A bride tragically passed away shortly after her wedding while participating in the “trash the dress” trend.
Maria Pantazopoulos, a 30-year-old estate agent from Canada, tragically lost her life under heartbreaking circumstances.
Following her story, people have taken to social media to share heartfelt tributes in her memory.
One individual expressed, “This is so sad.”
Another commented, “My heart goes out to her loved ones. Rest in peace.”
A third person wrote, “So sad, may she rest in peace. My condolences to her family.”
Weddings are steeped in tradition, but now and then, a new trend emerges that can make this special occasion truly unforgettable.
Shortly after her wedding day, Maria took part in the popular “trash the dress” trend, also referred to as “fearless bridal” or “rock the frock.”
“Trash the dress” is a style of wedding photography that juxtaposes elegant and feminine attire with messy settings, like a muddy field or a garbage dump.
During the process, participants often “trash” their dress by getting it wet and dirty, and in some cases, the gown may even be cut or torn.
This trend is meant to symbolize a bride’s transition into wifehood, but in light of Maria’s tragic passing, some photographers have begun to voice their opposition to it.
Photographer Rhiannon D’Averc wrote a blog in 2022 cautioning brides about the shoot style, especially when it involves water environments.
She stated, “This is the most common issue you will hear about, and it can lead to significant problems.”
“‘Trash the dress’ shoots are becoming increasingly popular, but entering water during these sessions is a very bad idea.”
In 2012, Maria posed in her wedding dress near Dorwin Falls in Quebec.
CTV News reports that as soon as she entered the water, it became apparent that the 30-year-old’s gown was becoming too heavy.
At around 100 pounds and of small stature, Maria was reportedly pulled into an eight-meter-deep section of the lake.
According to the Toronto Sun, she cried out, “I can’t anymore, it’s too heavy.”
Photographer Louis Pagakis recalled, “She was wearing her wedding dress and said, ‘Take some pictures of me while I swim a little bit in the lake.’ She went in, and her dress became heavy. I did everything I could to save her.”
“I jumped in; I was screaming and yelling. We tried our best,” he added.
According to the CTV News report, the tragedy took place around 2 p.m., and Maria’s body was recovered shortly before 6 p.m.
Two witnesses were taken to the hospital and treated for shock.
Photographer Mario Michaud told CTV News that a bride he was photographing at the same location narrowly escaped a similar incident just months earlier. Fortunately, that woman was rescued in that instance.
An experienced diver informed the news outlet that the lake’s current is deceptively strong.
Leeza Pouhoulidis, a friend of Maria’s family, shared with QMI Agency, “She was small, but very strong mentally and physically.”
