Mother-to-Daughter Bridal Contest:
Our Winner!
"She is not just my mom—she has been a mother to literally hundreds of kids who came to her home daycare center over the past 26 years, as well as all my friends without good home lives. She still finds the strength to help each one of those kids while battling her own terminal cancer. She will probably pass away before my wedding day, but she started a hope chest for me when she was first diagnosed with cancer two years ago and she has been adding to it ever since—putting in cards and accessories for the big day." —Chrissy Palmer, Columbia, Mo.
"My mother is my idol. Everyone in my family calls her superwoman. She is my rock. My father died when I was 9 years old, and since then she has taken the role of both parents. She is truly the best friend I have ever had. I love her more than words can say. I was married this past October. Now in September my mom is getting married and I will be her matron of honor!" —Alicia Larock, Hazelton, Pa.
"My relationship with my mother is so special because of all of the little things we do for each other. I helped her laugh when she battled cancer, and she made my fiancé’s birthday special while I was deployed to Iraq. It's these little gestures that make me realize how special our relationship is." —Kristen Petruccelli, Dundalk, Md.
"My relationship with my mom is so special because she never tried to be my best friend—and I think that’s one of the reasons why we are so close today. My dad and mom got married at a courthouse, so they never had a big wedding. My mom just keeps telling me to take my time and enjoy the experience of planning a wedding. She wants me to take a moment at my reception to see everyone dancing and smiling and just take it in!" —Melissa Garza, Crown Point, Ind.
"My mom and I are like sisters. We can cry, laugh, gossip, give advice, analyze, dream, plan, stress and be blunt with each other. We can always be completely honest with one another and know that we won't be judged. We are always supportive and would do anything for each other." —Elizabeth Jackson, Nashville, Tenn.
"I am turning into my mother more and more each day, and I’m happy about that. She is a role model, and I am excited to follow in her footsteps. She has taught me to be happy with my life and the people who are in it. My mom and I are planning my entire wedding together. We are both artists, and I look forward to merging our artistic styles for my wedding." —Ariel Mollick, New York, N.Y.
"My mother stayed home and raised five children while our family moved all over the country—and even across the Atlantic to England—for my dad’s job. In August 2007, she was diagnosed with leukemia, and six months later we lost my father to sudden heart failure. Despite her illness, Mom has always kept our big family together even though we are spread across three states and two continents! I know she can't wait to welcome my fiancé into our family when he returns from his Army tour in Afghanistan this fall." —Rachel Evans, Sierra Vista, Ariz.
"My mother has been through so much in the past year, including a separation from my father and her own father's diagnosis of lung cancer. We have been there for each other through these hard times, and now with the joyous news of my engagement, I want her to feel special. We are so close, and she means everything to me. I know planning a wedding will be stressful for her, and I just want her to have the opportunity to pamper herself." —Christina Sagar, Athens, Ohio
"My mother has seen me through some trying times, and now she will see me through the most special day in my life. I truly think that our relationship is unique because we both learn from each other. It takes a strong woman to learn from her daughter. She is always on my side, and I can only hope that if I have a daughter, she can learn from our relationship. My mother and father have been married for 47 years, and she has truly shown me the best example of a successful marriage." —Cady Farris, Pompano, Fla.
"The special woman I call Mom is more than just my mother. She is my best friend, my mentor and someone I admire. She is a strong, smart and loving woman, and I hope I can one day be half the mother she is to me. Traditionally a father walks his daughter down the aisle. However, my father passed away almost two years ago from a heart attack. My mother will be the one who walks me down the aisle. We will walk hand in hand, and it will truly be a moment to remember." —Danielle Luther, Pikeville, Ky.
"When I was 13 years old I found out that my mom was not my biological mother. I never questioned the love and care she gave me, and I would never want to replace it or ask for anything more. I have been with my fiancé for 14 years, and our family has been hoping that we’d get married soon. My mother always says, ‘Don’t only hope, but have faith in the people who we love and care for.’" —Sheryl Bisarra, Tigard, Ore.
"My mother understands my heart. She supported me through my darkest days of depression, listened to me read great literature out loud to her so I could comprehend it better and saw me off on my plane to France to fulfill one of my biggest dreams. My mother tells me to never compare my wedding dreams and budget with anyone else’s. She says that no matter how little money my fiancé and I might have now, our wedding will be perfect for us and our marriage will be special because we are deeply loved." —Kaley Hawk, Pasco, Wash.
"My mother is my best friend. When my father left our family, she took the reins and quickly took on challenges she had never faced before. She's simply incredible—supermom. My mom always keeps a positive attitude and inspires me to do the same." —Vanessa Rivera, Orlando, Fla.
"My mother is a survivor of three strokes. Every day that I get to hear her voice or spend time with her is a blessing. She is a strong woman and an inspiration to me. My mom has always been my biggest fan. Whether it was my dying my hair purple at 14 or wanting to go to art school at 18, she has always supported me. The best advice she’s given me as a bride is to be true to myself and don’t let go of what makes me unique." —Katie Rice, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
