This is a story we should all read, because it shows you that even in the face of the worst-case scenario, one can still smile, fight the tears and prevail. It is represented in this amazing photo series by photographer Elizabeth Hoard |
This is the story of Shelby Swink, who has been in a relationship since 2011 with a man she thought she was going to marry and live with ever-after. The got engaged and were set to get married last month.
|
|
However, less than a week before the big day, her fiancé announced to her that he no longer loves her, and called off the wedding.
|
|
“Bam. My dreams of marrying and having kids with what I thought was the man I would spend the rest of my life with vanished,” said a devastated Shelby. “November was supposed to be a fun and happy day surrounded by friends and family who loved me. I decided that I would not let my ex-fiancé’s mistake of letting me go take that away from me.”
|
|
She and the wedding photographer instead decided to have a 'trash the dress' photoshoot on the very day of the wedding that never happened. Replacing sadness with fun.
|
|
“The moment the paint hit my dress… I was free. All the disappointment, all the hurt… I just felt it leave me”, said Shelby. |
|
|
“My bridesmaids supported the idea 100% and even joined me in their own dresses.”
|
|
Her parents didn't give up the oppurtunity to be part of the fun.
|
|
Since her mother was the one who paid for her dress, Shelby was surprised at how supportive her parents were, both wanting to be there for her.
|
|
|
|
|
After the colorful photoshoot, Shelby's dress was displayed for all to see at the Barefoot Bride in Memphis. While it is on display, part of all money spent on dresses will go to a local nonprofit.
|
|
“Always remember to remain true to yourself and believe in your own strength and you can overcome anything life throws at you”, said Shelby when asked what she learned from this experience.
|
|
And if you had something to say to your ex-fiancé? “Thank you for sparing me greater pain and loss down the road. Thank you for pushing me to realize my own strength…” |
|
“…Thank you for teaching me that no one can take away my happiness. Thank you for letting me go so I can one day experience true reciprocated love. THANK YOU!” |
|
|
There's even a non-wedding video! |
H/T: Offbeatbride
A Romantic Heart Beats in This Singing Priest's Chest
Marriage is a holy sacrament the beauty of which can scarcely be expressed in mere words. No wonder it compelled this overcome priest to burst into song...
The Best Wedding Locations of 2018 Will Blow Your Mind
Take a look at these stunning wedding photos that made it to the Top 30 Best of the Best Destination Photo Contest.
This is the Most Beautiful Wedding and It's All Homemade!
Say goodbye to the heavy burden of wedding planning with these great DIY Tips and hacks!
Funny Pics With Santa at the Mall That Will Make Your Day
Posing with Santa at the mall is a ritual that most of us enjoy. Here are some hilarious moments of people posing with Santa at the mall.
Amsterdam Festival of Lights: A Fairy-Tale Beauty
A beautiful set of photographs and a video depicting the beautiful Amsterdam Light Festival in the year 2019.
I Can't Stop Laughing at These Hilarious Wedding Photos
From cows making babies to groomsmen falling into the ocean, here are some of the most sidesplitting wedding photobombs you'll ever see.
12 Great Advantages of Being Bald
You thought hair loss and going bald was a BAD thing? Well, think again, as we go over everything that's great about being bald!
Tutorial: How to Grow Roses Using the Stem Cuttings
This tutorial is only a few minutes long, but it gives you a very simple, straight-forward and practical way of growing your own rose bush from stem cuttings.
13 Household Items You Never Knew Had an Expiry Date
Take note. These common household products do go bad.
Cornstarch Has More Uses Than You Could Ever Think Of
We never usually think of cornstarch in terms of its ability to clean, but it's actually incredibly versatile and can be used in many different ways at home.
Who Knew That Aluminum Foil Had So Many Extra Uses?!
How much use do you get out of your aluminum foil roll? Not much? Here are 16 extra uses you have probably never heard of.
These Pots and Pans Storage Solutions Are an Absolute Must
If you have a small kitchen or if your cabinet space is limited, then you need to read this.
Amazing! How to Make a Key That Opens Most Locks
Can you make a key that opens almost every lock?
13 Great Secret Hiding Spots That Burglars Will Never Find
Here are a few practical places to properly hide your cash and valuables from professional criminals.
13 Daily Objects We Could Be Using Better
You probably think you know how to use most of these objects already. Don't worry, all of us thought the same...
These Common Mistakes Can Ruin Your Floors and Carpets!
