Thirteen military and first responder brides walked out of a North Andover bridal shop Thursday with a free wedding dress and pair of shoes — and the full, joyful shopping experience that comes with saying yes to the perfect gown.

Brides Across America held its annual "Operation Wedding Gown" event at Tulle Bridal's outlet store on High Street, the same shop that serves as the nonprofit's national hub. Gowns and shoes come at no cost, aside from a $50 tax-deductible registration fee, with alterations left to the bride.

Heidi Janson, a North Andover resident with more than 20 years in the bridal industry, founded both Tulle Bridal and Brides Across America in 2008. Before launching the nonprofit, she owned and ran four bridal salons up and down the East Coast and managed the Vera Wang Salon in Boston — experience she's since poured into giving dresses away instead of just selling them.

Since 2008, Brides Across America has gifted more than 28,000 free wedding gowns to military and first responder brides nationwide, partnering with bridal salons in multiple states. But North Andover remains the heart of it all, hosting the twice-yearly giveaways every July and November.

Operation Wedding Gown is open to active-duty military, veterans, and first responder brides, including those engaged to a service member. No date has been announced yet for the next North Andover event, though the organization's second annual giveaway typically falls in November. Eligibility and registration details are available at bridesacrossamerica.com.

Beyond the twice-yearly events, Tulle Bridal's outlet store at 40 High St. — across from Tavern on High — runs a year-round "Shop for a Cause" program, where every dress purchase helps fund the nonprofit's gown-gifting mission.