The Reluctant Bride
A woman in search of individuality: A photo story.
By Nina Corso
The 19th-century painting, “The Reluctant Bride,” by Auguste Toulmouche, depicts a bride sitting, angry, defiant, and a little annoyed, as she resists her arranged marriage. In that time, the concept of a “bride” was different than the idea of a woman getting married. It wasn’t about the individual; it was a transaction between the groom and the groom’s father-in-law. Being forced into a marriage and treated as an object, you would think, would bring feelings of despair, worthlessness, pure sorrow–a feminist tragedy. Yet, “The Reluctant Bride” sits in defiance with bold disobedience.
Our Reluctant Bride is a fantastical and somewhat satirical modern depiction of Toulmouche’s work.
She slips out the side exit of the church, a comical amount of bags already packed. Perhaps our Bride had this plan all along, but why would she be dressed and ready to walk down the aisle? Is this a display of her indecision or taking back her power? A look of uncertainty, relief, and curiosity in our Bride’s eyes, she descends the steps, not running away, but beginning her search for individuality.
We meet her again at her pit stop.
Released from the shackles of her wedding pearls–she is lighter.
A slight smirk–the first presence of personality.
A printed ticket–a clue to where she is headed, but a journey only known to her.
A new jacket covers her cut dress while waiting for the train.
We meet again. She has arrived: to her destination and to herself.
​
Never a “runaway bride,” never a scene of despair, worthlessness, or sorrow. She was our Reluctant Bride, but she is hopeful, she is bright, she is loud, she is defiant.
But now, no longer a Reluctant Bride, her name has always been, and the name she reclaims is Phoebe.
Credits
Starring: Phoebe Bryar
Photography: Nina Corso
Styling: Acacia Blyth
Creative Direction: Acacia Blyth, Ben Stratton
Hair & makeup: Jasper Zellmer
Second Shooter: Nicole Xiao
​