In this time of pandemic and thousands of postponed weddings, we wanted to use our shops to bless a first responder or health care worker by providing a dress for her wedding.
Our three Adorned In Grace bridal and formalwear shops sell donated wedding gowns to prevent and raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking, and were a perfect avenue to support a special hero making sacrifices during this unusual time. We asked members of the community to nominate a bride-to-be on the front lines fighting COVID-19, and one winner was invited to pick out a free wedding dress. The timing was significant, as Adorned In Grace was founded in 2010 and we are celebrating our 10th anniversary this year.
“Adorned in Grace is incredibly supported by this community, both by brides and businesses who donate to our cause, and by the shoppers who come to our store. We were thinking about how to creatively celebrate our 10th anniversary, and this seemed like a great way to return the generosity,” said Kate Wilkins, Adorned in Grace Bridal Volunteer.
Our winner, Theresa, is a pharmacist who jumped right into the front lines after her engagement. She was nominated by her fiancé Sung, who shared this in his nomination form:
"My fiancé and I got engaged right before the COVID shutdown happened. As an essential healthcare provider she had to jump right into the front lines after our engagement and has not had a chance to celebrate. The stress of life during COVID, caring for patients and planning for our wedding has been a huge stress. She wants our wedding to be impactful by hiring people of color for our vendors and helping organizations with good causes. She mentioned [Adorned In Grace] specifically and I found out about this contest! It would be one thing she wouldn’t have to worry about and it would be amazing if I can support by lifting one burden. She is passionate about the topic of human trafficking and we think your organization is doing amazing work."
Theresa brought her sister along to her private appointment and ended up finding a gorgeous gown to wear on her special day. Afterwards she shared some thoughts with us:
“My experience at the shop was so sweet! The volunteers were so welcoming and you can tell they wanted to be there to help brides-to-be find their dresses. The store was organized, clean and of course followed guidelines to maintain safety and social distancing. The store had everything you would need including accessories, jewelry and even recommendations for alterations! Dresses at great prices and for a great cause--you can't beat that! I am looking forward to getting married and exploring the world (when it's safe again) with my future husband!”
Volunteer Kate helping Theresa try on a gorgeous tulle and lace designer wedding gown.
Our volunteers take joy in helping brides have a fun and stress free shopping experience.
It was so much fun getting to meet Theresa and try on many different styles before she found the one!
We have everything to complete your bridal look: veils, shoes, jewelry, belts, and more!
We love serving brides and helping them find the wedding dress of their dreams without breaking the bank!
Our shops, which operate in donated spaces and are staffed primarily by volunteers, are currently open for private appointments. Despite 2020’s challenges, daily donations of wedding gowns, formals, and bridal accessories have continued to pour in from across the country. We are so thankful for each person, organization, and church that collaborates together to make our anti-trafficking work possible!