Local Brides Said Yes to the Dress and Yes to Fighting Cancer

August 10, 2015

Author: Dottie Maguire

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (NEWSPLEX) -- On Sunday many thoughts were on something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue, because wedding bells were ringing in Charlottesville.

Local bridal businesses teamed up with the national non-profit, Brides Against Breast Cancer, to help women facing the cancer.

The organization tours the United States annually, but this year and for the first time they made a stop in Charlottesville.

"We are at the nationwide 'Tour of Gowns' stop in Charlottesville," said Melissa Overstreet, Bridal Show Manager with Brides Against Breast Cancer, "We are here at the Holiday Inn and we are showcasing hundreds of amazing donated gowns, along with great local vendors for our brides-to-be."

There were rows of gorgeous wedding gowns, but more amazing than the dresses, were the people they benefited.

PHOTO kissybridesmaid lace bridesmaid dresses

"Brides Against Breast Cancer is a nationwide non-profit," said Overstreet, "we're actually helping to fund free support programs for anybody impacted by all types of cancers."

The gowns for sale have been donated, by shops, designers and women who wanted someone else to be able to wear their gown.

The dresses were also heavily discounted, ranging from $75 to $1800, but the great cause caught the attention of at least one bride-to-be.

"I'm so soon in my wedding planning process," said Hazel Atienza, bride-to-be, "So I'm just out there looking for anything I can find."

Atienza and her fiance have set the date for September 2016 and she is sharing steps in her magical moment with a good cause.

"You can get a great deal for a wedding dress, which is always important for a bride-to-be, we're trying to save money where ever we can," said Atienza "it's a great cause, I mean it's against breast cancer, so anything to support a great cause at the same time is awesome."

For every dress sold at the bridal exposition.75 cents on the dollar went to support the fight against breast cancer and fund free programs for cancer patients.

The organizations next stop will be Miami, Florida on Aug. 22 and they will be back in Virginia Nov. 7 for their stop in Bealeton, Virginia.

For more information about Brides Against Cancer click on the link alongside this story.