Many of you brides are beginning to hear a little more about this crazy new trend called “trashing your dress.” Sounds scary, weird, and sadistic, doesn’t it?
Well, it’s kind of an obsession of mine, and let me tell you: having been on both sides of the camera for this type of portrait session, it’s NOT SCARY! Try not to be appalled by what you find on Google when you plunk this phrase into the monster search engine. Yes, it is true: some have drowned, torn, cut, muddied, painted, and all but tarred and feathered their beautiful gowns, but guess what? They wanted to- their photographers didn’t force this. Not even the guy who set his bride’s gown ablaze on a mannequin! This session is all about what YOU want (or don’t want) to do in your perfect wedding gown. Don’t wanna get dirty? Fine by me!
So, now that we’re all over the shock and terror, I’d love to share with you a recent trash the dress session I had the pleasure of participating in. Just check out how fun this can be!
Lisa & Rick were married this summer in Madison, Wisconsin. Their fabulous, medieval-themed wedding (yes, they’re both professors of medieval subjects!) was photographed by the equally fabulous Rebecca of Studio Noveau. So, when they decided to trash the custom-designed dress, Rebecca was kind enough to allow me to tag along. I am using the verb “trash” very lightly here- the gown came out of the session unscathed and even more loved. Oh, and by the way: it was ORANGE when we started with it! Very cool, isn’t it? Brings a whole new meaning to “splash of color…” We headed to the East side of Madison, near Lisa’s home, and had a blast. Rick was a fantastic participant and I think he even – gasp! – had some fun!
Thanks so much, guys, you were so much fun to work with.Â
 I loved meeting the two of you and I’m super inspired by the images we were able to capture! Enjoy the preview!
We started with some fun train tracks. One side of the street led off into the green background of one of Madison’s bike paths, and the other led right to the heart of downtown. Great views all around!
As if this ensemble needed any more pop, I love the hot pink lining peeking out of the bottom of the skirt here!
Talk about a basking beauty…
There’s just something about a chain link fence that makes everyone want to climb it, even in formal attire…
Peacock feathers make me happy- and this adorable little hairpiece was found on Etsy, as Lisa so graciously informed us.Â
 Yay Etsy!
Love screams loudly just before kisses…
Thanks for rocking this opportunity, guys- and for a good cause, too!
So, if you’ve made it this far, you might be a little interested in this whole idea. Well, that’s great, because for the month of September I am offering a great deal on Trash The Dress sessions, which I’ve recently dubbed the “Second Spin”: If you book and/or complete your session in the month of September, you get the session for a mere $20! That’s right, TWENTY BUCKS! This is a non-refundable fee, as all fees are going to be donated to the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition.
Complete your session in September and you could be featured in an October gathering of dress trashin’ photographers and brides, to raise even more moola for breast cancer advocacy. Yay!
For information or to book a session, email me at mandie@redgeckostudio.com or contact me via the “Contact” link right here in this very blog.
by Mandie Haberman
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