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Hey neighbor,
This week we’re handing the newsletter to one of downtown Fredericksburg’s most talked-about businesses. Black Lace Boudoir is the top-rated boudoir studio in Virginia, and owner Ramilyn “Rami” Thompson is heading into a new chapter. You’ll read how she built it from the ground up, why she’s changing the way she works, and what women can expect when they walk through her door. I’ve also picked a few events worth your time this weekend.
Let's get into it.
Dori
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
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Virginia’s Top Boudoir Studio Is Entering a New Era, and It’s Happening on William Street
Black Lace Studios owner Ramilyn Thompson is slowing down, going deeper, and taking her work on the road
Ramilyn Thompson, Owner, Black Lace Studios
Women drive in from Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia to a small studio at 312 William Street in downtown Fredericksburg. Black Lace Studios is ranked the #1 boudoir studio in Virginia. Its work has been published internationally and has won awards, and for years the studio has photographed more than 100 women annually.
Now owner Ramilyn “Rami” Thompson is changing course. She is deliberately taking on fewer clients so each one gets more of her time, and she is starting to travel to photograph women in every stage of life.
“My mission is to help women feel good about themselves at any age.”
From single mom on assistance to an award-winning studio
Thompson picked up a camera in middle school and started her career photographing families. She built her business while she was a single mother on assistance, and over more than a decade she grew it into one of the most recognized studios of its kind in the region.
The turning point came in 2012. Thompson was going through a separation and a season of loss. She had been raised in a conservative household, and she booked a boudoir session for herself.
“It was liberating,” she says.
That experience changed how she saw herself, and it shaped the studio she would go on to build.
A full day, start to finish
At Black Lace Studios, the client doesn’t have to plan anything. Every session begins with a consultation so Thompson can learn what the client wants and make sure the experience is a good fit.
On the day of the shoot, hair and makeup are done in the studio. Clients choose from a closet of more than 500 pieces in sizes XS through 6XL, and Thompson directs every pose. The finished images are revealed the same day on a large screen, so no one waits weeks to see the results.
The team is all women, and the doors stay locked during every session to keep the space private.
Rewriting what boudoir means
Thompson’s early work leaned toward pinup and classic lingerie. Her style has since moved toward ethereal, story-driven portraits, such as a woman in a ball gown standing in an open field.
“You don’t have to wear lingerie to be sexy or beautiful,” Thompson says.
Many of her clients are over 40, and she says that is the point.
“40, 50, 60+ doesn’t mean you’re not beautiful,” she says. “It means you’ve lived.”
What’s next
Thompson’s advice to other business owners is to stay authentic and keep evolving. Her studio’s next chapter is an example of both. A slower pace means more time with each client, and the travel means reaching women well beyond Fredericksburg.
Thompson and her husband are raising four children. Outside the studio she loves reading, travel, and a good bookstore or coffee shop.
How to book
Sessions start with an inquiry through the contact form at blacklaceboudoir.com, by email, or by direct message on Instagram.
Black Lace Studios
312 William Street, Fredericksburg
blacklaceboudoir.com
Hear Rami Tell Her Story
There’s something special about hearing Rami tell her story in her own words. I sat down with her on the FXBG Neighbors podcast, and we talked about the session that changed her life, how her style grew from pinup to fairy-tale portraits, and why she wants every woman to experience that same-day reveal. You’ll also get to know the Rami behind the camera: a busy mom of four who loves Harry Potter and a cozy coffee shop.
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Your Weekend Plans Just Got Better
Spatique: Where Beauty Meets Purpose
Saturday, October 17
311 Central Road, Suite 7, Fredericksburg
Treat yourself and do some good at the same time. Spatique is a women’s day of self-care hosted by the Isaiah Benjamin Aronoff Foundation (IBA7). The Standard Package is $75 and includes three services of your choice from local professionals, such as chair massages, manicures, makeup, lash and brow services, and health and wellness checks. Refreshments and raffles are part of the day, too.
Want to make a full day of it? The $100 Premier Day Package adds evening admission to the 10/20 Anniversary Gala, with dinner and two drinks. The gala celebrates 10 years of IBA7 and 20 years of Moore’s Balloon Decor. If you can’t make it, you can sponsor a ticket for a guest the Foundation selects. All ticket proceeds go to the Foundation.
Get your tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/spatique
The Burger Battle
Sunday, October 18, 12 to 3 PM
Riverfront Park, Downtown Fredericksburg
Come hungry and bring your crew. Loisann’s Hope House and Olde Towne Butcher are teaming up for an afternoon of sliders, drinks and live music by the river. Your wristband gets you two drink tickets and free slider samples from some of downtown’s favorite kitchens: Eats, Cheeky’s, Harry’s Alehouse, Mason Dixon Café, Rebellion and Sammy T’s.
Every ticket gives back. Proceeds support Loisann’s Hope House and the local families they serve, so you can do good while you eat well.
Get your wristband here: https://burgerbattle2026.auctria.events
Author Signing with Elle Cosimano
Sunday, October 18
Tales & Tails Book Cafe, 1010 Charles Street, Fredericksburg
New York Times bestselling author Elle Cosimano is coming to downtown Fredericksburg to celebrate her new holiday rom-com thriller, Home for the Homicides. A ticket is about $30 and includes a copy of the book and a spot in the signing line. From 1 to 3 PM, the Old Dominion Humane Society will have adoptable puppies on the patio, so come ready to fall in love with a book and maybe a pup.
Reserve your spot here: https://www.eventbookings.com/b/event/author-signing-event-with-elle-cosimano
Plan Ahead for Next Weekend
The Halloween 5K and Monster Mile 🎃👟
Saturday, October 24
Embrey Mill Park, 1600 Mine Road, Stafford
One of Stafford’s favorite Halloween traditions is back for its 11th year. Runners, walkers and little monsters of all ages will take over Embrey Mill Park for this race hosted by Arsenal Events, and the costumes are half the fun. Prizes go to the best costumes, and race photos are free for every participant.
The Monster Mile starts at 8 AM for kids 12 and under, with awards for the top finishers in each age group. Parents can cheer from the path along Mine Road. The Halloween 5K starts at 8:30 AM and is open to every pace. Strollers are welcome toward the back, and the top three male and female finishers win cash prizes. Awards and the costume contest follow at 9:15 AM.
Every registration supports Project Lifesaver with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The search and rescue program helps quickly find children and adults who may wander due to a cognitive condition.
Sign up by tomorrow, October 15, to lock in the $38 price before it goes up. Packet pickup is Thursday, October 22, from 3:30 to 6:30 PM at DICK’S Sporting Goods at Spotsylvania Towne Centre, and Friday, October 23, from 4 to 6:30 PM at the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center. Registration is online only.
Becoming Sanctuary
Saturday, October 24, 6 to 11 PM
24360 Oak Meadow Lane, Fredericksburg
Rapidan Equine Sanctuary is hosting its very first cocktail reception and silent auction. It’s an elegant night out that supports the horses who call the sanctuary home. Individual tickets are $150. Sponsorships start at $500, and some include tickets and a guided tour of the sanctuary. Since this is the first year, guests will be among the event’s founding supporters.
Get tickets here: https://rapidanequinesanctuary.networkforgood.com/events/103973-2026-rapidan-equine-sanctuary-cocktail-reception-and-silent-auction-becoming-sanctuary
