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
This Irish Jig is Just Too Much Fun to Watch!
Enjoy this Irish dance craze that will bring a smile to your face!
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.
These 2 Prove You're Never Too Old to Dance!
If you think you're too old to dance, then you'd better think again!
What Could Be Cuter Than This Collection of Sweet Alpacas?
It's impossible to look at these wonderful alpacas without smiling. Just try it!
SHOCKING: This Family Got the Weirdest Photos...
We all know a picture is worth a thousand words, but a hilariously bad family photoshoot has earned over 377,000 and 360,000 likes on Facebook. Check them out!
These Tips Will Help You Keep Your Car In Order
These hacks will help you get shinier headlights, organize your interior, and provide a nifty hack to help you remove a small car dent and lots more.
Lemons in the Oven? Read This Article to Find Out Why
Sick of mosquitoes and flies visiting your house? This surprising method will help you get rid of them effortlessly using lemons and an oven!
10 Wise Plumbing Tips From a Professional Plumber
Here are ten brilliant tips that can save you heaps of time and money when you've got plumbing problems at home.
7 Common Missteps That Couples Over 50 Should Avoid
For couples, the 50s can be the best years of their relationship. Just avoid making these mistakes.
DIY: 6 Methods for Removing Scratches from Eyeglasses
If you wear glasses or know someone who does, you've probably heard them complain about scratches. Now you can fix these scratches with the following 6 tips!
10 Quick and Easy Solutions to 10 Common Cleaning Problems
We have searched high and low to bring you ten easy solutions that solve a number of everyday household cleaning issues. You are sure to find these useful!
These False Money-Saving Tips Will Make You Spend More
There are a lot of very common money management tips that are simply not true. These are 8 myths on saving that should be debunked.
Your Ultimate Guide to Growing Herbs in Water All Year
This guide will teach you how to grow your own herbs in water.
Solve 18 Cooking and Food Storage Problems With These Tips
These 18 food tips will teach you how to prevent food from spoiling and will show you how to save time and effort in preparing certain foods
Start Managing Your Time Right With These 5 Techniques!
Even the most organized people find themselves with little time on their hands throughout the day, but with these techniques, you can get it all done!
Banish Your Skin's Pimply Blemishes with These 8 Remedies
You thought and hoped you'd left those acne ridden days behind you. Well with these 8 home-remedies you may finally be able to enjoy pimple free skin.
Beware! NEVER Put These Things on Your Credit Card
Credit cards might be convenient but there are some cases where you should avoid using them.
The Easiest Way to Clean and Freshen Your Mattress
There are thousands of small reasons to clean your mattress, and one simple way to do so!
A Quarter & a Cup of Water Lets You Know If Food Is Safe
Learn this odd trick to know if your food is still good to eat by using a quarter and a cup of water. It's ingenious and incredibly simple.
7 Ways to Trap Pesky Fruit Flies
Fruit flies can be incredibly gross and annoying, but you're about to learn 7 novel ways of trapping the little critters.
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.
GUIDE: Are You Feeding Your Cat Right?
To help cat owners with this task, we've created a guide on the recommended daily amount and type of food to feed their cats.
DIY: Make Your Own Face Mask in a Few Easy Steps
To get around the shortage, you can make your own DIY surgical face mask. It can be easily done even if you're can't or don't want to sew.
5 Things to Start Doing Every Day If Things Feel Stressed
Here are 5 priceless key tips that can make your life more productive and less stressful!
These Simple Tricks Can Help Improve Your Memory
Suffering from memory loss can be extremely frustrating. Therefore, here are some tips to help you stop forgetting the daily things you need to remember.
These 6 Secrets Will Ensure You Look Divine in any Photo
This fantastic guide will reveal some basic errors that people make in photographs and how to improve them, ensuring you look great every time!
Shocking! How Thieves Steal Card Details at the ATM
Take note of some of the most common ways thieves will try to steal your credit card details.
10 Smart Ways to Neutralize Any and All Shoe Odors
To combat shoe smells, we've compiled a list of 10 simple solutions that are readily available in most households.
Who Knew Bananas Could Have SO Many Uses?
Appearantly, bananas can be used in many more ways than we all thought. Check out these 28 cool household hacks and tricks.
Woah! Who Knew the Humble Fork Had This Many Uses?
Have a look at these unique but very useful fork hacks - they'll make your life a whole lot easier!
Where is YOUR Dog From? The Full Dog Breed Compendium
The complete guide to dog races by country!
The Genius Ways to Wrap Awkwardly Shaped Gifts
To save yourself a little money, and to help you get a tad more creative this festive season, we've got the perfect solution for you.
Never Struggle to Get Out of Bed Again with These Tips
Do you have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning? If so, you can add some much needed energy to your mornings by taking heed of these simple tips.
This Town Was Built Especially for People with Dementia
This small Dutch village is designed for and entirely populated by residents with dementia and Alzheimers.
A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Your Own Veggies!
There's nothing like starting the day with a fresh vegetable garden, and now you can do so every day with this ultimate veggie growing guide.
Guide: 10 Stunning Hairdos You Can Do Yourself at Home
These simple yet impressive hairstyles will leave you feeling confident and stylish for any occasion.
Guide: How to Keep Street Cats Away Without Harming Them
This comprehensive guide provides you with a thorough plan of action for each strategy, ensuring that you can execute these tactics efficiently and effectively.
These 20 Hacks Will Make Gardening So Much Easier!
This rapid-fire video gives you tips on not only how to manage and maintain your garden, but even make use of normally useless items!
Get Wax Out of Your Clothes Easily with This Guide
If you've got wax stuck on your fabrics, this is the best way to go about removing it.
Say Goodbye to Rotten Fruits & Veggies with These 12 Tips
The way you store your groceries can affect their shelf life. These 12 tips will help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
There's a Secret Trick to Understanding Chinese...
This brilliant lecture will teach you the basics of Chinese
Hey! Did You Know Soap Has So Many Extra Uses?
Soap is much more than something useful for cleaning your hands and face. Here are 21 stunning uses for a bar of soap that I never even knew.
An A-Z of Carpet Cleaning - The Ultimate Guide!
There are so many different kinds of carpet stains that it's hard to know how to clean them all. Here is the ultimate A-Z carpet cleaning guide.
14 Useful Charts and Guides You’ll Want to Save!
We prepared a list of 14 visual guides and charts that will come in handy at home, outdoors, and even when you’re searching for something online!
50 Culinary Tips That'll Make You a Kitchen Master!
50 great little culinary tips and tricks you can print and hang in the kitchen!
These 40 Incredible Kitchen Hacks Are Too Good to Be True
If you love cooking, but hate all of the stress and hassle that it can entail, then this video is perfect for you!