How to have a "trash your dress" session in Hawai'i
Dare to defy convention and embark on an exhilarating journey that pushes the boundaries of wedding photography. Join us as we delve into the thrilling concept of a "trash the dress" wedding photoshoot in the captivating landscapes of Hawaii. From breathtaking leaps into azure waters from our boat to muddy treks through enchanted forests, we'll show you how to capture unforgettable moments while preserving the essence of your cherished wedding gown.
What is a "trash the dress" photoshoot?
Curious about the intriguing concept of "trashing the dress"? Well, let me give you a brief introduction! Trashing the dress is a non-traditional photoshoot where adventurous couples take their wedding attire to stunning locations and let go of any inhibitions. It's a chance to create unique and unforgettable images by incorporating elements of nature, such as water, mud, or dramatic landscapes. But don't worry, it's not about destroying the dress entirely—it's more about embracing the freedom to have fun, explore, and capture moments that truly reflect the couple's adventurous spirit. So, if you're ready to embark on an extraordinary post-wedding adventure, let's dive into the exciting world of trashing the dress!
When it comes to trashing the dress, the possibilities are as diverse as the landscapes of Hawaii. Let your imagination soar as you envision the enchanting locations where you can bring your wedding attire to life in unexpected ways. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of secluded blue lagoons, creating a captivating juxtaposition between the elegance of your dress and the natural elements. Alternatively, embark on a muddy escapade through lush forests, where the earthy terrain adds a touch of wildness to your photos. And don't forget the ocean's embrace—a dance with the waves, where you can revel in the romance of the shoreline. From tranquil beaches to hidden waterfalls, Hawaii offers a canvas of breathtaking backdrops for your trashing the dress adventure.
trash a dress from a boat: swim in the open ocean
sunset surf session
Getting wet is a fun way to trash your dress. However, some dresses may be too cumbersome to manage in the water, so bringing along some surfboard props is a fantastic way to get the best of both worlds, while capturing the laid-back vibe of surfing (whether or not you actually know how to surf!). We usually spend a few minutes on shore, getting some close-up surfboard shots before heading into the water. Depending on your swimming ability, surf sessions can either be conducted in shallow water, or farther offshore, but the focus is less on the surfing, and more about you two hanging out together on the water. What better way to showcase the quintessential ambiance of the Hawaiian islands?
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trash your dress in a tidepool or ocean bay
If you're still drawn to the allure of the ocean but feel that activities like surfing or freediving may not be your cup of tea, fear not! There's another captivating option for you to consider: an over-under session. Picture this: we'll whisk you away to a serene tide pool or a peaceful sandy beach, carefully chosen for their gentle waves. Here, we'll capture the magic of the half underwater, half above water shots that we lovingly call "over-unders." Trust us when we say, these photos are an absolute blast to create!
During the session, get ready to let loose and indulge in the carefree joys of being in the water. You might find yourself with a bit of sand in your hair, but believe us, it'll be totally worth it. Prepare to splash around like a carefree child, feel the exhilaration of being enveloped by the waves, and engage in playful moments with your partner. We'll be right there with you, documenting every spontaneous and intimate interaction, resulting in truly one-of-a-kind images that will forever capture the essence of your love and the joy of your adventure.
So, if you're seeking a unique and exciting way to immerse yourself in the ocean's embrace, consider an over-under session. It's a chance to relive the pure joy of splashing around, create beautiful memories, and walk away with stunning images that will leave you with a lasting sense of wonder and nostalgia.
mountain or waterfall adventure
Alright, let's dive into the possibilities for those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground and skip the ocean adventures. Fortunately, Hawaii is brimming with an abundance of breathtaking locations that are perfect for trashing the dress sessions. One of our absolute favorites includes the awe-inspiring waterfalls and the lush tropical mountain scenery that dots the island.
Imagine standing at the base of a majestic waterfall, its cascading waters providing a dramatic backdrop as you and your partner embrace the spirit of adventure. The combination of rock, earth, and sky creates a captivating landscape, inviting you to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature. If you have a fondness for hiking or find solace amidst verdant greenery, having a trash the dress session atop a mountain peak is an absolute must. The panoramic views and rugged terrain will add a sense of grandeur and mystique to your photos, capturing the essence of your journey together.
Keep in mind that venturing through the forest often entails slippery, slidey, and muddy trails, which means it's time to kick off those shoes and go barefoot! Embrace the freedom of feeling the earth beneath your feet as you navigate the enchanted forest. Worried about how to pack your dress clothes and bouquet? Don't fret! We've got you covered. We'll guide you on the art of carefully packing your attire and bouquet in a backpack, ensuring they remain pristine until the perfect moment arrives.
