Cinderella's Big Day

Some of my pageant family refers to me as a “Pageant Almanac”  - I am both proud and a little embarrassed to admit my real level of pageant enthusiasm.  I grew up in a neighborhood with very few children my age and none of my schoolmates within walking distance.  Because of this, lots of summer days were spent trying to find ways to keep myself occupied.  When I started to fall in love with pageants around the late 90s, I made it my mission to become an “expert”.  I had taped countless pageant telecasts and would actually analyze the winners, the runners-up, the finalists and what they had done to stand out.  As my pageant interest continued to grow, this “research” stemmed out to looking up wardrobe designers, gown collections, photographers (ahem, CLAY SPANN) that I could only dream I would someday work with.

I am a packrat – especially since I am still the same size I was in junior high (that’s not an exaggeration).  My pageant wardrobe has stood the test of time and I have without a doubt squeezed every dollar out of each purchase made over the years.  I have a red mermaid dress I bought on the sale rack in 2003 for $15… yes, one-five… that I wore for talent two separate years, a walk-on gown, my junior prom, borrowed by two separate people, and worn again recently for an appearance.  Would I have loved to buy a new dress for every occasion? ABSOLUTELY.  However, it just isn’t always possible.

For Miss International I increased my typical budget because I knew it would be my last “go round” and I was in a place financially to handle that responsibility.  That said, my budget was still incredibly modest and I did stick to it (thanks to the New York International sponsors and some thorough bargain shopping).  For the most part I refuse to even try on anything I know I can’t leave with…

Fast Forward… I am landing in Dothan, Alabama to work with Clay Spann -the very photographer and make-up artist I had dreamt of shooting with over a decade ago - and shop at The Competitive Image where, thanks to their incredibly generous sponsorship, I get to live that Cinderella experience of really being able to dress like that princess I always wanted to – without limiting myself or feeling like I was settling (Thank you, Joey Rutherford!).

Each day I am so humbled that this really is my life and that I truly do have a “team” of people that want me to have all of the tools I could possibly need to look and feel my absolute best.  It is a testament that dreams come true with a clear focus, hard work, and living by your own rules.  The experience was everything I could have imagined it would be and so much more.

Clay, Joey, and Ms. Terri made me feel like an absolute bombshell!  Looking around the studio walls, nerdy me was beyond starstruck to see all the faces of former queens and contestants that I had admired for so long – am I really a Clay Spann girl like all of them?!  The looks that Joey and Clay picked and accessorized for me were beyond my wildest imagination.  They are the gold standard!

Jesse Ladoue

307

307 days stood between the night I was crowned Miss New York International and the moment Miss International 2013 would be named.  307 chances to make my mark on my state and those I came across.
307 opportunities to work toward a once in a lifetime moment and year.  307 times to visualize what actually hearing my name called on July 27, 2013 would look and feel like (ok, maybe 307 times 2 for that one).

If I may speak candidly - when I left my full-time career back in January in order to make the most of my year as a state titleholder, without realizing it I tacked on some unwelcomed extra pressure.  Pressure to not have to look back on my leap of faith with regret, pressure to validate the sacrifices my loved ones made, and pressure to live up to the well wishes and positive expectations of those I met throughout my journey.  I immediately realized that I would have to work incredibly hard and leave no stone unturned in the process.  I truly believe that anyone within a 5 block radius felt the stress and tension that sometimes accompanied my preparation (oops).

Then something beautiful happened when I arrived in Chicago.  I just felt happy to be here, honored to be on an international stage, knowing that so few women will ever get the chance to experience something like that. Even beyond this, I started really falling in love with the women I was meeting!  As a volunteerism advocate, I had so many moments of comfort knowing that I was surrounded by our next generation of service leaders and positive role models.  All of that pressure melted away and I was able to just have fun.  From cheering on my sister queens during rehearsal, giggling in the green room getting our hair and make-up done,  and taking silly photos backstage I knew that if it wasn’t me I would be happy seeing any of those ladies have their moment.

I was eerily calm Saturday evening – with the exception of being called TENTH in the top ten… not so calm then.  I led a few group prayers with the ladies on my side of the stage and the other Miss contestants before evening gown, feeling SO grateful for how far we had come and how I knew that God’s plan was about to be revealed.

And then it happened.  I heard my name.  307 days, chances, opportunities all coming to fruition in those few words that announced that my life would be forever changed.  Looking out in the audience and seeing my State Directors, Jodi and Scott Cessna, and all of my loved ones crying along with me made all of the hard work and dedication so worth it.  This was as much a triumph for them as it was for me.  It was the collective effort and support they offered when my faith waivered that got me to this point in one piece – I will be forever grateful to each of them for being my strength when I thought I had nothing left to give.

I will probably still wake up tomorrow and wonder if it’s real, wonder if it is just another dream.  The moment was perfect, everything I hoped it would be.  However, the real treasure was in the unexpected: the relationships, the inspiration, the late night conversations with my sister queens, and the friendships that I will always cherish.

At the Coronation Ball with my State Directors, the Cessnas, and some of my sister queens from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania

I took this video at the conclusion of finals competition… BEFORE results.  I wanted to always remember that moment before I knew what the outcome would be. 

Love,
Jesse

My Crowning Moment

My first walk as Mrs. International 2013!

Words cannot explain what it felt like when I became the new Mrs. International 2013. I may never be able to find the right words to describe it and for so many reasons.

