Mums criticised over toddler 'wedding' photoshoot - 'creepy' or innocent fun?
Not everyone found the pics entirely to their liking...
A pair of photographer mums in the States have faced a backlash after sharing 'wedding' photos of their 3 and 5 year old children.
Breana Pulizzi and Bria Nicole Terry, who are from Texas, set up the role-play shoot for their kids - Ella, who is 3, and Sullivan, 5.
The mums said the snaps were just a bit of innocent fun, and that the little ones are best friends who loved every moment of the 'wedding'.
Writing on Facebook, Breana said: "So as a kid one of my favourite things was to play dress up. I specially liked anything that was white because I pretended to be getting married.
"Well low and behold I am grown and married with a gorgeous daughter. She loves playing dress up and has a wild spirit. My friend who also is a photographer has an adorable son who is Ella's friend Sullivan and we had this wild idea.
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"We wanted to host a mini wedding and of course we went all out. We let these two play real life wedding and I think they had more fun than their mamma's did. Oh to be young again'.
However, when the pictures were posted online, other parents expressed concerns, saying it was 'creepy' and even that the mums were 'sexualising' childhood.
Breana defended the shots, said the day was full of fun and giggles and that the kids did 'pretty much everything themselves' and were even excitedly saying 'We're getting married today!'
"They would run from one set to another set holding hands the whole time," she said. "They even kissed once or twice and it was the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life. I would die of happiness if they got married in the future."
However, the comments on the pics resulted in the mum posting a message on her Facebook page stating:
"All internet bullies will be blocked and banned from my page. Please do not comment negativity on any images or posts. If you don't like what you see feel free to keep scrolling."
Not every one was so mean about the gallery though - one poster wrote 'hands down some the best photos I've ever seen', while others described the pictures as 'adorable', 'cute' and 'beautiful'.
What do you think?
There's no denying the pics themselves are stunning - but do you think the shoot was just a bit of innocent dress up fun, or can you understand why some commenters took exception to kids being put in what is essentially an 'adult' scenario? Let us know in comments or on Facebook.
Images: Breana Marie Photography/Facebook
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