Chrissy: Trash the Dress

Let's begin with an answer to the question, "What is Trash the Dress?" 

Simply stated, it is a bridal session with little rules and a lot of flexibility. Sometimes called an "after session" or "trash the dress," these sessions are not limited by the time, location, or cleanliness required on a wedding day, yet create beautiful art of a bride in her gown.  Often marked by contrast of a lovely bride in her gown in unexpected locations, these sessions hold symbolism for many brides.  A gown is needed once, as a marriage is meant to last a lifetime.

(And... it's fun.)

Having photographed Chrissy for her engagement session and wedding over the last few years, I was thrilled to have her approach me for a trash the dress session.  Not only does she have a gorgeous smile and contagious laughter...

 But she also has these big, wide eyes I can stare at for hours.

After exploring the farm where she played as a child, it was so hard to narrow down what to share- as this session not only will provide Chrissy with gorgeous portraits, but allowed me a lot of creative freedom as well.

Into the creek...

 This makes me giggle... Doesn't she just look so happy sitting in the cold mud?

 Can't get enough of these roots...

 The sunset peeking through the tree trunks made for a really moody image.  I love taking advantage of unusual light.

Rachel & Brett Trash the Dress

A couple I photographed in February got decked out for another shoot with warmer weather- it snowed on their wedding day! Basking in the lovely sunset light, we stopped at a few locations near where we all live. Our original plan was scrapped, as we found no playground. What park doesn't have a playground? But waterfalls are much more romantic anyhow. :)





I love this picture of Brett, completely shocked by the frigid water!

Jessie puts a little icing on the cake

Jessie, owner of Tin Pan Alley custom cakes, went all out for her trash the dress session this week. This shoot was a perfect reflection of Jessie's bright and lively personality. She wanted nothing short of funky and exciting- and we did it. Prepared for a winter downpour with fingerpaints and mudpuddles, she jumped right in. Unfortunately the rain she was hoping for stayed in the sky, but this is such a unique set of images that she will enjoy them for years to come! These are very active pictures, including her son Luke painting her dress.

Disclaimer for future brides and mothers: Trash the dress is a concept that allows the bride to feel freedom in such a beautiful dress and create something beautiful to reflect her personality. Jessie wanted to toss her dress in the dumpster when she was done, so we held nothing back. Not all trash the dress sessions require this type of extreme trashing.