Brenda Erfle-Clark goes from dating slump to beautiful bride

Brenda Erfle-Clark was always "the nice one" with the "good personality." Growing up in the small town of Rapelje, Mont. (population: 100), she was the heavy kid who got teased.

She was self-conscious, especially around boys, a trait that followed her through college. When she turned 26, she weighed 212 pounds.

Then her sister Tracy had a baby in 2003. The following year, she checked out L A Weight Loss to drop the lingering post-pregnancy weight. Brenda tagged along.

Unfortunately, her sister lived too far from the center to keep up with the program while raising a newborn. But Brenda decided to join with her roommate Craig.

As Brenda dropped the weight, she also shed her self-conscious exterior. In September 2005, Brenda caught the eye of Kenny Clark. Two years after starting L A Weight Loss, Brenda reached her goal weight -- and married Kenny. The wedding date: Oct. 21, 2006.

Today the newlywed is the happiest she's ever been, and credits the support of her L A Weight Loss counselors. Brenda has since convinced her cousin Amy to join the program, and Amy lost 30 pounds!

Here's Brenda before, with roommate Craig:



And here's the beautiful blushing bride at 160 pounds! It's a fairytale come true!



FAST FACTS

Name: Brenda Erfle-Clark
Hometown: Loring, Mont.
Age: 29

Starting weight: 212 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: October 2004

Biggest temptation: Chocolate and cheese.

Biggest motivator: Finally being happy with her body.

Old eating philosophy: Eating out a lot, and giving in to her cravings.

New eating philosophy: Still has the cravings, but learned how to eat in moderation.

Best thing about losing weight: Wearing clothes she likes, rather than what fits. And, of course, meeting husband Craig!

Best weight loss secret learned: Losing weight is not about going from bad to good. You were beautiful before you lost the weight. Now you're just better.