Anniversary Trash the Dress {Trash the Dress Photographer}

We take a break in our regularly-scheduled wedding blogging: One year ago today exactly, Nick and Charity wed. (Here.) For their anniversary we took a dip in Whiskeytown Lake today in her wedding dress. Hearty congratulations were offered by passers-by (a word I have likely just made up). Because who doesn't love to see a bride? We were accompanied by Charity's brother and sister, so I can tell you there was some dunking involved. There was also cliff-jumping and precipitously-high rail perching, none of which seemed like a good idea to me. We had great fun, and no bears came. These two can sure look steamy without much coaching -- you can see the sizzle! Nick is not only handsome but helpful, making sure we didn't drown as we worked our way through the fast water. And Charity is just plain gorgeous. Happy anniversary!

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!!

A (Slightly Hypothermic) Trash-the-Dress, Redding {Trash the Dress Photographer}

Yesterday was unseasonably cool - in the 80's or something, and cloudy. My beautiful summer bride Tawny decided to trash her dress so off we went to Brandy Creek. She was a great sport and there wasn't anything she wouldn't do, except that by the end of our time together she had some serious goosebumps. Her and new husband Brian are hockey fanatics so we couldn't resist a sultry hockey pose or two. Here's some highlights from her fun Trash the Dress!! Thanks so much, Tawny, and it was awesome to see you again!

Trash the DressES, Redding Style. {Trash the Dress Photographer}

Why trash one dress when you can trash several at once? That's what we did yesterday, spending a couple cool hours wading in the creek while precariously holding aloft a small fortune in camera gear. How fun were these guys? They were so fun that I can't even show you all the pictures, that's how fun. I had an invite from Mary and John of Digital Memories and didn't need asked twice. Mary just shot the wedding of Denise; when the "Trash the Dress" subject came up, the daughters-in-law Megan and Tracy broke out their gowns and made it a family affair, complete with beautiful little girls and a couple husbands in tow. Aren't these some gorgeous girls? A couple of campers whose creekside spot site we were monopolizing watched with great interest. And no wonder!!

Trash the Dress in Redding {Trash the Dress Photographer}

There is only one way to trash the dress when it's over 100 outside. Find water, get in, and stay in. I joined Mary and John of Digital Memories to shoot Sonya's Trash the Dress session last night at Brandy Creek. Sonya was game for anything and completely at ease working her way through the rocks and riffles. Doesn't she look outrageously hawt? She plans to clean and preserve her gown and frankly; you needn't demolish it to have fun.

Sonya, great job -- you're a natural...and James - you're a lucky guy!