To say weddings are a tough job would be a massive understatement. From choosing the location to choosing the flowers and the never-ending list of people you need to invite, this once-in-a-lifetime ceremony is something that needs years of planning. And while each detail needs to be perfect, there can be no mishaps when it comes to the wedding dress. After all, it is each girl’s dream to walk down the aisle with a perfect dress. Centered around bridal dresses the reality television series “Say Yes to the Dress” focuses on Bridals by Lori, one of the largest and busiest bridal salons in the United States. Hosted by proprietor Lori Allen, the series goes out of its way to realize the wants of each bride. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Lori Allen who is an American businessperson, television personality, and author.

List of Contents

Upbringing

Lori Allen was born on August 11, 1959, in Georgia, USA. She belongs to Scottish ancestry and is proud of her heritage. Her parents are Elliot Denniberg and Martha Manning, who raised her with love and support. Allen has not revealed much information about her siblings, if any.

Allen grew up in Atlanta, where she developed a passion for fashion and had a huge interest in modeling.  She was a bright and ambitious student and excelled in her studies. After graduating from a local high school she pursued a degree in business from Columbia College in Carolina, graduating in 1980.

Setting out

Allen had a vision of creating her own bridal salon that would cater to the needs and dreams of every bride. Right after her graduation in 1980, she went back to Atlanta. Scrapping her dreams of being a model, she started working on the blueprint for Bridals by Lori. She launched the boutique on the 27th of December 1980.  She was only 21 years old at the time, making her one of the youngest entrepreneurs in the industry. Over the years, Allen has seen both successes and failures in her business. But she persevered and made Bridals by Lori one of the busiest bridal salons, which is visited by more than 10,000 brides annually. She gradually opened shops in numerous locations and was soon approached by the executive producers of the TLC network. 

Television Career

Since 2010, Allen has been the star of the hit reality TV show Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, which airs on TLC and follows the stories of brides-to-be who visit her salon in search of their perfect gown. Along with her trusted sidekick and bridal consultant Monte Durham, Allen guides the brides through the emotional and sometimes challenging process of choosing a dress that suits their style, budget, and personality. She also offers her expert advice on accessories, alterations, and etiquette, while dealing with the opinions and expectations of the bride’s entourage. The show was an instant hit and spawned a spin-off, Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids, which focuses on the challenges of dressing the bridal party. Allen uses her platform to inspire and empower women of all ages, shapes, and backgrounds to embrace their beauty and confidence.

Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment

In April 2012, Allen’s life took an unexpected turn when she went for a routine mammogram and received the devastating news that she had breast cancer. She decided to share her journey with the public in hopes of raising awareness and inspiring other women facing the same challenge. She allowed TLC to film a special episode called Say Yes to the Cure: Lori’s Fight, which aired on October 26, 2012. In the episode, she tearfully broke the news to her staff and family, and prepared for a double mastectomy and several surgeries.

Allen did not let her illness stop her from doing what she loved. She continued to work at the salon and appear on the show. She also received tremendous support from her husband Eddie, her son Cory, her daughter Mollie, and her co-workers, especially Monte, who stepped up to run the bridesmaids’ floor while she was out. She also relied on her faith and her positive outlook to cope with the physical and emotional pain of cancer.

After a year of treatment, Allen was declared cancer-free in 2013. She celebrated by throwing a party at her salon and inviting all the people who helped her along the way. She also donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a breast cancer organization.

Since then, Lori has continued to be an advocate for breast cancer awareness and prevention. She encourages women to get regular mammograms and check-ups, and to seek help if they notice any changes in their breasts.

Accident & Injuries

In April 2019, Allen was filming the 11th season of ‘Say Yes to Dress’ at her store in the Sandy Springs community of Atlanta. She was walking out of the scene when she slipped on the train of gown that blended in with the hardwood floor. She fell flat on her face, losing consciousness for a few seconds. She woke up to find herself bleeding from her nose and forehead, and feeling excruciating pain in her wrists and ribs. She was rushed to the hospital, where she learned that she had broken both of her wrists, two ribs, and her nose. She also had two black eyes. She underwent surgery to repair her wrists and nose. It is not clear how long exactly it took her to recover, but she returned to her work next month and shared the news on her Instagram post on May 7.

