THE ULTIMATE GIFT FOR GROOM | YOUR WEDDING DAY GIFT

SOMEWHERE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY CHECKLIST, the  "GIFT FOR GROOM" MAY BE WEIGHING HEAVILY ON YOUR MIND....

A few years ago, I began to notice a trend in in brides searching for unique and highly personal grooms gift ideas. In the past year especially, Google searches for Bridal Boudoir have increased significantly. And, it's with good reason... It's the best gift for grooms and it's also a bachelorette gift for the bride herself. 

In these highly personalized New Jersey And NYC Boudoir Photo shoots, I do a lot of work before the session to ensure it matches the unique vision of each bride as well as for the groom gift. We discuss the unique aspects of their relationship, how they met, how they envision intimacy and how the bride feels most beautiful. We work these attributes into the boudoir pictures we create, for a perfect outcome.

Typically, we do these sessions 3 months in advance of the wedding date, so that we have plenty of time to plan, shoot and select the boudoir pictures for her groom's gift.

Typically displayed in book form as an album, or with my beautiful handmade image boxes. Quality is paramount, because like true love, these are meant to last a lifetime. I import my albums from Italy, or from the world renowned Queensberry Albums, which many brides demand for their own wedding albums. The pages are pristine and layouts, to perfection. 

In fact, I was recently named one of the Best Boudoir Photographers of 2014 by Queensberry Albums and will be published in their first-ever boudoir photography display book. 

If you're getting married and would like to consider a boudoir session as your ultimate grooms gift, please give me a call at 732.676.3700 or click here. I look forward to creating the best day of your life (next to your wedding day, that is!)

xoxox,

Cate  

WHAT IS COUPLES BOUDOIR ? | NJ and NYC Boudoir Tells All

" WHAT IS COUPLES BOUDOIR ? " ...

My friend Denise messaged me privately, perhaps triggered by my recent post about What to Get Your Boyfriend or Husband for Valentine's Day. "I am afraid to even ask what you're doing today," she said. 

This Valentine's Day, I spent my day photographing a beautiful couple in Red Bank, New Jersey as part of my boudoir photography deals for NYC and New Jersey.

This exclusive first-time event included a penthouse suite at the beautiful Oyster Point Hotel, with complimentary Hair and Makeup by Makeup Artistry by Miranda Richards, complimentary wardrobe and accessories and dinner reservations for two at Char on Broad Street in Red Bank.

 Best known for my New Jersey Boudoir Photography, most people do not think of me when it comes to photographing couples. But why not? Couples Boudoir pictures are gaining popularity just like any other intimate portraiture. With busy day to day lives, and life's little complications thrown in our way, it is a simple, beautiful and unusual way to reconnect. It's purely an elegant or classy boudoir session that celebrates moments of intimacy and love. What better more romantic way for a couple to spend a Valentine's Day? 

Upon arrival, we started with boudoir hair and makeup. Miranda created a look for my client that was playful, daring and flirtatious all at the same time. With smoky eyes, tousled hair and a killer wardrobe, we were well on our way to creating something epic. 

Next we mapped out a storyline for the afternoon. Rather than just have the couple kiss and be intimate in front of me, we felt it would be more interesting to create a visual story... one that would allow them to be "actors" in their very own idea of a perfect evening.

It was fantasy and reality at the same time. The "acting" part allowed them to play a role, without feeling uncomfortable kissing, hugging or touching in front of another person. It is all very conservative, I assured them, even though the outcome (couples boudoir pictures) will be evocative and sexy. I would even occasionally yell "Cut!" so that we could move on to our next wardrobe or "set". 

All in all, it was a very elegant boudoir photography experience for this longtime boudoir photographer.

And, because my client's photo privacy is something I hold sacred, I will share a few illustrations of how my couple's boudoir images resonate...It will give you an idea of how fun and incredibly special this day was for all involved. 

Couple's Boudoir Photography Demonstration...

There's a first for everything, and this was my first real couples boudoir photography shoot. In the future, I hope to attract more. As a devout believer #LOVEISLOVE, I also welcome same sex couples to contact me for same sex boudoir photo shoots, in honor of your affection and devotion. 

To contact me and book your devoted boudoir photographer in New Jersey and NYC, click here. 

RED BANK RESTAURANT WEEK BEGINS WITH BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT FOR DATE NIGHT

RED BANK RESTAURANT WEEK IS HERE AND NEW JERSEY AND NEW YORK CITY (NYC) BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER  CATE SCAGLIONE IS OFFERING BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT SPECIALS 2/16/15-2/26/15

RED BANK RESTAURANT WEEK JUST GOT A LITTLE SEXIER!!!

It's that time of year again, RED BANK RESTAURANT WEEK, when food lovers descend upon RED BANK New Jersey's culinary capital. Red Bank is also the home to my boudoir photo and portrait studio, Life As Fine Art by Cate Scaglione.

