Healthcare workers currently battling the coronavirus pandemic at hospitals around the world surely have a lot on their mind.
Doctors and nurses also trying to plan their wedding, or postpone their big day due to the spread of Covid-19, have even more on their plate.
However one bridal company is looking to lighten the load by offering free wedding gowns to brides-to-be in the UAE and Lebanon.
Esposa, a luxury bridalwear store with boutiques in Beirut, Dbayeh and Dubai, has announced it will donate wedding dresses to healthcare workers in both countries who are set to tie the knot this summer.
"We owe a huge thank you to all the front liners for their compassionate service during these tough times," Esposa posted on its Instagram page this week.
"As an appreciation, Esposa Group would like to offer wedding gowns with their veils to all the Summer 2020 Lebanese and Emirati doctors and nurses brides-to-be serving Covid-19 patients."
They confirmed it was open to all nationalities helping Covid-19 patients in both countries.
The family-run company stocks labels such as Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad, celebrity favourite Vera Wang, bridal staple Pronovias and edgy brand Viktor & Rolf. Esposa also has an eponymous collection, Esposacouture.
The initiative was launched as a way to give back to healthcare workers helping treat those suffering from the coronavirus, which has so far resulted in more than 870,000 confirmed cases globally.
"It's hard not to notice all the sacrifice and risks nurses and doctors are taking nowadays to save our people, while we just stay at home with our loved ones," a spokesperson for Esposa told The National.
"We are hoping to make doctors and nurses smile during their tough days and let them dream about their big day."
The business also hopes other companies around the world will follow in its footsteps and offer support to front-line healthcare workers.
"The countries’ medics deserve every appreciation and help since without them, it would be impossible for us to get out of this health crisis," the spokesperson added.
Esposa has earmarked a collection of more than 300 dresses which doctors and nurses can choose from, and says the company has already heard from many brides-to-be.
"Many of them were saying, 'I am really thankful, during these hard times you are giving us hope'," the spokesperson said, adding that the majority of Esposa's brides due to get married in March and April have postponed their weddings until the summer.
"We are even getting messages from bridesmaids or friends asking if they can register on the bride’s behalf since she’s overwhelmed at work nowadays.
"Everybody is positive and hopes that things will get back to normal within months."
Esposa boutiques are currently closed in Lebanon and the UAE as part of preventative nationwide measures to control the spread of Covid-19. However, brides can contact the brand on its website or through its social media.
