LOVE & ROMANCE
HOW DID THE PROPOSAL GO? WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT OF THE BIG DAY?
Todd: After 14 1/2 years together, when we were at the Louvre in Paris, I
knew the moment was right. There was a statue called “Psyche Revived
by Cupid’s Kiss,” which depicts a soul being reawakened by the spirit of
love. It was now or never … (and) it was so appropriate because - as a result
of knowing each other and experiencing love - each of us has become a
better person, and a new part of each one has become awakened. Andy: Walking down the aisle together holding hands to start the
ceremony, and hearing the guests spontaneously start cheering.
Todd: Mine was standing at the Japanese Garden before the guests
arrived in that quiet time, and then seeing the guests walking up to
the ceremony site. We greeted every guest before the ceremony and
frankly, I was overwhelmed at all of the love that was given to us.
WHAT WAS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING? WHAT DO YOU CHERISH MOST ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP?
Todd: Our wedding was distinctly “us.” Having been together for so
long, we weren’t worried about tradition. We simply wanted it to be a
big party to celebrate and thank all of the people who have supported
us on our journey. Not only did we write our own vows, but we also
wrote our own ceremony, and interspersed the story of our lives
together with readings from some of our favorite authors and poets.
Andy’s dad got ordained so he could marry us, which was incredibly
special. As far as the reception, we didn’t want anyone to be hungry
or thirsty, wait in line, or have a “terrible table,” so we had five bars and
five food stations, and people could eat what they wanted and sit where
they wanted. We had amazing music … an outdoor dance area under
a giant pergola built specifically for us, and outdoor “living rooms.”
It represented who we are; both unique, but also with shared values.
Plus, we really wanted to be the one couple who both had fun at their
own wedding! We could never have pulled it all together without our
“partner in crime” and now dear friend, Alaynne Allen from Catering
St. Louis. She just completely “got” us and understood what we were
looking for, and - more important - the feel of what we wanted the day
to be, namely, a gift to those we love. Andy: We’ve learned, as all couples do, that true love is not always easy,
but it is always worth it. We’ve learned that the sad times pass, the hard
times are easier to endure with your partner by your side, and the good
times are even better when shared. We’ve learned that physical distance
- even between the frozen north of Minneapolis (where Todd often
travels for work) and the sometimes equally frozen city of St. Louis
- does not equate to being distant. Through it all, we’ve learned to be
strong, with the kind of strength that comes not from losing oneself in
another person, but the kind that comes when two individuals magnify
the best parts of the other, and recognize the holiness in each other -
and choose to be together.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT THIS PERSON WAS THE ONE?
Andy: After an embarrassingly short two weeks, I said I love you - and
meant it. From that point on, I knew that this was it, and he was the one
I was meant to be with.
Todd: I don’t think I’ve ever admitted this, but it was instant for me.
I cannot explain it, and I have often dismissed others’ claims of “love
at first sight.” However, there was a connection that was deep and an
instant but silent permission for me to be vulnerable because I was safe.
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY
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