In 2014, Janine's fiancé Johnny passed away two months before their wedding day. Devastated beyond belief, Janine eventually decided to keep her beloved wedding dress. To deal with her grief, she coordinated a memorial photoshoot that involved submerging her wedding dress underwater in a dreamlike world. She wanted to feel free and honor her always-outgoing Johnny by doing something completely out-of-the-ordinary.
Her photographer, Matt, of Del Sol Photography, wanted the photoshoot to capture her strong connection to water and its purifying qualities. On the day of the shoot, Janine was nervous. Her dress, which was built from scratch, was billowy and heavy; she didn't know how she'd manage it in the water.
Though the shoot was highly emotional — at times, almost painful — she says she felt more alive and more feminine than she had in the three months since Johnny had passed away. "I really felt that Johnny was smiling down at me and finally giving me closure that I can live my life in a positive way, but never forgetting why I was here," she told Matt. "I want to move on and explore the world. I want to meet people who I can share that with. After the shoot I felt like all this was possible."
Matt was brought to tears while editing the photos, realizing the impact of his work. "I am humbled to have been able to meet and work with Janine and am inspired by her words and her courage in sharing her message of hope," he says.
Watch the photoshoot unfold below, and please SHARE this story with anyone who may be in need of hope and support.
This story originally appeared on DelsolPhotography.com.
