When talented photographer Izzy Hudgins asks to take pictures of you in your wedding dress for fun, you say YES.
So that’s what I did. And since you’ve all joined me on my wild journey these last couple of years, I thought I’d share the finished product with you, even though it’s not so travel-related.
The offer was admittedly bittersweet. Even though my wedding was amazing in a million ways, my photographers were generally lost and confused, and my hair chica, while talented, did her own Spanish thing. Certainly not the details that matter most, but having another shot at some decent pictures was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up!
So my friend (and fellow Madrid resident) Izzy and I headed out to Madrid’s Casa de Campo – a massive park reserve, scattered with trees and, during this particular time of year, amber-colored leaves. With big hair and an even bigger white dress, I suited up in the middle of a field, while bike riders and cars zipped by on the nearby road.
For this round of wedding dress shots, I stepped up to the plate as my own hairstylist and makeup artist (with curler assistance from a friend). Getting all dolled up minus the stress made me feel like a kid again, but with the added bonus of whistling passersby. Surprisingly fun, really.
Not more than an hour later and we were done. I wriggled back into my street clothes and back to reality. And the result? A handful of shots that I personally think give the originals a run for their dinero. Bittersweet indeed!
No matter where you are, if you’re looking for a well-traveled, talented and sweet photographer, Izzy’s your girl. Now based in Savannah, she continues to make trips to places both near and far – so no wedding locale is off limits. I only wish that we’d met before my big day!
*For those of you following wedding dress fashion trends, I just want to point out that my lace sleeves predate a certain royal wedding 
.
February 7th, 2012 at 11:24 am
Beautiful! Wish I had had Izzy at my wedding. Our photographer was my sister-in-law’s boyfriend…most of the photos were of her.
February 7th, 2012 at 11:53 am
No way!!! Most of my photos were of my bridesmaids – I think the Spanish photographers were just so intrigued by this idea that all these girls were wearing similar outfits and carrying flowers. Literally, the first half of our album is of bridesmaids.
February 7th, 2012 at 4:11 pm
GORGE! Love the pics and the dress. I especially love the one of your feet.
It looks so old timey and classic. Really beautiful.
February 7th, 2012 at 4:14 pm
Thanks, April!
February 7th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Every bride should do this! I love seeing you so relaxed!
February 7th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
I totally agree. It was so fun to try on my dress again and actually just enjoy it and not be preoccupied by nerves. It really was like playing dress-up!
February 7th, 2012 at 5:25 pm
Wow, fantastic, love them all, and you look like the Erin I know not the Bride in the photos from over a year ago. You were fabulous then, don’t get me wrong, but these are just fun and it shows. I like the dress full out by the way, the leaf, your shoes, terrific! Yes of course you had lace sleeves first, Kate M just copied a good idea when she saw one! Big hugs!
February 7th, 2012 at 5:46 pm
Love your pics. I want to get married again, just for a more glam dress! First one bad. Really bad. I would do some number that is sexier!
February 8th, 2012 at 5:04 am
Thanks Erin for such a sweet post!!! Even though we only knew each other shortly before I left Spain, Im so glad we met, you are so awesome and beautiful and I feel so lucky to have photographed you!!! I know that our paths will cross again!!! BESOS!
February 8th, 2012 at 8:31 am
First of all, I am so impressed you can still fit into your dress! I starved myself before my wedding just to get IN my dress, and I am sure I couldn’t even get one thigh in it now. You look stunning…and still a glowing bride. Great pictures. Love you Puss.
February 8th, 2012 at 6:21 pm
You look breathtakingly gorgeous!!!!! I agree with what Brooklyn said, I could never get into my dress now haha. Impressive! LOVE these shots!!!
February 9th, 2012 at 10:46 am
Aww, thanks ladies! Fortunately, or unfortunately, I didn’t really drop any lbs (kilos?) before my wedding, and therefore haven’t gained any since, so the dress still fits! Woohoo! But let’s see how long that lasts, ha!
February 14th, 2012 at 6:01 pm
you look looooovely! happy valentine’s day!
February 14th, 2012 at 6:04 pm
I really love it! I think good wedding photography is so worth the price–sorry it didn’t work out so well the first time.
February 20th, 2012 at 3:14 am
Your dress is beautiful and you look stunning! What a treat to be able to wear your dress again!
Cheers,
Kristina
February 20th, 2012 at 10:03 pm
Thanks ladies! You’re making me blush!!!