Trash the Dress Friday: A Whimsical Anniversary Celebration

Happy Friday! Before I get into today’s TTD session, I have a bit of a sad story to share. However, with your help, I think we can turn this sad story into one filled with hope, love and most importantly we can create a happy ending. I’ll give you the condensed version, but you can read the full details over on the Jars of Love blog. At age 30, Layla was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Luckily it was able to be removed but three years later she found herself in constant pain. The pain was essentially a side effect of the surgery that removed the cancer due to a large build up of scar tissue which had literally fused her cervix shut. She will need another surgery to return to a pain-free life. Due to a job loss (due to her health issues) and major issues with her insurance companies-who have refused to pay for anything deeming this a pre-existing condition- she is having to pay for this out-of-pocket. Not having a job adds a lot of stress to anyone but having a major and debilitating health issue and the financial burden associated with that is overwhelming. Layla needs our help as essentially any of us could find ourselves in this situation. If you feel inclined you can donate cash by clicking the donate button below, you can head over to the Jars of Love store and purchase homemade goodies and the proceeds will go to Layla, or you can help by simply spreading the word. Bloggers are way more efficient than insurance companies anyway, so let’s band together and help this lovely lady! You can also follow the progress on Twitter by following #OperationLayla. A blog is also in the works to keep everyone up to date on progress. Oh, did I mention there is a time crunch? 2 weeks. 2 weeks to raise $4,500. Let’s do this.

Donate below:

Ok, now that I have depressed you but hopefully also fired you up, let’s get to something delightful! I have no words for the amazingness of today’s TTD! Well, actually I do. I think in the future if I am having a bad day, I will come back to this session knowing it will cheer me up. I adore it for many reasons including the fact that it is filled with beautiful and whimsical details, the fact that the bride is gorgeous and it includes the sweetest little baby girl. Amber of A Bit of Joy Photography is the brains and talent behind this incredible shoot. The Bride is Amber’s hair dresser and friend and in the midst of one of those well-known salon discussions, Amber inquired what she should do with her dress after her own wedding. Allison, the Bride, revealed that each year on her anniversary she puts her dress on just for fun! It was then and there that the idea for this shoot was born and they could not have executed it more beautifully. The sweet little baby girl is Allison’s daughter and although you won’t see him, her husband was behind the scenes helping out. How adorable to be able to have photos with your child in your wedding dress?! I think it is so sweet and sentimental. This session is one of the most gorgeous styled TTD sessions I have ever seen!

Are you loving this like I am?! Does it make you think twice about whether or not to do a TTD Session?

How cute is she?

A BIG Thank you to A Bit of Joy Photography for sharing this fabulous session! Do you have an anniversary coming up? It might be time to dig your dress out and do something like this to celebrate!

Oh AND its my Mom’s birthday today! Happy Birthday Mom!

Images submitted via Two Bright Lights.