DENVER — A group of local military brides is one step closer to walking down the aisle. It’s all thanks to the organization Brides Across America. The group helps support military couples on their big day by donating an essential part of almost any wedding, the bridal gown.
Amy Dean was one of the brides to be at the event who said yes to a dress and she’s not too shy to admit the best part about the designer gown is that it was for free.
“I don’t know, it just makes you feel beautiful,” Dean said of her new dress.
The event “Operation Wedding Gown” is open to all military brides who are serving themselves or are engaged to someone who is. Dean’s future husband is in the Air Force and with the big day just a few months away, she’s counting every penny.
When she learned about the bridal gown giveaway, she didn’t waste a minute.
“I registered even before we got engaged,” Dean said.
“We’re committed very, very much to the military. I’ve been working with BAA military gown giveaway since 2008,” said Barbara Myers, president of Compleat Couture, a not-for-profit bridal salon, owned and operated by James Resource Network.
JRN provides goods, services and transitional housing to single-parent families in need. The bridal salon recently partnered with BAA to hold the gown giveaway in Colorado.
Local military brides will now have hundreds of brand new dresses to choose from. Myers says the program is a great way for her store to give back way and to say “thanks” to those who serve.
“I couldn’t have the gowns unless I knew people in the industry who were also as intent on giving back. So the goodness passes from one to the other and wonderful things happen,” Myers said.
Compleat Couture plans to host an Operation Wedding Gown event on the first Friday of every month. For more information on how to qualify and register for BAA, visit its website.