Importance Score: 62 / 100 🔴
Pop-Up Bridal Salon in Maryland Law Office Offers Affordable Designer Wedding Dresses for Haiti Relief
In an unconventional yet heartwarming endeavor, a law office in Dickerson, Maryland, transforms into a temporary bridal boutique on weekends, offering discounted designer wedding dresses for a charitable cause. Susan Jamison, the founder of Brides for Haiti, utilizes her son’s office space to host this unique pop-up bridal salon, selling donated gowns to fund relief efforts in Carcasse, Haiti. This initiative provides brides-to-be with access to affordable wedding dresses while supporting a vital mission.
From Law Office to Bridal Boutique
During Friday and Saturday mornings, the typical legal atmosphere of the office is replaced by the excitement of wedding preparations. Clothing racks filled with wedding gowns emerge, mirrors are set up, and discussions shift from legal matters to bridal fashion. Although lacking the opulence of a traditional bridal salon, this temporary setup effectively serves as a source for brides seeking beautiful dresses at significantly reduced prices.
Located in Dickerson, MD, the law office, owned by Ms. Jamison’s son, Charlie Jamison, becomes the periodic venue for Brides for Haiti. Established in 2011, the organization dedicates a substantial portion of its annual earnings, 40 percent, to charitable projects in Carcasse, Haiti. This village, like much of the nation, suffered greatly from Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Funds raised through dress sales support critical infrastructure enhancements, including a school building, internet access, clean water wells, and a functioning medical clinic.
Church Partnership and Charitable Foundation
St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Barnesville, MD, plays a crucial role in both the bridal and philanthropic aspects of Brides for Haiti. The church established a formal “twinning” arrangement with St. Joseph’s Church in Carcasse in 2008, solidifying their partnership and commitment to supporting the Haitian community.
Designer Gowns at Discounted Prices
Brides for Haiti specializes in selling donated designer wedding dresses, both pre-owned and new, all priced under $1,000. According to Ms. Jamison, the organization sold 96 dresses last year at an average price of $639, in addition to 15 consignment sales. The current collection features gowns from renowned bridal designers such as Vow’d, Justin Alexander, Stella York, and Morilee. (Fittings are available by appointment only.)
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Ms. Jamison, who manages the salon with her daughter Laura Wright, shared insights into the operation during an interview conducted as a bride-to-be tried on dresses in the makeshift salon.
The Genesis of Brides for Haiti
“When we initially twinned with Carcasse years ago,” Ms. Jamison explained, “we explored various fundraising avenues, and I proposed the idea of wedding dresses. Initially, it wasn’t well-received; there was a misunderstanding that we intended to send dresses to Haiti. To clarify, I suggested we accept donations to sell on consignment, which became our starting model.”
Selling Donated Wedding Gowns
“We partnered with a reputable consignment boutique in West Virginia,” Ms. Jamison recounted. “They informed their clientele that wedding gown purchases would benefit St. Mary’s twin parish in Haiti. A local publication also highlighted our efforts through several articles. Interestingly, my daughter Laura had previously donated her own wedding dress to St. Mary’s, which was subsequently sold through this West Virginia shop.”
Overcoming Setbacks
“Tragically, a fire incident destroyed the consignment shop,” Ms. Jamison stated, marking a turning point in their operations.
Adapting and Growing
“Laura became more involved and proposed expanding our efforts,” Ms. Jamison continued. “She joined and initiated bridal shows. We organized sales events at hotels in Maryland and Virginia, and twice at St. Mary’s gymnasium.”
“Our dress selections were exquisite, and our prices were incredibly competitive at the time. At our January 2018 sale at St. Mary’s gym, all dresses were priced at $150 or less. We sold 69 dresses in a single day. One bride famously purchased two gowns when I suggested, ‘At these prices, why not take both?’”
“These events were incredibly demanding, involving significant effort in transporting and setting up the dresses. Consequently, we limited them to four events. Each one was quite chaotic, yet successful.”
Transitioning to a Semi-Permanent Location
“We then secured a more stable location,” Ms. Jamison explained. “My husband’s family owned an office building in Frederick, MD, and we were granted permission to use space there. We operated from that office building for six years until the space was leased. We had to relocate in June 2023 and subsequently moved to the current law office.”
Operating from a Law Office
“Selling wedding gowns from a law office has been surprisingly positive,” Ms. Jamison remarked. “It offers an unusual but refined ambiance for a bridal shop, and importantly, eliminates rental costs. My husband’s woodworking skills contributed to the office’s aesthetic appeal, which is often admired by brides and their families. The distinct woodwork and furniture add an unexpected elegance.”
“Charlie’s office remains free of bridal items. By relocating two veil racks and closing specific doors in the adjacent room, the bridal setup becomes discreet and unobtrusive when not in use.”
Curating Affordable and Stylish Gowns
“We have refined our dress inventory to feature only our most exceptional gowns,” Ms. Jamison explained regarding their pricing strategy. “Our prices remain highly accessible, with nothing exceeding $999, a significant portion at $499, and even some below that price point.”
“To ensure inclusivity, I source dresses in a wide range of sizes. I primarily acquire gowns through online platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Generous donations from individuals and boutiques also greatly reduce our purchasing needs.”
“Our primary expenditures are shipping and advertising.”
Exceptional Donations
“We have received incredibly generous donations, including high-value gowns,” Ms. Jamison noted, recalling notable contributions.
“Kleinfeld Bridal has donated remarkably expensive dresses, including a $27,000 gown and an $18,000 Pnina Tornai dress.”
Securing Donations
“Laura has cultivated strong relationships with key donors in Virginia,” Ms. Jamison shared regarding their donation acquisition process. “We receive substantial donations from Ava Laurenne, a prominent bridal retailer, and Blue Sage, a consignment store specializing in wedding dress shop consignments.”
“We’ve also benefited from donations from bridal shops nationwide. Marcella’s Bridal in Washington State has sent us exquisite dresses, and a boutique owner in Texas, who is closing her business, is sending approximately 100 dresses. We are still assessing how many of these will be suitable for our racks.”
Supporting Haiti and Connecting with Brides
“We feel a profound connection to the people of Carcasse and their hardships,” Ms. Jamison emphasized, explaining the charitable aspect. “Since our twinning began, they have endured two hurricanes, a devastating earthquake, and multiple health crises. They currently face a precarious social and political environment. Our motivation is to provide support. Furthermore, we genuinely enjoy working with the brides. Their enthusiasm is contagious, making it a rewarding experience for everyone involved.”
Bridal Connection to the Mission
“Some of our brides have personal experience with mission work in Haiti or other parts of the world,” Ms. Jamison noted. “They are particularly enthusiastic about contributing to Haiti through their gown purchase.”
Future Plans for the Salon
“We plan to introduce wedding dress rentals,” Ms. Jamison announced, outlining upcoming developments. “This initiative will enable brides who admire our higher-priced gowns but face budget constraints to still wear their dream dress on their wedding day.”