A June wedding was not in Cheryl’s plans. She and fiancé, Michael, always thought they would wed in the Fall. But as with many plans, the unexpected happens! And no, it did not involve the impending patter of little feet!
In late May, the couple learned of a family reunion scheduled for the last week of June in Cape May, NJ. Cheryl and Michael did not intend to drive from their home in Florida to join this year’s reunion, until they realized that most family members would already be there in one place. So, why not plan a beach wedding in just 4 weeks?
Shopping for a wedding dress on short notice the bride texted from Florida with her mom, who lives in New Hampshire. Mom thought she suggested the perfect dress, and without much thought Cheryl purchased it as a Buy Now on eBay.
Two weeks to wedding day!
When the eBay dress arrived, it was not at all what Cheryl had dreamed it would be. Tearfully phoning Aunt Marie in Valley Forge, the bride confessed she did not want to disappoint her mother, but she really had a different ideal wedding gown in mind. Sadly, it was up to Marie to inform her sister that she and Mike were now shopping for Cheryl’s dream dress.
One week to wedding day!
Aunt Marie and Uncle Mike are consummate thrift shoppers! Their avocation and skill brings them to Impact Thrift Stores often. Marie knew Impact Thrift has an extensive collection of new and gently-used gowns. But would they find the right size 12 for Marie to model, text the photos to the waiting bride, win her approval and secure the prize.
That’s when Mike phoned his sister Joan, who was just leaving her job at Impact Thrift’s Feasterville store. She heard the phone message “Help! We’re pulling out all stops; We need to buy a size 12 wedding gown this week, and have it ready to alter on June 24th when the bride arrives in Cape May.” Joan proceeded to turn back into the Feasterville parking lot to re-visit Impact Thrift where she had just counted twelve size 12 wedding gowns! Quickly calling Mike to report the good news, she learned from Marie, “We just left Impact Thrift Hatboro! The bride loved our photo of the wedding dress that was in the window, and she loved that it fit my size 12! So, we bought it for $55.”
The helpful staff at the Hatboro store told Mike and Marie about a local dry cleaner that processes any item for $1.99. It was true, and he did a beautiful, expert job on the gently-used gown that now looked and felt brand new. Mike, who has design and sewing experience, altered his first wedding gown to perfectly fit the bride one day before the reunion/wedding.
Don’t you agree that the bride could not look more beautiful or happy?
~Joan Marie Brown
This Dennis Basso sheath dress features a fully encrusted beaded bodice, sweetheart neckline and natural waist. The satin skirt is accented by a small pleat at the waist.