Verity surprised her groom with a personal wedding gift

When Verity got in touch, she was planning a July wedding at the most amazing venue in Umbria; a once-in-a-lifetime celebration surrounded by a big group of friends and family. Everything was coming together for the wedding itself, but she wanted to surprise her groom with something really special they could both look back on for years to come.

“I knew it would be something that James would never expect”

"The idea of a boudoir photoshoot was always in the back of my mind and I knew it would be something that James would never expect as I am quite a reserved person.

I did quite a lot of research before I booked Foxlow Photography. There were not too many places that offered Boudoir photography, and I enquired with a couple of different photographers, but I liked the look of Jon's work and the studio itself better than the others. Danielle also got back to me promptly and was very helpful.

“It was soooo difficult to keep it a secret”

It was soooo difficult to keep it a secret! I am such a bad liar, James saw straight through my excuses as to where I had been that morning.

I initially told him that I was going to Meadowhall with my friend, Mel to get some makeup (that way the make up from the photoshoot could pass as a Charlotte Tilbury makeover!) but it didn't wash with him. Luckily, for whatever reason, I had taken the makeup off when I got home! I ended up having to tell him it was something to do with his present and now there's a running joke that every time I go somewhere on my own I'm going to 'see Mel'.

Danielle had provided me with all the information that I needed beforehand; including a very comprehensive style guide which was very useful. I was a little clueless with regards to what to bring to the shoot initially, but Danielle gave me some great ideas over the phone!

“Three looks including my wedding lingerie”

I decided on three looks including my wedding lingerie, classic black lace and his favourite shirt with a kinky pair of long, lace topped socks that I wore the first time we met 6 years ago in Revolution! Totally wouldn't have the confidence to wear them out in town now!

Hopkinson's House itself is an amazing building; it's so quirky and each room is so different. Louise was lovely and she did a fantastic job with my hair and make-up. She applied just the right amount of eye make-up, it wasn't too over the top or anything. I would definitely book with her again in the future.

“Jon was very professional and encouraging”

When I first arrived in the studio, Danielle went through all of the outfits and explained what would happen throughout the session and that she would help with the different poses. The studio was very nice; it was decked out with different props and Jon and Danielle knew exactly where to get the best shots. They were both fantastic and made me feel so at ease. Jon was very professional and encouraging, I never once felt uncomfortable or self conscious.

I think I was more nervous about seeing the photos than the actual shoot itself and at first, it is strange seeing photos of yourself on a big screen! I was definitely happy with the result. The photos were fantastic, it was so difficult to decide which ones to choose for the album.

“Our photographer was present to capture his reaction”

I took the album to Italy with us and on the morning of the wedding I instructed his groomsmen to give it to him and then leave the room! Luckily, our photographer was present to capture his reaction and James said he got quite emotional when he opened the album. He absolutely loved it!

When I had walked down the aisle to him, I quickly asked if he liked his present and any doubts that I previously had were definitely diminished!

“It is a great confidence boost for yourself”

I would definitely recommend any future bride to book a boudoir photoshoot with Foxlow! Aside from it being an amazing gift to your future husband/wife, it is a great confidence boost for yourself. It's also a good excuse to get some nice new lingerie!" Verity

“Vee had mentioned she had got me a wedding gift, but I had no idea what. All I knew was that on the wedding day I had to open it by myself.

As I opened the package and saw the picture on the front cover I had no idea who it was. Once I turned the first page I was completely shocked that it was my wife to be, she looked beyond stunning, so much so I started to get a little emotional. All I knew was that I was even more eager to see her walk down the aisle and marry her. It’s a very personal and thoughtful gift to receive, one which I will hold dear.” James

Special thanks go to Matteo Crescentini for so beautifully capturing the moment that James opened his gift and for allowing us to share that moment with you all. www.matteocrescentini.com

Huge congratulations to James and Verity from everyone at Foxlow! Thank you for sharing your beautiful wedding photos with us, may you have many many happy years together.