Melissa Explains It All: Tales From My Abnormally Normal Life (37 page)

Doing a little kickball-change with the legendary Dick Van Dyke, one of the incredible guest stars on
Sabrina

Joan Rivers gave my look a thumbs-up at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival, with my childhood friend Nicole

My longtime girlfriend Soleil Moon Frye and me stirring up trouble, as usual

May 2002, the night I met the love of my life, Mark, at the Mint Jubilee event at the Kentucky Derby. I love that his fist is closed on my shoulder—awkward!

Partying at the 2002 Kentucky Derby with Jerry O’Connell and my girlfriend Kerry, the morning after I met my now-husband, Mark. Good thing he didn’t see this ridiculous outfit then.

My first University of Alabama football game. Note to self: never again dress like the mascot.

Minutes before Mark proposed!

July 19, 2003: the day we said “I do!” at the Villa Cora, Florence, Italy

With partner Mark Ballas, just before dancing my favorite routine, the Charleston, on
Dancing with the Stars

With one of my closest friends, Kellie Martin, at a 2009 charity event

My hero: Mom

I debuted my favorite dress—with the patriotic eagle decal—on
The Tonight Show
and have worn it every July 4th since