Valerie Vonprisk and Linda Vargas Vonprisk, who is also known as DJ Kiss, are a couple of San Diego locals who caught the eye of the community this year.
Upon first glance, these beautiful artists seem to be the picture of a perfect match. Yet when you hear their story and learn about the life they’ve built together, you’ll be quickly convinced that their unique bond extends far beyond their stunning exteriors. Linda simply explains: They are best friends who are also incredibly in love.
A special fact to note is that Valerie and Linda were married on October 30, 2009. They were one of the lucky couples to preserve their marriage amidst the controversial Prop 8 ruling.
From inspiring and supporting artistic abilities and emerging careers to dancing and traveling together, Valerie and Linda never miss an opportunity to live life to the fullest. Get to know these local lovers in our San Diego Couples Spotlight.
DSD: How did you meet?
Valerie: I was doing makeup backstage for a fashion show and Linda was there with a friend who was body painting. I am in my element when I create art with makeup.
She saw me and was drawn in. I thought she was so beautiful! We danced and she booked me to do her makeup for a photoshoot. I consider that our "first date" because I was in her face, creating beautiful art on a perfect canvas. She swept me off my feet right away. We have been together ever since.
Linda: Ahhh... this is my favorite story to tell. It was March 8th, 2007. I went to Montage (now club Spin) with my friend Annette who was going to be body painting models for an Ed Hardy Fashion Show. When we walked backstage where the hair and makeup was I looked to my right and I quickly did one of those double takes you see people do in a movie when they've just seen something incredible. What I saw was Valerie focused on her love of makeup. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, gorgeous... so gorgeous that I knew I had to talk to her or I would regret it for the rest of my life. Once I picked my jaw up off the ground I quickly elbowed my friend Annette and said, "Look at the girl with the glasses!" I felt like a kid with a crazy teenage crush... it was actually pretty funny. So, while Annette and Valerie were both deeply involved in their work rushing to finish the models in time for the show... I sat there trying not to stare too intensely at Valerie, thinking of how I could approach her. You see, in a world that is still struggling to accept gay people, I wasn't exactly sure what I should say to a girl that I knew nothing about. The last thing I wanted to do was offend her.
I thought to myself, maybe I could ask her to do my makeup, but then I realized that would only create more work for her, and she was probably tired... so I anxiously awaited for her to finish so that I could say something... anything to her. As I watched her pack up her makeup I saw that one of her lipsticks had fallen to the ground, I jumped at the chance to pick it up and hand it to her. She barely looked at me and said thank you... ouch. It was ok though... baby steps... baby steps. My chance finally came, she stood next to me fixing her makeup in the mirror. I stood up and said, "I really don't think you need any makeup, you are beautiful." Valerie turned to me with this face like I just said something crazy... and said, "Yeah right!" Double ouch. I quickly walked over to Annette, confused... but not willing to accept defeat. Soon after my rejected compliment I actually had a chance to talk to Valerie and only became more infatuated. She was the most amazing person I had ever met. She was funny, she had great energy, and to top it off... she could dance! I had to see her again... so I got her number because ironically I was planning a photo shoot at the time, and I needed a makeup artist. Perfect! We honestly have been together ever since the shoot.
DSD: What are your 3 favorite things about your partner?
Valerie: She is the most amazingly beautiful thing I have ever seen! She is a madly skilled DJ. She understands what it's like to be a dancer and what it’s like to feel the beat of the bass. She is honestly going to be a world famous DJ. I love my DJ Kiss Beats!
Linda: I absolutely love everything about Valerie that makes her Valerie. There is no one like her! Like I said before she is amazing – especially her dancing. I love how Valerie is such a phenomenal artist. She is so extremely talented and works so hard every day to share her art with the world. I can't wait to see her work in Vogue, Zink, etc., and on every runway in Milan. My all time favorite thing about Valerie is her sense of humor. I need humor in my life. Valerie makes me laugh to no end. We honestly have so much fun together every single day. I cannot get enough of her.
DSD: What are your 3 biggest differences?
Valerie: I am best dead friends with Andrew Warhola, aka Andy Warhol. I say exactly what is on my mind, to keep the good ones close and shove the bad ones away forever. I love to wear tutus and she loves to wear sneakers.
Linda: Patience! Val is one of the most impatient people I know. But I don't mean that in a bad way – she knows what she wants and she wants it yesterday. I on the other hand have a pretty high level of patience. I guess it comes from having this instinctual feeling that everything is going to be OK. I live to enjoy every moment without worrying about what will happen next. Valerie is someone her friends would consider as "the life of the party" – she enjoys doing things for comedic and shock value. Once she came into my work dressed in a full on Penguin costume – it was the most hilarious thing ever! I am more of the quite force. I can be shy and can get embarrassed easily, but Val has helped me break out of my shell quite a bit, and for that I thank her. Shoes... I hate wearing high heels... they hurt! I love tennis shoes. Val will dance like a maniac in some heels without a care in the world. I don't know how she does it.
DSD: In one sentence, explain why it works.
Valerie: We are true Artistas who love and complement each other for who we are and who we are not.
Linda: We are best friends that are incredibly in love.
DSD: What is the most romantic evening you’ve had?
Valerie: Dancing and sweating at Greenhouse in NYC. It was perfect. I escape there in my mind and smile so much. She knows exactly what I mean. It was like we found home.
Linda: I would have to say the day that I proposed to Valerie. We were in San Francisco. I stopped by the store to pick up a bottle of champagne. It was a gorgeous day in October and I found a beautiful spot on the lawn near the small lake at the Palace of Fine Arts. She had no idea what I was about to do, and when I got down on one knee, I was so overwhelmed with beautiful emotions that I could hardly utter the words "Will you marry me?" We both had tears. It was a moment that still makes my eyes water.
DSD: What are your favorite things to do together?
Valerie: Make love, laugh, and dance to dope beats of many genres until we are dripping sweat and loving every minute. Eat tasty food. Go do new things every day. We live once, and we live! Visit museums and take in Andy's art as close as we can. We understand and support each other. Work on and embrace our art.
Linda: I love to laugh with Valerie! I love cooking delicious food for her and having her assist me in the kitchen. And of course dancing with Val is one of my favorite things to do in this world. Traveling and seeing new places is also a favorite. But honestly, lying on the couch with her precious head on my chest is one of my favorite things ever!
DSD: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Valerie: Living our dreams come true, on a tropical beach with amazing music, art, fashion, and individuals around us all the time. Traveling all around the world with our hearts united.
Linda: I see us both fully involved in our careers achieving great success, traveling the world and getting ready to create a family of our own.
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