Lake Zurich shop comes through with free dresses for military brides

There were almost 50 brides and not one 'Bridezilla' among them.

Instead, there were laughs and hugs and even a few tears of joy as military brides-to-be were fitted at Volle's Bridal and Boutique in Lake Zurich on Veteran's Day.

Gowns ranging in price from $1,000 to $4,000 were given away to women who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, or whose fiances are in active duty. Volle's was chosen as one of 18 bridal shops in the nation to participate in a program launched by the New Hampshire-based, Brides Across America.

"This is an extremely generous thing for them to do," said Sarah Childress of Arlington Heights. "I'm a college student and my husband (to-be) is in the Marine Corps. We would never be able to afford a dress this nice."

Volle's was buzzing with energy as the women perused the racks of available dresses. With the help of Volle's bridal consultants, they had their choice of designer labels, some glittery, others simple but elegant.

"We feel really honored to be able to take part in this," said Deana Dean, Volle's owner. Dean said the shop will have given away nearly $200,000 worth of silk gowns, nearly 100 dresses, by the end of the day. It was all worth it, she said.

"This is our way of saying 'thank you' for your service," Dean said.

To qualify, the brides must be engaged, on active duty in the military or have a fiance on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. Gowns were given away on a first-come, first-served basis.

Illuminated by track-lights and surrounded by walls of mirrors, Torria Brewton gazed at her new Italian silk gown. "This is gorgeous," said the U.S. Army Reservist. The 31-year-old from Romeoville just returned from duty in Iraq. "This was a generous thing to do."

And that sentiment is exactly what Dean loves to hear.

"This is exciting," she said. "We're getting brides crying with tears, and we're getting choked up too. It's a neat thing to do."