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It is a tradition for every bride to wed with something borrowed.

But Lucia Baratta had to borrow everything – including her dress – after her luggage was lost in transit.

The bride and her groom, John Sessions, jetted into Orkney on Monday, ahead of their wedding yesterday, and their big day seemed in jeopardy after their bags went missing.

Miss Baratta, 51, was without even the most basic items required by every bride, from make-up to jewellery.

Source: bridal gowns

Lucia Baratta had to borrow everything – including her dress (right) – after her luggage was lost on the way to her wedding (pictured with groom to John Sessions on their wedding day, left)

But the owners of the Kirkwall Hotel quickly posted a desperate appeal on their Facebook page, pleading for urgent help. The responses – including 12 offers of wedding dresses in the right size – saved the day for the couple, who are both from the US city of Seattle.

The appeal posted late on Monday said: ‘A request for help!! We have a couple staying with us who are due to get married tomorrow afternoon. Their luggage has gone missing in transit and she has no wedding dress, no wedding shoes, no wedding anything!

‘Is there anyone that might be able to lend any of the above for an afternoon?

‘The lady is 5ft tall and a UK size 8. She wears a size 7.5 shoe.’

Responses flooded in, with offers of dresses, petticoats, tiaras and shoes, as well as make-up and flowers. One woman offered to lend her own bouquet, while another offered a cathedral-length veil.

Catherine Tullock said: ‘I also have a ton of make-up in case it’s gone missing as well. She’s welcome to borrow anything she needs.

‘Does the bride-to-be need nail polish or jewellery? I’m happy to lend that too.’

Two-and-a-half hours later, the hotel posted that the appeal had been a success, saying: ‘Thank you to everyone who has offered bits and brought things down. We are completely overwhelmed by the kindness of people. We are sorted. Thank you again.’

Several posts remarked on the generosity of locals. Jan Russell said on Facebook: ‘What a fantastic response from the good folk in Orkney.’

Rebecca Carberry said: ‘It’s seeing things like this that makes me extremely proud to live in Orkney. Well done everyone.’

The couple tied the knot in a ceremony yesterday afternoon at Tankerness House, Kirkwall, with the groom in a kilt and the bride in a matching plaid over a stunning simple white gown, lent by a former bridal shop owner.

The bride, a philanthropy executive, and the 61-year-old groom, a lawyer and real-estate executive, met seven years ago and became engaged shortly after. They had planned a quiet wedding and wanted to marry here because they love Scotland.

The new Mrs Sessions was full of praise for all the help she had received. She said: ‘My husband’s grandparents were born in Orkney and he wanted me to see it.

‘We flew up to the island and were going to have a quiet little ceremony, but my luggage didn’t make it. My dress was in my suitcase. Luckily, the owner of the Kirkwall Hotel learned of our dilemma.

‘We went into dinner last night just as the hotel put the post on Facebook and, by the time dinner was over, the room was full of dresses and veils and jewellery.

‘There was this incredible outpouring – I was offered 12 dresses and somebody brought bridesmaids’ dresses just in case we needed those, as well as a veil, a fascinator, tiaras and jewellery.

‘I chose a gorgeous silk satin bridal gown. It was very different from my dress, a cream cocktail dress, but I could not have been happier. I felt honoured to wear it.’

‘The people here came to our rescue – the generosity of the community has been overwhelming.

‘The hearts of the Orkney people are so big. The hospitality we have received has been so warm and I feel beautiful in this dress.’

She added: ‘The help from everyone has made my day so special – Orkney is now our second home.’

See more at http://www.sheindressau.com/tea-length-wedding-dresses