For me, one of the best things about living in Monmouth County is being so close to Red Bank. It is where my husband and I go to enjoy a chic, upscale evening with the best food outside of New York City. One might even argue, it's a better date night, with its old world charm and wonderful main-street vibe to stroll. 

We love dining in Red Bank, and this year I decided to invite the rest of you all into town, to experience our little slice of culinary and shopping heaven. 

As a boudoir photographer who creates glamourous photo shoots for women, men, couples boudoir photo shoots,  and even Boudoir Bachelorette parties or Ladies Night Outs.... I thought to myself, what could be a more spectacular evening than to start with a sultry, empowering photo session? 

I have scheduled a week of photo sessions so my clients can enjoy my time, along with Red Bank Restaurant Week.

LIFEASFINEART.COM 

Imagine having your hair and makeup styled to perfection. Then having a chance to feel like a supermodel for an hour or so. Then, head out to this sexy little town feeling amazing! Sound good? 

Here's the details: 

• Schedule your photo shoot between 2/16/15 and 2/26/15.
• Hair and Makeup will be included.
• Choose from a Boudoir Photo Shoot, Couples Photo Shoot, Glamour Ladies Night Out Photo Shoot, or Bachelorette Boudoir Photo Shoot   
• A Luxe Hotel location for your photo shoot shall be included, with an optional overnight stay (available for an upgrade). 
• Choose from Among 25 Red Bank Restaurants, each with a prixe fixe menu special, (some even offering dinner entrees for TWO for $30!)

In the weeks following the photo shoot, we'll meet to review your session and dream up the many gorgeous ways to display it. It's a night out, commissioned art, and vacation getaway all in one! 

If this sounds like your idea of a perfect date night, please contact me ASAP at 732.676.3700 or Cate@LIfeAsFineArt.com

NJ & NYC BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY SHOPPING LIST by Cate Scaglione

NEW JERSEY AND NEW YORK CITY BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER  does some personal shopping for you, based on your body type. See the fabulous finds below!

NEW JERSEY AND NYC BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER CATE SCAGLIONE'S "BEST OF" WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR BOUDOIR SESSION SHOPPING LIST  

In a previous post, I outlined how to determine your body type and how to select wardrobe for your session. To make things easier for you, I have compiled this "best of the best" shopping list to match your body type. You can shop anywhere you like... but these top quality designers and selections will serve as a great guide to go for that perfect look. If you'd like to shop in person and be assisted, may I suggest "Femme By Ashley" boutique in Red Bank, NJ who I find to be extremely helpful and wonderful in finding the perfect item for you. 

WHAT TO WEAR WITH A STRAIGHT OR RECTANGLE FIGURE

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/tatu-couture-veronika-bodysuit-p-2180.htm

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/julienne-teddy-cheri-paris-p-2115.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/rebecca-ansah-noella-bodysuit-p-2056.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/ludique-viscious-bodysuit-p-1870.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/gossard-retrolution-slip-p-2236.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/absolute-treasure-long-gown-fantasy-lingerie-p-1364.html

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/us-main-nav/lingerie/corsets-basques/info/matilda-corset~black

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/us-main-nav/lingerie/corsets-basques/info/electra-basque~black

https://www.victoriassecret.com/bras/very-sexy/embellished-lace-balconet-bra-very-sexy?ProductID=212259&CatalogueType=OLS

https://www.victoriassecret.com//sleepwear/lingerie/limited-edition-lace-crisscross-merrywidow-very-sexy?ProductID=209791&CatalogueType=OLS

https://www.victoriassecret.com//bras/little-black-lingerie/lace-bustier-dream-angels?ProductID=212552&CatalogueType=OLS

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/us-main-nav/lingerie/corsets-basques/info/demelza-corset~black

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/nightwear/slips/info/alina-babydoll~black

WHAT TO WEAR WITH A PEAR SHAPED FIGURE

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http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/nicole-gill-elena-corset-p-1194.html

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http://www.agentprovocateur.com/us-main-nav/lingerie/corsets-basques/info/mercy-corset~black

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/us-main-nav/lingerie/corsets-basques/info/petunia-corset~black

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/lingerie/suspenders/info/petunia-suspender~black

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/us-main-nav/lingerie/corsets-basques/info/damson-corset~black

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/us-main-nav/lingerie/corsets-basques/info/demelza-corset~black

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/us-main-nav/lingerie/corsets-basques/info/raphaella-corset~ivory

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/lingerie/corsets-and-basques/info/leah-corset~flesh

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/us-main-nav/lingerie/corsets-basques/info/saadia-corset~green

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/soiree/collection-aw13.html?theme=soireegold&popup=1&p=1&slide=1&page=3704

http://www.laperla.com/us/uscfilpd0017516.html

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WHAT TO WEAR WITH AN APPLE SHAPED FIGURE:

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/soiree/collection-aw13.html?theme=soireegold&popup=1&p=1&slide=1&page=3704

