When we think of long-lasting celebrity relationships, Candace Cameron Bure and Valeri Bure often come to mind. On the outside, their love story seems solid—25 years of marriage, three children, and a shared commitment to faith and family. But even the strongest relationships face storms. In a recent heartfelt revelation, Candace shared that there was a period in her marriage she truly didn’t think they’d survive.
Let’s take a deeper look at what she called a “rough season,” how they pushed through it, and what we can all learn from their real, raw journey of love, struggle, and resilience.
Who Are Candace and Valeri Bure?
Candace Cameron Bure rose to fame playing DJ Tanner on Full House and later reprised the role in Fuller House. Off-screen, she’s a bestselling author, producer, and outspoken Christian.
Valeri Bure, a former NHL star, met Candace through her Full House co-star Dave Coulier. The couple married in 1996, just a year after meeting, and built a family rooted in love, faith, and teamwork.
The Truth Behind the “Perfect Couple” Label
1. Instagram Isn’t the Whole Story
Candace often shares sweet posts about Valeri, celebrating anniversaries, date nights, and family milestones. But social media is a highlight reel—it doesn’t always show the messy middle.
2. Every Marriage Has Hidden Struggles
In her own words, Candace revealed, “There was a season when I was like, ‘We might not make it.’” That honesty cuts through the illusion of perfection and reminds us that even the most enduring relationships face real battles.
What Caused the Rough Season?
3. Life Changes and Personal Growth
While Candace didn’t go into detail about the exact triggers, she emphasized that marriages evolve. Sometimes, that evolution isn’t in sync. Personal growth, career shifts, parenting stress, and communication breakdowns can all lead to emotional distance.
4. Clashing Personalities
She’s admitted that she and Valeri are very different in how they handle conflict. Valeri tends to be quieter and more reserved, while Candace is outspoken and expressive. That dynamic, while balanced in some ways, can cause tension in hard seasons.
How They Made It Through
5. Faith Was the Foundation
One thing Candace never wavers on is her faith. During this challenging time, she turned to prayer and scripture, believing that commitment means sticking together not just when it’s easy—but especially when it’s hard.
6. Counseling and Communication
Though she didn’t confirm attending marriage counseling, Candace strongly advocates for it. Many couples benefit from having a third party help them unpack resentment, rebuild trust, and communicate effectively.
7. Choosing to Stay In the Fight
Marriage isn’t about feelings—it’s about choice. Candace and Valeri chose to stay, to fight for each other, and to reconnect even when it felt impossible. That decision, she says, made all the difference.
Lessons From Their Marriage Struggles
8. It’s Okay to Admit You’re Struggling
Candace’s vulnerability breaks the stigma around talking about marital challenges. So many couples suffer in silence, thinking no one else understands.
9. Long-Term Love Takes Work
We romanticize the “happily ever after” narrative, but real love—lasting love—requires effort, humility, and lots of grace. Their story proves that love can grow deeper after hardship.
10. Growth Can Come From Pain
Candace says the rough patch actually strengthened their bond. It forced them to be honest, to reset, and to rediscover what drew them to each other in the first place.
How Their Story Is Inspiring Others
11. Encouraging Real Talk About Marriage
By being open, Candace is empowering others to normalize relationship struggles. It’s not a sign of failure—it’s a sign you’re still in it, still fighting, still hoping.
12. A Public Platform With a Private Message
While she’s a celebrity, her message is deeply personal and universally relatable: marriage is beautiful, but it’s not always easy—and that’s okay.
What Can Couples Learn From This?
13. Don’t Be Afraid of Hard Conversations
Sweeping problems under the rug doesn’t work. You’ve got to sit down, talk it out, and sometimes just listen—even when it’s uncomfortable.
14. Stay Rooted in Your “Why”
When things get hard, go back to the beginning. Why did you choose this person? What do you love about them? Remembering your “why” can ground you when everything feels shaky.
15. Weathering Storms Creates Stronger Marriages
Every couple will hit turbulence. What matters is how you hold on during the chaos—and how you come out stronger on the other side.
Candace’s Advice to Struggling Couples
Candace often shares that grace, patience, and forgiveness are crucial. No one is perfect. Love isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being committed, even in the mess.
Conclusion: Love Is Not a Fairytale—It’s a Fight Worth Fighting
Candace Cameron Bure’s story is a reminder that even the couples who seem to have it all struggle behind the scenes. But struggle doesn’t mean failure—it means you’re human. And when two people are willing to keep choosing each other, day after day, that’s where real love lives.
Candace and Valeri’s marriage isn’t perfect—it’s real. And that’s far more powerful than any fairytale.
FAQs
1. What year did Candace and Valeri Bure get married?
They got married in 1996, just over a year after meeting through Dave Coulier.
2. How many children do they have?
The couple has three children—Natasha, Lev, and Maksim.
3. What is the biggest takeaway from Candace’s story?
That marriage takes ongoing work and that enduring love is built through seasons of struggle, not just joy.
4. Did Candace go to therapy during her marriage struggles?
While she hasn’t confirmed therapy, she strongly supports counseling as a healthy tool for couples.
5. How long have Candace and Valeri been together now?
As of 2025, they’ve been married for 29 years and continue to grow together.
