Pictures: SARA THOMAS

ONE wedding photographer is encouraging brides to ‘trash’ their wedding dress for a day.

Well, I say ‘trash’ but I really mean cherish.

Inspired by trends over the pond in the USA, Sara Thomas has over the past few months embarked on several ‘trash’ the dress days with brides, giving ladies who’ve tied the knot the chance to don their wedding gown for the day and lark about at a location of their choice, while being photographed.

All girls love their wedding dresses and will have spent hours picking out ‘the one’, so it’s a shame this expensive investment only gets one outing.

A ‘trash’ the dress day allows brides to not only wear their beloved dress again, but also to be relaxed in front of the camera, taking away some fabulous keepsake fashion shots.

The shoot also makes a fabulous first wedding anniversary gift or post-wedding treat.

Recent subjects for Sara have included a bride who punked herself up with spiky hair and stripy socks on the beach, as well as a gaggle of girlfriends (all married around the same time) who took a daytrip to Dedham together in wellies – they even quite literally pushed the boat out.

Of course, it’s not just the aftermath of weddings that Sara is interested in, but the big day itself too, with the photographer saying: “My style is unobtrusive, doesn’t interfere, and has the minimum of direction – it’s about capturing moments. It’s got to be more than a record of the day- those little moments mean the most.”

Sara moved to Suffolk with her family three years ago, having been a live music photographer at the Cambridge Evening News, where she snapped everyone from Blondie to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Her career in the fast-moving music photography world, where it’s important to capture that split second of magic, means that Sara really has an eye for weddings and she is now the preferred photographer for venues such as Boxted Hall.

“I like to photograph everything from getting ready to the first dance,” said Sara. “I like to spend a good amount of time with the bride, and most brides feel more comfortable with a lady photographer – it’s just like having another one of the girls in the room joining in with the banter.”

As well as the ‘getting ready’ shots, Sara says her other favourite moments to capture happen when the speeches take place. “So much effort goes into speeches these days, and so there’s lots of emotion to capture,” she said.

To find about more about the photography packages Sara can offer, or to ask about ‘trash’ the dress days or even boudoir pictures, call her on 01473 613128 or 07736682869. You can also go to www.sarathomas.co.uk

nAll couples taking all-day photography are give a free pre-wedding shoot.