By Sarah Plummer
Register-Herald Reporter
—
Monte Ray Durham may be preparing for the premiere of TLC’s new show “Say Yes to the Dress-Atlanta,” but his gratitude still lies with his supportive family and the Glade Springs community where he owns Salon M at Glade Springs Resort.
Being featured in WE’s “Platinum Weddings,” where he served as wedding stylist for Mollie Allen and Jason Surratt, “gave me the kick in the pants and put me in the right direction,” he said. “I am very fortunate to work with Lori,” from Bridals from Lori in Atlanta, he continued.
On “Platinum Weddings,” viewers got a small taste of what they can expect from the upcoming show on TLC. “They just captured one bride; we do that for each and every one,” Durham stated.
“Say Yes to the Dress-Atlanta” is being filmed at Bridals for Lori and viewers will get to watch a dynamic and experienced duo work with brides to ensure their special day is perfect. Durham confided that with Lori’s 30 years experience and knowledge, and his European training at the University of London, “it makes a very strong team.”
Durham most enjoys “being a part of a woman’s most important day.”
“I truly help them find the perfect dress by considering the wedding day, her age, time of the ceremony, her wants, needs, likes, dislikes and budget,” he said. Sometimes a girl will come in with an idea and Durham helps her solidify her dream.
In addition to helping a bride choose the special dress, Durham works as a fashion stylist and assists with all aspects of her appearance.
“I help with fit, style and class,” he said. “I help her to stand, sit and move in the dress, and can consult with her and the photographer about positioning for wedding portraits.”
Durham, as a trained hair stylist and make-up artist, works with the bride on those aspects. But he also stays on top of shoe and accessory trends. He stresses, however, that “at Bridals by Lori, we are not following bridal trends, we are setting them and are on top of the market.”
Durham is pleased and honored by his recent rise to fame.
“It has been crazy to be interviewed by The Washington Post’s Style Section and to be recognized coming through the airport,” he said.
Durham has also been interviewed as a bridal consultant for Elegant Bride, Washingtonian, Martha Stewart Living, Town and Country and In Style Magazine.
Next week a large red carpet event and gala will be held in Atlanta for the premiere of Durham’s new show.
“Who could have imagined that a guy from the hollows of West Virginia would be attending a red carpet event?” he said. “Let alone having one put on in his honor?”
The stylist said that West Virginia’s first lady, Gayle Manchin, received an invitation to the event and Durham was pleased to accept a personal call from her.
“Mrs. Manchin called me to let me know that she and the governor were very proud of me.”
With the death of Sen. Robert C. Byrd and Gov. Manchin’s plans to run for Senate, she does not know if she will be able to attend, Durham said of the first lady.
“The most amazing thing,” he said, “has been coming back to West Virginia after traveling and being so welcomed back into West Virginia and my own community.”
“Say Yes to the Dress-Atlanta” will air on TLC at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6. A special sneak peek will air at 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 30.
The season premiere, Durham said, will be a great show.
“We are going to give this bride a southern twist,” he promised.
— Email: splummer@register-herald.com