For years I have come to watch Mrs. International.  Whether it be with friends or to cheer on friends; it has been an annual tradition. I understand the high caliber of ladies who are a part of this system.  Then I was able to spend a week getting to know the ladies who are part of our 2013 class. During the Saturday rehearsals, we listened to each other speak about our platforms and what lead us to them.  What strong women who had triumphed insurmountable circumstances! It brought me to tears along with just about everyone else out of inspiration and admiration.

In the dressing room with some of the most amazing ladies from around the world!

There were so many great moments during our week.  I began writing to you about our week together and realized I would have to break it down in to smaller pieces or you would be reading it for the next…well, week.  Aside from seeing my family and friends in the audience, one of my MANY favorite moments was during finals night.  Those of us who had just been called from the top 15 to the top 10 had but a few minutes to change in to fitness.  This is a workout in itself! So, I came flying down the stairs into our dressing room for Group “C” and there waiting for me were several of my classmates.  I am tearing up right now just thinking about them.  I stood there as everyone buzzed about me, helping me get dressed.  I had two people putting in my earrings (at the same time), while another helped get my feet into shoes. Someone else guided my arms into the correct holes of the top. I can only imagine how it must have looked! Yet, it was perhaps one of the sweetest (yet hectic) moments I have witnessed in a long while. So generous and helpful and knowing our class, it was not a surprise.

The magnitude of becoming Mrs. International 2013 is hard to explain. What this year will allow me to do on behalf of CASA is simply mind-boggling.  And considering each one of my classmates and what they are doing in their communities makes me extremely proud and diligent in my job to represent us all this year.

And I thank the International Pageants system.  None of this would be possible without Mary and Mel Richardson and their loyal staff who work tirelessly throughout the year so we could have such a wonderful experience and a year of great potential.  And for me, I can never truly thank the very large circle of family, friends, and cheerleaders I have in my life. Their encouragement and advice has been instrumental.  The support I have received from CASA and like-minded organizations reminds me always of why I must do everything I can to make the most of every single opportunity this year.

ALL of that was all swirling about me as we all returned to the stage for the opening of the envelope. Once I heard them say, “The new Mrs. International is Mrs. Illinois…Amy Gregorio,” my brain briefly checked out and then returned once I saw my sweet husband walking toward me on-stage. It is an honor.  It is a privilege.  And it is phenomenal.

Be the change,

Amy Gregorio 
Your Mrs. International 2013

Thank You Class of 2012

 As we begin the oh so anticipated 2013 competition week, I can't help but think of all of the wonderful people that have played such an important role in my life throughout this year.

A chaperone told us that often times, the girl that feels the most lonely at the end of the week is the girl with the crown. However, in my case, this statement was far from true.

The Class of 2012 was full of vivacious, confident, beautiful, and truly genuine young ladies. The friends I made last year have been my biggest support system throughout the year. I distinctly remember being afraid that no one would want to talk to me at the Coronation Ball.

However, ALL of my precious friends were so excited for me! Their reaction spoke volumes about the type of ladies they are. It has been such an honor to represent the Class of 2012. I will forever treasure the friendships we made!

All my love,
"Alabama"

Mrs. International 2013 Finals

On Saturday night I witnessed the crowning of a new Mrs. Int’l while honoring the remarkable year of service by Mrs. International 2012, Sarah Bazey. With the husbands decked out in suits and tuxedos it was a truly glamorous event. Talented co-hosts, who also doubled as entertainment, created a glamorous and entertaining evening. I even got to sit up in the box suite!!

My favorite portion of the competition is the presentation of the individual platforms.  The variety of platforms and the personal stories connected with each contestant was both impressive and moving.  With my interest in at-risk and abused children I was pleased to learn that our new Mrs. International supports and advocates for children who need safe homes through CASA. All of the contestants should be very proud of their accomplishments because it takes a tremendous amount of work, dedication, and confidence to get onto that big bright stage. 

Following the crowing was the Coronation after party.  This is a time for all the contestants to let down their hair, enjoy a party atmosphere and finally eat some carbs. I joined in on these festivities thankful that I was not under the pressure of performing this year.

I really enjoyed begin able to meet the contestants personally and hear about their experience during the week of competition.  I was quite surprised by the number of contestants who told me that they had enjoyed reading my blog.  Of course, I had hoped that someone was reading but blogging is a one-sided event with limited feedback.  Being able to hear that my words had touched another women’s heart was an unexpected blessing. A very humble thanks you to all who have followed me throughout the year. I am speechless and in awed by your support and praise for my accomplishments.  

It was very emotional watching Sarah Bazey crown her successor. For those of you who don’t know, Sarah and I met while competing at the Minnesota State pageant. of course, the second she opened her mouth I knew she was someone special who had a profound story to tell. I have always been inspired by her motivation to keep going when it seems like the world is caving in on you. Her confidence, elegant, poise and charm is like no one else I have every met. 

She is so generous; she invited me to New York City with her and literally showed me around the city, Sarah style. We went to Broadway, the New York Burn Center Hospital, ate New York style Pizza, and were accommodated by Harvard. It was a week I will never forget and I am so thankful to have gotten to spend not only my state title with her but to continue our reign together at nationals as well. I love you Sarah and I hope our relationship can continue long into the future. 

All my love, 

Krista Wanous

Miss International 2012