T
his is a fairy tale about a mid-life love
story between two people. Meet the bride,
formerly Julie Hurst, CEO of the Emerald
Coast Children’s Advocacy (ECCAC), and
now Julie Porterfield, wife of the love of her life, Les
Porterfield. For months before the wedding, Julie
always asked everyone…”Do you know I’m getting
married?” Then they had their blissful wedding day on
June 24 last year at Christ the King Episcopal Church
in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
And, through a very special wedding present, Julie
was given the gift of a Kleinfeld wedding dress by
long-time ECCAC supporter, Amy Rogers, who is
the Consulting Producer for the TV reality show on
TLC, Say Yes To The Dress. Amy is the widow of TV
star Wayne Rogers, who himself was a supporter and
advocate of ECCAC over the years.
Two months before the wedding, the bride-to-be
at the time flew to New York City with her son, Lee,
for the ultimate bridal gown experience. One of the
principal owners of the Kleinfeld Bridal shop that is
featured in the TV show, Ronnie Rothstein, arranged
to have Julie work with his best wedding consultant,
Debbie Asprea. Julie picked out the most beautiful
designer wedding gown one could imagine. It was a
perfect fit for the beautiful bride. In this case, it was
Julie and her son Lee who got to say “yes to the dress”.
Rothstein was excited about having Julie at his store
and commented, “She has a heart of gold. In life, it’s
about feeling good doing something for someone who
does so much for other people. We had a special time
with Julie.”
Julie said they were treated like royalty in New York.
“They gave me not only the amazing dress, but a never
to be forgotten memorable time with my son Lee. I’ll
forever be thankful to Amy Rogers, Ronnie Rothstein,
Debbie Asprea, and everyone at Kleinfeld’s.”
Fast forward from the New York City back to Florida.
The bride and groom’s big day happened with many
relatives and friends in attendance at the beautiful
and romantic ceremony, followed by a reception at the
church. All in all, it was a special day for everyone.
And, as they say, the bride and groom lived happily
ever after; The perfect ending to a fairytale romance.
Did you know I got married?
story & photo by
Kay Phelan
Wedding Profile
Say Yes to the Dress
30 | VIPDestinMagazine.com
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12/27/17 8:52 AM