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Lori Burns Allen
BornAugust 11, 1959
Chattanooga, TN
Occupation(s)Bridal boutique owner, American television personality, motivational speaker, author
TelevisionSay Yes to the Dress Atlanta, Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids, [Yes to the Cure: Lori’s Fight]
SpouseEddie Allen (m. 1979)
Children2
Websiteloriallen.com

Lori Burns Allen (born 1959) is an upscale bridal boutique owner, American television personality, breast cancer survivor, motivational speaker, and author.  She is known for her appearances on Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, its spin-off Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids, and the special Say Yes to the Cure: Lori’s Fight on the TLC Network.

Personal Life

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Lori Allen was born in August 11, 1959 in Chattanooga, TN and is a graduate of Columbia College in South Carolina, where she received a degree in Business. The college also bestowed upon her an honorary degree during the commencements of May 2013, where she was the keynote speaker for the undergraduate commencement[1]. She is very happily married to college sweetheart, Eddie Allen. They married in July 1979[2]. Allen has two children —daughter, Mollie Allen Surratt and son, Cory  - and three grandchildren[3].  

Career

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Business

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Bridals by Lori - Allen founded Bridals by Lori in Atlanta, Georgia on December 27, 1980[4]. The shop was opened only two weeks after Allen graduated from college. Initially serving as a shopping center storefront, Bridals by Lori has since expanded into a three-story 25,000 square foot complex— becoming one of the largest full-service bridal boutiques in the US[5]. Allen was interviewed by various news outlets, as early as the 1980s, regarding the process of selecting a wedding dress,[6]  behind the scenes dress shopping secrets,[7]  and even tips for finding the perfect wedding dress[8]. 

Entertainment

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Platinum Weddings: - In 2009 Allen's daughter, Mollie Allen Surratt, was featured on the season finale of WE's hit television show Platinum Weddings (season 4). The show documented Mollie and Lori during the planning of Mollie's Southern-charm themed wedding. The show also featured Monte Durham as the wedding director[9]. Durham would later co-host Allen's own television show[10]. It was here that the idea sparked to film a pilot episode focusing on brides and their journey to finding the perfect wedding dress. In 2010, on the boutique's 30th anniversary, Bridals by Lori was selected to be the setting of the television show, Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta[11].

Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta: This series is one-half of the Say Yes to the Dress franchise—not to be confused with the initial series of Say Yes to the Dress filmed at the bridal boutique, Kleinfelds, in New York City. Instead, the Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta series showcases the daily operations of Bridals by Lori and their expansive clientele, which is visited by roughly 10,000 brides annually[12]. Part bridal story, part fashion makeover and part family therapy session, each episode looks at the personalities and craftsmanship that come into play as the shop's staff, owner Lori Allen, and fashion director Monte Durham, go to extreme lengths to realize each bride's dreams[13]. The upscale bridal salon is a marker for the most recent bridal trends, prominent designers, and celebrity sightings.

In 2012, "Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta" was nominated for "Best City or Regional Program" in the third annual TASTE AWARDS[14].  In 2013, "Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids" was honored as a finalist for "Best Fashion or Design Program: Television" in the fourth annual TASTE AWARDS[15]. In 2014, "Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta" was nominated as the "Best Reality Series: Fashion, Design or Home Decor" and the "Best City or Regional Program" in the fifth annual TASTE AWARDS[16].  In 2015, "Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta" was named the "Best Fashion or Design Program: Television" in the sixth annual TASTE AWARDS[17].

In 2016, Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta marked a first for the show when it featured a transgender bride. Precious Davis visited Bridals by Lori where Allen helped her find the perfect gown for her wedding[18].

The season finale for season 9 featured Allen's son, Cory Allen, and his bride Rebecca Gunn[19]. The episode followed Cory, Rebecca, Lori and Monte as they prepare for the couple's nuptials. Lori deems this episode as her favorite and most sentimental, adding a comical twist that it was "the first time I had to take a back-seat as a bridal expert in order to fulfill my role as Mother of the Groom." The season finale aired on February 26, 2016.

Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta recently aired its eleventh season on TLC, which included appearances by 19 Kids and Counting’s Jessa Duggar Seewald [20].  The new season also featured country music duo Maddie & Tae, who were looking for bridesmaids dresses, as well as Bring It On actress and Blaque singer Brandi Williams.

Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids -  After much success with the Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta series, development started for a spin-off show that would document bridesmaids in their quest to finding the perfect bridesmaids dress[21]. The idea for the spin-off occurred while on-set of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta[22]. Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids premiered July 8, 2011 and aired until its fourth season in 2013[23].

Say Yes to the Cure: Lori’s Fight – Lori Allen was also the feature of Say Yes to the Cure: Lori's Fight, a television special that aired on October 26, 2012 on TLC, covering Allen's battle with cancer[24]. She discovered she had cancer on April 13, 2012 over the phone while driving her husband to the hospital, who was suffering from cancer as well. Allen had almost skipped her annual mammogram that year due to her busy schedule. After her diagnosis she invited TLC television cameras to follow her throughout her treatment process and to record her interactions with friends and family[25]. The cameras began following her only 3 days after she discovered her diagnosis, and also featured another cancer survivor named DeLese Range and her story of treatment.[26]

In treatment Allen had a lumpectomy and double mastectomy, followed by reconstructive surgery[27]. After the episode aired, fans of the show crashed the computer serves at Allen’s Bridals by Lori boutique with messages of solidarity and support[28]. On October 4, 2013, TLC aired an updated version of Say Yes to the Cure, eighteen months after Allen’s diagnosis, to allow Lori and her family to provide an update on her progress.

On June 5, 2013, "Say Yes to the Cure: Lori's Fight" received the real screen Award for Best Health & Well Being Programming[29].

Filmography

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As herself

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Year Show Notes
2009 Platinum Weddings
2010 - 2020 Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta Eleven seasons aired
2011 - 2013 Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids Four seasons aired with 52 total episodes
October 26, 2012 Say Yes to the Cure: Lori’s Fight

Author

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Say Yes to What’s Next:  In 2019, Lori Allen signed with Thomas Nelson, the Christian content division of HarperCollins, to publish her first book Say Yes to What’s Next[30]. The book, available nationwide on July 14, 2020, is an inspiring life-makeover movement for women of all ages.[31]

Breast Cancer Activist and Motivational Speaker

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Allen is an active participant in the fight against breast cancer and early detection screenings. She attends rallies across the country and often lends her voice as a speaker for numerous engagements in the advocacy of breast cancer awareness[32].

On October 25, 2012, Allen and her husband Eddie were invited[33] to the White House to join Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden at a reception at the Naval Observatory commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month for survivors, advocates and women’s health groups.[34]

Allen was also the keynote speaker at the Kettering Medical Center Foundation’s annual Ribbon of Hope Luncheon[35].

In 2018, Allen was the featured special guest of the Stand Up to Breast Cancer event hosted by the Northwest Florida Daily News,  Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. She gave an interactive presentation about her battle against breast cancer and talked about lessons she’s learned, memories she’s made and obstacles she’s faced during her career as an entrepreneur and TV star.[36]

In 2019, Allen headlined multiple Breast Cancer Awareness events throughout the United States, including an evening at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerset, NJ where she shared her breast cancer story.[37]  

Allen’s breast cancer story was featured in Guideposts,[38] People,[39] and other magazines nationwide.[40]

Philanthropy

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In addition to her work with breast cancer awareness, Allen has also teamed with the non-profit, Sunshine on a Ranney Day (SOARD), based in Atlanta, Georgia. SOARD works to renovate homes for children with special needs and restore hope for families.  On October 28, 2015, Lori Allen, along with Monte Durham and the "Say Yes" crew, helped create a princess-themed room makeover for 4-year-old Peyton Greene who suffers from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a rare and significant type of Leukemia.[41]

