The GirlZ, a Celebration

The Girlz: Inspiration with a touch of Glam!

Celebrating A New Year, Celebrating Women, Celebrating Life!

Vanessa Spurlock took a gamble one day and called Tiffanys Bridal. Becki, our office manager, answered the phone and Vanessa asked her an unusual question. 

“She wanted to know if we let people borrow our gowns,” Becki said. “Typically that’s not something we do, but I asked her to explain a bit more because something told me there was more to this request. I’m so glad I did. It was a message from above that we needed to do this.”

It turned out Vanessa was asking on behalf of a special group of cancer survivors who wanted to obtain beautiful gowns for holiday photos. Becki consulted owner/manager Sharon, and it was a no-brainer. Very quickly plans were made for what would turn out to be an unforgettable photo shoot thanks to Rachael of Rachael Mattio Photography, who graciously volunteered at the last-minute to capture it all. 

“We wanted a way to celebrate us! To show that even in the midst of all of our changes — mentally, physically and emotionally — that we are still beautiful,” Vanessa said. “Becki, Sharon and the Tiffanys staff have shown us that we are not limited to how the world says we should look and there is something at Tiffanys for everyone in all shapes and sizes.”

Vanessa and her friends, Shannon Beasley, Kisha Morgan and Tonya Campbell are all breast cancer survivors. Shannon is a two-time survivor (first diagnosed with cervical cancer) and Tonya is BRCA+ and now knows the breast cancer gene mutation is also carried by her aunt, sister, and niece. 

After having been diagnosed in 2015 and 2016, Shannon and Kisha became members of a local support group. Vanessa, diagnosed in 2017, and Tonya, diagnosed in 2018, found their way to this group. They bonded and a unique circle of friends was formed. They dubbed themselves “The Girlz.” 

The Girlz met Tiffanys stylist Paige during their initial fitting for the photo shoot. Upon learning that Paige is a breast cancer survivor as well, they adopted her and asked her to join in on the photo shoot! Sharon, Becki, the Tiffanys staff, and fabulous photographer Rachael were all thrilled to be along for the ride, enjoying the the vivacious spirit of the fun-loving group.  

“Of course we love to play dress-up here,” Sharon said, “but something altogether magical happened when we got the opportunity to provide a meaningful experience for such a lovely group of ladies. 

“They have been through so much, but they have found the strength to support each other through it all. They’ve also put themselves out there as an example of hope to others and an expression of beauty without boundaries. With so many layers of courage, how could they not be inspirational? I’m grateful we got the call and proud to share their story with others.” 

Outside of the monthly meetings that started their friendship, the Girlz found ways to connect and began to make an impact on each other’s lives.

“We met because of this disease, but we are more than cancer,” Vanessa said.

What started as a support circle turned into lunches and dinners, day trips, walks in the park, and even quarantine couldn’t keep them apart — they had zoom conference calls that included painting events, movie nights, workout sessions and dance parties to stay connected.

Over the years these ladies have celebrated each other’s lives and the blessings in each of their lives, including family graduations, employment opportunities, and even when both Vanessa and Tonya became authors!

“We didn’t want to allow our diagnosis to defeat us,” Vanessa said. “We put our words to paper so that our outlook may help someone else on this journey.”

Shared faith also deepened their connection to one another, and gave them strength to encourage each other during the tough times, including surgeries, family illness and the loss of loved ones. It was in these moments that their diagnosis brought forth more than friendship; they became family!

Although very close in age, Tonya (49) was the last to be diagnosed and constantly reminds them that she’s the baby of the group with Shannon (47), Kisha (52) and Vanessa (54) as her big sisters.

“Not because she’s the youngest; but, she has stated many times that we took her in under our wings,” said Vanessa. “I may be the oldest, or, as they may say ‘the bossy one,’ but I own it and I look out for my sisters.” 

The Girlz all said they loved every minute of the shoot, and their light shines through in Rachael’s gorgeous images. Vanessa said she was so glad she took the leap of faith and reached out, not only because it was a great experience for the Girlz personally, but because they can share it with others.

“Yes we are survivors, but we are also wives, mothers, sisters and daughters,” Vanessa said. “We are beautiful, we are blessed, and we are family! We shine and we are an inspiration; we are your everyday woman!”

📸 Photos by Rachael Mattio Photography | @rachaelmattiophotography | Use the arrows or watch it scroll below to view all the photos from the shoot!