Bride: Andrea Minks, 37 – Office Assistant

Groom: Gary Brown, 43 – College Professor

Wedding Date: January 19, 2013

This wedding is very special for many reasons. Not only is it flooded with sweet details, an entire community of wedding professionals came together to create a beautiful wedding for this deserving couple. Transformed from the original concept of a church potluck reception, Andrea and Gary got more than they could have ever hoped for and one of the most unique weddings I’ve seen.

Gary and Andrea met one Sunday and so enjoyed their conversations that they felt like they had known each other for life. Shortly after, they went to Manitou Springs on their first date. Says Andrea, “We both love hiking and decided we’d go back and hike The Incline together and we have done it twice since!” Later, Gary would propose by the same creek where they sat talking on that first date.

The couple was wed at Louviers Village Clubhouse in Louviers, CO. I had no idea that was even a town so I’m delighted to learn of its existence and that it has a historic 2-lane bowling alley. The color pallet and overall feel of the wedding were inspired by their custom invitation suite. Mismatched vintage chairs complimented the historic building and a desert table designed to honor the bride’s Brazilian heritage was one of her favorite elements. “Elaborate dessert buffets are a big part of almost every wedding in Brazil, and to have that element duplicated with beautiful vintage display items and traditional Brazilian desserts (introduced to us by our planner) literally brought me to tears when I saw it,” said Andrea.

Another favorite was the charming hot cocoa bar, complete with homemade marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, sprinkles, and whipped cream. “The toppings are what put it over the top,” recounts Andrea. It was a great concept for cocktail hour in lieu of alcohol for a family that doesn’t drink. And it was certainly a big hit with the number of children in attendance, including their 5 kids (who were comprised the wedding party).

My favorites? The table assignments with “A little birdie will tell you where to sit” written on them, the bowling alley, the bouquet, and that killer cake with the painted birches. Did I mention that they had candy by Sweet Family Secrets? So jealous! It’s very attractive how they took shabby chic and made it more clean and contemporary. I have to say that I really dig the decor.

Venue: Louviers Village Clubhouse | Wedding Coordination: Feather and Twig | Photographer:Honeytree Designs | Gown: Celestial Bride | Flowers: Bella Lu Floral | Cake: Kelley Kakes | Sweets and Favors: Sweet Family Secrets |Catering: A Wild Thyme Catering and Events| Music/Entertainment: Center Stage Entertainment |  Hair and Makeup Stylist: Girls and Curls - Kim Jundt | Officiant: Bishop Brent Michelson, Church of Latter Day Saints | Stationery: The Paper Mavens| Vintage Chairs, Ladder, and Hot Chocolate Station: Chairs with Character | Desert Display, Shutters, and Chalkboards: Sweet Nomelie | Linens: Event Rents