Liquidation Sale of Maryland Bridal Shop After Owner Convicted of Theft

Brides-to-be can buy wedding dresses at deep discounts and help repay millions embezzled from a nonprofit at a special liquidation sale being held in Maryland.

The sale is of dresses that U.S. Marshals seized from Couture Miss Bridal and Formal in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. That store closed suddenly after its owner, Ephonia Green, was convicted of stealing $5.1 million from her former employer, the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Brides panicked when the store closed with their dresses inside.

"I think I am all cried out," one customer, Chantayle Watkins, said at the time. "This is one of the worst days of my life."

Fortunately, the panic didn't last long: Marshals stepped in to make sure that any dresses that had been ordered and were available were sent to the brides. 

But there was plenty of other stock, leading to the sale, which benefits the victim of the crime.

One shopper said on Wednesday that she found a $1,200 gown for $500.

Shopper Denae Jones said she had always meant to go into Couture Miss Bridal and Formal and that she knew she had to check out the sale. 

"If I can get something at a reasonable price or a deal, it's a no-brainer," she said. "Of course I'm going to come and see." 

Here are the details:

WHEN: Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nov. 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Embassy Suites Baltimore Hotel At BWI Airport, 1300 Concourse Drive, Linthicum, Maryland
HOW: Auction of more than 2,400 items, including 2,000 new designer wedding gowns (sizes 4 to 24) priced at least 40 percent off retail. Prices starting at $35 and go over $1,900 (original prices up to $4,290)

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