Appearances

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Lori Allen continues to make guest appearances on some of the most notable fashion and daytime talk shows. She has served as an expert judge on numerous fashion design competitions as well as guest starring on Good Morning America, Today show, Fab Life, Hallmark's Home and Family, Rachael Ray, Inside Edition and Entertainment Tonight.[42] She served as "Honorary Survivor" at the 2016 Relay for Life Fundraiser in Gwinnett County—the largest Relay for Life event in the country with over 10,000 attendees.[43] Allen is one of the most popular contributing guests offering her expertise on the latest bridal fashion trends and red carpet styles.[44] She is also seen front row during New York's Bridal Fashion Week.[45]

In April 2019, Allen fell while filming the intro to Season 11 of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta which landed her in Northside Hospital with a broken nose, two cracked ribs, two broken wrists, a concussion and two black eyes. She had surgery on both her nose and her right wrist, and an extended recovery time that led to a shorter filming season.[46]

National media outlets covered her accident, including USA Today[47], Today,[48] Page Six,[49] People magazine,[50] Atlanta Journal-Constitution,[51] among others.

In December 2019, Lori Allen was named Southern Lady of the year by Southern Lady magazine.[52]

Published Works

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Burns Allen, Lori (2020). Say Yes to What’s Next Harper Collins Christian Publishing ISBN 0785234136

