This really is beautiful. I love frank, non-nonsense photos. I know that when I get married, I want to capture my and my bridesmaids’ sass, moxie, and in-your-face-ness.

However, having watched a lot of friends struggle with smoking and its consequences, I do wish there wasn’t a cigarette in her hand. I do see the beauty in this, she is daring, devil-may-care, and a real woman. We all have our vices, I know this!

That said, I hate being the mom here and bringing that up, but come on, ladies! I want to see my fellow offbeat brides be healthy and live long so I can have more awesome gals around for years to come.

True, true, Sara. It is her day. Perhaps the risk is part of the beauty and the devil-may-care attitude. I didn’t mean to say that this photo (nor the rest of the photos by Wini Westergard) aren’t edgily beautiful nor poignant in their honest, non-sugarcoated way that we offbeat gals can surely appreciate.

I just do get sad seeing such awesome girls take this risk with their health so often…so my PSA side tends to jump out.

But yes, gaudeamus igitur. But let’s also take care of ourselves.