The dress’s timeless journey persisted with the next generation as Sue Stoneberg, Adele’s daughter, adorned it for her walk down the aisle in 1982, paying homage to the dress and her profound connection with her mother.
In 1990, Carol Milton, Elly’s daughter, chose to wear the dress for her marriage to Lawrence Zmuda. Carol’s decision was unwavering, driven by her deep admiration for the women who had worn it before her.
“I never gave it a second thought to get any other dress than the one I had,” Carol expressed. “It was just I loved my aunts, my mom, my cousin. It was just sort of like, ‘I’m wearing what they wore.’ It just was not a decision.”
Following suit, Jean Milton, Carol’s sister, embraced the family tradition, donning the dress the next year for her wedding to Tom Ellis. In February 2013, Julie Frank Mackey, Adele’s niece and Sharon’s daughter, added her personal touch to the dress, honoring her family’s legacy with a ribbon hem and an open neckline.
Ensuring its pristine condition for future generations, the women entrusted the dress to professional cleaners and meticulously stored it. Sharon took on the responsibility of preservation, utilizing her sewing skills.
As Serena Stoneberg, Adele’s granddaughter, exchanged vows with Chris Lipari in August 2022, the tradition persevered. The dress, rich with history and sentiment, symbolized the enduring strength and love that have bound the family for generations.
“There’s just something like magic to it that it has looked good on every bride,” Serena shared with Good Morning America