By SULAIMAN ABDUR-RAHMAN
Staff Writer
HAMILTON — The Bridal Suite of Hamilton yesterday gave away more than a dozen wedding dresses to military brides. “We had a couple of girls come in full uniform, because they were on to work,” Bridal Suite co-owner Danielle M. Nutt told The Trentonian.
Fiancees in the U.S. armed forces and women engaged to military men were allowed to choose from an assortment of wedding dresses that were overstocked or discontinued. The brides combed through a vast selection that ranged from $300 offerings to $3,000 Paula Varsalona designs.
“They can go through and pick whatever dress they want,” Nutt, a married 37-year-old with three children, said of yesterday’s special occasion. “If it fits them and it fits them with minor alterations, they can have it.”
Yesterday’s dress giveaway was part of a national event organized by Brides Across America, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting American troops and their families.
The Bridal Suite, located on Whitehorse-Hamilton Square Road near Route 33, is the only bridal shop in New Jersey to be selected for Brides Across America’s event.
“It feels good to give back to the people who are putting their lives on the line,” said Kimberly Ostrowski, the other Bridal Suite owner.
“We are certainly happy we can do this small thing, and if it makes their lives better, then that’s great,” said Nutt, who comes from a military family.
Nutt’s brother, U.S. Army soldier Damian LaVacca, served three tours of duty in Iraq before being discharged two years ago.
“He doesn’t regret it,” Nutt said of her soldier sibling. “He enjoys the camaraderie of the men. When he talks about it, he talks about the great friends, the support of each other there, and he truly does miss that.”
The Bridal Suite will again team up with Brides Across America for a military gown giveaway on Veterans Day. “Weddings bring so much joy and are a huge financial drain,” Nutt said. “The brides need a lot of TLC (tender loving care) and they deserve the attention.”
Community Day, Septemberfest in Veteran's Park on Sunday, September 13th
Hamilton Township's annual Septemberfest plays host to a spirited competition of brides and grooms!
HAMILTON SQUARE, NJ – With a widely known reputation already in place for providing specialized services to brides all throughout the region, The Bridal Suite of Hamilton is sponsoring a relay race at Hamilton Township’s Septemberfest, held in Veteran’s park, on Sunday, September 13th.
This event has been selected because it coincides with Mayor Bencivengo’s new “community day” approach to this long standing Hamilton tradition. This event is a fun-filled competition and relay race of local, engaged couples. Women will wear tuxedos, while men will wear bridal gowns - all supplied by The Bridal Suite – for this relay race. Participating couples must be 21 years or older to participate. Prizes include gift certificates to local Hamilton establishments, specialty wedding items and universal travel gift cards. Additional sponsors include wedding planning web site NJWedding.com, and other local wedding professionals serving the Mercer county area, including Sorella Day Spa, Petal Pushers, Simply Creative Weddings, Mercer Oaks Catering, Master DJ, Arrive in Style and Chambers Walk Cafe & Catering.
Danielle Nutt and Kimberly Ostrowski, owners of The Bridal Suite, are happy to give back to the community that has supported their business for so many years. “Planning a wedding during this down turn in our economy has become a stressful task. We hope that this event brings fun, laughter and great memories to our couples, as well as some needed wedding rewards!”
Pre-registration is required, and couples can register directly at Hamilton Township's web site: www.hamiltonnj.com. The event will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Cowell Field in Veteran’s Park (Kuser Road entrance) in Hamilton, New Jersey.
About The Bridal Suite of Hamilton
Located at 2607 Whitehorse-Hamilton Square Road in historic downtown Hamilton Square, The Bridal Suite is a full turnkey bridal boutique specializing in formal gowns for brides, bridesmaids, flower girls and mothers, alterations and gown preservation. The Bridal Suite is open Monday from 4-8, Tuesday through Thursday from 12-8, Friday from 12-5, Saturday from 10-4 and by appointment on Sunday. For more information, please call (609) 588-4976, or visit our website at www.thebridalsuiteofhamilton.com
About Septemberfest Community Day
“Septemberfest Community Day” will take place on Sunday, September 13, 2009, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Veterans Park. In addition to changing the name to “Septemberfest Community Day”, Mayor Bencivengo and his administration have been planning a number of activities and contests for residents to sign-up for and participate in. The activities include: Baking Contest, Pie Eating Contest, Photo contest (residents will be asked to submit photographs of Township public areas electronically, with winning photos to be featured in the 2010 Hamilton Township Municipal Calendar), Casting Contest, Line Dancing, Sack Races, Balloon Toss, Tug of War Contest, 3-Legged Race, Karaoke, Baby Crawl Contest and Bride and Groom relay race. A complete list of all activities and descriptions can be found on the Hamilton Township website at www.hamiltonnj.com