Tragic circumstances unfolded as a young woman lost her life shortly after her wedding, leaving local police anticipating widespread attention to the incident. Maria Pantazopoulos, a 30-year-old Canadian-Greek bride, drowned while participating in a “trash the dress” photoshoot trend, where brides deliberately damage their wedding gowns for symbolic purposes.
The concept behind the trend is to signify the transition from a bride to a wife through dramatic actions like painting the dress or engaging in water activities. Maria had chosen to conduct her photoshoot at Ouareau River near Dorwin Falls in Montreal, a location known for its rapid waters and mystical folklore.
During the shoot, Maria’s heavy bridal gown absorbed water, causing her to sink beneath the lake’s surface despite attempts to swim. Tragically, she uttered her final words expressing the weight of the gown before succumbing to the water. Despite efforts to rescue her, Maria’s body was recovered by a diving team later that day.
In response to the incident, Maria’s family emphasized her trust in the photographer’s choice of location and called for improved safety measures at such sites to prevent future tragedies. The story drew parallels to a similar incident involving Amy Zuno, whose wedding gown also caused a near-drowning episode during a photoshoot, highlighting the risks associated with participating in such activities.
The incidents serve as poignant reminders of the dangers inherent in certain wedding photoshoot trends, prompting calls for increased caution and awareness when engaging in such activities.