7 Surprising Secrets From Candace Cameron Bure's 1996 Wedding And 28-Year Marriage

Few Hollywood romances stand the test of time, but Candace Cameron Bure and Valeri Bure have built a rock-solid foundation that has endured for nearly three decades. Their journey began with a chance encounter orchestrated by a beloved sitcom co-star, leading to a 1996 wedding that cemented one of the most enduring partnerships in entertainment and professional sports history. As of late 2024, the couple continues to share fresh, candid details about the true "secrets" to their longevity, proving that even a seemingly perfect Hollywood marriage requires constant work, faith, and a commitment to overcoming "deep brokenness."

The story of the *Full House* star marrying an NHL hockey player is a fairy tale, but the reality of their 28+ year marriage is far more complex and inspiring. From a whirlwind courtship to navigating career shifts and raising three children, the Bure family offers a rare glimpse into the persistent effort required to maintain a lasting bond in the public eye. This is a deep dive into the little-known details of their wedding day and the candid, recent revelations that keep their relationship fresh and relevant today.

Candace Cameron Bure & Valeri Bure: A Dual Biography

The foundation of their relationship is built on two distinct, highly successful careers that converged in the mid-90s. Understanding their individual paths provides context for the powerhouse couple they became.

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Candace Helaine Cameron Bure (Wife)

• Born: April 6, 1976, in Panorama City, California.
• Career: Actress, producer, author, and former talk show panelist.
• Notable Roles: D.J. Tanner on *Full House* (1987–1995) and *Fuller House* (2016–2020), various lead roles in Hallmark and Great American Family (GAF) Christmas movies, and co-host on *The View* (2015–2016).
• Family: Younger sister of actor Kirk Cameron.
• Spouse: Valeri Bure (m. 1996).
• Children: Natasha Bure (b. 1998), Lev Bure (b. 2000), and Maksim Bure (b. 2002).
• Core Entities: D.J. Tanner, Full House, Fuller House, Hallmark, GAF, Kirk Cameron, The View.

Valeri Vladimirovich Bure (Husband)

• Born: June 13, 1974, in Moscow, Russia (then USSR).
• Career: Former professional ice hockey right winger.
• NHL Career: Played 10 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted 33rd overall in 1992 by the Montreal Canadiens. Also played for the Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, and Dallas Stars.
• International Success: Represented Russia, winning a silver medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics and a bronze medal at the 1994 World Junior Championships.
• Family: Younger brother of NHL Hall of Famer Pavel Bure.
• Post-NHL Career: Co-founded Bure Family Wines in Napa Valley with Candace.
• Core Entities: NHL, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, Pavel Bure, 1998 Winter Olympics, Bure Family Wines.

Inside the 1996 Wedding: From First Date to 'I Do'

The story of how Candace and Valeri met is pure Hollywood magic, thanks to a beloved *Full House* cast member who played matchmaker. The wedding day itself was a significant pop culture event, marking the first of the Tanner sisters to officially tie the knot.

The Matchmaker: Uncle Joey’s Role

The couple's entire relationship arc began with a simple introduction by actor Dave Coulier, who played Uncle Joey on *Full House*. Candace, then 18, was attending a charity hockey game in Los Angeles in 1994 with Coulier and co-star Lori Loughlin (Aunt Becky). Coulier, a huge hockey fan, introduced Candace to Valeri, then a rising star with the Montreal Canadiens.

The connection was immediate. Valeri, who spoke little English at the time, was instantly smitten with the young actress. After just four months of dating, the couple was engaged in Paris.

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The Big Day: June 22, 1996

Candace Cameron married Valeri Bure on June 22, 1996, in a celebration attended by family, friends, and the entire *Full House* cast. The actress was just 20 years old at the time, with Valeri being 22. While the specific location has been kept relatively private over the years, the event was a major Hollywood-meets-NHL affair.

Details confirmed from the day include the presence of her older brother, Kirk Cameron, who was pictured giving her a squeeze. The wedding was a reunion for the *Full House* family, who watched their eldest TV daughter start her new life.

The Infamous Guest Drama

One of the most talked-about moments from the wedding, revealed years later, involved Candace’s on-screen sister, Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner). Sweetin, who was only 14 at the time, later revealed that the wedding was the first time she ever got "blackout drunk". This candid confession highlights the real-life struggles and personal dramas that were unfolding behind the scenes for the young cast, even on a day of celebration.

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The Real 'Secret' to 28+ Years of Marriage

In recent years, Candace has been more open than ever about the realities of her long-term marriage, pushing back against the idea that it’s been a perfect, effortless journey. Her candid revelations, especially in 2024, have provided a fresh, and sometimes controversial, perspective on marriage advice.

Overcoming 'Deep Brokenness'

In multiple interviews in 2024, Candace has spoken candidly about a "rough season" and a period of "deep brokenness" that she and Valeri navigated early in their marriage. She attributes their ability to heal and restore their relationship to their shared Christian faith. This honesty about marital struggles offers a more relatable and modern view of a celebrity marriage, emphasizing that longevity is often the result of hard work and forgiveness, not just initial chemistry.

The Importance of 'Spicy' Connection

Candace has also been notably open about the need to keep the romance alive. She has repeatedly cited a "spicy" and active sex life as a key component of their enduring bond. This emphasis on physical intimacy, alongside emotional and spiritual connection, is a central piece of the marriage advice she frequently shares, highlighting a holistic approach to a healthy partnership.

The Simple Rule: Respect and Prioritization

When asked for the ultimate marriage secret, Candace often points to a simple, practical rule: prioritize your spouse. She stresses that while they are still learning every day, their commitment to putting each other first—before children, careers, or friends—has been non-negotiable. This belief in an "old-school" approach to marriage has become a hallmark of her public persona and a cornerstone of their relationship’s success.

The Bure Legacy: Family and Future

The Bure family has grown significantly since the 1996 wedding. They are proud parents to three children: Natasha, Lev, and Maksim. Their children have also entered the public eye, with Natasha following her mother into acting and singing, and Lev recently getting married in 2024.

Beyond their personal lives, the couple has merged their passions into a joint business venture, Bure Family Wines, located in Napa Valley. This collaboration demonstrates a successful transition from their respective careers—acting and professional hockey—into a shared, long-term project.

As they look forward to their 30th anniversary of meeting in August 2024, Candace and Valeri Bure remain a testament to the power of commitment. Their wedding was the beginning of a public yet deeply personal journey that continues to inspire fans, proving that a celebrity marriage, when rooted in faith, communication, and mutual effort, can truly last a lifetime.