Trashing the Dress with an Uninvited Guest. {Trash the Dress Photographer}

Laura and I have been meaning to trash her dress since her amazing wedding clear back in June and finally got around to it on Sunday. As we waded in the chilly water of the creek striking one sultry pose after another, I kept hearing crashing noises in the forest right next to us, though the place was deserted. It made me skittish as I'm a little afraid of mountain lions, which is of course silly since I'd probably never hear a mountain lion. We kept on until giant branches started crashing down in our immediate vicinity and finally had the presence of mind to look up, to find a huge California black bear perched in a tree above us. As he climbed, giant branches would break off and crash down. I have never seen a bride flee a location so fast. She and her friend fairly flew to the far bank! Having no better sense, I crept closer and shot photos, though I admit my hands shook. Shortly the bear began climbing down and did so with amazing speed and lack of concern for me. That was my clue to evacuate as well. We soon saw his obvious goal - large pools of spawning fall run salmon. We decided we'd shot enough in the creek for the day and left it to him. We did have time for some beautiful photos and seriously, how many people get a bear in their Trash the Dress shoot? By the way, Laura is a little over two months along with her first baby and I'm so excited for her and Derrek!!