Cozy Haven in Tel Aviv | Maternity Boudoir : Adva

This maternity boudoir session brought me to a sweet and beautifully designed home in a quiet, Tel Aviv neighborhood. Adva was in her 38th week of pregnancy when she contacted me, so we really only had less than a week to get everything together! Generally I like to have more time to prepare with my clients, but in this case, I think that our trust and connection was so perfect from the beginning.

Adva's session couldn't have turned out better or more beautiful.

This was her third pregnancy, and very possibly her last, so it was especially meaningful to document this magical time right before her beautiful baby was born. 

When we walked in, I immediately gushed over Adva's bohemian, modern and eclectic style. I loved that we were able to use her home as a unique setting for her session. She happens to be an incredibly talented interior designer, and the talented part goes without saying!

Over coffee, a delicious cheese platter and fresh fruit, we chatted about life and motherhood, and about the way her world was about to change in just a few days. I always find the preparation time to be so relaxing and an opportunity to connect with my clients on a deeper level. It was really fun to have Rhonda Lev, one of my makeup artists and hair stylists, along with me on the day of. She created a natural and luminous look for Adva that left her feeling a little glamorous, but completely like herself. 

In my eyes, Adva is a total queen, with this modest confidence and a generous heart. Here are some of my favorites from her maternity session this Autumn...

There's honestly nothing sexier than a cozy sweater over lingerie!

I love how the film captures the light coming through her bedroom window. This has to be one of my favorite images from this series...

Often times my clients will use clothing for part of their boudoir sessions. I think this white, boho dress was a perfect fit for Adva's style and a lovely addition to our shoot. Someone told me that collarbones are the new cleavage. I definitely resonate with that here! :)

One of the best parts of my job is celebrating the lives of so many amazing women. It was truly an honor to have photographed Adva during the last moments of her pregnancy, and it was incredible to receive a text message with a gorgeous baby when he was born!

Mazal Tov, beautiful Adva. 

Boudoir : Ms. L

Especially after having my own children, I feel that pregnancy is one of the most miraculous gifts of life. It is beautiful and natural, yet there is a mystery within it beyond our realm of understanding.

I was honored when Ms. L contacted me just a couple weeks before her due date, to document this sacred time in her life. I love that she saw the beauty in her pregnancy, even though it was not an easy 9 months to endure. Once the session began, it was incredible to see how the both of us transformed.

Through our experience together, I can't help but be in love with these romantic photographs...

Hair and Makeup by Cassy Avraham

Maternity Boudoir : Z + D

This couple's story is like a fairytale. After years of being apart, but always being in love, they were able to reconnect and start their family in Israel. Just seeing them together is a true testament of the admiration, respect and love they have for each other! I was blessed to have been able to document this special time in their lives - the pregnancy and birth of their second daughter. The moment that we met, I felt such a strong connection to them and the lives they lead.

This kind of beauty is just too good for words...

Hair and Makeup by Cassy Britt Wainer

Year in Review : 2013

I walked into my first boudoir session, not sure what to expect. In front of me was a beautiful woman in her thirties. With multiple children, and having given birth just a couple years before, she wasn't run down, jaded or distracted. She was determined and kind. Strong and maybe a little apprehensive. Days spent being a cook, therapist, taxi cab driver, cleaner, teacher, personal assistant, accountant and all those jobs that intertwine into being a mother does not always allow time for us to stop, breathe and love ourselves. As she sat down in her living room for hair and makeup, I saw a woman transformed before me. It wasn't just a change in her outer appearance that struck me, but she had an inner glow and confidence that truly radiated from within. It was amazing. My hands shook a bit as I placed my lens on my camera, and together, we created magic.

This was the first of many women I would meet and photograph. No one's story was exactly the same. I learned about their passions, their insecurities, their childhoods, their relationships, what makes them happy, what doesn't. I saw the power of femininity, of being in touch with our inner and outer selves.

I cried the first time a client said to me, "Is that me? I'm really that beautiful? Did you photo shop everything?"

I said, "Yes, that's you."

and she said, "Today I'm going to stop hating myself."

The media tells us that to be pretty, we have to look a certain way. That our bodies are not perfect, feminine and gorgeous the way they are. We need Botox, liposuction, face lifts, boob jobs, and if all else fails, then we do.

It's just not true. I believe, because I have seen, that every woman is beautiful. It's really incredible to be able to give women, in any stage of their life, the space to feel like a queen. I feel fortunate to have started this part of my journey now. I know that there is so much more to learn, create and give. The following are some my favorite images, that I'm allowed to share, of 2013...

I’m really grateful for everyone who has played a part in this new beginning. With the exception of my husband and children, I have never ever been so inspired and in love with what I do every day. I’d like to invite you, through my blog, to continue on this journey with me. I can only imagine what an amazing year of glamour and boudoir it will be!

Make up and Hair by
Avital & Avital
Miriam Veffer
Lia Veffer
Leah Neppe