For approximately four months after my wedding, my gown laid across the lounge seating in my bedroom. Each day, the tiny jewels adorned across the sweetheart bodice twinkled in the morning sunlight. I loved looking at my gown, yet, I needed to be practical. I eventually tucked it out of sight into the back of my closet. Gone but not forgotten.

Divorced, with two children, I used to spend my days focused on my career, church and dedicated quality time with my boys. Dating turned into a nightmare, so I learned to appreciate doing things on my own and traveling alone. I enjoyed nights out with my girlfriends, bible study on Wednesdays, and sushi after church on Sundays. I simply never imagined I’d be a bride again. Thanks to a high school reunion event, I was wrong. The best things usually happen when you’re not looking. 

Fast forward, my high school reunion sweetheart proposed and I had twelve months to plan the wedding of our dreams. At the top of my list — find the perfect dress. I aimed to transform into the princess I felt like each time my fiancé looked at me. I flipped through endless pages of magazines daily until I finally made my first bridal appointment. Like the magazine, I flipped through racks of breathtaking bridal gowns…searching. While I suspected that I may not find my dream gown in one visit, my body still tingled with excitement.  

My enthusiasm waned after trying on the first two gowns. I slipped into another gown and headed toward the showing room. My friends gasped the moment I stepped out. I turned and tears fell from my eyes the moment I stared at my reflection in the mirrors surrounding me. The white lace and tulle trumpet gown granted my wish. 

There’s something magical about being a bride. The wedding day takes you through a range of emotions that no other experience does. When I stepped into my gown and walked down the aisle I transported into a world that I believed only existed in the fairy tales and romance novels I read.

Now, like hundreds of women since 2001, I’m ready to talk trash. It’s time to free my dress from its protective plastic cocoon and have some fun. While I had tons of fun on my wedding day, I did my best to stay perfect for the professional photos and social media frenzy. Now, in celebration of our fifth anniversary, I’m prepared to “trash my dress”.  

The popular postnuptial photo session isn’t for the faint of heart, which could be one reason why the trend’s also been coined the “Fearless Bridal”.  While most brides choose to frolic in water and dirt for the photos, I don’t think there are any hard and fast rules, except to be free. You don’t have to remain “perfect” for the party and your guests, because the photo session is the party. 

My husband and I are looking forward to it. In fact, it was his idea. Although, I have a sneaky suspicion he believes my unused gown is taking up too much space. Perhaps; however, the idea marinated in the back of our minds since we saw some breathtaking photos our friends took after their destination wedding. 

Over the next twelve months, we will explore New York City for the perfect and maybe not so perfect setting for our pictures. That gives me enough time to lose enough weight to get back into my dress. I wonder how it will feel when I step into my gown again next year? I can’t wait to find out.   

Just as I had a second chance to be a bride and a wife, my wedding gown will get its second chance to shine. 

Along the way, I’ll share wedding tips to take you for “Yes” to “I Do” from selecting your wedding date to your first dance as Mr. and Mrs.

Congratulations and enjoy the journey.