Couples boudoir photography is stripping down to connect, feel more confident and sexy with your partner. This photo experience is then turned into the most epic gift for you. I didn’t feel like counting, so put the number of photos in this article in the comments below, thanks! Take a look at these photos…and book your couples boudoir experience today!
Empower your partner to be their best selves. Couples boudoir is the photography of people in a relationship. This intimate photography can bring you closer together. Book your photos today.You deserve the best photography for your relationship. Celebrate your anniversary with a couples photosession inside our sexy studio. You will feel amazing and look beautiful. This is what your relationship has been waiting for. Don’t go another day without scheduling a session with allebach photography.
Amy & Tim’s Couples Boudoir Story Will Make You Feel Better About The World
Couples Boudoir Photo Session
Amy and Tim are about to celebrate 11 years since tying the knot, but they’ve been together for much longer than that. The two began seeing each other in all the way back in high school, where they bonded over everything from mini-golf, to a shared inability to never get sick of pizza to “all things geeky.”
“Some couples take breaks or grow apart but we always knew we had a forever thing. Some people’s spouses aren’t their best friends and that’s perfectly fine, but for me, he’s my person, my better half, the person who allows me to be the truest form of myself,” says Amy.
“Tim told me he was gonna propose when we had been together for about three years – mind you he told me that when we were 17!”
True to his word, Tim proposed when the two were sophomores in college and the rest, as they say, is history.
Amy and Tim were married in 2008 and welcomed their daughter into the world that following year.
Being positive role models for their daughter is something that’s been important to them ever since, says Amy, who admits that over the years she’s struggled with her own self-confidence.
“As a bigger girl, I’ve always struggled with my confidence like most women regardless of size.”
Photo from Solo Boudoir Session
She continues, “But by some miracle, it all changed for me when I hit 28. I think at that point in my life I had hit all those silly milestones people put on themselves – I had a husband, a child, a house and a good job – and once I had those I realized I just didn’t care what people thought about me anymore. Being plus-sized didn’t stop amazing things from happening in my life, so why should I punish myself for the way I was built? That’s when I decided that the most important thing for me to be, especially for my daughter to see, was to be confident!”
That desire was what first drew Amy to boudoir photography, who began to look into doing a solo session on her own.
“By a fluke, we stumbled upon the Allebach booth at the Exotica Expo in New Jersey. Both Tim and I were on board from the start, and once we joined the Facebook group (because obviously, I had so many questions), we really felt like we had found our people,” said Amy.
Couples Boudoir Nerves Calmed
While Tim and Amy both agree that they were nervous for their shoot, their fears were quickly extinguished.
“Honestly speaking the whole crew there helped me get over my fears. They were welcoming and made us feel at home and that made it easier to be ourselves. Seeing my wife all done up and knowing that we were about to have an intimate experience we would never forget made the butterflies worth it,” Tim said.
Solo Boudoir Session
“Our shoot was so much fun, we were super nervous, but honestly we had no reason to be. Mike was like a friend we didn’t know we had and made us instantly comfortable. It was sexy and fun to roll around half-naked and then completely naked with my hubby, because how could it not be?” said Amy.
Amy’s Solo Boudoir
The couple can’t wait to do another shoot in a few years.
“Overall we would do it again in an instant, and honestly plan to again in a few years. We tell of all our friends they should do it, its a great experience for a couple to go through. I like to think Mike really captured the love between us, and I treasure seeing how we look at each other in those pictures. The pictures now hang proudly in our bedroom always reminding us how sexy we are and how much love we hold for each other, and its doesn’t matter how great your life is sometimes you just need those little things to put things in perspective,” Amy said.
Tim adds, “It was a great time for us and I’ll forever recommend them to anyone looking for something different and intimate.”
Check out these Couples Boudoir in Black and White
Our clients get to design their wall art in either black and white or in color. Any photo we take can be either black and white or color. So we thought it would be fun to put our favorite photos in B & W.
Schedule your couples boudoir session by calling 610.539.6920. Our studio is located outside of Philadelphia. Only a 3 hour drive from Washington DC, 2 hour drive from Baltimore, New York City and North Jersey and a 1 hour drive from Lancaster.
Our studio was designed around having couples in and building gifts of albums or wall art for each other! This experience is huge and loads of fun!
Leave your session with wall art or an album and more confidence than you walked in with!
How can you not want to try out a fun and sexy photoshoot after seeing this! Call us at 610.539.6920 to book your session.
Real Couples Boudoir Photoshoots Chronicles: Stories at Allebach Photography
Meredith was thrilled – not to mention a little shocked – when her girlfriend, Debbie, agreed to do a couple’s boudoir session with her.
“The photo shoot was right up my alley and not ever something I thought she would consider. Trust me, she agreed to do it for me. I never dreamed it would go so well! She loved it. Not just the amazing photos but the whole process,” Meredith shares.
Actual artwork above client’s bed
Their love story is a little risqué for the stereotypical law enforcement type.
The two met in D.C. when Debbie (who recently retired) was a Deputy U.S. Marshal at Superior Court and Meredith was just a “baby” lawyer, having recently graduated from law school.
“I was a law clerk for one of the judges at the same courthouse. I, uh, developed a thing for the U.S. Marshals, who staff Super Court. So much so that when the judges were looking for a deputy to transport a prisoner or something and the marshals were not answering downstairs, they would call my judge’s chambers. There were always deputies in there!” says Meredith.