So, if the allure of Hawai'i's mountains, waterfalls, and lush forests speaks to your adventurous spirit, consider exploring these incredible land-based locations for your trash the dress session. It's an opportunity to unleash your inner explorer, create remarkable memories, and capture breathtaking images that will forever transport you back to the magic of your Hawaiian adventure.
Questions about underwater photos?
how to
Trash Your Dress in Hawai'i
A trash the dress session is an elegant way to wear your wedding attire outside of your wedding venue. This non-traditional photoshoot will surely turn some heads and put a unique twist on your once-in-a-lifetime love adventure! While taking your wedding dress in the ocean or in a waterfall may not fit the designer’s recommendation for long-term preservation (but seriously, what’s the point of keeping it neatly in a box for decades?), usually dresses do not actually get ruined, but may get a bit muddy, or torn lace at the hem. For some reason, there appears to be great hesitation among brides when considering a trash the dress session (we also get that wedding dresses can be among the most expensive items in your budget).
Trashing your dress is a great way to not only re-live some special moments with your lover, but also allows for a completely distinctive set of intimate photos. Essentially, your trash the dress session is a chance for you two to let loose, be yourselves, and make more memories beyond the wedding day itself. We had our own trash the dress adventure session at a secret waterfall, and we arguably love those photos even more than the ones from our wedding day. While trashing your dress may not seem worth it, we absolutely loved every minute of ours! The amazing part about trashing your dress in Hawaii is that there are so many different settings— from tide pools, to waterfalls— where you can choose to have your own customized adventure.
Ocean Freedive
If you’re divers like us, you may (or may not) have considered taking your trash the dress session completely underwater! This truly unique session is built for water lovers and promises some of the most stunning underwater photos! Some important considerations for planning a freediving session is your comfort underwater (we avoid using masks, as they detract from the photos, so practice opening your eyes underwater) and the ocean conditions (winter time brings large waves and lower visibility). While these sessions typically rely a bit more on swimming, we use a combination of floats and buoys to safely conduct all of our in-water sessions. Plus Patrick is both a marine biologist and a PADI certified dive instructor while Kelsi is a PADI certified Rescue divers. You’ll be safe in the water with us and we’ll ensure you don't damage any of the local ecosystem in the process.
We return to each other in waves... this is how water loves.
Sunset surf session
Getting wet is a fun way to trash your dress. However, some dresses may be too cumbersome to manage in the water, so bringing along some surfboard props is a fantastic way to get the best of both worlds, while capturing the laid-back vibe of surfing (whether or not you actually know how to surf!). We usually spend a few minutes on shore, getting some close-up surfboard shots before heading into the water. Depending on your swimming ability, surf sessions can either be conducted in shallow water, or farther offshore, but the focus is less on the surfing, and more about you two hanging out together on the water. What better way to showcase the quintessential ambiance of the Hawaiian islands?
Ocean
ADVENTURE
ocean bay
TIDEPOOL OR
If you’re still interested in playing in the ocean, but don’t think surfing or freediving is for you, then perhaps doing an over-under session is something you should consider. We’ll take you to a quiet tide pool or sandy beach with few waves to capture the half underwater, half above water over-unders! These photos are SO MUCH FUN to create! You''ll wind up with tons of sand in your hair, but you’ll get to splash around like you're a kid again, make out in the waves, and have fun while we create one-of-a-kind images.
adventure
mountain or waterfall
Okay, but what if you don’t want to get in the ocean?? Luckily Hawaii has a multitude of other beautiful locations for trash the dress sessions. Among our favorite land-based locations would be the majestic waterfalls and tropical mountain scenery. If you love hiking or being in the lush greenery, having a trash the dress session at a mountaintop is a surefire way to capture the drama of rock, earth, and sky. Since most adventures through the forest means slippery, slidey, and muddy, expect to go barefoot! We’ll show you how to pack your dress clothes and bouquet in a backpack.
*Please note that we only take you to spots that are legal and we can get a permit for - please respect local laws and rules when visiting Hawai'i.
WHAT TO WEAR ON YOUR
TRASH THE DRESS
ADVENTURE
YOUR WEDDING ATTIRE
A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE
We wore our wedding day attire for our own trash the dress session in the forest, while this is the more photographically stunning option, we understand that it may not be fore everyone. Therefore, you can always choose to purchase a cheap dress alternative, so that you do not have to worry if it gets wet, muddy, or slightly torn.
An example of some versatile, yet inexpensive dresses would be:
If you want epic trash the dress shots, we highly suggest that you consider wearing your original wedding attire. The juxtaposition of the fragility of the wedding outfits with the rawness of the environment will stand out, yielding visually stunning images regardless of the backdrop! Plus, you probably aren’t planning on wearing your wedding dress again - but you will have these images to remember FOREVER. There are some fabrics/dresses that are easier to carry in and get wet. Big poofy ball gowns get really heavy when wet, but flowing chiffon or silk look gorgeous in the water. If you’re ever unsure we can help you out!
