Wedding Dress Photography on a Dorset beach
Trash the Dress or Cherish the Dress?
“Trash the Dress” is an American photoshoot concept where brides wear their wedding gown in unconventional, often messy or dramatic settings—like the ocean, a muddy field, or an urban street. It’s about creating bold, artistic images that contrast the elegance of the dress with unexpected backdrops, symbolising freedom, fun, and new beginnings.
Cherish the Dress is a chance to slip back into your wedding gown and relive the magic, this time without the whirlwind of the day itself. We’ll head to a favourite place—somewhere that feels special to you—and create beautiful, timeless photographs that honour the dress rather than destroy it. Unlike the American Trash the Dress idea, which often ends with gowns covered in sand, mud, or seawater, Cherish the Dress is about celebrating your story and preserving your gown’s elegance while capturing images full of love and meaning.
Meeting a Bride Who Loves Being Photographed
It’s always such a wonderful part of my work, as a photographer specialising in wedding and family photography, when I meet a client who genuinely enjoys being in front of the camera. So often people feel a little shy or reserved at first, or they take some time to really relax into the process — which is completely natural. But every now and then, someone comes along who not only embraces the experience but truly shines in it, and Kasia was one of those very rare brides. From the very beginning she brought energy, ease, and a real sense of joy to every moment, making the whole shoot feel effortless. Kasia’s wedding was at the very beautiful Parley Manor Weddings, one of the premier wedding venues in Dorset.
Introducing My Cherish the Dress Concept for Relaxed Wedding Portraits
Because of this, I invited her to be part of something new I was working on: my Cherish the Dress concept. Unlike the American ‘Trash the Dress’ trend, which often ends in muddy gowns and ruined hems, Cherish the Dress is about celebrating your dress again after the wedding — putting it back on in a beautiful location and enjoying a relaxed, creative photoshoot without the time pressures of the big day.
A Windswept Golden Hour of Photography at Hengistbury Head
Kasia kindly agreed to do this with me on a ‘time for’ basis, giving us both the chance to experiment and create something unique together. A couple of months later, we met at Hengistbury Head in Dorset, a stunning spot with wide, windswept beaches and sweeping views across the coast. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions: a breezy evening, the sea air alive with movement, and the golden hour light drenching everything in warmth.
Photographing Natural Confidence and Joy
What followed was a session full of laughter, elegance, and a touch of drama from the wild weather. Kasia looked incredible in her dress once more, and the combination of her natural confidence with the spectacular backdrop made for some unforgettable images. It was exactly the kind of creative, collaborative shoot that Cherish the Dress is all about. And after we’d finish the wedding dress session, Kasia opened her back full of other outfits for a fashion style photoshoot! You can see that here.
Book Your Own Cherish the Dress Session
If you’d love the chance to step back into your wedding dress and create some beautiful, relaxed portraits in a location that means something to you, I’d love to hear from you — get in touch to find out more about booking your own Cherish the Dress session
If you are thinking of having your wedding at Parley Manor, or any of our other wonderful locations in Dorset and The New Forest I’d love to be your photographer, so do contact me now to arrangement a free consultation
Where can I find out more about your wedding photography?
Well, right here on this website; have a look at my page, Natural Wedding Photography in New Forest, Hampshire and Dorset , where you can see my price plans as well.
If you want to see more posts about weddings, then browse this collection of articles.
Are you planning a small, intimate wedding?
If you are, I have just the right service for you! And it works brilliantly for everyone on a tight budget too! Have a look at my Small, Intimate Wedding Photography plan.