Letting loose and law enforcement aren’t exactly two terms people tend to string together; But Meredith says that’s exactly what their boudoir session allowed them to do.
“She had so much fun, laughing and giggling and talking about crazy stuff we did when we met 18 years ago. You caught that I said giggling, right? Just FYI, law enforcement types…not big on giggling… I am sure none of you know about that stuff, having never, ever interacted with an officer of the law before,” she jokes.
The next day Debbie sent Meredith a text about how much fun they had, using words like magic, fun, flirty and sensuous.
The most important part of the couples boudoir session
But the most important words were the ones Debbie said to her on the way home from the studio the day of the photo shoot.
Debbie said to Meredith, “You know I never like the way I look in pictures, but in these pictures, I actually look pretty.”
Isn’t She Beautiful?
“I was shocked. Look, she is gorgeous. I’ve been telling her that for years! But it doesn’t matter what other people tell us. We all need to see ourselves up on the wall in all that Technicolor glory to really believe it. To truly realize ‘I’m pretty. I’m hot.’”
The couple recently picked up their artwork, ordering a huge album to look back on.
“You absolutely cannot put a price on what it has done for our relationship, our confidence, our happiness & our mental health. Trust me. It’s the gift that keeps on giving! After our experience, I am confident Mike and his team can make anyone comfortable. That is the Allebach magic!”
Meredith has already persuaded her girlfriend to do a bodyscaping photo session with Mike for her birthday this summer.
“I’m planning to get hot and naughty in a session with her Dodge Challenger in the fall,” she said. “I could have worse vices…”
7 Reasons to Get a Couples Boudoir Photography Experience
Couples boudoir is magic according to our clients. Here are 7 reasons to have a couples boudoir photography session at Allebach Photography! Watch this video.
Couples Boudoir, Engagements, Weddings, Family & Boudoir Studio
For the last 14 years we’ve been the photographer for everyone who was a little outside the box. People just like you asked the question, “who can photograph us?” Who won’t judge us for who we are. Whether it was a tattooed punk rock wedding, interracial non-religious wedding or same-sex couple, we’ve been the photographer for EVERYBODY who didn’t feel like they could find a photographer.
These days you’ll mostly find us in the studio! You’ll love being photographed here. Every day we make people feel like rock stars. The process starts with a phone call where we find out how to bring out the best of you in the photos. Once you come in you’ll get hair and makeup to make you feel like a rock star.
After the photosession you’ll see your photos right away in our design gallery space! You’ll get artwork that will anchor you to your experience and your badass.
Dave and Cathy have a love story that goes all the way back to when they were little kids, sneaking kisses in the closet during a game of Hide and Seek or under the bushes outside playing Capture the Flag.
“Dave and I met when he was nine years old and I was seven years old. His sister, Michele, was my best friend growing up so I spent a lot of time at their house,” she said.
Though they never dated and each grew up, got married and had children of their own, Dave and Cathy reconnected several years later after a couple of failed marriages and a devastating cancer diagnosis for Cathy.
On July 14, 2010 she was diagnosed with kidney cancer. She had to have part of her left kidney removed.
“I was extremely sick during that time so it took 18 months for my blood counts to come up to levels where the docs were not freaking out. My body struggling to heal triggered an autoimmune disease and I started losing patches of hair in 2011,” said Cathy, who added that she tried to hide the severity of her diagnosis from Dave initially by covering up with hats and wigs.
“Dave knew I was wearing hats and hiding something but he had no idea just how bad it was until I just totally gave up and shaved it all off.”
She was so nervous he would bolt when she shaved her head, but Dave surprised her.
She continued, “I told him my medical history when we reconnected back in 2013 and told him he could get out if he wanted to, but he said he wasn’t going anywhere,” said Cathy.
“He said he wasn’t going anywhere and kissed my head when I shaved it!”
Taking control and owning her looks gave Cathy the boost of confidence she didn’t even realize she was missing. And the fact that Dave not only supported her through this, but told her she was even sexier bald made her smile more than she had in years.
“I decided to rock my bald look! When I looked into Dave’s eyes I saw love but I also saw how proud he was of me for being bold and he told me I had never been more sexy!”
When Cathy discovered Allebach Photography’s couples boudoir sessions through a former cake decorating student of hers she decided she HAD to do one.
“For me, I wanted to show everyone who sees these pictures that bald is beautiful and sexy! I know so many women (and men) through social media with alopecia in various stages and levels of hair loss. There are so many children out there with this disease also. At 41 this disease was horrible to deal with but I cannot imagine being a child with this. People are defined by their hair!”
She shared some photos with Dave and asked if it was something he’d be interested in doing, not sure how he would respond, him being the conservative and reserved one of the two. Lucky, he surprised her by saying he would LOVE to and so the couple drove the three hours from Binghamton, NY. to the studio in North Wales, PA.
Cathy says they did the session for so many reasons, from wanting to capture their unique connection, to inspiring others, to just proving that being 50 and bald can be sexy.
“Dave is 50 and I am 49 and we wanted to prove 50 is still sexy! We will never be this young again, so let’s record this point on our lives with pictures that we can look at when we are 95 and say, ‘yep! We were sexy!’”
Cathy and Dave’s session was both sexy and fun, exactly the way their relationship is in real life. At one point, Cathy jumped out dressed head to toe in a zebra print oneise.
