weather outfits were such a success we thought we would take our models to one of the HOTTEST spots on the North Shore for great food + entertainment -Union Pizzeria in Evanston.

If you’re a pizza fashionista stop by Union to try on their delicious thin-crust pizzas, freshly baked for you in a wood-burning oven. This venue is brought to you by the owners of Compagnola, also in Evanston. And what a bright and colorful setting for Dawn, Fruzsina and Nicolette to flaunt their Classy Closet finds! http://www.

unionevanston.com/

Hey brides - check out Classy Closet’s amazing pre-owned wedding dresses too http://www.theclassyclosetconsignment.com

Bombshell staff:

Photography by Jennifer

Styled by Gina

Make-up by Bibi

Hair by Ailie (for Amy G. Salon, Central St. Evanston)

Are any of you like me?

While putting on my makeup this morning I had an out-of-the-blue flashback to Jr. High Saturday nights (yikes!!). While all of my girlfriends were hanging out at that movies (no videos or DVDs back then), I was home with some of my best friends: dark blue eye shadow, light blue shimmering eye shadow, dark blue eye liner (on the lower inside lid - so 80’s!), and bright high-shine lip gloss. And with a sweep of blush up the cheekbones I was ready for my night IN!! Posing for the photographer-in-the-mirror and Sucking in my cheeks, I will take self portrait photos of an awkward adolescent with my Kodak Instamatic; those were the days of innocent images + cube flashes. I loved documenting time + beauty then, and I do so even more now.

Today I’m looking in the mirror once again, but it’s not a Saturday night, it’s Friday morning and I’m no longer 12 - I’m 42! 6:00 am and the little ones are around the knees needing this an that. I can’t sneak away to the upstairs bathroom but why would I want to? I’m a mature woman looking back on life and I’ve finally realized that I have all that I ever wanted: precious children, my best friend-husband, and life long friends (and of course long legs). It’s my joy to photograph women where they are in life, seeing how beautiful we are at every stage. Maybe it’s time for another self portrait. Hmmmm...stay tunes to this Bat channel, the story is to be continued!!!

Did you sit at home in front of the mirror as a teenager? Please write to us tell all about it!!!

Out with the old and in with the new-bachelorette parties

Las Vegas is a great option for a bachelorette party. ...If all you want is an over-the-top way to loose a lot of money very quickly and be extremely sweaty for a few days.

That may have been a tad harsh and in all actuality I just got back from a fabulous Las Vegas bachelorette party myself. It was a great bonding time for us girls and a weekend I know I'll never forget. We had a VIP entrance to clubs, a limo tour of the strip, saw Jersey Boys, danced the night away and got great tans.

What I also know is that if the bride had been aware of something like Bombshell Beauties, she would have chosen Chicago over Vegas in a flash. This bride in particular is very similar to many brides out there, wants an experience she'll never forget with her girlfriends and a fun way to "have one last hurrah".

If my friend had chosen a boudoir photo shoot with us for her bachelorette party she would have arrived in style in a swanky limo, been welcomed by a warm, friendly and all-female staff, enjoyed champagne and strawberries on-set, listened to fun music while being dolled up for her shoot, taken some amazing photographs and then she would have gone home with a alluring yet good-natured little black book to gift her fiancee with on their wedding night. Can you imagine? He knows she and the girls are going to this bachelorette party, he knows girls will be girls and they'll probably have a great time together, but he will have no idea that he will actually be the beneficiary of this girl bonding session. What a great surprise for him!

In no way do I wish this bachelorette party I participated in would have been different. I just know that we would have had a fabulous time in Chicago exploring the city, shopping Michigan Avenue together, seeing Wicked or Billy Elliot the musical, having a cocktail at the Signature Room of the John Hancock, and doing a boudoir shoot together. -But I suppose I'll absolutely have a few tricks up my sleeve when it's my turn to get married ;)

Chicago Style Weddings party

WOW!! What a fabulous time Gina and I had at the Chicago Style Weddings new release party last night. We loved meeting so many wonderful people and I will write more about them all next week. It was a blast handing out our Bombshell cookies (pink sprinkle high-heels and crown!). Baking is a labor of love for me - especially cut-out cookies. So, to show my appreciation to my next clients, be the next hostess to book your Pin-Up Party and there will be sparkly pink high-heels and crowns to greet you and your friends!

Chicago Style Gift to Your Groom

We are up and running! Check out our new ad in the next publication of Chicago Style Weddings - we are introducing Chicago to the fabulous experience of Boudoir Parties. Brides, how about giving your groom a wonderful for-your-eyes only gift on your wedding day? A 'Little Black Book' will capture your beauty and elegance like no one else can, and give your guy something to look back on for years to come.

Call us for a personal boudoir portrait session, or get 4 - 9 friends together for an unforgettable day in front of the camera having your own private 'Pin-Up Party'.

How about these two beauties? We had a fabulous time styling and photographing Rasa and Brenna, and check out the sexy results!!

What is a Boudoir Party? It's a girls get together that is wildly fun and the experience of a lifetime! The "Hostess" sets up the party date with our studio and invites up to 10 friends.

- If she brings 4 friends, her shoot is free!

- If she brings 8 friends, her 'Little Black Book' is free too!!

Call or email our studio for more information: 847.910.2722

jennifer@horizon-arts.com

Introducing Bombshell Beauties, Chicago's premiere boudoir photographers

Are you ready for the hottest Girls Night Out?? Our all female staff will bring you and your friends an experience of a lifetime. Be your own supermodel and enjoy magazine quality shoot production.

- Perfect for bachelorette parties and birthdays

- A chance to hang out with your girlfriends and get 'sexy-fied' with hair and makeup

- Fun and private photo-shoot

- Starting at $150.00

- Call or email for more information 847.910.2722 jennifer@horizon-arts.com

Check out some pictures from Rena's supermodel experience: