Ep 1. Say Yes to the Cure: Lori's Fight

In Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta season 5 episode 1, Say Yes to the Cure: Lori's Fight, the gang welcomes back Lori Allen after her surgery. With Lori out of the game for a few months, the team struggled to keep things together for the Bridals by Lori boutique. Once back, Lori gears up for one of the most important charity events she has ever hosted – a bridal expo to raise awareness about breast cancer.

As the gang prepares for the event, Lori is busy managing the workload and super excited to meet the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund (GBCCF) ambassadors. All hands are on deck to ensure the day runs smoothly, but there are few glitches that even Lori wasn't prepared for. A few designers pulled out at the last minute, leaving the boutique with a selection deficit. Lori rallies round and pulls some designer dresses from the back to complete the collection.

Meanwhile, bridal consultant Monte Durham helps bride-to-be, Enjoli, who lost her mother to breast cancer. Enjoli is looking for a dress that reflects her mother's style – something she would have worn down the aisle if she was still around. Monte takes her through some dresses that he thinks would do the work, and the two are in perfect sync. Enjoli tries on some gorgeous dresses and eventually finds one that would have made her mother proud.

The show brings in another bride-to-be, Angie, who is a breast cancer survivor. Angie's been through the mill, but she's still upbeat and hopeful. Angie wants a pink dress – a dress that tells her story. She wants to be different, to stand out, and to feel amazing on her wedding day. Consultant Lori shares her experience with Angie, and they bond over their struggles. Angie is thrilled with the dresses and even finds one that she's sure is hers.

Another cancer survivor and Bridals by Lori bride, Pirie, is back in the boutique to shop for her reception dress. Lori welcomes her back with excitement, knowing how challenging it must have been for her, especially with the chemo and radiation. While Pirie's first dress was a classic white ball gown, she's now looking for something shorter, more comfortable, and easy to move in. Lori suggests some perfect reception dresses, and Pirie finds one that's just right for her.

As the expo day rolls around, things move into high gear – Lori is busy, Monte and Terry are busy, the guests are busy! The expo is magical, dressing up the boutique pink, making it a runway of hope and love. Even Lori's daughter, Mollie, is there, and the girls are so happy to see it all come together. The event turns out to be one of the most spectacular ones Lori has ever organized, and all the brides and families have enjoyed it.

Overall, Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta season 5 episode 1, Say Yes to the Cure: Lori's Fight, is an uplifting story of love, hope, and perseverance. The show manages to celebrate Lori's personal experience and showcases the immense resilience of bridal cancer survivors. The message of hope and positivity is a significant takeaway from the entire episode and ensures you make a meaningful connection with the show.