I said YES!
South African Amy Fox takes us inside Say Yes To The Dress Dubai
In my daydreams, I am on the bridal podium in the most beautiful gown that a seamstress ever wept over. The host gently turns me to face the mirror and my eyes well up with huge, anime tears. I look like a princess! My entourage of frenemies is stunned to silence. My mother acts like I won an Oscar, married a doctor and gave birth to a president. Somewhere, far away, my future husband wonders why he’s started to sweat…
Alas, so far that dream hasn’t come true for most Say Yes To The Dress fans. But for Dubai-based South African health and fitness expert Amy Fox, it has. Viewers can see her in episode 4 (on DStv Catch Up now) of Say Yes To The Dress Dubai (SYTTDD), Tuesdays on TLC (*135) at 20:00. Superfans Amy and her mom Carmen leapt at the chance to be on the show. “The show contacted me, and I couldn’t believe it. It was a no-brainer for me. It will always be a special show for us – especially now that we’re on it!” says a thrilled Amy.
Amy had her consultation with the show in late September 2021, and ever since then she’s been sitting on her secret. “Our wedding is set for 15
October 2022. The countdown is officially on again, after having to postpone due to COVID,” she says. Now she’s giving us a sneak peek at the action…
I DO, I DO, I DO
How did you prepare? I was a bit nervous before coming on the show. I brought my mom and it was the best decision I could’ve made, because she doesn’t hold back her thoughts. It was helpful having her there for support, and her opinion is very important to me. The production team wanted me to be as open and honest as possible and try to forget about the camera crew around us, which was way easier than I thought it was going to be because the crew made us feel relaxed as soon as we entered the bridal store. Before going into my appointment, I sent the team some dress inspo ideas so they could see my style before I arrived. This really helped! But for any future brides trying on gowns: Definitely have an open mind about trying on different styles. You never know what you may end up falling in love with! What kind of vibe did you want with your wedding reception dress? I was looking for something flowy, easy to move and dance in, light and comfortable. I went in with an open mind, so I was quite flexible. But one thing I really wanted was for my dress to be comfortable! What surprised you during the process?
Even though this was the second dress I was shopping for, I felt emotional trying it on. I didn’t expect that at all! When the veil went on, it’s such a real, heartfelt moment. I remember thinking, “Wow, I’m really doing this. I’m really getting married!” And I’ve always been slightly worried that I’ll look muscular in my wedding dress, but I was really happy to see how feminine I looked in all the dresses. What did you think of your episode? My mom, dad and fiancé all watched it together and I love our episode. My mom is usually so shy in front of the camera, but you would never have said that. I was so proud of her!
How often do you sneak a peek at your dresses? I have my wedding dress at home, kept in my cupboard – which is off-bounds to my fiancé! When
I’m home alone, I sometimes just put it on for fun and dance around the house. It gets me so excited for the big day! My reception dress is still at the bridal store. We have our last fitting relatively soon to look forward to. What’s it been like holding onto your dress secret for so long? It was a challenge! Usually this would be something I’d call my friends about straight away, so it was difficult keeping it from them… But also so worth their reaction when I finally got to tell them!
• Say Yes To The Dress Dubai season 1 is building to a Box Set and all episodes will be available on Catch Up until Tuesday 26 July.