Drown The Gown Fiji Style - Polka Dot Bride

Even before I was officially engaged, I had been ~~gawking at~~ researching weddings and knew for sure that one thing I definitely wanted to do was a “trash the dress” session after the wedding day itself. I couldn’t wait to get back into my wedding dress with the stress of the big day out of the way, so that I could have some fun in it! And, let’s face it, most people will only wear their dress once, so why not get some more use out of it and some more spectacular images?

Our photographers, Rebecca and Jonathan from Tamiz Photography, were just as excited as we were at the prospect of doing a “trash the dress” shoot although I was starting to discover that the more people I spoke with about it, the more I saw people getting genuinely distressed at the idea of me ruining my dress! Calmly I’d explain that no, I didn’t really have any intention of destroying it, at which they’d look at me quizzically but relax at little. When I heard the term “drown the gown” used, I adopted it quick smart and suddenly there seemed to be a lot less lost in translation.

We did our shoot at Wananavu, the resort we were married in, while our friends and family were out playing lawn bowls and generally enjoying their holiday. It was very private and we were able to follow Rebecca and Jonathan’s directions quite easily. One of the funniest things they asked us to do, was to try and kiss each other with our eyes closed. We kept missing each others lips and would end up kissing a cheek, or a nose, or even close to an eye. It was hilarious! We couldn’t stop laughing and nor could they.

As the sun started to set, we gradually got more and more into the water, with fish swimming around my dress, and even a sea snake! We chose to make it a more relaxed look, with less make-up on me and my hair down, and with Ben leaving his vest unbuttoned and shirt untucked to contrast with our wedding photos. Right at the very end of the shoot, Ben and I jumped into the pool fully clothed! What a hoot! I highly recommend the experience and am so happy with the results. They are definitely some of my favourite images from the whole wedding.