Sand Bay Trash the Dress: Scott & Vivian

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of working with Vivian, who reached out to me about doing a “Trash the Dress” session for her and her husband Scott to celebrate their upcoming anniversary. If you’ve never heard of a “Trash the Dress” session, it’s essentially a fun, non-traditional photoshoot where the bride gets to wear her wedding dress again—but this time, with a twist. Instead of keeping it pristine, it’s all about capturing raw, playful, and creative moments, often in nature or other unexpected environments.

I was immediately on board! Trash the dress sessions are some of my favorites because they allow so much room for creativity. You get to push the boundaries of traditional wedding photography and have fun with it. The couple can really express themselves and their personalities, and the photos often end up being stunning works of art.

We met at their charming cottage in Sand Point, just outside of Shawville in Quebec. The setting was absolutely picturesque—an idyllic spot with lush greenery and a calm lake. After a quick chat and some prep, we made our way down to the water for the actual session. Now, let me tell you, it wasn’t all smooth sailing! We were swarmed by black flies the second we stepped out onto the path leading to the water, which definitely added a bit of challenge to the shoot. But Vivian and Scott didn’t let that stop them! They were true troopers and kept pushing forward, undeterred by the insects buzzing around us.

Once we reached the water, the couple dove right into the shoot, embracing the adventure. From splashing around in the lake to doing some creative, whimsical poses, they were fearless in trying out new things. It’s not every day you get to shoot a couple who’s so up for anything—and that made the whole experience even more enjoyable. The final photos turned out to be nothing short of magical, and I’m so glad I got to capture these moments for them!

Thank you Scott and Vivian for including me in your trash the dress session, and I am looking forward to working with you guys again in the future!