Falls Lake Trash the Dress | NC Lifestyle Photographer | Caitlin and Travis

Guys, we need to talk about something not nearly enough people are doing. We need to talk about the “trash the dress” shoot. No, for real, hear me out.

As a wedding photographer, I see dozens and dozens of stunning bridal gowns and wonder what happens to them after the big day — are they preserved forever and handed down as a family heirloom? Are they passed on to family members who maybe cut out a piece here, a bit there, some lace from that one spot, to use in another dress? Are they taken to the beach and walked through mud?

Answer: not enough of the mud!

K, so here’s how it went down. I’ve photographed Caitlin and Travis a few times now. I photographed them when they were dating and welcomed a new puppy to their family, when they were engaged up in the mountains, when they were engaged at this very same lake, when they got married, and then…this day.

Caitlin saw the beauty in this kind of shoot: You can put on your stunning gown again while it still fits you like a glove, you can go and play in the mud and have some fun with your boo once the pressure of the wedding day is gone, AND you can get the dress cleaned after the fact and still save it for memories/family heirlooms!

This glorious, messy, perfect day was when I learned once and for all that Caitlin and Travis are up for anything. They were down to stand in murky water, run around in the sand, splash each other (one of my fav shots, be sure to catch it below), lay down in the sand…All of it!

Moral of the story: Don’t be scared to trash your dress. And, duh, be sure to call me when you do.