"The girls are so grateful:" Military brides get free gowns thanks to unique program

DELAFIELD (WITI) -- Being a bride can be stressful -- and even more challenging if you're  a military couple. But a bridal shop in Delafield is making one wedding day decision a bit easier for some.

It's fitting that Aeva Wedding and Party is in what used to be a church in downtown Delafield. That's because the store's owners are now giving away wedding gowns to military families. It's all part of a program called "Brides Across America."

In order to qualify, either the bride or groom must have been deployed overseas within the last five years -- or is going to be deployed. The wedding date has to be within the next 18 months. Owner Ariel Arnson says more than a dozen couples have signed up for the deal so far.

"It's really fantastic. The girls are so grateful and they, one of their friends was like, 'So this is it now? We can leave with the gown?' And it's like, 'yes, you really can,'" said Arnson.

According to the "Brides Across America" website, Aeva Wedding and Party is the only bridal shop in Wisconsin taking part in the program. Again, the deal is only for Monday, July 14th and Tuesday, July 15th.