“When we were talking about the shoot, from the beginning I told him I was going to wear footy pajamas! It is a running joke with us because, at most, I wear cheekies to bed! So when I was down to cheekies and he was down to his Calvin Klein’s, I said. ‘oh shit! I forgot something! Zipped behind the curtain to where my bag was, whipped on my footie pajamas and came out in my zebra print jammies and jumped on the bed!”
Cathy has always identified herself as a free spirit and so taking her clothes off for some more intimate photos was no big deal, she says. And as for Dave, he put his trust fully in Cathy and Mike.
“I really wasn’t sure how Dave would feel when it came to the shoot but he trusted me and Mike and just went with it.”
Some of her favorite photos from their session are the ones that simply convey their sensuality and closeness with each other, like the one where Dave is staring lovingly at her body or their hands are locked during a kiss.
“I see two people who have been through so much but are stronger together and holding each other up and so loving. I was hoping Mike would capture how Dave looks at me, and he did.”
Cathy is already looking forward to her next session with the studio. When she turns 50 next year she wants to do a solo shoot that focuses on bald beauty and strength.
“When I was diagnosed with cancer, it was really a wakeup call for me. What was I doing with my life? When I die, what will people remember about me? What will people say when they think of me? What do people think now when they think of me? I want everything that I put out into the universe to be positive, loving, full of life! I want to inspire anyone dealing with this disease to stop hiding! It is OK to be bald and to embrace it!”
Boudoir. Sexy. Raunchy. Exciting. Trashy. Empowering. Degrading. Everyone has his or her own opinion when they hear the words “Boudoir Photography,” but just what is it really?
In French, “boudoir” refers to a lady’s private dressing room or bedroom. Traditionally, a boudoir session refers to a solo woman posing partially clothed or in lingerie. The photos are tasteful, sexy, classy and elegant.
Couples Boudoir aims to achieve all a solo boudoir session does, and more. At Allebach photography, we believe couples boudoir is more than photography – it’s the art of getting close to that special someone in your life.
There are a lot of misconceptions and skewed beliefs around boudoir photography. Below we attempt to debunk them once and for all.
Misconception #1 – Boudoir Photography is like having sex in front of a stranger
Let’s get it out there in the open. Boudoir is not porn, it’s not even sex.
“I think the most common misconception is that we’re actually having sex while getting photographed. This is obviously not happening. There is a lot of kissing and caressing and closeness. It’s a super intimate and sexy and FUN experience, but no one is having sex,” says Kayla Cook.
Misconception #2 – You have to have a perfect body or be a model
Everyone deserves to feel sexy, beautiful, loved and to be proud of their body. Your jean size, your age, your shape, none of it matters. Couples boudoir is about celebrating your relationship, inside and out, flaws and all. We celebrate and bring to light what makes each couple unique.
Misconception #3 – You must get naked
You do not have to be naked. You don’t even have to get down to your underwear. Your boudoir session is about capturing the true essence of you and your partner. If that means sporting your favorite band tee, go for it! Then again, if it means stripping down to nothing but a pair of stilettos or converses that’s perfectly ok too.
“Mike let’s you do what you want, you don’t have to take off what you don’t want to. Initially, I was nervous and was standing fully clothed, by the end I was walking around topless and in panties. I felt sooo badass,” said Melinda Stinson.
Misconception #4 – You can’t hang up or show off your art because it would be considered pornographic or narcissistic
Who says you can’t anchor your love and life with wall art and albums – especially in your own home?
“That you wouldn’t be able to show off your art because it would be ‘pornographic’ – which is 100 percent not the case. I have our album on our coffee table for everyone to see!” said Antonia Blanda.
Misconception #5 – They’re only for women looking to please their men
Whether you’re interested in a couples or a solo session, boudoir is something you do for YOU, and you first. While there are many women that will book a session to give as a gift for their significant other, just as many women (and men) are signing up to do something special for themselves or their relationship.
Misconception #6 – Your photos are going to end up all over the internet
False. When you sign on to do a session with us, your photos are accessible only to you. We provide you with a password-protected gallery and all photos are completely private unless you decide you want to do a model call or sign a model release.
Misconception #7 – Boudoir is not for shy or “awkward” couples
Some of our most dynamic sessions are with couples that self-identify as “shy” or “awkward”. It’s normal to feel a bit awkward in the beginning of a session, especially if this is your first time, but once we get started you’ll see how quickly it can be to get into your groove and let the camera fade away.
Misconception #8 – Boudoir sessions are sleazy or tacky
Many couples out there on the fence about doing a session are hesitant because of this misconception, perhaps one of the biggest falsities. Boudoir is not trashy or tacky. With the right photographer, it can be not only sensual, sexy, and tasteful, but empowering too!
Misconception #9 – Boudoir is something you do only once
Many clients return for a second, even a third boudoir session. Clients say it makes them feel great about themselves and enhances the quality of their relationships. Think about couples boudoir as a fun alternative to couples therapy!
Posttraumatic stress disorder, more commonly known as PTSD, can be a debilitating condition, making it nearly impossible for some people to even leave their homes, let alone be comfortable enough to strip down naked in front of a camera.
And yet, at Allebach Photography, some of our strongest and most badass clients are people living with PTSD to help take back their lives and give their PTSD a big “F You.”