In this article, we tackle 12 common floor and carpet cleaning mistakes most of us are guilty of and explain what to do instead.
NEVER Do These 7 Things When Using a Power Strip
These are 7 safety tips you should always follow when using a power strip to avoid disaster
21 Sizzling Hot Microwave Tips To Improve Your Life
The microwave is something we use every day, but did you know how many different ways you can use it? Here are 21 surprising uses.
How to Stop Worrying and End Anxious Thoughts at Night
Are anxious thoughts hindering your sleep every night? Here’s what you can do.
Make Your Bathroom a Comfortable Space with These Hacks
Keep your bathroom organized with these essential hacks.
8 Adorable Mini Indoor Plants to Liven Up Any Small Space
These low-maintenance houseplants aren’t just cute, they hardly take up any space!
These Tips Will Make Any Meat Taste Like an Expensive Cut
You don't have to buy expensive cuts of meat to get a juicy steak. Here are three tips that'll make a cheap cut taste like an expensive cut.
Remove That Painful Splinter - With Handy Baking Soda
Splinters are more painful than paper cuts, and very painful to remove. But thanks to baking soda you can actually remove splinters easily. And here's how.
How to Use Ice Cube Trays to Make Delicious Dishes!
I had no idea there were such creative and delicious uses for the ice cube tray!
13 Cool Guides & Infographics You Never Knew You Needed!
These unique guides might change your perspective on a lot of things.
5 Vegetables You Can Start This Winter For a Quick Yield
If you love gardening, you may sometimes dislike waiting through those winter days, but we've got a tutorial for you in growing fast yielding vegetables...
Beginner’s Guide to Spices: Storage and Which You Must Get
There IS a right and wrong way to store and organize your spices. Whether you're a beginner or a spice fanatic, you'll find these tips useful!
If You’re Taking Apple Cider Vinegar, You Must Know This
There is a right and wrong way to take apple cider vinegar, and doing so incorrectly may not just be ineffective, it could be harmful to your health.
Knowing These 12 Things Could Save Your Life One Day
We hope that you’ll never need to use any of these tips, but in case you do, they will help you or others survive 12 life-threatening situations.
24 Simple But Genius Hanger Tricks to Use at Home!
Find out the many wonderful and useful tricks you can use a regular old hanger for!
Choose the SAFE Way to Remove Mold From Your Home
Mold is not only unsightly, it can also be a health risk. Learn how to recognize it and get rid of it with ease.
How to Pack Light and Travel Effortlessly: 11 Tips
Master the art of packing light with these tips.
9 Subtle Restaurant Tricks That Empty Your Wallet Faster
Restaurants are using these sneaky tricks to make you spend more!
17 Ingenious Life Hacks That You've Been Waiting For!
These 17 amazing and ingenious life hacks will make your day-to-day tasks a lot easier.
If You're Hungry at Night, You Should Eat These Foods!
If you are partial to a midnight snack, here are 7 foods that you should consider eating.
Who Needs a Professional Cleaner With These Tips?
These stubborn stains can easily be removed with a little guidance.
13 Cool Charts That Impart Practical Knowledge
Here are some useful charts, graphs, and infographics that provide some practical information.
Clean Your Washing Machine With This Easy DIY Cleaner
This natural DIY formula will keep your washing machine safe and clean.
Why These 8 Purchases Shouldn't Be on Installments
Using "Buy Now, Pay Later" services may not such a good idea for these items.
How to Beat Knee Pain While Going Up and Down the Stairs
Knee hurts while climbing stairs? These tips might just help.
12 Foods You Must Add to Your Diet in Your 40s and Later
In this article, we’ll focus on 12 foods with proven anti-aging effects that are easy to find in stores and even easier to add into your diet
Neglecting to Clean These Items Can Be DANGEROUS
These items in your home have to be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, they can become a real fire hazard!
8 Natural And Safe Ways to Keep Ants Away From Your House
Take note of these useful natural remedies that can help you keep ants away from your home.
The Psychology of Decision Fatigue and How to Avoid It
Follow these tips to start making smart decisions quickly.
The Surprising Uses of Lemon Salt Outside the Kitchen
Here’s a look at some unexpected ways to use lemon salt beyond the kitchen.
Cream Of Tartar Will Do Wonders For Your Health and Home!
If you've never heard of cream of tartar, you should find out how many different health benefits and uses this wonderful powder has!
Watch: A Simple Breathing Technique to Reduce Stress
This is a slow breathing exercise which works wonders for those anxiety-filled situations you just can't control.