Four years ago, my husband and I moved our wedding from July to January because the Army deployed him to the Persian Gulf. In four days, my mother convinced vendors to help us, and we had a two-tiered wedding cake, catering for 20, and a second wedding dress (the first one couldn’t be altered in time–I wore it for the vow renewal that August). County Clerk and Stafford Mayor Carl Block came to the house and performed our service. It was wonderful.

Other vendors had told us if we had to move the wedding date, we would forfeit our deposit. We didn’t use those vendors.

In Pittsburgh, a local bridal shop gave away 120 free wedding gowns to women in the service or who had fiances who are. Owner Pete Scolieri said he thought it was right to give back. I agree. The wedding gowns are stunning!

Tailored Ceremonies is also offering free wedding ceremonies to soldiers and sailors deploying to combat zones via Fort Dix/Lakehurst/McGuire here in New Jersey. Other deploying military are eligible for a discounted rate.

We’re not the only officiants to do this, and that’s a good thing for our men and women in uniform.

Congratulations, Barry and Amber! We’ll keep you in our thoughts until you come home, Barry.