Genoa, IL. Engagement session - C&E enjoying a moment

This post is a bit of a personal one. It is not the type of content you typically find on my blog. It is a PSA of sorts not only to brides - but to all women. As a photographer and observer of human beauty, may I just say I am ready to stand up and make a bold statement. You are beautiful, today. It is not the type of reassurance that "oh your beautiful despite your crazy bed head and raccoon eyes" that my hubby gives me in the morning. It is something so much deeper.

M & P in prayer before their wedding in Kingston, IL.

OK this is a personal post that I wanted to share. Giving tips is great but sometimes don't you just want to get something off your chest? This is one of those things - and it is a biggie.

HERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOUR ARMS, STOMACH, LEGS, CHEST, (or insert another body part here)!

Katelyn beams in the evening glow - a perfect maternity shoot in Sycamore, IL.

Being worthy of being beautiful and shinning brightly is something that I want to encourage all the brides, bridesmaids, mothers, grandmothers and any lady out there. Not just on wedding day but everyday. Being a photographer I have become hyper exposed to the insecurities that women have about themselves and I want so badly just to make it stop.

They way he looks at you makes you feel beautiful!  M & S in Delavan, Wi enjoying their engagement. — They way he looks at you makes you feel beautiful! M & S in Delavan, Wi enjoying their engagement.

We are human beings with beautiful days ahead of us and if there happen to be photos - that is amazing! On wedding day we are beaming with love and love surrounds us. Please, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and say to yourself "I embrace beauty". It is so empowering.

The photos that you receive are a beautiful capture of a moment in time that you will never get to return to. Often the ladies look past the moment and directly to their (insert least favorite personal attribute here). It hurts me. Not as a photographer but it hurts because I am a woman who believes in acceptance where we are today. I am not perfect and I have to remind myself of this as well. Perhaps this post will help me be more mindful, and I hope it helps you as well.