UPPER MARLBORO, MD -- Most women fantasize about their wedding day. They dream of a "picture perfect" wedding that includes a beautiful wedding gown.
Couture Miss Bridal & Formal, a full-service bridal boutique located in Upper Marlboro, wants to help make that dream come true for active duty service members in the Washington metropolitan area by giving away a limited number of wedding gowns on July 12 and 13.
"Active duty service members give themselves selflessly in order to provide us with a sense of security and protection," Ephonia Green, owner of Couture Miss Bridal & Formal, said. "Giving these dresses away is a small way of expressing my gratitude for all the sacrifices they make."
Couture Miss Bridal & Formal is donating the gowns as a part of a national initiative created by "Brides Across America."
"Brides Across America" is a non-profit organization committed to uniting military brides and bridal boutiques across the country in an effort to support them and their families.
In order to qualify for a dress, participants must be engaged or have had a civil ceremony -- or planning a wedding within the next 18 months. Either they or their fiancé must be on active duty and must be scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan, Iraq or Qatar. Participants can also qualify to receive a gown if either they or their fiancé was deployed within the past five years and neither have had a formal wedding.
On the day of the giveaway, military brides must bring a driver's license, military ID and copies of deployment papers for themselves or their fiancé which states the date of deployment.
"We are really excited about this event!" Green said. "My staff and I hope it brings real joy to the women and their families who are able to participate."
The giveaway will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., both days (July 12 and 13) at Couture Miss Bridal & Formal, 14703 Main Street, Suite 1, Upper Marlboro.
For more information, call 301-627-1886 or visit www.cmbridal.com. For more information about "Brides Across America," visit http://www.bridesacrossamerica.com.