Real Brides: Valerie

Michael and I met when we were just 13 years old, the summer before high school began. We are high school sweethearts! We spent our freshman year in numerous classes together and became best friends. He is still my best friend today. The day before my 14th birthday, he had his mom bring him to my house to drop off a candle as my gift. He wasn't able to be there on my birthday, but he made things official with me that day. Oh young love, lol!! I will always have our anniversary to celebrate and a birthday on the next day. He has been there for me all through high school, college, and devastating health issues as well. He has always taken care of me. Growing up with your best friend is something I could never imagine not having. He proposed during one of the hardest times of our lives when I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2020. I proudly showed off my dream ring to all of the nurses who cared for me in the hospital. Although he couldn't be there with me because of COVID precautions, I had him there with me the entire time every time I looked down at my left hand! We've now been together for 8 years and are living an absolute fairytale. 

As any newly engaged girl does, we scour social media looking for inspiration of our dream dress. I was scrolling through Instagram's explore page and stumbled upon THE DRESS. I saw the Pegasus dress from Val Stefani and started tearing up, imagining the dress on me, and Michael seeing me in it for the first time. Not only was it magical, but it was so romantic I knew I had to have it. And it was a total sign because of the name; VAL Stefani---Valerie (me). I immediately started searching where I could try it on and found Mon Amie Bridal Salon in Costa Mesa! I called and made an appointment. When I arrived, I was saddened to find that they didn't carry Pegasus. However, they did carry the Phoenix dress, which was so similar, I had to give it a try. It was the 3rd dress I tried on, and you know what they say; third times a charm! When I saw myself in this dress and added the straps to replicate Pegasus, I started to bawl my eyes out. I didn't think I would find a dress so flattering to my body. The deal was done, and I ordered my dress right then and there. Because of my diagnosis of Lupus and other autoimmune diseases, my body was constantly gaining weight (30-40 pounds a month). This was a huge stressor as a bride because of the tailoring aspect to have the dress fit perfectly for the big day. I made the decision to have a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy months before my fitting, a weight loss surgery to aid in my Lupus and overall health. The Mon Amie seamstresses were in for a ride! My dress was ordered in a size 18 because my surgery wasn't scheduled yet, so we had to order it in the size of when I came into the salon. In February 2022, I had my surgery, and my first fitting was in early June. I had lost just about 70 pounds since they last saw me. The dress was overflowing on me and totally needed to be taken in and rushed for my early July wedding! Gloria from Mon Amie made this so easy and stress-free for me. She had no doubts that they would make the dress perfect for me and my new size right on time. I've never felt so cared for by someone in any retail setting. I will never forget her and her amazing help. 

Photo Credits: The Daring Ones