The Historical Society of Montgomery County is showcasing vintage wedding wear as part of its latest exhibition titled Historical Wedding Expo, writes M. English for The Times Herald.

Among the items being exhibited is the wedding dress of the late Flora Giambrone Maggio, who, like many of the women who got married during World War II, had to adapt when it came to her wedding outfit.

Due to the shortage of silk, the Japanese export item was prioritized for military parachutes. As a result, many brides, including Giambrone, got married in a dress that was made from parachute leftovers. She got the material as a gift from her brother.

“William Giambrone’s…B-24 plane was shot down over Romania in 1944,” said HSMC Curator Karen Ploch. “He and one other crew member survived by parachuting out of the plane.”

He was captured, but on his release, he found a parachute similar to the ones he used and brought it home to Norristown. He gifted it to his sister for her wedding dress.

In addition to dresses, the exhibit also features vintage wedding shoes, rings, guest books, portraits, and paper materials.

Read more about the exhibit in The Times Herald.

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More on wedding gowns during World War II.