My Day with Emilie de Ravin

My Day with Emilie de Ravin
by Mia Bennet--@must_be_mia1

Scrolling though Twitter and seeing a post from Florida Supercon announcing that Emilie de Ravin would be attending was like a dream come true.  I immediately knew that I wanted to attend. After many years of watching her in interviews and as Belle in Once Upon A Time, I knew that it would be a chance that I wouldn't want to miss.  She seems so warmhearted and down-to-earth, and when I'm given the possibility to meet cast members, I jump at the opportunity.  Luckily, my mom and I scored tickets and we attended the con on the 26th of June. 

My eyes sparkled with anticipation as we first waited in the autograph line to meet her. When it was my turn to have my autograph signed, I was greeted by Emilie who was smiling wide. She happily signed my autograph, and was delighted to receive the gifts that we had brought her. I assured her that we would be back to visit her again. Next, my mom and I went to go get seats at the main stage to watch her do an interview. Emilie was absolutely enchanting while doing her “It’s Eric Nagel Live’s” Sirius XM Radio interview. She discussed topics such as how her filming schedule goes, the popularity of fairytale shows in general right now, her new project The Submarine Kid, playing Claire on Lost and if she still gets recognition for that show, and how she hopes to be able to ride a horse this year since Once Upon a Time is going to Camelot. She ended the interview with thanking her fans for being awesome and supportive, because she really appreciates it. 

Next, we headed back to her table to get another autograph. This time, Emilie decided to give me a hug, which was very nice of her. I proceeded to ask about what it was like having to constantly walk and run in heels as Belle. She told me that it is difficult, but now going into the 5th season, and since she used to be a ballerina, she’s used to having to walk a certain way, and that she is flexible. She also gave me advice when buying heels, which was to pick out heels that won’t be so uncomfortable that I will only wear them once. I thanked her for answering my question, and then went to wait in the photo-op line. My mom’s photo-op was first, and it was certainly unforgettable. As we waited in the line we continuously heard a popping noise, which turned out to be the flash bulb for the camera. When my mom went to pose with Emilie, she asked her about the loud noise, which prompted Emilie to ask the photographer if the bulb needed to be changed. He laughed and said it was okay, although my mom and Emilie were still concerned. Emilie then made a joke saying, “If the noise happens again we’ll duck and cover each other, but if that doesn’t work it was nice meeting you!” This left my mom and her hysterically laughing, trying to hold it together for the picture.

Next was my turn, and I decided to ask Emilie if we could do a side-hug pose. She happily agreed, but I then felt bad because my hands were freezing. I asked her if I had made her cold, and she said “Yes, but it feels good!” Then we took our picture. 

When it was over, Emilie turned to me and pet my fuzzy cover-up that I was wearing as she said, “Oh! This is soft, I can’t stop touching this! I like this.” I laughed, and thanked her. We said goodbye and picked up our photos which turned out lovely. Emilie De Ravin was truly as sweet as Belle, and my mom and I both feel so blessed to have met such a kind soul. If the opportunity comes up again, we will definitely be there.