Trash the dress!

Before Gareth asked me to help him out with this next shoot, I had never heard of Trash the Dress before. It's a big tradition in America, but it's crept over the Atlantic and is now a growing trend in Old Blighty. And why not? Its a opportunity to have some fun, and to get more use out of a dress you would usually only get to wear once. And that's why most brides do it, they can't stand the idea of their dress hung up in the attic for the moths to nibble on! Our bride, Michelle, didn't want anyone else to wear her dress after her and she wanted to do something different and interesting! 

There's loads of room for creativity with these kinds of shoots; from setting the dress on fire, to jumping in a swimming pool or river. They're not only a great way to have fun, but it's also an opportunity to get some more couple photo's, because no matter how much time you put aside on your wedding day for photographs, it's never enough!

It was freezing up on the moor. We must have been outside for 3-4 hours, and even with several layers, thick socks and wellies on, my hands turned blue. I can't imagine what Michelle must have felt like in her strapless wedding gown and, at points, her little peep toe high heels! 

I'm really glad that I was introduced to this new-ish post-wedding tradition, and I would encourage any newly-weds to get involved! 

                  

             

Coming up - Easter holiday - Lifestyle Portraits

(EXCITING)

'Trash the dress' sneak peak!

Michelle and Chris' wedding

So my third wedding was off to a good start - despite living on the edge of Dartmoor for pretty much my entire life, I was no help to Gareth in getting us to The Two Bridges Hotel, almost taking us in the completely wrong direction. Its a good thing that Garth chose to double check with someone in the town center. 

As soon as we entered the bridal suit, it was clear that I was in for a fun day. Michelle and her mum, and all the bridesmaids were full of energy and bubbly, and laughing and clearly very excited about the day ahead! They were easy to talk to and all confident in front of the camera, which will always make a photographers job easier! Because of the lively and friendly atmosphere, the day passed by much quicker than I wanted it to - and when it came to the end of the night (for the photographers), when the brides daughter had sung for her, and her brother had dressed up as Santa Claus for all the the children - I wished I had known them all, that I'd been a guest there and had been able to stay there to join in the festivities. 

Weddings mean long days, a lot of standing and dashing around tables and relatives, getting stressed out when - in my case - your camera stops working at the wrong moment (poor little 1000D).

BUT

It's such amazing fun.

It took a LONG time over the Christmas holidays to sort myself out and get these up.

In the 7 weeks since Michelle and Chris' wedding, I've met with them - along with Gareth - back at Two Bridges again. THIS time though, for a 'Trash The Dress' shoot! Before Gareth got hold of me to ask if I could help out, I had never heard of someone doing this! It goes something along the lines of this - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2176052/Trash-The-Dress-photos-Brides-destroy-wedding-dresses-art.html#axzz2K8c1nOu6

Got some very strange looks from the guests at the hotel...

Watch this space!