New fashionable photography throws caution to the wind.Instead of cherishing an expensive dress that is only worn once in a lifetime, a fresh new trend contradicts outdated customs.
“Trash the dress” is a trend that is sweeping the nation. This funky ritual is comprised of an alternative photo session that is scheduled after your big event, wedding, prom or formal. It might involve rolling in the sand or running through the waves, allowing your photographer to capture unique images by eliminating the common but constrictive “don’t get a spot on my dress” mentality.
Although Hawai‘i has not yet recognized this popular phenomenon in photography, Ramona and Curt Okimoto, the innovative husband and wife photography team of Photovisions, are sparking up this trend in the islands.
“We like to call our sessions ‘after-shoots,’” said Ramona. “After your big event, we’ll have one more session that will be like no other. For us, as photographic artists, it’s all about creation, not destruction.”
When considering this type of photography session, women might ponder the question: Why put your dress in storage never to be used again? The likelihood that your daughter will have a desire to wear it someday is pretty low.
Unconventional? Untraditional? Perhaps. But as Ramona said, “This is not your mama’s wedding.” This practice is not merely a photo session implying dirty attire; it is an after-wedding gift of time and freedom that a newlywed couple can enjoy together.
“We are always open to opportunities of artistic creation. An image created with purpose is not just mere documentation. Your soul is in that image, and the love and passion you share at that very moment can be preserved forever like fine art, representing your union,” said Ramona.
“Not to mention the great stories you can share with your grandchildren of your daring young love!” said Curt.
Trashing the dress can also be applied literally. There are some photographers or brides who may take the “trash the dress” concept to the extreme. It is up to the bride to decide how creative and how far she wants to go with this type of fashionable photography. Others who have a hard time grasping the concept might perceive this as destructive and wasteful.
“We believe that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. More often than not, the dress can still be dry-cleaned, stored or donated for a worthy cause,” said Ramona. On the Mainland, many daring newlyweds and their creative photographers choose artsy locations that range from urban graffiti backgrounds to a rustic country barn or even a romp in the snow. In fashion magazines, it is common to find a beautifully dressed model in a grungy offbeat location, allowing the beauty of the bride and her dress to stand out in contrast.
“In Hawai‘i, the beach is a perfect place for an after-session,” said Ramona. “In a post-wedding, relaxed environment, a couple can run hand in hand together along the shore and fall into a passionate embrace, letting the gentle waves surround them, like an Obsession perfume commercial.”
If unconventional wed-ding practices tickle your fancy and you want to unleash your inhibitions, you can put that gorgeous dress on one last time to embrace the idea of trashing the dress. One of these fashionable photographic sessions will create lasting memories that capture extraordinary images of love without the fuss and stress of a busy wedding day schedule. For more information, visit www.photovisionshawaii.com or call 398-2000 or 398-3000.
As an alternative, you can also donate your dress to www.makingmemories.org, www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.com or www.idofoundation.org. The foundation will donate 20 percent of the proceeds from the sale of your dress to the charity of your choice, and use the remaining funds to support the I Do Foundation’s ongoing work to encourage charitable giving at weddings. In addition, you may be eligible to receive a tax deduction for the value of your dress donation.