Trash the Dress Trend Can Kill You

Tragedy strikes a new bride who wanted to trash her wedding dress. Maria Pantazopoulos, a 30 year old newly wed Montreal real estate agent, drowned in the Ouareau River in Rawdon, while in her wedding gown during a 'trash the gown' photo shoot. Her photographer Louis Pagasis, jumped in and tried to save her but the weight of the water laden dress began to pull him under as well. The Windsor Star reports, when the petite woman let go of the photographer, "he freaked".

The trend began with divorce parties and has evolved to become part of the marriage celebration. A way to immortalize the wedding gown. The brides along with their photographer of choice create new ways to creatively destroy the gown and record it for posterity. Admittedly, some of the pictures are breathtaking. Professional photographers scout a location, create ideas and photograph the slow destruction of the gown. The average weight of a satin wedding gown is approximately twenty ounces per square yard and varies depending on style, size and degree of embellishments.

We are sad this tragedy occurred and hope future brides consider any hidden dangers involved while immortalizing their gowns.

Our condolences go out to Maria Pantazopoulos' family and friends.