Ceremony at the Van Dusen Mansion Surrounded by Blooms

Wedding: May 25, 2017

Ceremony & reception: Van Dusen Mansion, Minneapolis

Honeymoon: Minnesota’s North Shore

Amanda Heidmann will admit it: She had a crush on Josh Brocker for years before they became an item. It wasn’t hard for her to fall for the wit and charm of the boy next door. The two met before kindergarten and grew up a mile apart, but didn’t start dating until just three days before high school graduation. That first date was at a Dairy Queen, and later in their relationship, Josh brought Amanda back to the same spot to propose. A sweet and classic theme carried through the Van Dusen Mansion, where the couple exchanged vows under an arch of roses in shades from pale blush to vibrant fuchsia. The bright focal point of the wedding ceremony was a do-it-yourself project: A friend from high school helped Amanda find flowers online, then used his landscaping skills to craft the centerpiece. The garden wedding with just 100 guests was the ideal scene for the quiet couple, who prefer romantic dinners to bustling parties. In the intimate setting, a highlight for both was seeing friends from elementary school mingle with college professors, as cherished friends from all stages of their lives made new friends of their own.