Holly Birch Photography

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Giving Gowns | Donate your wedding dress in Champaign

This little project is something really cool that I am proud to play a very small part in. "Giving Gowns" was started in Champaign by Anna Simon, and she's working together with the Carle Foundation and the Farm Ridge Quilt Shop in Savoy to collect, cut an re-sew wedding dresses into receiving gowns for babies who do not get to leave the hospital. Approximately 6 gowns can be made per each wedding dress. Their need for dresses is currently fulfilled, but there are still a few open spots for former brides who'd like to do a mini session with Holly Birch Photography prior to donation. Monetary contributions can also be made to the Carle Foundation, earmarked for "Giving Gowns." Contact me if you'd like to set up a mini session for your own daughter and then donate your dress. Below are a few images I took of sisters in a family I've been privileged to photograph a few different times. I think they were both a little nervous to get in front of the camera, but we definitely got some cute photos! My favorite part of this session was that we got to use the same sanctuary where the girls' parents got married! How cool is that?! :)

church photo of girls in mom's wedding dress

Carle Foundation and Farm Ridge Quilt Shop project

church sanctuary photos of giving gowns

stained glass portraits of girls in wedding dress