We’ve been in search of the ultimate Bridechilla ~ finding out that most gals are pretty cool, grounded and easy going on their wedding day with an occasional “lose it” moment here and there. Miss Shelby Swink is the total exception to the rule ~ No Freak Outs! No Stress! Just Smiles and going with the flow! Given her circumstance, even the savviest bridechilla may not have been able to maintain her cool, but Shelby is testament that making lemonade from lemons, even if it’s spiked with tequila, is the best way to handle the worst situations.
Yes, Attitude is everything when you’re in the middle of planning your dream wedding. Stress can take over quickly causing the most easy going bride to completely lose it! But what happens when you hear that the love of your life doesn’t want to get married 5 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING??
Shelby’s Dad, Douglas Swink and photographer, Lizz Hoard of http://www.elizabethhoardphotography.com, suggested a trash the dress session to help Shelby work through what would have been her wedding day but instead was the day she would start the next chapter in her life. Shelby was all for it and so were her amazing parents and bridesmaids who met her in a Memphis park to CELEBRATE Shelby!
Not sure how many brides would handle this news ~ Shelby Swink says that her options were to sit around with ice cream and Netflix, but she chose to CELEBRATE the newest chapter in her life on the day that would have been her wedding day.
Dressed in their wedding attire, The Swinks, friends and bridemaids came out to “trash the dress” ~ it started with the girls … paint, glitter and feathers! Shelby said she was a little nervous at first, that it was so surreal when the first paint hit her gorgeous gown, then she realized that it was only material – that the marriage was so much more than that!
These gals didn’t hold back and the whole vibe of the day turned into fun, fun, fun! The goal to surround Shelby with the love and support that she ironically would have had if she’d been walking down the aisle. Does it get any better than that? Isn’t that what we’d all hope for? Shelby ~ the Ultimate Bridechilla
Shelby attributes her response to her strong Mom, supportive, fun loving Dad and amazing family and friends! All we can say is WOW ~ Way to go Swink family!
Wrapping up the photo shoot with champagne toasts and cigars and a few choice fingers for the groom sums up the upbeat attitude of the the day! Here’s to Shelby Swink and her kick ass attitude!
In hopes of inspiring others, The Barefoot Bride, www.thebarefootbride.biz, in Memphis, TN asked Shelby if she’d be willing to share her gown in order to help brides-to-be to keep their Bridechilla attitude in check during their wedding planning process. After all, if Shelby could keep it together in her circumstances then shouldn’t grace, style and thoughtfulness be easy for other brides?
Of course Shelby agreed and brought in her amazing smile, oh yeah and gown to share with other brides. Of course Mom and bridesmaids were in tow to support and cheer her on. To be honest, Shelby was the one doing the cheering.
Sarah Bleau from Channel 13 found out about Shelby’s story so she’ll be getting a lot more press being featured on TV! In addition, The Barefoot Bride will be donating a portion of every gown sold from now until January 1st to Be Free Revolution,www.befreerevolution.org, a local charity that focuses on helping women in Kenya.
More on that interview here:
Big big CHEERS and love to Shelby! We know you’re gonna rock your life with your positive vibes! So glad to be a part of your celebration!
Photographs courtesy of www.elizabethhoardphotography.com
Check out Shelby’s Youtube video here:
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