Bridal gowns from past, present hit runway at Heritage Legacy

The Heritage Legacy assisted living retirement community and Homewatch Caregivers have teamed up to sponsor a nostalgic bridal gown fashion show that will feature wedding gowns from the past to the present.

The show will be from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Nov. 14. The event, which is free and open to the public, takes guests through time with a narrative describing wedding gown styles and how they have changed and what world events prompted those changes.

"Many seniors will enjoy this special show called ‘Bridal Gowns – Then and Now’ because it will begin with styles from the 1920s," said SuAnne Williams, program director at The Heritage Legacy. "A few items will be on loan from our residents, and two residents will model their bridal gowns.

"We will also explain wedding traditions and customs, such as why June is the most popular month for weddings, what does ‘something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue’ mean and what famous people changed the look of wedding gowns and receptions."

Many of the gowns have been donated by Homewatch Caregivers and will be available for purchase the day of the show.

Wedding cake and refreshments will be served after the show. Seating is limited. Guests are requested to make reservations by calling 623-742-1000.

The Heritage Legacy is at 13813 W. Woodside Drive, Sun City West.

Heritage Legacy residents renew vows during bridal gown show 

"We could not afford one, so, I wore a black suit and white blouse," said Lorraine, who has lung cancer. "I’ve always wanted to wear a bridal gown, and now it’s going to happen — 64 years later!"

Residents of The Heritage Legacy, an assisted living community in Sun City West, the Schmittles will renew their vows with a local minister performing the ceremony during the bridal gown show Nov. 14 at The Heritage Legacy.

"We found the perfect gown for Lorraine, it’s a Jackie Kennedy off-the-shoulder style bride’s dress," said SuAnne Williams, program director at The Heritage Legacy.

The Schmittles, both 84 years old, were married in Columbus, Ohio, in a Methodist church and have two adult children, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Sam obtained his doctorate degree in veterinary medicine from Ohio State University and doctorate degree in veterinary pathology from the University of Illinois. After his career as a college professor in veterinary pathology and a management position in poultry health with Perdue Farms, Sam and Lorraine moved to Sun City West in 1994.