Mel C – “The Whole Session Was Amazing”

Every now and then a client with an incredible story that makes us cry ends up in my studio.

This shoot was the most an empowering session.

I interviewed Mel about her experience and this is what she had to say:

Have you ever done a boudoir shoot before?

I have never done a boudoir shoot before and Jac was absolutely amazing. I felt comfortable from the second I got there.

Why did you do a boudoir shoot?

In 2012, I met my partner. We got engaged and started trying for a family.

In May 2016, I was diagnosed with category 2 endometriosis and was put on an emergency wait list for surgery.

In June of 2016 I was taken in for surgery that should have been 2hrs and a day in hospital.

I woke up after a 9hr surgery to be told that my condition was much more serious than first thought and it had been upgraded to a Category 4. I was informed that they had removed half my bowel as the endometriosis had badly attacked it.

We were given advice to commence IVF if we wanted to have a family.

We had our first round of IUI in December 2016 which failed.

On Jan 1st 2017, I got a phone call informing me that my Nonno was in hospital after a bad fall. Sadly, he passed away while in hospital due to his injuries.

This absolutely broke my spirit and I lost all confidence in proceeding with the IVF treatments.

Then, I had a change of heart and decided that it could be my last chance, and that I may never get this opportunity to have a family again. So a month later, we tried.

Within 2 weeks, I had a positive pregnancy test.

Our miracle baby Phoenix was born via emergency caesarean in October 2017. I just knew it was my Nonno who had blessed and was watching over us.

We then went on trying to conceive again for about two years. When Covid struck, we had a number of delays. After numerous rounds of failed IUI and 2 cancelled rounds of IVF, we had 1 more cancelled round and 1 failed implantation.

I was done. Emotionally and physically drained, I gave up.

Scrolling through social media, I noticed an 8 week body challenge at a gym nearby.

I joined the challenge and lost more weight.

I started going put with friends more and to felt like I was in a better place.

I stopped hating myself for not being able to do what everyone thinks a female should be able to do.

I started putting effort in to my appearance.

Then my husband and I started having problems and decided to separate.

I originally booked my appointment with Jac as motivation to do my absolute best in the challenge and to have an album made as an anniversary present.

But now the photos are for me! They make me feel good about myself and give me the confidence to deal with life no matter what it throws at me!