Woman Celebrates Her PhD with Bridal-Inspired Photo Shoot: ‘Marriage Isn’t Every Person’s Path’ 

A woman is going viral after sharing bridal-style photos — but instead of posing with a partner, she posed with her PhD dissertation.

Last week, self-described “proud feminist” Danielle “Danni” Megaffin posted a series of wedding-inspired pictures on Instagram. Dressed in a white gown and veil, she cradled a soft-bound copy of her thesis, which she plans to use as she prepares for her oral defense in March at the University of Leicester in England.

“Got to finally hold my longest commitment ever in my arms today 💍 #phd,” Megaffin wrote alongside the photos. She added: “We’re taught to celebrate weddings, but there are so many milestones that deserve just as much joy.”

Megaffin said the shoot was intentional — and personal. She described it as “a quiet but deliberate pushback against the rising tide of anti-intellectualism and misogyny, especially online.”

“So much of womanhood is still framed around a narrow set of milestones, marriage and motherhood, as if education, intellectual labor, and public contribution are somehow secondary or optional,” she said. “I’m a child-free adult by choice, and I have never wanted children, so this moment mattered deeply to me.”

She continued: “Confident female voices are increasingly policed or diminished. I believe it is essential to publicly champion education and alternative life paths, especially for women who are watching and wondering if there is more than one way to build a meaningful life.”

Originally from Canada, Megaffin graduated with honors from Acadia University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in classics and classical languages, literatures, and linguistics. She later earned a master’s degree in museum studies from the University of Toronto in 2013. This month, she completed her doctorate in museum studies at the University of Leicester.

“Completing a PhD in museum studies focused on human rights, while also building and running The Museum of Addiction and Recovery, felt like a huge accomplishment,” Megaffin said. “While I respect marriage and kids for other people, it’s important we acknowledge as a society that isn’t every person’s path!”

Despite the unconventional concept, Megaffin said her circle embraced the celebration.

“My friends just think I’m crazy and expect as much! Same with the family. My dad is a proud feminist so he loved it. He’d rather me pursue education than a man, ’cause he doesn’t think much of men these days,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of disappointing relationships, and so I’d rather marry my education and work to make a more just world than put myself in another horrible relationship.”