Shaina: “My name is Shaina, from Laxgalts’ap B.C. I'm from the Nisga’a Nation. I moved to Nanaimo three years ago to get my Bachelor’s degree at Vancouver Island University. My mom went there while raising me, so campus felt like home. When I’m not art-ing, I’m working at Save-On-Foods as your speedy little deli clerk. Since meeting Bri (and moving out of the dorms — finally), I’ve made a home of the city as a whole.”

Brianna: “Hi, my name is Brianna. I was born and raised in Nanaimo, B.C. I’m in my second year at Vancouver Island University for my Bachelor’s of Arts degree, majoring in psychology. Currently, I’m working full time to continue out my degree, but also to furnish and decorate our first home together. I love hikes, camping, and natural scented candles for my much needed baths afterwards.”

Shaina: “Funny enough, even having grown up in the same city for many years — going to the same places, being in the same school, knowing similar people, even possibly playing a basketball game against each other — Bri and I didn’t meet until we were in university. I was having a going-away party at my dorm, flying home to Laxgalts'ap the next day for the holidays so I wanted to say goodbye to some friends who would be moving in the second semester. A close friend of mine and her boyfriend, decided (I may have asked) to bring along his twin sister, Brianna. Since she couldn’t walk home in the dark, she stayed in my living room with me. That night, we stayed up until 4 a.m. talking about everything and anything. It was as easy as breathing. On the other hand, working up the courage to kiss her was not — it took me all night! I have never felt this comfortable and excited, and as we have talked literally every day since we met, both our feelings have only grown.

For this session, we wanted to go outside of our comfort zones. I’ve modeled before, but it was sans boudoir and generally anything risqué. For me this shoot was the difference between being sexualized versus, as pictured, expressing both my sexuality and comfortability in it. Brianna takes millions of pictures but avoids being in front of cameras. This is Bri’s first photo shoot; in her all-or-nothing manner she jumped right into the world of boudoir, foreign to me as well but completely different for her. A new type of vulnerability was explored and empowered.

I came across Meaghan’s work in a local community group — stunning. Shooting with her was even more delightful, working together was fun, natural, but most importantly comfortable; and we’ve fallen in love with the outcome. Bri especially appreciated how Meaghan was able to bring her out of her comfort zone, while simultaneously making her feel completely safe in it.”

Words by Brianna + Shaina. Photos by Meaghan Harvey Photography.

Shaina and Bri lean in to kiss during casual athletic wear couples boudoir session Nanaimo BC Meaghan Harvey Photography

Shaina hugs Bri from behind in front of botanical wallpaper during casual athletic wear couples boudoir session Nanaimo BC Meaghan Harvey Photography

Shaina and Bri hug each other in bed during casual athletic wear couples boudoir session Nanaimo BC Meaghan Harvey Photography

Shaina on top of Brianna and holds hand during casual athletic wear couples boudoir session Nanaimo BC Meaghan Harvey Photography

Brianna gives Shaina a kiss on the cheek during casual athletic wear couples boudoir session Nanaimo BC Meaghan Harvey Photography

Shaina caresses Bri’s cheek while lying in bed together during casual athletic wear couples boudoir session Nanaimo BC Meaghan Harvey Photography

View of Bri’s back as they hug during casual athletic wear couples boudoir session Nanaimo BC Meaghan Harvey Photography

Shaina and Bri lie in bed together wearing black and red lace lingerie during casual botanical couples boudoir session Nanaimo BC Meaghan Harvey Photography

Shaina and Bri embrace in bed together wearing black and red lace lingerie during casual botanical couples boudoir session Nanaimo BC Meaghan Harvey Photography

Shaina leans in to kiss Bri wearing black and red lace lingerie during casual botanical couples boudoir session Nanaimo BC Meaghan Harvey Photography

Shaina and Bri laugh in bed together wearing black and red lace lingerie during casual botanical couples boudoir session Nanaimo BC Meaghan Harvey Photography

Bri gives Shaina a kiss on the forehead while wearing black and red lace lingerie during botanical couples boudoir session Nanaimo BC Meaghan Harvey Photography

Shaina hugs Bri from behind while wearing black and red lace lingerie during botanical couples boudoir session Nanaimo BC Meaghan Harvey Photography

MEAGHAN HARVEY PHOTOGRAPHY

I’m Meaghan Harvey ⁠— a Vancouver Island based, natural light obsessed, love loving, caffeine dependent photographer. I’m all about the pretty stuff but live for documenting real, vibrant, and authentic moments. I want all of my clients to be able to look back at their images in 15 years and be reminded of exactly how they felt in that moment (and how spectacular they looked obviously!).