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Lori AllenAmerican TV star and owner of a wedding dress boutique.
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- American TV Star and Owner of Bridals by Lori
- Early Career and Rise to Prominence
- Television Career and Recognition
- Fighting Cancer and Inspiring Others
American TV Star and Owner of Bridals by Lori
Lori Allen is an American TV star and the owner of Bridals by Lori, a bridal boutique based in Atlanta. She founded the company in 1980, and it has since become the largest bridal boutique in Atlanta. Despite the competitive nature of the wedding industry, Allen is widely regarded as one of the leading experts in bridal fashion in the country.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Allen opened her own business just three weeks after graduating from Columbia College, where she specialized in entrepreneurship. What started as a small store eventually grew into a three-story complex spanning 2,300 square meters. Her expertise and fashion sense quickly earned her recognition as a prominent authority in the industry. She was frequently sought after for interviews and featured in various newspapers and television shows. Allen also served as a judge for major fashion competitions and events. Her expertise and contributions to the world of bridal fashion were regularly featured in specialized magazines.
Television Career and Recognition
In 2009, Allen's daughter, Mollie, became the star of the TV show "Platinum Weddings." The show regularly showcased lavish weddings of notable personalities, and Allen and her boutique were prominently featured. Monte Durham, who later became Allen's co-host, served as the wedding planner for Mollie's wedding. In honor of the 30th anniversary of Bridals by Lori, the boutique was chosen as the setting for an episode of the popular show "Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta." Allen also participated in a special "wedding" episode of "Say Yes to the Dress" in 2011.
Fighting Cancer and Inspiring Others
On October 26, 2012, Allen became the main focus of the special program "Say Yes to the Cure: Lori's Fight." This show documented her battle with cancer, a topic unrelated to weddings and bridal dresses. Allen discovered her illness early on and regularly underwent mammograms. However, due to her busy work schedule, she almost missed her routine examination that year. She received the devastating diagnosis over the phone while accompanying her husband, who was also suffering from cancer, to the hospital. Allen reached out to TLC, the channel behind "Say Yes to the Dress," and proposed turning her journey to recovery into a unique show.
The cameras followed Allen during the first three days after her diagnosis. Later, another cancer patient, DeLese Range, was included in the program. Allen decided to support Range by organizing a stylish and luxurious wedding for her. Allen's own battle with cancer included the removal of a breast tumor, double mastectomy, and a series of reconstructive surgeries. The program "Say Yes to the Cure: Lori's Fight" received the "Realscreen" award for "Best Health Program" on June 5.
Overall, Lori Allen's career has been marked by her exceptional talent in the bridal fashion industry, as well as her courage and determination in fighting cancer. She continues to inspire and empower others through her work on television and in her boutique.
