To my dear and loving husband

Even before my wedding, I knew I wanted to take part in a "Trash the dress" photography session. What bride doesn't want the opportunity to wear her wedding dress again, this time without the worry of what may happen to it in the process? Not only would it be a wonderful way to reuse my dresses, but to me, it was a sentimental documentation celebrating our first, fantastic year of marriage. Closing the book on the first chapter of our married lives, and welcoming the next with open arms.

Chris and I have had the pleasure of working with several top photographers over the last year. We were honored to have our engagement, and my bridal portraits taken by Jeremiah from Stone Blue Productions, and our wedding photos taken by Adam Barnes of Adam Barnes Photography. With our Trash the Dress photos, we had the pleasure of working with the lovely and talented Crystal George of Crystal George Studios. (I'm telling you ladies and gents, Lynchburg is overwhelming blessed with incredible photographers!) 

For the shoot, I used two out of my three wedding gowns (purchased from Church Street Bridal, and then custom designed by us girls at RS Exclusive) and then created a third, fun, burlesque look. The location for most of the photos was in and around our neighborhood in Downtown Norfolk, ending at the oceanfront of Virginia Beach. (The temperatures out by the ocean were quite chilly for this November shoot, but incredibly worth it!)

Every time I look at these photos, I am just reminded of how much I adore my husband, Chris, and I want to dedicate this post to him. One of Anne Bradstreet's poems comes to mind, and I want to share this with you as it speaks so much to how I feel for my own husband. May you too be blessed with this kind of love!

To My Dear And Loving Husband by Anne Bradstreet

"If ever two were one, then surely we.

If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee.

If ever wife was happy in a man,

Compare with me, ye women, if you can.

I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold

Or all the riches that the east doth hold.

My love is such that rivers cannot quench,

Nor ought but love from thee give recompense.

Thy love is such I can no way repay.

The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.

Then while we live, in love let's so persevere

That when we live no more, we may live ever."

Chris, I love you so much and thank God for your each day. Your love, patience, strength, faithfulness and reliance on God are precious to me, and I want you to know how much I value you and our family. Yesterday, today, and forever.

(Photo by Crystal George Studios)

(Photo by Crystal George Studios)

(Photo by Crystal George Studios)

(Photo by Crystal George Studios)

(Photo by Crystal George Studios)

(Photo by Crystal George Studios)

(Photo by Crystal George Studios)

(Photo by Crystal George Studios)

(Photo by Crystal George Studios)

(Photo by Crystal George Studios)

(Photo by Crystal George Studios)

(Photo by Crystal George Studios)

Many, many thanks again to sweet Crystal for lending us her talent, and enabling us to have these wonderful and priceless visual memories. 

Coming soon: Since there's no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow... :)