FAIR LAWN, N.J. (WPIX) – In a back room of the Fair Lawn Public Library, vintage wedding dresses hang on racks and mannequins, available for any bride to borrow.
The collection belongs to Library Director Adele Puccio, whose love for wedding dresses started as a child.
“My great-aunt was a buyer at Kleinfeld’s when I was a little girl,” said Puccio.
Kleinfeld Bridal is a longtime upscale boutique in Manhattan that is featured in TLC’s “Say Yes To The Dress.”
Puccio has been collecting vintage wedding dresses for years and accepts dress donations as well. Her collection spans from the 1940s to the 1990s. Unlike a library book, there is no fine if a dress is not returned.
“If a bride falls in love with her dress, she can have it,” said Puccio.
Several brides have done just that. Paula Russello wore one of Puccio’s vintage gowns to her wedding in 2003.
“I was so happy I cried,” said Russello. “I felt like a million dollars.”
Estefani Soler wore one of Puccio’s vintage dresses to her wedding in May 2023.
“It fit like a glove,” said Soler. “It’s like it was meant for me.”
Puccio said she has begun to receive requests from brides in other states. Her collection of roughly 30 dresses is growing as well. On Valentine’s Day alone, she received four wedding dress donations.
Joan Heffler stopped by the library to donate her wedding dress from the 1950s, which was originally her mother’s dress.
“It has beautiful hopes and dreams in it,” said Heffler. “And I hope that somebody has beautiful hopes and dreams when they wear it.”
Finding new homes for beautiful dresses fills Puccio with satisfaction.
“I think that everybody should feel beautiful on their wedding day, and I’m just happy to try and be a small part of that.”
If you are interested in loaning one of Puccio’s vintage dresses or have a dress you’d like to donate, you can email her at puccio@fairlawn.bccls.org.