Amboy Cottage Cafe

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Story

How We Met

Our love story begins in the world of online dating. Singles out there who have attempted online dating know just how terrifying it can be! In fact, we nearly didn't meet and looking back can see how truly God-ordained our relationship was.Having decided at the beginning of 2015 to work on "Personal Goals" with 2 friends (New Year Resolutions just sounds too cliche), the area of relationships naturally came up for Alicia. Against her better judgement she reluctantly decided to give Match.com a try. After two failed attempts she was ready to call it quits but decided to respond to one final guy. He had e-mailed her 2 weeks prior, and she was convinced nothing would come of it given her delay in responding. But 3 attempts sounded better than 2, so she figured why not respond if there was no risk of anything happening! He was cute, they had a shared faith in Christ, and he seemed like a good quality guy. Bryan had just began a new job - a major career change that meant he could finally settle down in MN without crazy amounts of travel. It seemed like a great time to begin a relationship - which is where he began his journey at Match.com. His account was about to expire and he had no plans of renewing given his lack of success, but he saw one final girl who seemed cute and whose faith statement really struck him. The one problem - she held herself out as a far right conservative so would their political differences create too much conflict? He took a risk and contacted her anyway, but having heard nothing for a week he wrote her off . Then comes an e-mail from her 2 weeks later. Does he respond? Was her delay in responding a sign of a serious lack of interest? Despite his misgivings he decided to respond anyway (of course making her wait a few days first though!).After a few days of online communication, Alicia suggested meeting and Bryan agreed. On April 21, 2015 they met for drinks. He found out she liked scotch and cigars and was immediately struck by the giant rose gold ring she was wearing. She thought he was even cuter in person and thoroughly enjoyed their conversation. Both knew they wanted a second date, but a vacation for Alicia followed by a busy Month End at work meant they would have to wait nearly 2 weeks. Finally the second date arrived - a walk at Minnehaha Falls followed by dinner at Chino Latino. They talked for what seemed like only a few minutes, but suddenly realized the restaurant had completely cleared out. It was after 1:00 AM and they had spent over 7 hours together without batting an eye. They both knew this was something special.

Dating

A third date was booked, then a fourth. By the fourth date Alicia was ready for their first kiss. She tried desperately to put this out there to no avail. She figured he either (a) was completely oblivious or (b) was not nearly as interested in kissing her as she was in being kissed. Either way, it completely messed with her head. They had already agreed to a fifth date - he was attending a wedding with her - so she tried patiently to see what might happen then. It felt like a "make it or break it" moment to them both.The 5th date was a huge success. Her family and friends loved him, and she loved seeing him work the room despite knowing how out of his comfort zone that was. Finally at the end of the date he asked to kiss her...and he appologized for not taking the opportunity to kiss her on date 4. He was very aware he should have and she still gives him crap for not having done so!Then on Memorial day, May 25th, they made things official. Her birthday followed on July 16th and he gave her the best gift she ever received - he told her he loved her. She told him it was about time he said it finally! And of course she said she loved him too. The summer flew by and suddenly November was upon them and a trip to Italy.

Engaged

Backing up a little - by late summer Alicia was ready to get married and Bryan was concerned he might not be fully aware of just how crazy this woman he fell in love with really was! Labor day came and with it the couple's first trip together to the North Shore. The trip brought with it the first truly painful moment in their relationship. Through the pain; however, came immense beauty as they continued to walk along side each other and work through their challenges. By the end of the trip both were 100% convinced of their path toward marriage.Bryan talked to his parents, and then came the task of talking to hers. Taking a slightly non-traditional approach, in late October Alicia &amp; Bryan brought Alicia's parents out to dinner to discuss their future plans for marriage. She is incredibly thankful for having been allowed to be a part of this moment. Both sets of parents were truly excited and gave blessing to their future plans.A ring was purchased and both Bryan and Heather managed to keep this a secret from Alicia. Plans were made for a proposal in Italy. While she hoped this would happen, she had no idea what he was planning or that a ring had been purchased. Wednesday, November 25th - 6 months to the day from when the couple officially started dating (although Alicia counts their anniversary from their first date) - Bryan woke Alicia up to make a morning run up to the Piazzale Michelangelo. It is a run Bryan always makes one morning when in Florence and provides a gorgeous view of the city of Florence and surrounding area. In a truly romantic moment as the two were embracing each other, enjoying the beautiful view, and debating their anniversary date (May 25th vs. April 21st) - Bryan pulls out the ring and asks Alicia if she'd like another anniversary. He got down one one knee. She said yes.

Our Story 1

Our Wedding

The Parsley Family

Father of the Bride - Patrick Parsley

My father will forever by the superhero he was to me as a little girl. Every man I ever dated was measured against this amazing husband and father whose faith inspired all of his daughters. Bryan was the first who didn't fall short!

Mother of the Bride - Jean Parsley

My mom sacrificed more for her daughters than anyone I've ever met. Her faith and sacrifical love for her family inspired me as a child and still does today.

Sister of the Bride - Miranda Childers

I have always looked up to my older sister - she knows what she wants and is never afraid to go after it. She will always be my "cool older sister" who was never ashamed of her nerdy younger sister!

