Meet the Women behind the Products

Cindy Terry was married on July 17th, 1982 in Coatesville, Pa, in her home church. This July, Cindy and her husband will be married for 41 years. Dress shopping, Cindy's mom, dad, and twin sister were with her. At the time, victorian style dresses were in, sheer long sleeved dresses with high necks and hats. But she was getting married in July and wanted something cooler. She loved the bodice of her dress and the fact that it was ivory. She also loved the plain skirt and lace trim at the bottom. Bows on the sleeves weren't even so a friend's mom had to fix them for her. On the day, Cindy ended up pulling the puff sleeves down to an off-the-shoulder style rather than wearing them up like intended. Cindy is retired now with three children and six grandchildren. Her daughter is married and didn't want the dress. Cindy donated her wedding dress because she was moving and was looking for what to do with it. She likes to sew which is why she was so excited about this project and now is looking forward to seeing what becomes of it!

Katina Grove was married in 1995 in Chambersburg, PA, her hometown. She and her husband Joe have been married for over 27 years now. They have two children, Ben and Julianne. She loves to spend time with her family and making fun crafts. When dress shopping, Tina went with her mom in their hometown where she knew everyone. This dress was the third one that she tried on and was able to buy right off the rack. Tina loved her dress for the buttons running down the back and the longer train. It reminded her of Princess Di's train from watching the royal wedding when she was young. The bodice had heavy beading which Tina didn't fully love but the beautiful appliqué and sheer organza skirt made up for it. A funny memory from the wedding day was that none of her bridal party were at her last fitting, therefore no one knew how to bustle the dress. Pictures from the wedding reception looks like she has wings on her back. Tina was connected to this project through her daughter, Julianne who is a student at Thomas Jefferson University. Tina generously donated her dress because she knew her daughter wouldn't rewear it and it could be a special memory for both of them. 

Traci O'Connor was married in 1992, at St. Peters church, Pottstown, PA. She and her husband recently celebrated 30 years together. Traci wanted a victorian look for her November wedding, and chose a timeless long sleeved gown. Shopping with her aunt Patti's help, Traci fell in love with the beading and the dress fit right off of the rack! A fond memory of the wedding day was her and her wedding party went to a local bar that night. Traci still dressed in her wedding gown. Traci worked as an accountant for many years but recently opened a coffee shop and cafe with her husband. They love to travel together, eating fun food and go to the beach. Traci was connected to this project through her daughter, Tara, who is a so to graduate student at Thomas Jefferson University. Traci donated her dress because she wanted to give it a second life after sitting in her attic for years.

Donated by Julie McCormack, niece of Mazie Pendziwater. Mazie wore this dress at 19 years of age in September of 1941. She was married to her husband, John, in Chicago, IL. The couple had a long and happy marriage of 46 years, when John passed away. Mazie's mother had planned her entire wedding down to the wedding dress and hair style. Mazie loved her dress and thought it was beautiful. Her train was long and she had to have help moving it. Mazie was a mother to four children and enjoyed being a homemaker. She was a fantastic cook. Mazie passed away in December of 2008 at the age of 86. Her wedding dress was found under a bed the very day emails were sent out inquiring about dress donations. Her dress was donated as a way for her and her wonderful spirit to live on!

Mindy Arduino was married in 1997 in Vandergrift, Pa. Her and her husband have celebrated 25 years of marriage. Mindy's  mom had helped her choose her dress. Mindy was drawn to it for the sparkle. She is a nurse and a mom of two grown boys. Mindy saw the Facebook posting for donations around the time she and her husband were moving. She didn't feel the need to take the dress with her to South Carolina in their move and was happy to give it a second life. 

Sharon DiSalvi was married in 1988 at St. Anne's church in Warrington, PA. She and her husband will be celebrating 35 years of marriage this September. Wedding dress shopping was with her mom. This dress was the first one that she tried on and she just kept coming back to it! Sharon's favorite part about her dress is the long train, despite how incredibly heavy it was. Sharon's funny moment from the day was that she had paid to make the veil detachable, but then forgot about it for the reception all together. Sharon donated to this project because she loved the fact that another bride will enjoy her dress rather than it hang in her closet. She is looking forward to her stepson's and her daughter's weddings in 2024. 

Paula's Moorehead's wedding dress was from 1987. To this day, she loves the style of the dress. She was drawn to the lace and beautiful high neck. Her mom and sister, Carol helped her pick the dress.  Paula decided to donate her dress to this capstone project because her kids were grown and she was ready to find the dress a new home. 

Candi Young was married in 1993 in Prospectville, PA. She choose her wedding dress with the help of her mom, and felt like a princess in it. Her favorite part of her dress was the long beautiful train. Candi is remarried with three wonderful children. She is about to be an empty nester soon, as her youngest child is soon to leave for college. Candi donated her dress to this project for the opportunity for it to have a second life.

Found at the Nova thrift store in Perkasie, PA. Upon examination of the fabric, sewing techniques, and style of the dress, it is concluded that this dress is from the 1960s. It was accompanied by a matching headpiece. Both items were preserved in excellent condition.