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FALL RIVER First Samantha Moniz said yes to Paul Pachecos proposal. Now shes saying yes to reality TV after her compelling story of losing more than 100 pounds landed her on the TLC network show Say Yes to the Dress.
The first week in March, Moniz will head to New York City for the filming of the episode at Kleinfeld Bridal. The show, which has been on the air since 2007, follows the staff and customers of the renowned bridal shop.
Im so excited. Its really a dream come true, said Fall River resident Moniz, adding shes been a huge fan of the show for years.
Me and my mom watch it all the time. ... I love seeing all the different characters, she said. Now Moniz and her mom, Sheila Moniz, will be on the show along with her aunt Lisa Gonsalves, her maid of honor Monica Daniel and bridesmaid Kelsey Raposa.
Moniz said shes excited to bring her story of losing 110 pounds over the past year to a national audience to inspire others. It all started last January when her weight was nearing 300 pounds. I felt like a prisoner in my own body, she said.
She started working out and learned how to eat through Weight Watchers. I became very conscious of what I put into my body," she said. "Now its a lifestyle."
Though she doesnt go to Weight Watchers anymore, she still counts points and posts her eating tips on her social media pages to inspire friends locally. I love motivating people. ... Im so glad I put myself first. I tell people you have to try to make time for yourself, said Moniz, who works as an early childhood educator at Children's Academy of Marion.
Nowadays, shes a huge fan of running and is in training for her first marathon in April. I run six days a week. I love it. Running is how I get out of my head, said Moniz, adding she has another 20 or so pounds to lose before the big day.
She's also working towards he bachelor's degree in psychology at Bridgewater State University and plans to graduate in May 2021.
She submitted the story of her weight loss through the Kleinfeld Bridal website and had a phone interview and a second video interview with the shows casting director. She found out she was accepted Wednesday.
Her future hubby, Pacheco, a New Bedford native, doesnt want to see the episode before their wedding Oct. 15, 2021, because he doesnt want to see his bride's dress before the wedding day. He believes that superstition that its bad luck, said Moniz.
Both big fans of all things Disney, he proposed to her in front of Cinderellas Castle at Magic Kingdom while on a vacation there.
For their honeymoon theyre adding to the Disney magic with a Disney cruise.
But the next step in her magical wedding journey will be the experience of being a part of TLCs Say Yes to the Dress next month.
I literally never thought I would get a call," said Moniz. "I hung up the first time because I thought it was fake and then (the casting director) called me back.
More:
Fall River woman says yes to the dress on TLC after 100-pound weight loss - Fall River Herald News
