A ‘Full House’ of Love
When you think of Full House, you probably picture laughter, hugs, and heartwarming family moments. But for actress Candace Cameron Bure, the beloved sitcom didn’t just give her a career — it gave her a love story for the ages.
In a recent interview, Candace opened up about the incredible way she met her husband, Valeri Bure, and how it all began thanks to none other than her Full House co-star, Dave Coulier (a.k.a. Uncle Joey).
Yes, you read that right — one of the show’s funniest guys turned out to be a real-life Cupid!
The Matchmaker: Dave Coulier Steps In
It all started in the mid-1990s, when Candace was still starring as D.J. Tanner on Full House and enjoying her success as one of America’s favorite teen stars.
Dave Coulier, who played the lovable Uncle Joey, attended a charity hockey game where he met a young, talented Russian hockey player named Valeri Bure.
And that’s when inspiration struck.
Coulier, seeing potential sparks, decided to play matchmaker. He thought Candace and Valeri would hit it off — and boy, was he right.
As Candace later shared, “Dave introduced us, and the rest is history.”
Love at First Sight: The Sparks Fly
When Candace met Valeri for the first time, something just clicked. There was instant chemistry — a connection that felt effortless and real.
“From the moment we met, I knew there was something different about him,” Candace recalled. “He had this kindness and warmth that stood out immediately.”
The two hit it off so well that their romance blossomed quickly. Within a year, they were head over heels — proving that sometimes, love really does happen when you least expect it.
Who Is Valeri Bure? A Quick Look at Candace’s Husband
Valeri Bure isn’t just a charming husband — he’s also a former professional hockey player who had an impressive career in the NHL.
Born in Moscow, Russia, Valeri came to North America as a teenager to pursue his hockey dreams. He played for several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Florida Panthers.
His dedication to his sport matched Candace’s dedication to her craft — and that shared drive became a cornerstone of their relationship.
A Hollywood Love Story That Lasted
In a world where celebrity marriages often crumble under the spotlight, Candace and Valeri’s love story stands out as something truly rare — genuine, enduring, and grounded.
The couple tied the knot on June 22, 1996, and more than two decades later, they’re still going strong.
Candace often shares glimpses of their relationship on social media, from anniversary celebrations to sweet throwback photos, always reminding fans that true love takes work — and it’s worth it.
Dave Coulier’s Reaction: “I’ll Take Credit!”
When asked about his role in Candace’s love story, Dave Coulier jokingly said, “Yeah, I’ll take credit for that!”
And honestly, he deserves it. Without that charity hockey game introduction, Candace and Valeri’s paths might never have crossed.
Candace herself has expressed deep gratitude toward her former co-star for setting her up. “If it weren’t for Dave, I don’t know if Val and I would’ve ever met,” she said.
Balancing Hollywood and Home Life
Despite being a well-known actress, Candace Cameron Bure has always prioritized her family above fame.
After getting married, she took a step back from acting to focus on raising their three children — Natasha, Lev, and Maksim. She’s been vocal about her faith and her belief in maintaining strong family values, no matter how busy life gets.
Her decision paid off. Candace built a beautiful balance between her career and motherhood, later returning to TV through projects like Fuller House and Hallmark Channel movies — with her family cheering her on every step of the way.
The Secret to Their Long-Lasting Marriage
So what’s the secret to Candace and Valeri’s nearly three-decade marriage? According to Candace, it’s all about faith, respect, and laughter.
“Marriage isn’t always easy, but we keep choosing each other,” she shared in an interview. “We put God at the center of our relationship, and that’s what holds us together.”
She’s also quick to point out that keeping things lighthearted — much like Uncle Joey taught her — is key to staying connected.
Why Fans Love Candace and Valeri’s Relationship
Fans adore Candace and Valeri not just because they’re a Hollywood power couple, but because they’re real. They talk openly about their ups and downs, showing that love isn’t about perfection — it’s about perseverance.
Their playful chemistry and mutual admiration shine through every post and public appearance. Whether they’re attending red-carpet events or spending time on their family ranch, they radiate the kind of love that feels genuine and lasting.
A ‘Full House’ Reunion of Hearts
Interestingly, Candace’s Full House family played a big role in her real-life happiness — from career support to love connections.
Over the years, she’s remained close with her co-stars, often referring to them as her “second family.” And it’s no surprise that Dave Coulier holds a special place in her heart — after all, he changed her life forever.
Valeri’s Romantic Gestures Through the Years
Valeri Bure has never shied away from showing his love for Candace. From handwritten notes to surprise getaways, his romantic side still makes her blush decades later.
Candace has shared that one of her favorite memories was when Valeri dedicated one of his NHL games to her early in their marriage. “It was such a sweet gesture — I knew he meant it from the heart,” she said.
How Faith Strengthened Their Bond
Both Candace and Valeri are open about their Christian faith and how it serves as the foundation of their marriage.
Their shared beliefs have helped them navigate challenges, maintain humility, and keep their relationship strong even when life gets chaotic.
As Candace puts it, “Faith isn’t just part of our marriage — it’s the glue that holds it together.”
Parenting and Passing Down Values
As parents of three, the Bures have instilled in their children the importance of kindness, integrity, and hard work.
Candace often talks about how they encourage open communication, family dinners, and shared prayer — traditions that help keep their family close-knit.
Their daughter Natasha has even followed in Candace’s footsteps, pursuing a career in entertainment while maintaining the family’s core values.
Candace’s Public Praise for Dave Coulier
Even after all these years, Candace never misses a chance to thank Dave Coulier for his unexpected matchmaking skills.
In a lighthearted Instagram post, she once wrote, “Forever grateful to my Full House brother Dave for introducing me to my forever love.”
Fans flooded the comments with heart emojis and jokes like “Uncle Joey: the real MVP!”
From On-Screen Family to Real-Life Blessing
The beauty of Candace’s love story is how seamlessly it ties back to Full House. What began as a sitcom about family and love ended up giving her the real thing.
Through laughter, tears, and even a little bit of “Have mercy!” — her Full House family remains part of her real-life fairytale.
Conclusion: Love, Faith, and a Little Help from Uncle Joey
Candace Cameron Bure’s story is proof that sometimes, the best things in life come from unexpected places — or, in her case, a friendly introduction from Uncle Joey.
Her marriage to Valeri Bure has stood the test of time because it’s rooted in faith, friendship, and fun — three things that define Candace both on and off the screen.
And as fans continue to follow her journey, one thing is certain: this Full House love story will never go out of style.
FAQs
1. How did Candace Cameron Bure meet her husband Valeri Bure?
She met Valeri through her Full House co-star Dave Coulier, who introduced them at a charity hockey game in the mid-1990s.
2. When did Candace and Valeri Bure get married?
They tied the knot on June 22, 1996, and have been happily married for over 25 years.
3. How many children do Candace and Valeri have?
They have three children: Natasha, Lev, and Maksim Bure.
4. Is Dave Coulier still close with Candace Cameron Bure?
Yes! The Full House cast remains close friends, and Candace often praises Dave for introducing her to her husband.
5. What is the secret to Candace and Valeri’s long-lasting marriage?
According to Candace, faith, respect, and humor are the keys to keeping their marriage strong and happy.
