For many brides-to-be, an appearance on TLC's popular "Say Yes to the Dress," a reality show that follows women on the hunt for the perfect wedding dress, is a milestone. Lights, cameras, gorgeous gowns and tons of attention: What could be better? For Precious Davis, a transgender woman in Chicago, it's just another bullet point in a long list of impressive accomplishments. RELATED: Not your parents' wedding: The new do's and don'ts for modern wedding guests The 30-year-old is a motivational speaker as well as the assistant director of diversity recruitment initiatives at Columbia College Chicago and a consultant who works with organizations and corporations to examine bias in their communities. She's got 15 years of diversity and inclusion experience. So "Say Yes to the Dress" is just the icing on a three-tiered, fondant-coated cake. But that doesn't mean Precious' wedding day won't be among the most important of her life — and that's why she's so glad to have TLC there to document her preparations.

" in a phone interview. "And unfortunately, as a trans woman of color, I'm aware that my life expectancy is 30 to 32 years old. So to have this defining moment in my life, my wedding day ... to have that broadcast in such a public way is important. I've found happiness and safety in my life, and I think that should be celebrated and applauded." RELATED: #FollowMeTo couple gets married, takes wedding photo to end all wedding photos The product of a rough childhood and tumultuous adolescence, Davis described her teenage self as "a misfit." The fact that she was non-gender-conforming only made matters more difficult. The wedding, therefore, marks a turning point in her life. "I'm starting my own family now and I'm starting new traditions," she said. "I wanted a wedding — and a dress — that would convey that entire story." Davis understands that part of what makes her story compelling is that she and her fiance are both trans. But although that's an integral part of their identities, it's not the whole picture.

When you know baes coming to the gig and you know hes taking you out afterward and you wear your poochy look to talk about social justice. #wifey #feelingit #mylesandprecious #happy #andiam A photo posted by Precious Davis (@preciousbradydavis) on Dec 10, 2015 at 8:01pm PST "I think that's why there's been such a great interest in our story — because Myles [Brady] and I are both trans, yes," she explained. "But we're also just humans. This isn't about someone's genitalia; this is about love and acceptance. We're really re-creating and redefining what that word looks like." RELATED: Social media for weddings: Maid of Social will live-tweet and Instagram your big day Besides, being trans is only one small aspect of Davis' working life. When it comes to buying a wedding dress, she's just like anyone else ... and was grateful that TLC treated her as such. The Brady's at The Chicago House Luncheon feat Caitlyn Jenner. #mylesandprecious A photo posted by Precious Davis (@preciousbradydavis) on Nov 12, 2015 at 12:38pm PST

"I am a trans woman, but I'm also a woman," she declared with confidence. "And the fact that I'm trans might be naturally integrated into the way you interact with me, but it doesn't matter and it shouldn't change the way you treat me. One of the biggest moments of almost any woman's life is the magical experience of buying her wedding dress."Used Furniture Stores Little Rock Ar Of course, when it comes to her preferred gender pronouns, she's the first to admit that she's not just your average woman.Kitchen Floor Vent "She/her/diva, please," she told us with a laugh.Nikon Coolpix Digital Camera Price Davis' episode of "Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta" premieres Friday, Jan.15, at 9 p.m. ET on TLC. Watch a preview here.

Valentine's Day this year found me dreaming about my upcoming wedding. What's different about a transgender wedding? Nothing, if I have my way. Terry and I will be married later this year in a combined religious and civil ceremony at Old South Church in Boston (UCC). The church has been a part of this country's history in many ways since its founding in 1669, including being one of the first to bless gay unions. Old South has never had a problem recognizing me as a woman and has always made me feel welcome. When I met Terry, it was truly was love at first sight. She proposed to me last year and wanted to get married right away, but I responded, "I need more time!" Not because I wasn't ready to marry her, not at all. I just needed more time to learn all the stuff about weddings that I likely would be aware of by now if I had been raised a girl. I certainly never thought about being a bride. I never read Brides Magazine nor imagined being Cinderella. When I married my late wife Barbara in 1975, I was the groom and my name was Jeff.

But after figuring out later in life that I was transgender, I often found myself tearing up at the sight of wedding gowns and wishing I had had the experience. So how could I make up for years of missed learning in a matter of months? I decided that a wedding planner would be a must. Yet, I'm a transgender woman. Could I find a wedding planner who would be comfortable with that? My concern led me to choose Bernadette Smith, founder of 14 Stories. Bernadette bills herself as the country's first and foremost same-gender wedding planner, with good reason. When Massachusetts became the first state to allow same-gender marriage in 2004, Bernadette was ready to start assisting the happy couples. After six years of same-gender weddings, 14 Stories has compiled an impressive roster of venues, caterers, florists, printers, bridal shops, and musicians who all see no problem with diversity. I figured that the last thing I would want in planning my wedding would be to get lectured to by a vendor who didn't believe my marriage was proper.

Bernadette happily signed on and earned her keep almost right away. I couldn't imagine that a bridal shop would be prepared for a transgender client. Moreover, I worried that there would not be a gown suitable for me, with my narrow hips and broad shoulders. But Bernadette knew of just the right place, I immediately found several gowns I liked, and I left that day with the gown! It's has a beautiful sweetheart neckline and an A-line skirt and... oh wait, you're not supposed to know until wedding day! I can tell you that I feel positively regal in it. Like other weddings, the person I will be marrying will be wearing a suit -- in our case, a tux. Terry has always wanted to wear one. I'm really excited about this -- she looks great in suits. After the church ceremony there will be the customary reception, and of course there will be dancing. I'd like Terry to lead me in the first dance, and Terry is willing, so we start dance lessons in March. I'm not only going to be a bride, I'm finally going to get the "honor" of dancing "backwards and in heels," as was once said about the late, great dancer Ginger Rogers.

My wedding party will include two bridesmaids and two groomspeople -- fairly typical. I'll have my niece and one stepdaughter-to-be as bridesmaids, and my nephew and other stepdaughter-to-be as groomspeople. Yes, one of Terry's daughters dislikes the usual feminine things. Like her mom and lots of other women these days, she prefers more functional and practical clothing. In a transgender wedding, it's totally fine if she wears a suit. I'm positively tickled to have Terry's two daughters in my life. Barbara and I had thirty wonderful years together until her passing, but that life never included children of our own. I had always deferred to her on that choice since she was the only one who could have carried them. So I'm truly thrilled that Terry's daughters have completely embraced me, transgenderness and all. They have even started calling me "mom." The only thing left that will make my wedding totally typical will be a wedding announcement. But... will The New York Times accept a wedding announcement from a transgender bride?