April R.

This is my Allure journey. I lurked in the VIP Facebook group for about 5 years. I was very insecure about my body and would make excuses of why I should not do this. After having weight loss surgery and fighting other health issues, I finally took the plunge. My first session was a couple’s session with my fiancé. Having been on both sides of the fence, being extremely overweight, and extremely underweight; in either situation, I was self-conscious. Even my fiancé has things he is insecure about with his body. Both of us were extremely nervous, not knowing what to expect out of the experience. I had no lingerie, but with help from a friend, I was able to borrow some, along with some jewelry. The experience was phenomenal from start to finish. Debbie and Telly made me feel so comfortable. Telly‘s hair and make-up talents exceed everyone I’ve ever been to. When you see yourself after she’s done, you’re just amazed that it is you. Debbie makes you feel so beautiful and comfortable. She demonstrates poses, asks what you’re most insecure about, and helps hide those things or enhance the things you like. I felt like that experience brought us closer together as a couple and would recommend it to anyone.

    For my second session my fiancé’ and I had a Love project session with the rain room. We wore our very best formal wear and took some amazing photos. Debbie’s husband, Mike, assisted in posing Brian and even took time to put heels on my feet, since I couldn’t walk in them. Debbie once again took some phenomenal photos of us. I used one of my own dresses, but also borrowed from the Boudie boutique. Again, I felt like I was closer to Brian with this experience, and we both felt a little bit more at ease knowing what to expect. The rain room was a surprise for Brian. I was still self-conscious since I would have wet clothing clinging against my body, and parts would be seen through. I thought to myself; I may not like most of these, but I’m going to do this anyway because it looks like so much fun. At the reveal, when we saw the images, we BOTH knew we had to have every one of these pictures. That’s how great a job Debbie does at taking the photos and editing them. Again, we purchased the Allure collection!

    I won my third session from a raffle Debbie held in the VIP Facebook group, to use the new champagne robe! This was a great experience as well! I got to wear something unlike anything I’ve worn before. For this session I brought boob tape, which I recommend for anyone self-conscious about their breasts. We had so much fun between Debbie, Telly and I trying to apply it, which none of us have ever done. Debbie had a wonderful idea of folding wash rags and putting them under my boobs to give me that little extra cleavage that I wanted for this robe. I absolutely fell in love with these photos, especially one with me lying on the table and ones posed in front of black candles.

    If you are not part of the VIP Facebook group, you need to be. Being part of the group is not just about photos, but about camaraderie, women empowerment, and just lifting each other up daily. I have enjoyed getting to know everyone in the group and making new friends. The group introduced me to new friends, at least four of them will be in my wedding! I look forward to getting into the group every day and reading the positivity that everyone exudes.

I really want to thank Debbie for all the time and effort she puts into our pictures. Debbie truly loves all her clients and wants ALL to have this experience. Telly, you are one of the most talented people I’ve ever met! You make sure that every woman receives the look she wants for her session. You take the time to ask if there’s a certain way, we want our make-up or our hair. I appreciate that about you.

If you are on the fence about doing a session, let me say that my only regret was not doing this sooner. As women will always find something about us that we are not happy about, but we just need to embrace our imperfections because it is our imperfections that has shown that we have lived. When you see your pictures, you will be amazed and think to yourself, that is me? Sessions with Debbie have become an addicting experience for me, and I can’t wait to do another session. I hope that you were encouraged by my testimony.