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After tying the knot on Easter Island, Chile, in 2008, Jennifer and Jeff Salvage from New Jersey in the US decided to relive their wedding in as many locations as possible.
The pair have created a series of pictures they dubbed “One Dress. One Woman. One World”.
Over the past 10 years the in-love couple have travelled more than 44 000km, visiting more than 42 countries to snap Jennifer (42) in her white wedding gown.
“The project has given Jeff and I a common goal,” Jennifer says. “It’s improved our communication and our ability to read each other.”
Jeff (46), a professional photographer and university lecturer, has taken romantic pictures in hundreds of exotic locations.
And to keep her gown looking in tip-top condition, Jennifer takes it to the cleaners after each trip.
“Jeff is good at riding the line between pushing me outside my comfort zone without taking things too far,” says Jennifer, who’s a high school guidance counsellor.
“We’ve gotten much more adventurous with the dress over the years as we’ve evolved, but at the same time we’re a little more safety-conscious then we used to be.”
The pair, who’ve just celebrated their 10th anniversary, recently visited the UK and snapped pictures in London and at Giant’s Causeway and Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland.
“I was extremely camera-shy in the beginning, which is usually quite a surprise to people,” Jennifer says. “I felt in some ways like an impostor since people often thought I was actually getting married.
“The fact people think this project is even more romantic and their warm responses have made me gradually get more comfortable.”
The project hasn’t come without risks though. During her 200th shoot, at an indoor skydive facility in Australia, Jennifer twice contracted hypothermia and broke several ribs.
But that hasn’t stopped the couple. Despite their already vast photo album they show no sign of slowing down and have their eyes firmly set on the Northern lights for their next shoot.
To finance the amazing project, the couple try to travel as cheaply as possible.
“Often people assume we’re spoiled,” Jennifer says.
“While we’re comfortable as two academics we combine trips with other destinations such as Jeff’s photography of track and field events, or volunteering for a charitable organisation.
“We fly using frequent flyer miles, we seek economy lodging and usually are self-guided.
“Jeff has strong directional skills and I have an aptitude and passion for languages. Relying on the kindness of locals also gets us pretty far.
“We also try to cook some meals and eat where the locals eat.”
Source: Magazine Features
Pictures: CATERS/WWW.MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA