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Official website

References

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  1. ^ February 22, ohtadmin | on; 2013. "Lori Burns Allen to keynote Columbia College commencement | Columbia Star". www.thecolumbiastar.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11. {{cite web}}: |last2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "Lori's Wedding | Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta". YouTube.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ "About". Lori Allen. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  4. ^ says, Sarah (2010-08-03). "The Boutique Beat: Say Yes to the Dress, Y'all". Atlanta INtown Paper. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  5. ^ February 22, ohtadmin | on; 2013. "Lori Burns Allen to keynote Columbia College commencement | Columbia Star". www.thecolumbiastar.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11. {{cite web}}: |last2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ Group, Mike Itchue | MLive Media (2009-02-05). "How to Find a Fabulous Wedding Dress". mlive. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  7. ^ Barrientos, Selena (2020-03-28). "Monte Durham of 'Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta' Says Brides Are Scouted Online". Good Housekeeping. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  8. ^ Silvia, Kasey. "Lori Allen's 10 Commandments for Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress". 1420 WBSM. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  9. ^ Stanton, Audrey. "Durham brings bridal style to TV". Beckley Register-Herald. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  10. ^ "Monte - Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta Cast". TLC. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  11. ^ admin (2019-12-18). "Southern Lady of the Year: Lori Allen of Say Yes to the Dress". Southern Lady Magazine. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  12. ^ "Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta", Wikipedia, 2020-07-05, retrieved 2020-07-11
  13. ^ "Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta | Watch Full Episodes & More!". TLC. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  14. ^ "THE TASTE AWARDS, Honoring the Best in Food & Fashion Programming - TASTY Awards". tastetv.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  15. ^ "The TASTE AWARDS". tastetv.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  16. ^ "THE TASTE AWARDS, Honoring the Best in Food, Fashion and Lifestyle Programming". tastetv.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  17. ^ "THE TASTE AWARDS, Honoring the Best in Food, Fashion and Lifestyle Programming". tastetv.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  18. ^ "'Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta' features first transgender bride". EW.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  19. ^ "'Say Yes' Star Lori's Daughter-in-Law Rejects Dress Picks: Too 'Prom Queen'". Us Weekly. 2016-02-27. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  20. ^ "First Look At Jessa Duggar Seewald In Say Yes To The Dress: Atlanta's New Season". CINEMABLEND. 2020-03-20. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  21. ^ "WATCH: Maid Of Honor Steps Way Out Of Line". HuffPost. 2012-04-12. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  22. ^ "Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids Premieres Tonight!". BridalGuide. 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  23. ^ Rothman, Lily (2012-04-20). "Tonight on TV: Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids". Time. ISSN 0040-781X. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  24. ^ "'Say Yes to the Dress' Star Lori Allen Reveals Breast Cancer Battle". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  25. ^ "Breast Cancer Survivor and Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta Star Lori Allen". Coping. 2013-11-28. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  26. ^ News, A. B. C. "Cancer Strikes 4 Times Before Bride Gets Wedding Dress". ABC News. Retrieved 2020-07-11. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  27. ^ "Lori Allen thanks her fans in updated Say Yes to the Cure: Lori's Fight Oct. 4 on TLC". Channel Guide Magazine. 2013-09-30. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  28. ^ News, A. B. C. "'Yes to Dress' Cancer Survivor: Support Crashed Store Computer". ABC News. Retrieved 2020-07-11. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  29. ^ ""Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta" star Lori Allen". www.bestselfatlanta.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  30. ^ "Say Yes to What's Next". Marketing Pages. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  31. ^ www.amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Say-Yes-Whats-Next-Elegance-ebook/dp/B081MT9QT1/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1593084481&refinements=p_27:Lori+Allen&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=Lori+Allen. Retrieved 2020-07-11. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  32. ^ "Lori Allen of "Say Yes to the Dress" Headlines Breast Cancer Awareness Event on Oct. 22". RWJBarnabas Health. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  33. ^ "Lori Allen thanks her fans in updated Say Yes to the Cure: Lori's Fight Oct. 4 on TLC". Channel Guide Magazine. 2013-09-30. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  34. ^ "Vice President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden Commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month". whitehouse.gov. 2012-10-25. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  35. ^ "Ribbon of Hope Luncheon & Speaker | KMC Foundation". ketteringhealth.org. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  36. ^ Evanoff, Savannah. "Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Ways you can help in October, beyond". Northwest Florida Daily News. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  37. ^ Makin, Cheryl. "'Say Yes to the Dress' star Lori Allen to headline RWJUH Somerset breast cancer event". MY CENTRAL JERSEY. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  38. ^ "Say Yes to Hope". Guideposts. 2012-12-17. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  39. ^ "'Say Yes to the Dress' Star Lori Allen Reveals Breast Cancer Battle". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  40. ^ Evanoff, Savannah. "'Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta's' Lori Allen to speak at event". Northwest Florida Daily News. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  41. ^ "Sunshine on a Ranney Day & Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta Team Up For Dream Bedroom Makeover". premieragencyinc.com.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  42. ^ "Say Yes to What's Next". Thomas Nelson. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  43. ^ "Relay for Life 2016". Bridals by Lori. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  44. ^ Grace. "What's Hot for Bridal 2016!". Florida Bride Magazine ®. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  45. ^ "Bridal Market: Rivini Runway Show". Lovella Bridal | Los Angeles Bridal Boutique. 2014-10-22. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  46. ^ Ho, Rodney. "Exclusive interview: Lori Allen broke ribs, nose, wrists from nasty fall after freak accident shooting "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta"". ajc. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  47. ^ Henderson, Cydney. "'Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta' star Lori Allen breaks both wrists after tripping on gown". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  48. ^ "'Say Yes to the Dress' star Lori Allen injured after tripping on wedding gown". TODAY.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  49. ^ Bacardi, Francesca (2019-04-04). "'Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta' star Lori Allen injured while filming show". Page Six. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  50. ^ "Say Yes to the Dress Star Lori Allen Breaks Wrist in 'Serious Fall' After Tripping on Gown Train While Filming". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  51. ^ Ho, Rodney. "Exclusive interview: Lori Allen broke ribs, nose, wrists from nasty fall after freak accident shooting "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta"". ajc. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  52. ^ admin (2019-12-18). "Southern Lady of the Year: Lori Allen of Say Yes to the Dress". Southern Lady Magazine. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
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