Affecting an estimated 44.7 million people around the world (according to PTSDUnited.org), PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal attacks.
For many, symptoms include nightmares or unwanted memories of the trauma, avoidance of situations that bring back memories of the trauma, heightened reactions, insomnia, panic attacks, anxiety, and/or depression.
“I do not do well in public, around anyone I don’t know. I struggle in stores often leaving a cart full of items and leave the store. I have serious driving issues… flashing lights bother me, I could honestly go on for days about my issues,” says Joe, a recent client of Allebach Photography whose name has been changed to respect his privacy.
Despite such daily struggles that can make social interactions with strangers difficult, the former U.S. Army soldier insisted that he and his wife do a couple’s boudoir session.
“I was actually the one who pushed the subject. I knew she’d be on board the moment I brought it up. She is my rock and has my back through everything,” said Joe.
He continued, “The day of the appointment I was nervous not knowing Mike, not knowing the area – I was completely out of my comfort zone. My wife had me from the second we walked in the door. Mike and the whole crew made me feel at ease.”
Studies have shown for years that therapeutic photography (self-initiative photo-based activities) can have lasting positive effects on our mental health.
“People are using therapeutic photography techniques to help themselves and others overcome depression, anxiety, chronic pain and much more,” says Bryce Evans, founder, and CEO of The One Project (the photography community for people suffering from depression and anxiety.
A 2014 study found that those who took part in creating visual art had a significant increase in Psychological Resiliency. The neurotransmitter dopamine can be increased through this process, which can be lacking in those suffering from depression and has been found to immediately start to help prevent depressive-like behaviors.
For Joe, doing a couple’s session with his wife was first and foremost about capturing his love for the person who’s been there through it all with him. The therapeutic benefits were just an added bonus.
“It totally showed you what our love looks like from the outside in. We look at the pictures and can’t help but smile because we truly are madly in love with each other,” he said.
Joe admits he struggles daily with PTSD, but that getting out there in front of a stranger with a camera was a great experience.
“I did it, I made it through it, had a blast, enjoyed every minute there. I could never do this without my wife. We had fun, made friends, and plan to do this many times over despite my anxiety.”
Looking to say “F you” to your anxieties or PTSD? Contact us to today to book your session at 610.539.6920 or visit our website at https://allebachphotography.com/contact.
Are those cute Snapchat filters actually making us feel worse about our bodies?
By Christine Wolkin
We live in a world where beauty standards are constantly evolving and now, with filters that can remove freckles, lengthen eyelashes and widen our eyes, edited selfies have become the norm.
Medical professionals are beginning to argue that those Snapchat filters that transform our faces into cute little woodland creatures with big eyes and smooth skin are hurting our self-image in bigger ways than we could ever imagine.
“A new phenomenon called ‘Snapchat dysmorphia’ has popped up, where patients are seeking out surgery to help them appear like the filtered version of themselves,” says Neelam Vashi, director of Ethnic Skin Center at BMC and Boston University School of Medicine.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine’s Department of Dermatology recently published an article in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, delving into how selfies and filters can negatively affect our body image and trigger body dysmorphia, a mental disorder that causes people to be extremely preoccupied with a perceived flaw in appearance that to others can’t be seen or appears minor.
People who have BDD tend to obsess over their appearance and body image, often checking the mirror, grooming or seeking reassurance for many hours a day.
“For someone with BDD, their entire life’s balance hangs on whether they look okay or whether they’ve camouflaged their perceived flaw appropriately,” says Tom Hildebrandt, PsyD, chief of the Division of Eating and Weight Disorders at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.
Individuals that suffer from BDD will often go to great, and often unhealthy, lengths to hide their imperfections, including going under the knife.
In 2017, a survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that 55 percent of surgeons reported seeing patients who requested surgery to look better in selfies.
“Today’s generation can’t escape ‘the Truman effect’ because from birth they are born into an age of social platforms where their feelings of self-worth can be based purely on the number of likes and followers that they have, which is linked to how good they look or how great these images are,” British cosmetic doctor Tijion Esho, who coined the term “Snapchat dysmorphia” earlier this year in 2018.
The JAMA article goes on to state that this alarming trend presents an unattainable look and blurs the line of reality and fantasy for us.
“Filtered selfies can make people lose touch with reality, creating the expectation that we are supposed to look perfectly primped all the time,” says Vashi, who is also one of the authors of the article. “This can be especially harmful to teens and those with BDD and it is important for providers to understand the implications of social media on body image to better treat and counsel our patients.”
Looking at a photo of yourself and not seeing the same thing reflected in the mirror or an unedited photo can make people unhappy, says Vashi.
“It can bring feelings of sadness, and then if one really develops this disorder, that sadness clearly progresses to something that can be dangerous and alarming,” she said.
Approximately 80 percent of people that suffer from BBD suffer from suicidal thoughts and about a quarter of those individuals have attempted suicide, according to a 2007 study by Primary Psychiatry.
Vashi says one of the most powerful tools in helping fight “Snapchat dysmorphia” is awareness, either through cognitive behavioral therapy or by simply changing your negative thought patterns. Simply being aware of what’s real and what’s been heavily altered with photo manipulation tools can ground us back to reality and remind us of our own innate beauty.
While posing with these filters can be fun, it’s important not to lose sight of who you really are behind them. Photo editing has been around for hundreds of years now and while digital manipulation and our high standards for beauty aren’t likely to go away anytime soon, we are the ones that allow them to hold any power over ourselves.
