Maine & NH Wedding & Boudoir Photographer // How to Have a Boudoir Shoot Before Your Wedding Without Getting Caught

So, you’ve decided to do a boudoir shoot as a wedding gift for your fiancé—excellent choice. As a matter of fact, I highly recommend. Nothing says "I love you" quite like stunning, confidence-boosting, jaw-dropping photos of yourself. But if you're trying to keep it a surprise, you’ve got to be sneaky. And let me tell you, I’ve seen more than a few clients almost blow their cover.

Here’s your ultimate guide to pulling off a secret boudoir shoot like a pro (and not getting busted by your fiancé in the process).

1. TURN OFF YOUR LOCATION. FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS HOLY.

Listen, I cannot stress this enough. TURN. OFF. YOUR. LOCATION. I’ve had multiple clients get caught because their fiancé innocently checked to see where they were and saw *“Val Bozzi Photography”* pop up on the map. Game over. I’ve totally had a client’s fiance call her while she was at the studio and say, “Say hi to Val for me”.

If you two share locations, put your phone on airplane mode or just conveniently be somewhere nearby for a couple of hours. Maybe you’re at a “long brunch with friends” or “helping your mom with errands.” Get creative.

2. No Suspicious Lingerie Hauls

Nothing screams “I’m up to something” like a cart full of lace bodysuits and garter belts when you’ve never owned lingerie in your life. But don’t worry—I’ll help you style your session in a way that feels authentically you.

Got an oversized sweater? A slouchy tee? That one set of cute undies you already own? Perfect. You don’t need to go on a shopping spree unless you want to.

(Pro tip: If you do buy lingerie, mix it in with a random Amazon order. No one suspects a suspicious amount of lace if it’s wedged between a box filled with coffee and toilet paper.)

3. Hide the Evidence

- Delete your emails (at least the ones confirming your session).

- Make a separate album on your phone for any outfit inspo or Pinterest boards.

- If you need to pay digitally, use PayPal or a gift card. A boudoir shoot charge on your bank statement is a dead giveaway.

- Keep your outfits somewhere inconspicuous—unless you want your fiancé asking why there’s suddenly a box labeled “DO NOT OPEN” in your closet.

4. Excuses for Why You Look That Good Afterwards**

You absolutely will leave the shoot feeling like a million bucks, so be prepared with an excuse for why you’re suddenly glowing with fabulous makeup and hair. Here are some classics:

- “Had a self-care day!” or “I went to the spa!” (Vague and impossible to question.)

- “Tried out a new makeup technique!” (And you just happened to have a full-on smokey eye.)

5. How to Handle the Final Surprise

Once the photos are ready, you’ll need a solid plan for gifting them without ruining the surprise. Here are a few fun ideas:

- The Morning-Of Gift: Have them open a small album or print while getting ready on the wedding day. Instant jaw drop.

- Honeymoon Surprise: Slip it into their suitcase so they find it later.

- Anniversary Reveal: If you really want to play the long game, hold onto them until your first anniversary and watch their mind explode. Most of my girls that plan this end up giving the album early, but its the thought, right!?!

A boudoir session is one of the most fun, empowering, and confidence-boosting things you can do—but if it’s a surprise, you must be on your A-game. So be sneaky, cover your tracks, and most importantly—have fun with it.

And don’t worry, I’ve got you. I’ll help with outfits, styling, and all the little details so you can pull this off flawlessly.

Now go forth and do not forget to turn off that location.