I had found the Sugar and Spice Photography website early in the pandemic time, and admit that I was really interested in coming in, but I was also unsure of myself. The previous 5-6 years of my life had been filled with turmoil.
In 2015, within a couple months of each other, my 3 year old daughter was diagnosed with a seizure disorder and my husband received a diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). And to be completely honest, prior to that my marriage was on shaky ground. The dual diagnoses meant I was in for a long haul with trying to stabilize my daughter's seizures as my husband progressively lost mobility, in the midst of a crumbling relationship. I put my life on hold - seeing friends, running, having my own hobbies, or even any semblance of free time - to care for my family.
In January of 2018, we finally hit on the right combination of meds for my daughter for the seizures to stop, but not after she had lost a significant amount of her academic, motor, and functional skills. As she began to come out of the seizure fog, we had outside caregivers in the house 24/7 as my husband required one on one care, and used a bi-pap machine around the clock to help him breathe, as he was no longer able to do so on his own. The years of struggle had led to it no longer feeling like a marriage, but a caregiver/patient relationship. I know that sounds cold, but it was the reality.
In August of 2018 my husband passed away, and my children and I searched for a new normal.
They both started at a new school that year, and quickly made good, solid friends. I finally had some time to take care of myself and see friends. In 2019, I made a big decision to move my family from the house where my husband died. It felt like we needed a completely fresh start to really grow and not simply exist in a house where an entire section was avoided. We moved in December 31, 2019, and we were all thrilled at the chance to start fresh with a new home to fill with happy memories.
Then COVID happened, and we were isolated yet again. That's when I found this studio and reached out the first time. I say the first time because I didn't jump in with both feet. I was rattled from the difficult years, I had lost my grip on healthy exercise and sleep habits, and though I had dated, I was feeling like finding a good thing wasn't going to be possible. I was a little terrified that I reached out in the first place haha. Even so, I kept thinking about making it a goal:
...to step out of my comfort zone and have a chance to see myself differently.
As timing would have it, I met someone right before 2021 was to start, and I had already bought myself a swear-y planner to help keep on top of goals to use healthy methods of self care (less alcohol, more exercise, better work/life balance). It was like everything aligned. I don't think I could've made the changes I made and met the wonderful man I met any earlier than I did. It gave me the guts to reach out again to Sugar and Spice and jump right in.
It was an incredible experience! I spent the morning getting pampered and sharing my story, and got to spend the entire day with Jenny and Janelle posing in so many different looks and sets. I was shocked to see myself, but also incredibly proud of myself. I was proud because I had made it through so much. I was proud because I took a leap to do something just for me. I was proud because the conscious effort I had put into taking care of myself was evident in every image they captured.
Everyone deserves to feel that way, and I am so incredibly glad I went for it. And I am also thrilled that when I am old and gray, I can reference this experience and everything it embodied and say with pride,
"Damn, I am incredible, a warrior, and worthy."
~Emily
Emily~
We're so glad you got the "guts" to finally do this for yourself! Sending you lots of love and hugs and all of the happiness for you and your children.
xoxo, the Sugar & Spice Girls
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-WHO WE ARE-
Sugar & Spice Photography is a Minnesota based, women-owned small business that specializes in boudoir and pinup photography.
WE ARE...moms, wives, engaged, divorced or single women...and we are on a mission to share our passion with you! Our intimate & tasteful boudoir photography is created to...
...CELEBRATE each woman's individuality, helping them to look and feel beautiful, be playful and ooze sexuality with dignity, elegance and class.
...ENLIGHTEN and empower the women that we touch, and help them realize that they are beautifully and wonderfully made by their Creator.
...TRANSFORM and unveil the inner bombshell of each woman, by pampering her, laughing with her, and making her feel as amazing as she is!
Our fierce team of females work as a team of two to get the best results and most shots possible. The Coaching + Attention to Detail = Amazing Results
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-A LUXURY, EMPOWERING, BODY POSITIVE EXPERIENCE-
A boudoir photography shoot with us is done tastefully and beautifully with an all female team to nurture your comfort and ensure that you feel pampered, empowered & sexy! Nervous? We will coach you through the entire amazing, super fun experience…from outfit selection to posing! We’ll give you the Hollywood treatment and help bring out your inner supermodel!
Our sessions INCLUDE hair styling - with clip-in hair extensions at no additional cost, professional photography makeup & false lash application.
Our drawers and closets are OVERFLOWING with smoldering lingerie & sexy costumes in sizes 0-26 and tons of shoes, accessories and props for you to choose from!
We have an adorable 6,000 sq ft studio serving Minneapolis and the Twin Cities with more than 20 amazing sets and countless props: from the bedroom ...to the kitchen ...to the locker room ...and everything in between!
Say BUH-BYE to lumps & bumps, cellulite, stretch marks, scarring & unwanted tattoos! We will contour & shape body to enhance your natural beauty. We have photographed women of ALL shapes, sizes & ages & we are masters of retouching. Our custom-tailored products INCLUDE body shaping & retouching.
You may be shocked that the perfect gift for him...turns out to be the perfect present for you, too….! Check out hundreds of testimonials from our clients who left their session feeling empowered, confident, beautiful and sexy! Discover your inner bombshell with a boudoir photo shoot experience with Sugar & Spice Photography.
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