We were thrilled to be part of an extraordinary event at Angelique’s Bridal Salon in Blaine, Minnesota for their Third Annual Military Extravaganza which was held this past weekend.
Each year Angelique’s takes their time and resources to honor those serving our country in the military by hosting this amazing event. They start by soliciting essays from military men, women or fiancées of those in the military about their love story. As the letters come in, the lucky brides are selected by the owners Jackie Basny and her daughter Tawnya based on their essays. Once selected, the brides receive a letter saying they have been selected to participate in the free wedding gown giveaway in appreciation of their own service (or their fiancé’s service) in the military. The something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue are all wrapped up in a big thank you to our troops and their fiancés from Minnesota that are serving in the military. “This is our way of saying ‘thank you to our military men and women,” said Jackie.
The brides were allowed to bring two friends along to the event and the first brides start lining up some 18 hours before the doors open; even camping out overnight. This year they even braved the storms to ensure they were the first to pick their gowns. We call this determination since 8 tornadoes touched down that night. The brides were battling the elements to be the first in line to get a number to enter the salon the next morning. At 12noon the first 5 brides entered the salon and they were off! Looking through the racks to select their gown. Each bride was given 30 minutes to select three gowns and then work with a consultant. We provided help with the selections and their wedding plans. It was a blast for us and we were hopping from one changing room to another helping the brides and consultants make that big decision. I think the best time was spent talking to the brides as many were also on leave from Iraq. Hearing their stories was just amazing and touching, it just gave you goose bumps listening to their experiences.
It was all about having fun and sharing those special moments when brides get that look and smile on their face because they know it’s the one dress they always imagined having. It was like a dream come true for them, a dream for everyone, because of these wonderful people we are able to dream freely! Thanks to Angelique’s for their generosity in giving free gowns to these deserving brides!