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/shelle-belle-couture-boudoir-babydoll-p-1976.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/berlei-free-lace-control-slip-p-2239.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/with-love-lingerie-beatrice-babydoll-p-1772.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/lola-haze-signature-whisper-slip-black-p-1233.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/lola-haze-fresca-slip-black-p-2311.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/lola-haze-boulevard-chemise-p-2077.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/gossard-retrolution-slip-p-2236.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/adelle-silk-chiffon-babydoll-sonata-lingerie-p-1398.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/maya-hansen-margot-corset-0401-p-1572.html

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http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/gossard-retrolution-slip-p-2236.html

WHAT TO WEAR WITH AN HOURGLASS FIGURE

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http://www.laperla.com/us/uscfilpd0017889.html

http://www.laperla.com/us/uscfilpd0014267.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/julienne-teddy-cheri-paris-p-2115.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/tatu-couture-veronika-bodysuit-p-2180.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/rebecca-ansah-noella-bodysuit-p-2056.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/tatu-couture-adele-bodysuit-p-1941.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/tatu-couture-katarina-bodysuit-p-1936.html

http://www.bellabellaboutique.com/tatu-couture-brigitte-slip-dress-p-2179.html

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/us-main-nav/naughty/info/whitney-suspender~black

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/lingerie/corsets-and-basques/info/denver-basque~black

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/us-main-nav/naughty/info/lacy-suspender~black

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/lingerie/suspenders/info/lacy-suspender~ivory

STRAIGHT BODIES, VINTAGE LOOKS

http://www.laperla.com/us/uscfilpd0016629-ss14.html

http://www.laperla.com/us/uscfilpd0016629-ss14.html

http://www.laperla.com/us/uscfilpd0017554.html

http://www.laperla.com/us/uscfilpd0017795.html

http://www.laperla.com/us/uscfilpd906105.html

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/us-main-nav/naughty/info/electra-basque~black

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/lingerie/corsets-and-basques/info/alina-basque~black

http://www.agentprovocateur.com/us-main-nav/naughty/info/demelza-suspender~black

If you prefer to try on some of these and similar fashions in person, I highly recommend: 

Femme By Ashley, in Red Bank NJ
Sweetest Sin Boutique, Red Bank, NJ
Neiman Marcus stores Intimates Department

Happy Shopping!

SEE THE MOST ROMANTIC MARRIAGE PROPOSAL IDEA IN NJ: CAPTURED BY NJ PHOTOGRAPHER CATE SCAGLIONE

CATE SCAGLIONE OF LIFE AS FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHED A VERY SPECIAL MARRIAGE PROPOSAL ON LONG BEACH ISLAND... AND THE REAL SURPRISE CAME AFTER THE PROPOSAL!

For those who follow my Life As Fine Art Facebook page, you may recall one evening in September I was headed to Long Beach Island, New Jersey to photograph a secret surprise marriage proposal.

So many people expressed interest, I thought you'd love to hear the full story and see some pictures from Dan's best marriage proposal idea to Nicole. 

Uploaded by Cate Scaglione on 2014-10-16.

I had received a call from Dan about a month before the BIG DAY. He explained that he was going to propose to his girlfriend Nicole, and how he wanted to have the whole, big emotional moment captured through imagery. Now, I'm not typically a wedding or event photographer, but I do love doing artistic photo documentaries. 

When Dan visited my website saw the nature of my work, he decided he'd rather keep the elation of the engagement going long after...through some beautiful wall art which he'd gift to Nicole in the weeks AFTER the proposal.

But there was one catch...Nicole could NOT know I was there or see me shooting them.

I could not have been more excited. Also, it totally changed my view how to capture the engagement session. I wanted a dreamy, monumental moment in this beach haven.

We planned a meeting spot during their weekend getaway to be their Long Beach Island, New Jersey photographer. There, I waited on the lookout for Dan and a very unsuspecting Nicole. 

A storm was rolling in and I saw lightening in the distance, so I knew we didn't have much time. I was standing behind a fence and they walked along a path right past me. I smiled, pretended to be talking on my cellphone and headed straight inside a patch of dense bushes. 

From a distance, I captured a series of moments and watched the whole thing unfold. After, when it started to rain, they walked past me again. "Excuse me, can you take my iphone and get a shot of us?" she asked, "We just got engaged."  Um... "Oh wow! Congratulations!" I said, doing my very best Meryl Streep acting performances and tucking my camera bag behind my back. 

As they walked on, I hid in playground structures, bathroom buildings and even a stranger's car to get more epic shots. (Thank you to those lovely strangers who gave me shelter in their Ford Explorer). ;) 

A few weeks later, Dan presented Nicole with two huge gifts of my metallic finish painterly wall canvases. Now, this epic moment was immortalized, long after the joyous engagement.

Nicole surely has landed herself one sweet, terrifically romantic guy in Dan. And Dan, could not have found a more beautiful loving bride. Best wishes.

Congratulations to Dan and Nicole. Wishing you love, happiness and a whole Life, As Fine Art...together.

xoxo,

Cate