‘RHOP’: Ashley Darby Appeared On Another Reality Show Before ‘Potomac’
Ashley Darby is a fan favorite on RHOP. The “Coffee and Love” singer is relatable for her willingness to bare it all, including her rollercoaster marriage to Michael Darby.
But before becoming a star on the show, Darby appeared on an episode of Say Yes to the Dress in search of the perfect gown for her wedding to Michael.
Ashley Darby on ‘Say Yes to the Dress’
Before becoming a star housewife on RHOP, Darby – formerly Ashley Boalch – appeared on a 2013 episode of Say Yes to the Dress ahead of her wedding to Michael. The fiery and sure personality that she displays on Potomac was on full display as she shopped for dresses at the famous Kleinfeld Bridal store in New York.
Darby had her mind set on a halter neckline to appear taller for her wedding. Along with her to try on wedding dresses, Darby brought along her mom Sheila (who also appears with her on RHOP) as well as her maid of honor and three friends.
She got a head start on shopping for dresses, explaining that her wedding would be a beach ceremony the following year. Darby already had her dream dress ready to show the bridal consultant with the desired neckline. Unfortunately, Klienfield did not carry the dress at the time. Luckily for Darby, she had a $10,000 budget, leaving her with dozens of dresses to choose from. Michael was footing the bill for her dress.
Related: ‘Say Yes to the Dress’: Why Brides Are Banned From Bringing These Items To Their Appointments
While trying on dresses, darby gushed about Michael, explaining they met while she was an intern for his company. The attraction for Darby was instant and she was the one who made the first move. They went out for drinks and immediately began dating.
Michael proposed to the future Bravo star on a surprise trip to New York City. while on a helicopter ride, Michael presented her with a card that asked for her hand in marriage.
Despite her excitement to marry Michael, finding her dress would prove to be challenging. In addition to the dress she wanted not being in stock, the bridal consultant tells Darby that her desired neckline is slim in options for bridal.
Darby did choose a halter dress for her wedding, but not the one she wanted. She told Bravo TV in a 2016 interview that she found a dress she wanted online.
“I got the absolute last one, this Maggie Sottero gown. And I had it fitted to me. On my wedding day, everything was just very nice, front and center,” she said happily.
Ashley Darby’s been appearing on ‘RHOP’ since season 1
Though Darby didn’t say yes to the dress, her experience on the TLC show wasn’t a turn off from reality television. RHOP premiered in January 2016 and Darby has been a full-time cast member since day one.
Darby also makes history as the youngest full-time housewife to appear on any franchise. She joined the cast when she was 27.
Related: ‘RHOP’: Michael Darby Says Lack of Intimacy Led To Him Stepping Out on Ashley Darby
She may have been an excited fiance during her brief appearance on Say Yes to the Dress but her marriage has been the subject of gossip amongst her cast and the blogs.
Since season 1, Michael has been accused of cheating and even being part of same-sex relationships. His wife has stood by his side, fiercely defending him every step of the way.
During season 5, the Darby’s admitted to jointly introducing third parties into their marriage at times. Michael got involved in a separate cheating scandal, with Darby threatening to end their relationship if it occurs again. She’s currently pregnant with their second child.