On her recovery process, she said was ‘long and involved’ and she had osteoporosis which made her bones weak. She also said she used the recovery period to rest, heal, and rehabilitate, and that she felt peaceful and focused on her next chapter.

More Endeavors

Allen is not only a successful businesswoman and TV personality, but also a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and breast cancer survivor. She has written books about her life and career: Say Yes to What’s Next: How to Age with Elegance and Class While Never Losing Your Beauty and Sass (2020). She is also a motivational speaker and a philanthropist who supports various causes related to women’s health, education, and empowerment.

Net Worth

Lori Allen is a successful businesswoman, television personality, and author who has an estimated net worth of $20 million. She is the founder and CEO of Bridals by Lori, a 25,000-square-foot salon in Atlanta. She owns several cars and a luxurious 6,000-square-foot house in Atlanta which is designed in French Farmhouse style. The house features a master & other bedrooms, several bathrooms, a spacious living room, a gourmet kitchen, a formal dining room, a home office, a gym, and a wine cellar. The house is decorated with elegant furniture, colorful artwork, and personal memorabilia from Lori’s career and travels. Lori loves to entertain guests in her beautiful backyard, which has a pool, a hot tub, a fire pit, and a gazebo.

Lori is known for her exquisite taste in fashion and jewelry and often shares photos of her glamorous outfits and accessories on her social media accounts.

Personal Life

Never been divorced! Married to Longtime husband

Lori Allen has never been divorced and shares conjugal life with her longtime husband Eddie Allen. She met Eddie Allen when they were both college students in 1977. They fell in love and got married in 1979, starting their journey together as a young couple. They faced many challenges and joys along the way, but they never gave up on each other or their dreams.

Lori always had a passion for bridal fashion and opened her own salon, Bridals by Lori, in 1980. She worked hard to make her business grow and become one of the largest bridal boutiques in the country. She also became a television personality. She used her platform to inspire and empower women, especially those who were battling breast cancer like herself.

Lori was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and underwent a double mastectomy and several surgeries to treat it. She bravely shared her story with the public and became an advocate for breast cancer awareness and research.

Lori’s greatest joy and support come from her family. She and Eddie have two children, Cory and Mollie, who are both married and have children of their own. Lori loves being a grandmother to her four grandchildren, who call her Lolo. She enjoys spending time with them and spoiling them with gifts and treats. She also cherishes her relationship with Eddie, who has been her partner for over 40 years. They still make each other laugh and keep the romance alive.

Lori Allen is a woman who has said yes to many things in her life: yes to love, yes to business, yes to television, yes to survival, yes to faith, yes to family. And she is not done yet. She is always ready to say yes to what’s next.

Physical Traits & Dressing Style

Lori Allen is a radiant woman who exudes confidence and charm. She has blonde hair that falls past her shoulders, framing her expressive face. She has brown eyes, about 5 feet 5 inches stature and a slender figure that she maintains with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Lori Allen’s dressing style reflects her personality and passion for bridal fashion. She favors elegant and feminine outfits that flatter her figure and showcases her taste. She likes to wear bright colors, such as pink, purple, and turquoise, that complement her fair complexion and blonde hair. She also accessorizes with pearls, diamonds, and other sparkling jewelry that add some glamour and sophistication to her look. She is always well-groomed and polished, with flawless makeup and manicured nails.

Personality Traits

Lori Allen is a Leo who shines with creativity, passion, and generosity. Born on 11 August 1959, she embodies the spirit of the Lion, the king of the Zodiac. She is a trailblazer in her field, a successful businesswoman, and a courageous advocate for breast cancer awareness. She loves to be in the spotlight, to have fun with her friends, and to indulge in luxurious things. She expects to be respected and admired by others, and does not tolerate being ignored or challenged. She can be arrogant and stubborn at times, but she is also warm-hearted, cheerful, and humorous. She has a flair for drama and a regal presence that captivates her audience. She is loyal and honest to her loved ones, but she can also be jealous and possessive. Lori Allen is a Leo who lives up to her zodiac sign.

Wiki/Bio Facts

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