Newlyweds take wedding party to buy toys for needy children

Like most couples on their wedding day, Brad Bond and his new wife Jessica wanted to do something special. Unlike most couples, they didn't want that 'something special' to be about them.

So after the ceremony, they invited their entire wedding party to follow them to Target, where they were given a $10 gift voucher each and were encouraged to pick out toys for the Toys for Tots program.

The unique gesture was actually a nod to a tradition the couple have been carrying on every year since their first date.

Brad, when he met Jessica and realised she was the one, recalled pulling into the car park of Target and telling her that they were going to buy gifts to donate.

"I explained my parents have always made Christmas special for me," he told WESH2 News.

Jessica went along with it, and the generous tradition then carried on for seven years.

Of their decision to continue it on their wedding day, Brad said, "I have the most amazing wife on the planet, so if we (are) able to give back and share our blessing with others, then what better can we do on our wedding day?"

Jessica's mother Emy Pargas also told the news outlet, "I'm sure the kids are going to enjoy this, and that's what Christmas is all about, you know?"

The Toys for Tots program is facilitated by the US Marine Corps and delivers presents to children in need.