The Unseen Struggles: 7 Shocking Secrets About Candace Cameron Bure's 29-Year Marriage To Valeri Bure
Few Hollywood marriages manage to withstand the test of time, but Candace Cameron Bure and her husband, former NHL star Valeri Bure, have defied the odds for nearly three decades. As of December 2025, the couple is celebrating 29 years of marriage, a remarkable feat in the entertainment world. However, the picture-perfect image often portrayed on social media hides a much more complex reality, as Candace herself has recently revealed in candid interviews about the "deep brokenness" and "rough patches" they have had to navigate to keep their relationship strong and current. Their journey is a testament to constant reevaluation, commitment, and a shared faith that has carried them through the highest highs and the lowest lows of celebrity life and professional sports retirement.
The intense public curiosity surrounding the *Full House* and Hallmark star's personal life often centers on the man she calls her rock. Valeri Bure is far more than just "Candace Cameron Bure's husband"; he is a Russian-American former professional athlete, a dedicated father, and a thriving entrepreneur. This deep dive uncovers the latest updates on their life together, Valeri’s impressive biography, and the private struggles they’ve publicly shared to offer a genuine look at their enduring partnership.
Valeri Bure: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile
Valeri Vladimirovich “Val” Bure is a Russian-American former professional ice hockey player who spent 10 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). His life before and after meeting Candace Cameron is marked by high-level athleticism and entrepreneurial spirit.
- Full Name: Valeri Vladimirovich Bure
- Date of Birth: June 13, 1974
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 51
- Place of Birth: Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia)
- Nationality: Russian-American
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Spouse: Candace Cameron Bure (m. 1996)
- Children: Natasha Bure (b. 1998), Lev Bure (b. 2000), and Maksim Bure (b. 2002)
- Professional Career: Ice Hockey Right Winger (Retired)
- NHL Draft: 1992, drafted 33rd overall by the Montreal Canadiens (2nd round, 9th pick)
- NHL Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, and Dallas Stars.
- Career Highlights: Played 621 NHL games, accumulating 400 points (174 goals, 226 assists). He also represented Russia in international play, including the Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal in 1998 and a bronze in 2002.
- Post-NHL Career: Co-founder of Bure Family Wines, a Napa Valley winery.
- Brother: Pavel Bure, also a famous NHL player, known as "The Russian Rocket."
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $10 million.
The Unexpected Love Story: How a Russian Hockey Star Met a Sitcom Sweetheart
The origin story of Candace and Valeri is a classic Hollywood-meets-sports fairy tale, with a twist provided by one of Candace’s co-stars. The couple met in 1994 at a charity hockey game, an event that Candace attended with her *Full House* castmates, including Dave Coulier (Uncle Joey).
It was Coulier who first introduced the 18-year-old Candace to the 20-year-old Valeri, who was playing in the game. Candace has recounted that she was immediately smitten with the Russian athlete. Their first official date was unconventional, taking place at Valeri's practice rink in Fredericton. Their courtship was swift, and they were married just two years later, on June 22, 1996, marking the beginning of a nearly three-decade-long journey together.
The early years of their marriage saw Candace step away from acting to focus on raising their family, supporting Valeri's demanding NHL career, and embracing her role as a hockey wife. This period laid the foundation for their strong family unit, which now includes their adult children: Natasha, Lev, and Maksim. A recent highlight for the family was their daughter Natasha Bure's wedding, which brought the entire family together for a major celebration.
Behind the Scenes: Navigating "Deep Brokenness" and Marital Rebuilding
In a refreshing display of honesty, Candace Cameron Bure has recently opened up about the significant challenges and "rough patches" that have tested her long-term marriage to Valeri Bure. This is a crucial, current update that reshapes the public perception of their union, moving beyond simple longevity to a story of active commitment.
The Reality of "Deep Brokenness"
Candace has confessed that there were times she felt a "deep brokenness" in their marriage, admitting that there were years she wished they could simply "erase." This period of difficulty, which included a particularly rough season around 2020, required them to make a conscious decision to prioritize their relationship and actively rebuild their foundation. The pressure of Valeri’s retirement from the NHL, coupled with Candace's demanding resurgence in acting (including *Fuller House* and numerous Hallmark films), created a dynamic shift that many long-term couples face.
The Role of Faith and Re-evaluation
Both Candace and Valeri credit their shared Christian faith with helping them navigate and ultimately overcome these struggles. Candace has publicly stated that faith was the core element that carried them through the period of "deep brokenness." Furthermore, she emphasizes that their marriage requires a "constant reevaluation," meaning they never take their bond for granted and are always working to ensure they are both happy and connected. This commitment to continuous effort and communication is the true secret to their current, "incredible, wonderful" relationship.
From NHL Rinks to Napa Valley Vineyards: Valeri Bure's Post-Hockey Career
Following his retirement from professional ice hockey, Valeri Bure successfully transitioned from the intensity of the NHL to the tranquil, yet equally demanding, world of winemaking. This entrepreneurial venture is a significant part of his identity today and a major joint business for the couple.
Bure Family Wines
Valeri and Candace co-founded Bure Family Wines in St. Helena, California. Valeri's passion for fine wine was sparked during his time traveling as a professional athlete, and he pursued his interest by meeting with winemakers in Napa Valley. The winery focuses on producing high-quality, limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals, showcasing Valeri’s dedication to craftsmanship and excellence in his post-sports career.
The success of Bure Family Wines highlights Valeri's ability to pivot from a physically demanding career to a sophisticated business venture, proving that "Candace Cameron Bure's husband" has a thriving professional life entirely separate from his wife's acting career. This blend of sports history and entrepreneurial spirit makes their family story truly unique.
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