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“’Trash the dress’ is a style of wedding photography that contrasts elegant clothing with an environment in which it is out of place. It is generally shot in the style of fashion or glamour photography. Such photography often takes place on a beach, but other locations include city streets, rooftops, garbage dumps, fields, and abandoned buildings. The woman often wears a ball gown, prom dress or wedding dress, and may effectively ruin the dress in the process by getting it wet, dirty, or, in extreme circumstances, tearing or destroying the garment.” – Wikipedia

Ever since I heard about this concept from some photographer friends of mine, I’d been determined to do my own take on this quirky tradition. I decided to use my medieval year 12 formal dress, which I hadn’t worn in about ten years. I was leaving Australia for good, and I thought that this would be an excellent way to cast off my old possessions and celebrate the new journey I was about to embark upon. So here’s my version of “trash the dress.”

My ‘story’ to go with the photo series:

A young woman is forced into marriage by her domineering family. Upon her wedding day, desperate, she flees from a man she does not love. Stealing a motorbike, she rides to the only place she knows she won’t be followed: the mangroves. Hurrying towards the water, she cuts her small feet on the harsh terrain, but it does not stop her. She is determined to be free, the only way she knows how. Feeling at peace with her decision, she reaches the water… the only place in the world where she feels safe, and disappears beneath the waves, never to emerge again…

More info: castawaywithcrystal.com

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