LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A local bridal store is taking part in a nationwide effort to say thank you to those in the military, frontline health care professionals and first responders who are also brides-to-be.

It’s a day you’ll never forget, the moment you say yes to your dream dress. To help pay it forward, Jessica Limeberry, owner of Sophia’s Bridal and Tux in Louisville, is trying to make a difference.

“They’re giving up their whole lives in a lot of situations and even just the majority of their time and energy for the greater for the community,” Limeberry explained.

Choosing the perfect wedding dress can be daunting and often comes with a hefty price tag.

To say thank you, Sophia’s is teaming up with Brides Across America, a nonprofit that gifts brides wedding gowns, all for free.

“The dress is definitely a big chunk of budgets and even time and energy for the brides,” she said. “To be able to take that off their plate is really exciting cause they can use that in other ways to start their life with their finances.”

The giveaways are open to active military, COVID-19 frontline health care workers and first responder brides.

“These groups, obviously in these past few years, have had a little extra expectations put on them. So we think it’s really important to really hone in on those people and be able to celebrate them,” Limeberry added.

She said being the wife of a military member has its own challenges. The mother of four hopes brides will walk out of the store with the dress of their dreams for their special day.

Sophia’s will give out around 50 pre-selected, brand new wedding dresses to deserving brides during the two-day event.

“They’ll have a good selection of all the sizes and styles that we have and we are really good at talking through how to customize or alternate it if you’re envisioning something slightly different,” Limeberry explained.

This military wife-turned-business owner is now turning wedding dreams into a reality for local brides.

Sophia’s is hosting the event June 15 and June 16th from noon until 8 p.m. Appointments are still available for the event. To register or for more information, click here.