If you’re looking to capture your true beauty, ditch the filters altogether. Put on a favorite article of clothing and head outside for some gorgeous natural lighting.
Better yet, contact us at Allebach Photography to capture your true natural beauty, inside and out. We offer couples boudoir, boudoir, headshot, wedding, engagement and family photos and are located in the Philadelphia suburbs. Contact us today at 610.539.6920 or visit us at www.allebachphotography.com/contact.
Special Session Fee Available Now for Body+ of Fine Art Sessions
At Allebach Photography, our Body+ of Fine Art sessions (or what’s more commonly known as ‘Bodyscaping’), transform parts of your body into unique pieces of art.
“It’s great for people that aren’t sure if they want to do boudoir because it’s so abstract, it really does have a unique transformative power over people,” said the owner and head photographer Mike Allebach.
Boudoir Bodyscaping by Allebach Photography. Studio Photography in the Philadelphia Suburbs.
During a Body+ of Fine Art session, the human form is artistically expressed using lights and shadows to convey the impression of abstract landscapes or pieces of nature.
“I think that the bodyscaping was appealing to me because it is so hyper-focused on the human form that you truly get to appreciate the beauty of the human body,” says Emily Morales.
Morales recently did a Body+ of Fine Art session in conjunction with a boudoir shoot.
“Since he photographed my wedding, I became obsessed with his work and when I saw the bodyscaping on Instagram I thought it was so gorgeous,” Emily says.
While Emily has always had an appreciation for the beauty of all bodies, in her past she admits she’s struggled with accepting her own body, having overcome body dysmorphia and an eating disorder.
“I do believe that all bodies are beautiful, but I needed help seeing it for myself. I booked the session on a whim because in my heart of hearts I knew that it would help give me a boost and help me heal.”
“The bodyscaping, for me, was a way for me to see my body in its rawest and most real form. There was nothing to hide, it was just me. I think that seeing myself in that light was incredibly important for my journey to self-acceptance,” she continues.
Another client agrees. “Leading up to my session with Mike, I felt a mixture of equal parts terrified and exhilarated. I had never experienced a photo shoot where my partner and I were the sole subjects, let alone one where we’d be completely naked. The moment the shoot began, however, I realized how unfounded my fears were,” says W.G.
“Once the photos were developed and I saw how creatively and gorgeously he’d created landscapes out of my body, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for having had the opportunity to be a part of this project. I was able to see my body, with all of its imperfections, as gloriously perfect as it is. I felt beautiful, empowered, and more body-positive than I ever had in my entire life,” said W.G.
“Once the photos were developed and I saw how creatively and gorgeously he’d created landscapes out of my body, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for having had the opportunity to be a part of this project. I was able to see my body, with all of its imperfections, as gloriously perfect as it is. I felt beautiful, empowered, and more body-positive than I ever had in my entire life,” said W.G.
“I can’t emphasize enough how much more comfortable I feel. Seeing the bodyscaping shots in the reveal was almost an out of body experience. I couldn’t believe that it was me!” says Emily.
Body+ of Fine Art is an experience for couples, men, and women and gives you the opportunity to see your figure in a way you’ve never seen before.
And now for a limited time, all bookings made in 2018 will get a special session fee of just $100.
Let’s talk about creating amazing artwork! Contact us here or call at 610.539.6920 to get started!
Top 8 Things to do on Your Couples Boudoir Getaway: Lancaster
This year, Forbes voted Lancaster, Pa., one of the “10 Coolest U.S. cities to visit in 2018” and on your Couples Boudoir Getaway with Allebach Photography, we want you to find out why.
Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It is a 43-foot (13 m) tall Gothic Revival memorial which stands in Penn Square in downtown Lancaster.
Located just 80 miles west of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Dutch Country is about more than just Amish whoopee pies and horse-drawn carriages (though they have their invaluable places here).
Their food and drink scene has been compared to those of hipster havens like Portland and Brooklyn.
Below, check out our must-sees for experiencing all of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Shady Maple Smorgasbord
Most people who have been to Shady Maple before will tell you this place alone is worth the drive. Discover the experience of dining at Lancaster County’s largest smorgasbord featuring 200 feet of authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. At Shady Maple, some of Lancaster County’s finest cooks prepare all your favorite Pennsylvania Dutch foods, as well as some exciting new dishes. Daily dinner specials including steak, prime rib, and seafood, just to give you an idea of what’s in store.
Fulton Theatre
This stunning Victorian theatre not only boasts memorable shows but is dripping with historical significance. Before this site was a theatre, it was the site of Lancaster’s pre-Revolutionary jail. From on-stage musical productions and experimental studio plays to workshops and apprenticeships, the Fulton Theatre provides a space for Lancaster, and the surrounding areas, to experience the theatre. Today, the Fulton Theatre produces a mix of comedies, dramas, and musicals, employing the talents of professional directors, designers, actors and playwrights from across the country.
Thistle Finch Distillery
Only a short walk from the heart of downtown Lancaster, Thistle Finch Distillery’s tasting room provides a rustic, yet elegant destination away from the distractions of modern life. Step back in time with a classic rye whiskey cocktail or enjoy free samples of their distinctive, small batch spirits. Whether you are looking to learn about the history and process of distilling, taking a tour, or just want to relax with a drink and quiet conversation, Thistle Finch has something for everything.
