Southern Grace Angelic Gowns, founded by Sophia Bosarge and based in Mobile, Alabama, repurposes donated wedding dresses into handcrafted "angel gowns," tiny burial outfits and keepsakes for families after miscarriage or stillbirth. Bosarge began sewing in 2005 after losing four babies and formalized the nonprofit in 2017. With about 20 volunteers and partnerships with 60+ hospitals and funeral homes, the group often maintains a waitlist because demand is high.
Southern Grace Angelic Gowns Turns Donated Wedding Dresses Into Keepsakes for Families After Miscarriage or Stillbirth
Courtesy of Southern Grace Angelic GownsSophia Bosarge and a teen volunteer with a completed angel gown.
Southern Grace Angelic Gowns, a nonprofit based in Mobile, Alabama, repurposes donated wedding dresses into delicate memorial garments and keepsakes for parents who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth. The organization was founded by Sophia Bosarge, who began sewing these special items in 2005 after the loss of four babies and incorporated the nonprofit in 2017 to expand the work.
How It Started
Bosarge says the project began as a personal way to heal: creating something tangible to remember babies who died too soon. Her work grew from private sewing projects into a formal nonprofit as demand and support increased. Bosarge credits her husband—who bought her first sewing machine after their wedding and now helps by preparing fabric—with encouraging her to return to the craft.
Courtesy of Southern Grace Angelic GownsA gown and hat from a layette set. A pen is placed next to the gown to put the baby's size in perspective.
"I lost four babies, so it began, in a way, to heal my own heart," Bosarge told AL.com. "My children just aren't here with me... now we don't let our babies be forgotten."
What They Make
With the help of roughly 20 volunteers in the Mobile area and Mississippi, Southern Grace transforms wedding gowns into handcrafted "angel gowns," tiny outfits, bonnets, blankets and other mementos. Each piece is personalized—lace, bows, pearls and other embellishments are added so every item is unique. The group makes specially sized garments for very small infants (including one- and two-pound sizes) and provides pockets for babies who cannot be dressed, filling a practical and emotional need that standard newborn clothing cannot.
Reach and Partnerships
Courtesy of Southern Grace Angelic GownsBosarge's wedding dress with a few angel gowns and gestational doll models.
The nonprofit partners with more than 60 hospitals and funeral homes nationwide and also responds to individual requests from grieving families. Demand is high enough that Southern Grace often maintains a waitlist for finished gowns.
Support, Training and Volunteer Needs
Bosarge keeps an open line for grieving parents and is training to be a stillbirth doula so she can offer more informed emotional support. The pandemic reduced the volunteer pool, and the organization is actively recruiting new volunteers and accepting donated wedding dresses and fabric. Bosarge and her volunteers also send blankets and other keepsakes to families who need them.
Courtesy of Southern Grace Angelic GownsCertificates of Life, which the nonprofit started offering when a baby is miscarried or born too early and receives nothing from the hospital.
Why It Matters
For many bereaved parents, a handcrafted gown or keepsake provides a meaningful way to acknowledge the existence of their child and carry a tangible memory forward. As Bosarge says, these items help families feel seen and loved in their grief.
Want To Help?
If you'd like to donate a wedding dress, volunteer your time, or request a keepsake, visit Southern Grace Angelic Gowns' website or their social channels to learn how to get involved.
Help us improve.
