When it comes to senior prom, most teenagers count down the days until they get to wear their dream dress for all to see. And one girl's big day has been made extra special after a kindhearted shop owner gifted her a £578 ($700) gown for free after driving six hours to try it on.
Elyse Monroe, 18, from Manteo, travelled 330 miles to Charlotte to visit Summer Lucille's store, Juicy Body Goddess, which carries dresses for plus-size women. Summer has taken to TikTok to share how beautiful Elyse looks in her prom dress, admitting she cried while editing the video for social media.
She explained how the teen had £330 ($400) to spend on a dress - but the one she felt most comfortable and confident in was over budget at £578 ($700).
According to People, Summer told Elyse: "Don't worry about the budget, we'll figure it out."
In her video, Elyse is seen entering the dressing room with a number of options before stepping out and showing off three different dresses.
She ends up going for a purple, sparkly gown with pockets - twirling around in it as if she's a "Disney princess".
Her family kept asking how much certain dresses would set them back - but Summer dodged their questions each time they were asked.
After watching her try on the purple gown, Summer added: "At that moment, I knew that was the universe telling me, just give her the dress."
It wasn't until the family went to the check out that Summer revealed the price of the gown - saying "So the dress is $700 but it's free. We're giving it to you".
Upon hearing this, Elyse and her family burst into tears thanking Summer for her kindness.
She said: "I had a horrific time at prom. I couldn't find nothing. The dress I wore was horrific. It was a very sad time in my life. So me dressing these girls, it's healing."
Commenting on Summer's video, which has been viewed more than 14 million times, one user said: "She is going to have such a memorable prom night because of you! Absolutely stunning."
Another user added: "The way she moved in the purple. Y’all made me cry."
A third user said: "She’s giving old Hollywood royalty vibes - I'm obsessed."
One more user added: "She found her confidence in that purple dress."
Do you have a cute story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