Lancaster Central Market
Can’t get enough of those good old-fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch treats? You’ll find plenty more when the sun rises at Lancaster Central Market where farmers and craftspeople hawk everything from homemade bread and whoopie pies to goat cheese and just-picked vegetables, alongside Amish quilts and toys. The market is open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Wolf Sanctuary of PA
Located in northern Lancaster County, the Wolf Sanctuary of PA is 80 acres of natural woodland dedicated to the Speedwell Wolves. Originally created as a private rescue, guided tours are now available, giving visitors the chance to view more than 40 wolves in their natural habitat and to learn about their behavior and biology. The only way to view the wolves is by guided too so make sure you make a reservation before going.
Rockford Plantation
For the Revolutionary War nerd in all of us, Rock Ford Plantation is the 18th Century mansion and estate of Revolutionary War General Edward Hand, who served as Adjutant to George Washington. A cast of actors moves from room to room sharing hauntingly beautiful stories of the people who have come and gone from this estate built in the late 1790s. During the guided tour of the mansion, visitors learn about Edward Hand’s personal and military history as well as the background of the mansion and the artifacts contained therein.
Clipper Magazine Stadium
Take me out to the ball game. Clipper Magazine Stadium, which held its first game in 2005, was honored as the “Ballpark of the Year” by the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball following the end of its 2013 regular season. The 6,000 seat stadium also serves as the corporate headquarters for the Atlantic League. One of the ballpark’s highlights is Hess’ Picnic Pavilion, a concession stands with a red barn façade that includes a traditional ballpark menu with an emphasis on items produced in Lancaster County. In 2011, the Lancaster Barnstormers added the Silverball Museum Arcade, a coin-free attraction that includes nostalgic arcade games from the 1930s to some of the video games played in the present.
Lancaster Brewing Company
Lancaster County has a long beer-brewing tradition and is a hotbed of the craft beer industry.Lancaster Brewing Company unites their obsessive commitment to quality ingredients with equal measures of creativity, skill, and experience, to brew consistently great beer. Inspired by long and rich brewing traditions, they brew in the heart of Lancaster County, alongside scores of old-world craftsmen, independent farmers, working the more than 5,300 local farms, and their fiercely independent Amish neighbors.
7 Reasons Why Boudoir Photos are the Perfect Stocking Stuffer for Your Significant Other
We’ve all been there. Searching through the racks of dress shirts and boxers at the mall asking yourself, “What do I get him for Christmas?” This year, think outside of the box and get him something he’s sure to remember for years to come; a photo album or piece of artwork featuring you at your sexiest and most confident.
Holidays aside, gifting your lover photos from your boudoir session with Allebach Photography is the perfect present for all special occasions, from anniversaries to birthdays, to “just because”.
Below are 9 reasons to book your session with us right now!
1. You already know they’ll love them
You are one of the most important people in your significant other’s life. They love you just the way you are; the way you move, the way you laugh, and the way your eyes sparkle when you’re feeling confident and strong. Imagine their surprise when they pull that bow off your gift and see you’ve captured your beauty for them in the form of photos.
2. It’s a treat for you too
A solo boudoir shoot isn’t just for your beau; it’s a chance for you to pamper yourself. Sipping on champagne, getting your hair and makeup done and then slipping into something that makes you feel sexy and beautiful is something every woman should experience.
3. They’re unique
This is a gift that no one else can give them. I bet you can already tick off your fingers the expected gifts they’ll be getting from mom and dad – hats, shirts, gift cards to Starbucks… This is your chance to give them the perfect gift, you.
4. It’s the gift that keeps on giving
Every time your partner opens their gift, it’ll be like receiving that gift over and over again. Many of our couples tell us they still look at their albums years after the session has taken place and it brings them right back to that special time in their relationship.
5. It will make them fall in love with you all over again
Sometimes it’s easy for us to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and forget about what really matters to us. When your significant other sees those photos of you, it’s be really hard to focus on anything else, let alone last night’s dishes!
6. They’ll be completely surprised
Unless you and your partner have talked about it already, a boudoir album is something they will never expect to see wrapped up under the tree and is something sure to make their jaw drop.
7. You can skip those trips to the donation bins
How many times have you thrown out or donated yet another tchotchke someone thought you just had to have? Instead of filling your home with clutter, give them a gift they’ll want to hold onto for years to come.
Known as the birthplace of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia is the perfect place to celebrate your love during your Couples Boudoir Getaway with Allebach Photography.
No matter what time of year you’re visiting, from historic sites and haunted prison tours to awesome street art, spending a long weekend here with your Beau is sure to be the cherry on top of your already unique and memorable Couples Boudoir experience.
Below, we’ve handpicked some of our favorite places, many of which are off the beaten path, to visit during your stay in the City of Brotherly Love.
Independence National Historic Park
Ok, this one’s not exactly off the beaten path, but it’s an essential, especially for first time visitors. Like all old cities, Philadelphia is best seen on foot. And the easiest way to explore its unique role in the history of the nation is via a Constitutional Walking Tour. This just over an hour promenade through Independence National Historical Park manages to pack in more than 20 of the most historic sites at Philadelphia’s 330-year-old heart, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, as well as the Betsy Ross House, Declaration House and the National Constitution Center. Nineteen dollars in exchange for a little brush-up on our nation’s history? Check.
Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia
Yards Brewing Company
If you’re a beer drinker, then you know the Philadelphia region is regaled as one of the best places for beer in the world. Philadelphia has won a slew of beer-related accolades, from being recognized as one of the “The 5 Best Beer Cities in America” by GQ Magazine, to being named one of the fourteen best beer cities in the entire world by Frommer’s. Visitors to Yards’ wind-powered tasting room can sample its mostly English-inspired ales while shooting pool or nibbling light fare from the kitchen or the food trucks on Saturdays and Sundays. And why stop at just one brewery? Make it a pub crawl by visiting Philadelphia Brewing Company, Dock Street, Urban Village, Evil Genius, and Crime and Punishment, just to get you started.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Located on South Street, this hidden gem glistens with creativity, urban renaissance and a hint of madness. Spanning half a block, the PMG is a nonprofit art museum that includes an immersive outdoor art installation and indoor galleries. The mad hatter behind this artwork is Isaiah Zagar, a local artist who began tiling South Street in the 1960s and never really stopped, constructing a space out of cast aside items like bicycle spokes, bottles, ceramic shards and other artistic knick-knacks.
Reading Terminal Market
Come hungry! Beloved by locals and tourists alike, this historic indoor market features more than 80 vendors and is the nation’s oldest continuously operating farmer’ market. Since the market’s opening in 1892, vendors have been serving up globally inspired food in much the same way as they did back then. From butchers to bakers, chocolatiers to cheesemongers, there’s something for everyone at this mouthwatering stop.
LOVE Park
What better way to celebrate your love in the City of Brotherly Love than with a stop at Philly’s iconic John F. Kennedy Plaza, better known as LOVE Park? Located near City Hall and safe harbor of Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture, LOVE Park is a popular and recently renovated public space that includes greenery, a new water feature, concession areas, and is just a must see for both couples passing through and locals.
Eastern State Penitentiary
If you’re looking for destinations off the beaten path, there’s no better place to check out than the infamous Eastern State Penitentiary. Once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, ESP now stands in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty towers. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America’s most notorious criminals, including “Slick Willie” Sutton and “Scarface” Al Capone. Daytime tours are available seven days a week from 10 am to 4pm and in the fall the prison is turned into a massive haunted house known as Terror Behind the Walls. The Travel Channel recently named it “One of America’s scariest Halloween attractions.”
The Mural Mile
Philly is decorated with no fewer than 4,000 official murals (one of the world’s largest collections of outdoor public art), including Kenny Scharf’s Philly Chunk Pack and the epic mixed media Theater of Life by local artist Meg Saligman. Get up close and personal with the stunning murals that represent a variety of themes, artistic processes, and public art at its finest by taking a self-guided tour, or by bus if you’re pressed for time. There are two ways to go: the south route will take guests south of Market Street to Lombard Street and back along the recently revitalized 13th Street coordinator. The north route will take guests north of Market Street into Old City, through Chinatown and around City Hall.
PHILADELPHIA, USA – MAY 23 2018 – Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nations largest public art program
The Mütter Museum
Are you a big fan of the macabre? Then this is the place for you. Philadelphia’s Mütter Museum of Medical Oddities at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia features a collection of more than 20,000 specimens, enough to feed your nightmares for a lifetime. The Mütter (pronounced MOO-ter) is a world-renowned medical museum and a wonderland for anyone curious about the human body — especially what happens when we are visited by illness, injury or death. Some of its most infamous specimens on display: books bound with human skin, baby born with no skull, John Wilkes Booth’s vertebra, a two-headed baby, the Soap Lady and much, much more.
South Street
The South Street Headhouse District is one of Philadelphia’s most eclectic and lively neighborhoods. Featuring more than 400 independent retail shops, South Street is a melting pot of groups and cultures. Residents and visitors, teenagers and adults, preps and pupnks, artists and attorneys all mix seamlessly together on this storied boulevard. Whether you’re looking for an authentic cheesesteak or a statement-making piece of fashion, this place has something for everyone.
SugarHouse Casino
Looking for another way to get lucky? Roll the dice at SugarHouse, a casino just along the Delaware River in the lively Philadelphia neighborhood of Fishtown. Gamblers can try their luck at the slots and table games or check out their live performances and concerts. Unlike many places in the city, parking here is free. Or if you want to public transportation, the SEPTA Route 15 trolley serves the casino and the SEPTA bus route 43 at the Frankford and Delaware Avenue Station.
Looking for a place to stay? Mention you’re booking with Allebach Photography at Staybridge or Joseph Ambler for a discounted rate!
Staybridge: 119 Garden Golf Blvd, North Wales, PA 19454
Joseph Ambler: 1005 Horsham Rd, North Wales, PA 19454
Looking for more? Check out some of these ideas
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
The Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Schuylkill River Trail
“Cheesesteak Vegas”
Franklin Institute
Philadelphia Zoo
Boat House Row
Shopping along Rittenhouse Square
I took the first 20 minutes of a couples boudoir session and made it into a video slideshow for you. How can you not want to do a couples boudoir session when you see this?
Ever wondered what a couples boudoir session at Allebach Photography is like? Wonder no more!!! We interviewed this couple to find out what they thought of their photography experience.
