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
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.
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!
Seniors Recreate Famous Album Covers and It’s HILARIOUS
One senioe care facility in England came up with a hilarious photoshoot idea, and these are the brilliant results
This Irish Jig is Just Too Much Fun to Watch!
Enjoy this Irish dance craze that will bring a smile to your face!
Learn How to Create a Beautiful and Impressive Hairstyle!
You don't need to spend big bucks at the hair salon to look like a superstar! Here are 16 impressive tutorials that'll make you look and feel like a queen!
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!
How to Remove Salt Stains From Fabrics, Shoes & Flooring
Salt stains are more common than you think. Learn to remove them effectively from your shoes, clothes, car interior, and floors in this useful guide.
An Effective Solution to Water Stains on Drywall
This solution is as plain as day but is also extremely effective!
Winter Hair Care: Do's & Don’ts for Healthy Locks
Follow these simple tips to maintain healthy hair throughout the winter season.
10 Effective Ways to Boost Hair Shine
We’re all after beautiful glossy hair. Follow these tips to bring back the shine and silkiness to your locks.
9 Unexpected Ways to Use Spices
You already know spices are indispensable in the kitchen, but it turns out that they have several important uses outside of the kitchen too.
Now is The Last Chance for This Outdoor Winterizing Task
Learn how to seal cracks and potholes in your driveway, and how to winterize your driveway before the first snow.
Now Make Your Own Eyeliner At Home with Natural Products
You can make your own eyeliner at home using these simple natural products. Check out these 3 easy recipes.
How You Can Use Vinegar to Make DIY Air Freshener
Natural air fresheners are superior to store-bought ones. We explain why that is the case and how you can deodorize your home using vinegar in this article.
9 Things You Shouldn’t Do If You Want to Sell Your Home
If you ever want to sell your house, make sure to avoid the following mistakes…
WARNING: These Fresh Foods Should Never Be Stored Together
What are the best ways to store fresh fruit and vegetables? This guide explains.
How to Quickly Restore an Old Rusty Pan
Cast iron pots and pans are pretty much indestructible. Even a rusty and seemingly unrepairable pan can be easily fixed. Here's how.
62 Great Uses For Things You Have at Home!
If you keep finding random objects around your house such as rubber bands and old clothespins, don't throw them away just yet!
How to Recognize and Deal With Money Fraud
Don't say "it won't happen to me"- elder scams can happen to anyone at risk. Here's how to recognize this increasingly common type of fraud.
How to Master Speed Cleaning - 10 Time-Saving Tricks
Why waste hours on cleaning every week? Master the art of speed cleaning with these time-saving tips!
The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Cleaning Products
Household cleaning products are toxic for your health and the environment. Here are a selection of more friendly cleaners.
If You Pre-Rinse Your Dishes, You Need to Stop Right Now
This is why you’re not supposed to pre-rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
16 Beautiful and Impressive Hairstyle Tutorials For Women
You don't need to spend big bucks at the hair salon to look like a superstar! Here are 16 impressive tutorials that'll make you look and feel like a queen!
How to Clean Your Hair Brushes in 2 Easy Steps
Wondering why your hair is full of flakes or your hairbrush stopped working as well as it once did? It may be time to clean it...
Watch This Before You Bring Your Plants Indoors For Winter
Watch this before you decide to bring your plants indoors in the winter.
How to Shorten Jeans by Hand and Preserve the Hem Too
Hemming jeans has never been easier than this!
These Tips Will Winter Proof Your Garden
Learn some tips to help you prepare your car, your home and your garden for the winter season.
9 Unexpected Uses of Your Vacuum Cleaner
Your vacuum cleaner has these unusual and surprisingly helpful advantages.
5-Step Foot Care Guide For Perfectly Smooth & Soft Heels
Follow these 5 steps to keep your feet smooth and soft all summer.
Your Go-To Guide For Fertilizing Plants
Which fertilizers should you get for your plants: liquid or solid, organic or manmade?
There Is a Right and a Wrong Way to Prep Asparagus
Asparagus is one VERY strange vegetable, but its outlandishness shouldn’t deter you from trying this healthy vegetable.
A Simple Trick For Painting Walls Twice As FAST!
With this simple trick, you'll be able to coat any wall with a fresh coat of paint twice as fast!
I Never Knew the Fireplace Ash Could Do That!
Learn 5 things you can do with fireplace ashes instead of disposing of them
These Natural Solutions Will Help Maintain Hair Dye
Looking to dye your hair? Refrain from using chemicals and try these natural remedies instead.
Break Bad Habits and Build New good Ones With This Video
A 30-minute illustrated summary of the book "Atomic Habits", on a science-backed way to build good habits and break bad ones.
The Essential Cheat Sheet for Every Fashionista
Everyone will be able to get something useful from these fashion and clothing care infographics.
These 11 Carcinogens Are Lurking in Your Home...
There are many things lurking in our home that are dangerous to us, but these 11 items are the most surprising!
10 Creative Ways to Create a Hanging Garden
Try your hand at vertical gardening with one (or a few) of these creative projects.
Tips & Tricks to Make the Most Unique Christmas Tree
This festive season, get inspired by making some of these creative DIY Christmas trees.
How to Manually Repair a Hole in a Sweater and Socks
Learn how to mend the most common holes and tears in your knit sweaters and socks and even in your jeans.
Here's How to Make Pretty Opaque Window Frosting!
If curtains aren't really your thing, then why not give opaque window frosting a chance? Here's how to make your own at home.
Should You Put Plants on the Windowsill in the Winter?
One of the biggest pitfalls of winter houseplant care is choosing the wrong location for your plants...
16 of the Longest-Living Dog Breeds Out There
These 16 dog breeds are known for their robust health and long lifespan.
How to Remove Sweat Stains From Your Hats
Sweat stains can ruin the look of your hats. Here's how to remove them once and for all - quick and easy!
These Long-Living Plants Will Live in Your Home for Years!
Curious to find out the life expectancy of your potted plants? Listed here are 12 common indoor plants that will beautify your home for decades.
5 Foolproof Ways to Protect Your Plants From Wildlife
Do animals frequently destroy your plants and vegetables? Here’s how you can keep them away without harming them.
Get Rid of Annoying Sunscreen Stains Fast
We show you how to remove pesky sunscreen stains from clothes and furniture in this brief but very informative guide.