Being comfortable in your own skin is something that most of us have struggled with on occasion. Whether it's a dress that you don't like your body shape in, or bathing suit shopping that sends you into a new crash diet, struggling with our appearance is not something foreign for most.
Stephanie and Arryn, an engaged couple from Overton, Texas recently participated in an open call for boudoir shots. The pair took part in a photoshoot with Wolf & Rose photographer Bria Terry, and ended up with images that has everyone online talking about body positivity.
"I remember being in junior high and looking at myself in the mirror, wondering why my stomach wasn't the way it was "˜supposed' to be," she told HuffPost. "Over the years, I've come to accept that I am always going to be considered plus-size. I push myself out of my comfort zone by wearing clothes that I love but aren't in society's mold of what is acceptable for bigger women, like crop tops, tight shirts, shorter dresses and shorts. I walk around with my head high, smiling, and show no shame in myself."
The couple's beautiful photo shoot went viral for it's empowering message about body positivity.
"I honestly have never felt more attractive," she told HuffPost. "I was so nervous to see the final result. I didn't know what to expect. But when I saw the album, I was shocked. I look so in love and confident. Every person should be able to see themselves in that light. It is really eye-opening."
During the shoot, Stephanie admitted that she felt confident, sexy and beautiful. "I wasn't worrying about how I looked, I was just looking at Arryn and that made me feel confident," she told BuzzFeed. "He looks at me all the time, but the way he looked at me during the photo shoot, I could feel it was different because I could focus on him."
As a plus-size woman, there's no doubt that Stephanie has experience her share of body-shaming from our fat-negative society.
The couple did not expect that their personal photos would get as much attention as they did. After only 2 weeks, they have received 68,000 likes on Facebook.
"Arryn called me while he was at work, and he said the pictures had like 30,000 shares. He's never been in the spotlight and he said, 'All the comments are about you!' He said, 'I know this helps you and I'm glad we did this. I wouldn't change anything. I know that this makes you happy,'" Stephanie said.
Unfortunately not all the reactions were positive, however. One negative reaction has now seriously impacted Stephanie's life.
Shortly after the photos went viral, Stephanie said she was let go from her employer, Austin Bank Texas N.A., because they were concerned about how her photos would reflect on the company.
"They said I was topless and it was inappropriate and we're a family-oriented company," Stephanie said.
Stephanie however said she was wearing a swimsuit bottom and a strapless top that you would typically wear with a backless dress, in the photoshoot.
That fact did not change their mind, however. So now Stephanie, who is 20 weeks pregnant, has lost her job because of the photos.
"There was no defending myself, they had made their decision," she said. "I gave over a year to a company that I worked really hard for and then to have them turn on me for doing something so positive, something that I was so proud of "” to help myself as a woman "” it was hurtful. People were pulling out their phones at work and showing the pictures and that was blamed on me."
Stephanie has not changed her mind on the entire situation.
"As a company, if they feel what I do outside of my job is going to jeopardize their business, that's fine. It's just disheartening to me because I feel like home life and work life are two totally different things. I was a model employee, I was moving up fast. I had a promotion within seven months. This one thing, for me, was the reason I was booted," Stephanie said.
The photographer had something to say about her termination, however.
"I completely understand that it is perfectly within the company's rights to terminate someone. Texas is an at will state, and legally her employer did nothing wrong, but I cannot help but wonder how a company who claims to uphold family values can morally terminate an otherwise model employee who is 20+ weeks pregnant with her first child," Wolf & Rose wrote on their Facebook page. "Their decision not only stripped her of her insurance which is without a doubt a major necessity while pregnant, but also her paid maternity leave."
The couple is still proud of their photos in spite of the negative fall-out. The shoot has given her a boost in her self-esteem.
"He knows it puts out a good message and helps me in my self confidence, and how I feel about myself. He's all about it," Stephanie said.
Their photographer Terry describes Arryn as kind and reserved while Stephanie is "a ray of sunshine."
"You cannot help but like her," Terry says. "They are both so down to earth. For their engagement announcement, I captured them in their home drinking coffee, and even just in that, you could tell how much they honestly loved each other."
Terry continues to beam about the couple.
"I honestly hope they choose me to capture their wedding when the day comes. I would love to be a part of that moment."
The couple has also recent found out that they are expecting a baby boy!
Congratulations to the happy couple.
Source: Buzzfeed / Bustle / Huffington Post