Doing our vets proud at ‘i do ‘i do’ in Morristown

After trying on several dresses, Christina Barletta finally found THE one. Photo by Maryanne Saxon
After trying on several dresses, Christina Barletta finally found THE one. Photo by Maryanne Saxon
0
Girls came from all over the region and all walks of life for the chance to play princess for a day.  Volunteers helped brides -to -be select and try on the perfect dress. Some were looking for lace, some wanted a little “bling” ... no matter the style of dress-all of the future wives were looking to say, “I do I do”- when asked if they loved their dress.  Photo by Maryanne Saxon
Girls came to Morristown from all over the region and from all walks of life for the chance to play princess for a day. Volunteers helped brides-to -be select and try on the perfect dress. Some were looking for lace, some wanted a little “bling” … no matter the style of dress-all of the future wives were looking to say “I do I do”- when asked if they loved their dress. Photo by Maryanne Saxon

By Maryanne Saxon

This Veterans Day, Morristown’s  i do… i do Bridal Studio and The Dain Shoppe teamed up once again to make an already memorable day truly unforgettable for veterans.

Continuing a tradition they started a few years ago, shop owners Patricia Lipper, Leia Marley and Cathy Earnhardt welcomed dozens of excited military brides into their dressing rooms to be fitted and frilled for their wedding day.

Future wives and daughters of veteran servicemen or those currently serving were eligible for the gown giveaway. Of course, any lovely lady of the military was greeted with open arms and much gratitude.

I do, I do love this day! L to R- Studio co-owner Leia Marley, Bride to Be Alysia Battista and co-owner Patricia Lipper enjoy giving away the first dress of the day. Photo by Maryanne Saxon
I do, I do love this day! L to R- Studio co-owner Leia Marley, Bride to Be Alysia Battista and co-owner Patricia Lipper enjoy giving away the first dress of the day. Photo by Maryanne Saxon

Earnhardt, owner of The Dain Shoppe, feels nothing but good fortune on Veteran’s Day.

“I am so lucky,” she said. “We are all so lucky to be living in the U.S. We live in a country where we are protected by these men and women who serve. The very least we can do is say thank you on this day and every day.”

Girls came from all over the region and from all walks of life for the chance to play princess for a day. Volunteers helped brides-to-be select the perfect dress. Some were looking for lace, some wanted a little “bling.” No matter the style of gown, all the future wives were looking to say “I do I do” when asked if they loved their dress.

Amanda, a veteran Army medic from Lancaster PA, takes a moment to admire her beautiful reflection. Photo by Maryanne Saxon
Amanda, a veteran Army medic from Lancaster PA, takes a moment to admire her beautiful reflection. Photo by Maryanne Saxon

Amanda, a former army medic from Lancaster, PA, made a girls getaway out of the event. Joined by her mom and sister, the three came to Morristown on Tuesday and spent the night in a local hotel. The trio were second in line behind Alysia Battista, a fourth grade teacher who traveled from Edison.

Only learning about the event the night before, Battista hightailed it to Morristown and was on line by 5 am.

“I had read about girls who camped out overnight last year. I didn’t want to take any chances,” she said.

Battista’s fiance, Scott, is an army veteran and a firefighter in North Hudson. He was unable to wait with his future bride because he was visiting a local middle school in honor of Veterans Day. He is also a bit old -fashioned and didn’t want to see his bride in all of her beauty before the big day.

He did, however, loan her some Army socks. The five-hour wait was a chilly one. The chivalrous veteran and future hubby did not want his loved one getting cold tootsies during her attempts to find the perfect gown.

After trying on several dresses, Christina Barletta finally found THE one. Photo by Maryanne Saxon
After trying on several dresses, Christina Barletta finally found THE one. Photo by Maryanne Saxon

While Battista made the expedition a solo venture, Christina Barletta from Bridgewater brought an entourage.

Christina’s mother and soon-to-be mother-in-law were the first to volunteer to help the young bride fulfill her mission. Unbeknownst to the bride, her Great Aunt Carla and cousin Katie journeyed from New York to help hunt down “THE” dress. The fun-loving gaggle of gals made a party of the day bringing champagne and fun to the whole affair.

“Everyone was so helpful. I am so happy!” gushed Barletta after she found a gown that was exactly what she wanted. “I am usually very indecisive. I can’t believe it. This dress is the perfect fit and goes so well with my venue.”

Christina’s fiance, Andrew Illuzzi, is a corporal in the Marine Corps and is stationed at Camp Lejeune.

Thanks to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter,  word of the giveaway got around. In one case, news of the event made its way to Cuba and back again to Budd Lake. National Guardsman Will Rodriguez, stationed in Guantanamo Bay, alerted his future wife, Kaili Barret, about the promotion.

Both Kaili and Will served in Iraq in 2008. No wedding date is set just yet for this military couple; Rodriguez won’t be home until April 2016.

On route from The Dain Shoppe to her dress fitting, Kaili Barret is looking forward to ‘the hunt.’  Photo by Maryanne Saxon
On route from The Dain Shoppe to her dress fitting, Kaili Barret is looking forward to ‘the hunt.’ Photo by Maryanne Saxon

 

Thanks to the gratitude and generosity of three Morristown businesswomen, the future Mrs. Rodriguez is ready for any date to be her wedding day once her fiancé is back home. The bride has her dress.

Let’s be honest, as every bride knows, the first I do is the one that matters most. The real match is made once the bride says “I do… I do” love this dress.

'I do I do' shop owner, Leia Marley welcomed brides to be, mothers, aunts, sisters and friends this Veteran's day. Photo by Maryanne Saxon
‘I do I do’ shop owner Leia Marley welcomed brides to be, mothers, aunts, sisters and friends this Veteran’s day. Photo by Maryanne Saxon
'I do I do' shop owner, Patricia Lipper helps a soon-to-be-wed veteran pick out the perfect veil to compliment  her new wedding gown. Photo by Maryanne Saxon
‘I do I do’ shop owner, Patricia Lipper helps a soon-to-be-wed veteran pick out the perfect veil to compliment her new wedding gown. Photo by Maryanne Saxon

LEAVE A REPLY