The 21st-century engagement session: Couples Boudoir
“Hold hands and smile. Now look into each other’s eyes and kiss.” These are the mundane motions of the standard engagement photo shoot, the one that everyone takes to celebrate their newfound status as soon-to-be newlyweds. And these are the same poses you’ll be striking for every photo you and your partner take for the rest of your lives. Celebrate this major moment in your life by putting a spin on the traditional engagement session and spicing it up with a couples boudoir shoot.
Now you might be thinking – what am I going to put on my save-the-dates if I don’t take those standard engagement photos? There’s no way in hell my family will want to see pictures of me and my partner making out in our underwear! And you’re right, because really, who wants to send Grandma a photo of you and your soon-to-be spouse half naked? (Though if your grandma is the type of lady who would hang that photo on her fridge with pride, then I want to meet her!)
But these steamy photos are exactly what makes the couples boudoir session the perfect choice, seriously! We’ll start your couples boudoir session with a few “parent approved” photos, the perfect family-friendly engagement announcements you want to plaster all over social media. You (and your mom) still get the photos you need all while getting the photos you actually really want.
STRIPPING DOWN Starting the session off clothed and posing for your save-the-date images will help build the anticipation of ripping off each other’s clothes and stripping down into what you really came here for – the couples boudoir. Take off as much or as little as you like and get up close and personal with the love of your life.
MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME It’s not every day you get to capture the intimate side of your relationship with professional photography. And let’s be honest, you know you two look damn good together, so why not get some photos you can use to decorate your bedroom (or your living room if you dare)? We support the public display of all self-love and body positivity!
You’ll be posing for dressed up pictures the rest of your life – especially at that wedding day of yours that’s coming up – so why not capture another angle of your love on camera? The passionate, fiery, romantic side. And knowing you’ll also get those G-rated, traditional engagement photos during the same sultry session if you want them, what reason is there to say no?
Allebach Photography is located in the Philadelphia Suburbs in North Wales, Pa. People fly and drive from Boston, Washington DC, California, Texas, Baltimore, NYC and further for couples boudoir here. Please contact us at 610.539.6920 or https://allebachphotography.com/get-waiting-list for more info
I ran an A/B test to see if Facebook is blocking ads with tattoos.
My couples boudoir photography business has experienced a lot of trouble trying to advertise our work. Whenever we get press, I’d like a Facebook Page fans to actually see it. With the current algorithm, they generally don’t.
We show only the cutest, most tame photos and articles but Facebook Ads has blocked any attempt to show a photo to advertise my business.
“Too suggestive they say”
“Too much skin”
But is that really what is going on here. This is one of the images Facebook ads said was not approved.
Tattooed Ad Isn’t Approved. Facebook Ads App Screenshot
This photo to me looked like a lifestyle couples anniversary photo session. I thought there could be no way cute snuggles wouldn’t be approved. But they were denied. I shared this with a group and one of the members asked…is it because they have tattoos?
What???? That has to be impossible. That couldn’t be…or could it?
So I had to see, what would happen if I sent this image to my retoucher and had them take off the tattoos (something I never do to a client!!!)
As you know I built my business on photographing tattooed brides. So if Facebook was blocking my ad due to tattoos being “sexier”, I had to know.
Results: The Facebook Ad For Couples Boudoir Minus Tattoos
So I reran the ad with NO TATTOOS and sure enough, it quickly was approved! After 2 years of struggling to get the word out about my couples boudoir business, I finally had answers. I’ve been using tattooed couples and apparently, Facebook’s ad system doesn’t like that!
Now I won’t be further photoshopping any more photos and have since stopped the promotion. My belief is that everyone deserves to be seen as they are and tattoos are part of our personal brand. We will continue supporting tattooed people even if Facebook doesn’t allow us to advertise what we do with photos. Couples boudoir has been an amazing way to watch couples reconnect or level-up their relationship!
What are your thoughts on this Tattooed Matter?
What trouble have you run into trying to use Facebook ads? How should we get around this ban? Let us know in the comments below!
Mike Allebach loves exhibiting every year at the Philadelphia Tattoo Convention and make clients comfortable. He has been featured in Offbeat Bride, Rebel Ink Magazine, Daily Mail UK and New York Magazine. Learn more about tattooed weddings and couples boudoir at allebachphotography.com.
“As a bigger girl, I’ve always struggled with my confidence like most women regardless of size.” 
“By a fluke, we stumbled upon the Allebach booth at the Exotica Expo in New Jersey. Both Tim and I were on board from the start, and once we joined the
Couples Boudoir Nerves Calmed
“Honestly speaking the whole crew there helped me get over my fears. They were welcoming and made us feel at home and that made it easier to be ourselves. Seeing my wife all done up and knowing that we were about to have an intimate experience we would never forget made the butterflies worth it,” Tim said.
Debbie said to Meredith, “You know I never like the way I look in pictures, but in these pictures, I actually look pretty.” 
“You absolutely cannot put a price on what it has done for our relationship, our confidence, our happiness & our mental health. Trust me. It’s the gift that keeps on giving! After our experience, I am confident Mike and his team can make anyone comfortable. That is the 
Book Your Session today by calling 610.539.6920 or visit 
Dave and Cathy have a love story that goes all the way back to when they were little kids, sneaking kisses in the closet during a game of Hide and Seek or under the bushes outside playing Capture the Flag.
Mike Allebach loves exhibiting every year at the Philadelphia Tattoo Convention and make clients comfortable. He has been featured in