Free gowns for military brides in West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Happily ever after begins, perhaps, with the quest for the perfect dress.

"I'm so excited, I've haven't tried on dresses yet, this is my first time, hopefully the last," Stephanie Lee said.

Lee is the fiance of Army helicopter pilot Evan Dawson. She, and about a dozen other ladies engaged to men in the military, lined up outside Camille's Bridal store in West Hartford for the opportunity to score another drop of happiness with a free dress.

"My dad actually cut an article out of the paper, and said Stephanie you have to read this," Lee said.

"And you thought what," asked News 8's Jamie Muro.

"I said, 'wow, it's so lovely for the shop to offer that,'" said Lee.

Camille's has again teamed up with a non-profit group called "Brides Across America." It's a way of saying "thank you" to the troops and those left behind planning one of the biggest and most important days of their lives.

"If you have a husband or a fiance in the military, it's a lifestyle you have to agree to, because it's your lifestyle," said Rhonda Walker.

A lifestyle not lost on many who appreciate sacrifices of military families. There is happiness for those giving as well.

"If she gives us a little smile on her wedding day, just to know we gave a tiny bit back," said Irene Zalevsky, Camille's owner, "we can't imagine what they do for us."

"I think they all look beautiful, it's a blast," one mom said.

Happiness officially comes after a vow, a ring, and a kiss. Before that moment, how nice it will be for Evan, when his beautiful "better-half" walks down the aisle in white, but that surprise must wait. He can't see that, not just yet.

"Sorry," mom said closing the door.

"Wedding planning is stressful, so this is a stress relief, we're very excited and appreciative of them," said Lee.

Lee plans to get married sometime next Fall.