Julie Socher Boudoir Photography

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE SOCHER

By definition, boudoir photography is an intimate form of professional photography featuring the subject in various forms of undress; most commonly in lingerie. For women especially, it is an empowering experience, one that gives them a greater sense of confidence in their bodies. It’s also a great way to awaken inner sensuality and remind someone just how sexy they can be. As a photographer specializing in the niche genre of boudoir photography, Julie Socher has seen the transformative effect it can have on her clients and she’s deeply honored to be part of their journey. “We live in a world where women are constantly comparing their own bodies and self-worth to others and there's a feeling of never being enough,” she says. “My work is about reconnecting women to their internal energy and promoting their confidence, worthiness and identity in the most feminine way. When you're able to set yourself free from your own negative self-perceptions, there's a new-found assurance that trickles down in all areas of your own life and not just your relationship with your body.” Establishing Julie Socher Photography, LLC, in 2010, Socher found her true passion after her first session in boudoir photography made her realize the impact it could make on someone’s life. “When I saw such a positive emotional reaction from my first client to her photos, it was then that I realized just how transformative and healing it can be for women.”

More than just a photo session, Socher makes it an entire experience, which puts her clients at ease. “My studio is a full-service luxury studio,” she says. “I meet all my clients before they book via Zoom or a phone call and I guide them through the entire experience, from what to expect to what to wear. During the ordering process, we go through each image and design the album or photo product of their choice. We customize the experience for each client, whether you're a bride creating the most epic gift for your fiancé, a mom honoring her body post-baby or the milestone celebrator from birthdays to health wins and challenging triumphs. I also guide my clients with very detailed pose coaching into all the looks throughout the session.”

A Q+A WITH NICOLE RYAN OF GUNSTON HALL

story by liesel schmidt

how long have you been an event planner?

Since 2013. I oversee the entire private rental program at Gunston Hall, which also includes events such as baby showers, rehearsal dinners, luncheons, conferences, meetings, a British car show, a wine festival and more!

what first interested you about the industry?

I was a history major in college. I knew I wanted to work in the museum field, so during two internships at museums in the Richmond area, I was able to intern more specifically in areas such as donor/private events as well as marketing and development. I knew right away that my love of history, museums, hospitality and customer service would mesh well if I could find a job at a museum in the private event side of things. After moving to NoVA after college in 2013, I was able to land a job with a small event company as well as a job at Gunston Hall. After being promoted in spring of 2014, I became full-time at Gunston Hall and have been here since as the Leader of Business Enterprise, heading up the entire rental department and Museum Shop.

what do you love most about your work?

No event is the same! One day, we could have a wedding, the next could be a car show, followed by a dog draft test on our grounds. I pride myself on being focused on the contracting party from beginning to end and I feel like that shows when guests are having a wonderful experience.

what is your biggest challenge in planning a wedding?

Not every couple or event is the same, which is exactly how it should be. However, working for over eight years at the same venue can have its challenges when trying to be imaginative on new ideas for decorations, table decor, etc. for couples or contracting parties that want to be completely different from past events. The space is only so big and isn't a movable location, so I try to stay up-to-date on new ideas and trends through social media, Pinterest and wedding magazines for events to try out.

how have you pivoted to make weddings a reality over the past two years?

Micro weddings! Having personally had one, I couldn't speak enough about them and how magical the intimacy of a smaller event is. The ability to be flexible has been key during everything as literally one-day events could be 50 people and the next, 25 people. Smaller, more intimate weddings continue to be popular, which is why we are now offering a permanent Micro Package as one of our wedding packages.

what keeps you passionate, despite the challenges?

Love and the ability to see couples stay strong and work through challenges to still find a way to have their special day even if it means pivoting to a micro wedding or postponing for a year. My passion for my job, going above and beyond for special requests, being flexible in the moment to make a change to the event and my customer service skills of being hospitable and welcoming.

what makes Gunston Hall such an incredible venue?

With 550 acres of beautiful landscape and a breathtaking vista of the Potomac, the grounds make for an experience to remember. All rentals of Gunston Hall also include tours of the historic house, allowing for guests to learn the history of Gunston Hall and George Mason.

what do couples love about Gunston Hall and having their weddings there?

We have lots of outdoor spaces that can be used for ceremonies, lawn games, cocktail hours and even a full reception. The inside space is rather plain on its own, so we allow couples a lot of flexibility in decorating. If no other events are scheduled the Friday before a wedding, we even allow two hours of complimentary setup time for decorating and a rehearsal walkthrough. The inside space opens to a beautiful private courtyard, which is half brick and half lawn, allowing for another great space for cocktail hours or even a tent and heaters to be used year-round.

what are the amenities/services offered to wedding parties? We offer an assortment of indoor/outdoor tables and chairs included with the venue rental. Wedding packages may include tours of the historic mansion, private bridal changing quarters and a dedicated staff member throughout your wedding planning process. The Ann Mason Room features internet connectivity and audiovisual capabilities for receptions and a full-size catering kitchen is available adjacent to the Ann Mason Room.