Fifty couples from across the region flocked to a Bridgeport church Saturday "to reinforce the importance of community unity."

Organizers said the Church of the Christian Rebirth on the West End held a different kind of mass. They said it was a mass marriage ceremony for 100 brides and grooms who wanted to renew their wedding vows.

Ana Plaza not only helped organize the event -- she also took part in it by renewing her vows with her husband.

"Beautiful gown, the makeup, the hair. Oh, my God, the food is amazing. You can smell it from here. The cake -- everything that you can think of that a wedding should be, so there was no excuse for any of our members at the church not to come and declare their love for one another, and just have fun and enjoy," she said.

The brides said it felt great to put on their gowns on the heels of Valentine's Day.

The couples thanked their pastor, Lourdes Plaza, for making the special event happen.