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MILWAUKEE -- It took a lot of planning, research, and securing time off work, but on Tuesday night, July 10th, Kaity Lisheron and her troops pulled up to Zita Bridal Salon and camped out in the car with one goal in mind -- finding a wedding dress!
"I've been up for 27 hours straight, so it's been a long deal, but totally worth it," Lisheron said.
It's worth it because Lisheron got a designer wedding dress for free.
"It means the world. It is so helpful to not even have to worry about that expense. We've got so much going on already that this is such a weight off my shoulders," Lisheron said.
Zita Bridal Salon joined forces with Brides Across America for "Operation Wedding Gown," where 50 military brides are given a free dress for their special day.
"They serve us everyday. They defend our freedoms and defend our way of life and it's just our way of giving back," Zita Bridal owner Cynthia Apfelbach said.
There are only 50 wedding gowns available on a first come, first serve basis.
"Everyone has an idea as to what the perfect wedding gown is and that's why we have a variety of gowns and sizes and profiles and fabrics," Apfelbach said.
As Lisheron searched with excitement for her new dress, she carried a heavy heart. Just last week, she got a phone call that her fiance, Jake, got shot in the leg while serving in Afghanistan.
"He's had four surgeries so far, and we're hoping that's the last one. He's now down in North Carolina recovering and I'm going to go see him tomorrow," Lisheron said.
In the meantime, Lisheron leaned on her family and friends for support and some advice on the dress.
After trying on only three gowns, Lisheron found "the one."
"It's just so exciting to be able to finally find my wedding dress. Now I feel like a real bride. It didn't feel real until today," Lisheron said.
As Lisheron walked out of Zita Bridal with her new dress, it was all smiles and plenty of excitement for what the future holds.
Zita bridal is hosting "Operation Wedding Gown" July 11th and 12th, until the dresses are gone.
To qualify you need to bring your military id and deployment papers.
CLICK HERE for more information via Zita Bridal Salon's website.