Sister of the Bride - Ellen Lutz

What I remember most about Ellen growing up was how much she loved to play. This is as true today as it was 25 years ago! I always know there will be fun had when I'm with her!

Sister of the Bride - Rachel Hart

Rachel's intensity and passion for life is matched by no one I have ever met. She puts all she has into everything she does and has been an absolute joy to have as a sister.

Sister of the Bride - Caitlin Parsley

I have always seen Caitlin's free spirit as her most signature personality trait. She lives life completely unencumbered by any rules society might try to place on her - something I truly admire about her. She also has the best one-liners of anyone I've met!

Sisters!

Caitlin, Ellen, Rachel, Miranda, Alicia (Left to Right)

The entire Parsley family! Jean &amp; Pat Parsley, Miranda &amp; CR Childers (Caryn, Adele, &amp; Ronan), Ellen &amp; Chad Lutz (Adalina, Waylon, Azalea &amp; Annaliese), Rachel &amp; Evan Hart and Caitlin Parsley

The Dahmes Family

Father of the Groom - Wayne Dahmes

I am overwhelmed by the love that my father has shown me every year of my life. His love for me, and for his family, comes from his unshakable faith in Christ. I could not ask for a better role model.

Mother of the Groom - Janine Dahmes

It's almost unfair to split up a discussion of my parents, because everything that comes to mind for my Dad also holds true for my Mom. My mom has always been there for me, and she has carried me through some very rough times in my life. I would not be here, as I am, without her constant prayer and support. The best of me is the result of their efforts.

Sister of the Groom - Brittney Westin

I think people think I'm more interesting when they find out that I'm Brittney's brother. So she's obviously the cool one! I'm still her older brother, but now I'm also a tackling dummy for her three boys. Heaven help me if Brin follows her older brothers' example!

Brother of the Groom - Andrew Dahmes

Again talking about Brittney, when people meet me, they have to ask: which brother am I? The cop or the (former) physicist? Well, this one here is the cop. Shown with his soon-to-be-better half, Jaime.

The entire Dahmes family! Janine &amp; Wayne Dahmes, Bryan Dahmes, Brittney &amp; Dan Westin (Tate, Silas, Colby, Brin), Andrew Dahmes &amp; Jaime Rau

Our Family

Details

What do you say about a brother? In truth, I have to play this a little close to the vest as I'll be his best man in just a few months. Since it won't be too long before I have to give a speech where I both embarrass and honor him, I can't give away any of the good material too early!It may sound weird, but I think Andy and I really connected only after we both had a chance to grow up a little. I was the kind of teenager who really didn't think it was cool to have his seven year old brother jumping in when I was hanging out with my friends. And he was the kind of brother that knew exactly how to play that to his advantage. He's always been clever that way, with an eye for trouble. But he's got a big heart to match.I'd get to reconnect with him whenever I would come home from college in the summer, and later from graduate school in California, and eventually Europe. Each time I'd see him, with months separating visits, I'd see someone more grown up, more sure of himself, and less like a "little" brother. Sure, he hasn't been "little" for quite some time (he's been bigger than me for nearly 20 years), but what I mean is that I knew I could rely on him. We would talk about life, women, and especially faith. He has challenged me, and he's always been strong enough to lean on me for advice and help as well.I've moved around a lot, to finally settle back down in Minnesota. I'm so very thankful that my time back home gives me time with my brother. I'm blessed to have him help me start my life with Alicia, and I look forward to my duties for his upcoming wedding!

Andrew (Andy) Dahmes

Heather &amp; I may not be biologically related, but I count her to be a sister!  I met Heather shortly after college when I was helping with a mutual friend's wedding that she was the personal attendant for.  We had an instantaneous connection as we bonded over sarcasm, slightly inappropriate humor, and a propensity to be just a little bit TOO open and honest.  Coffee dates quickly turned into shopping, movie nights, and girls weekends.  Heather walked along beside me when I was dealing with my major health issues and I cannot adequately thank her for all that she did for me.  2 years ago, Heather allowed me the joy of being present for the birth of her firstborn - Malin.  It will forever be one of the top 10 moments of my life.  Getting to witness the miracle of birth is truly a beautiful gift.  Until Bryan, Heather was my most ardent supporter and my confidant when I didn't know who else to turn to.  I can count on her not only for support, but for her complete honesty.  Her faith in Christ has always been an inspiration to me.  I think I've learned more about prayer from Heather than anyone else I know.  In fact, Heather's relentless prayer for me to find a husband is, I'm convinced, the reason I met Bryan!

Heather Polhemus

Wedding Party

Photos

Q + A

Registry

Saturday night I would suggest staying in Fairmont, MN. I can also find you free accomodations if you so desire with friends of our family.

Holiday Inn Fairmont

Comfort Inn

Sunday night if you don't want to drive back, I would suggest this Bed &amp; Breakfast or that you find any hotel in Mankato, MN (about 30 minutes away and on the way back to the Minneapolis/St Paul area).

Alicia & Bryan

Alicia & Bryan

Photos