Bridal gown by Diamond Bridal from Sher's
Tuxedos from Gingiss
Bridesmaids’ gowns from Bridesmaids and More
Flowers by Highland Wildflowers
Photography by Wettig's Photography
Catering by Clemon's Catering
Entertainment by DJ's and More
Ceremony Venue: St. Louis Bertrand
Reception Venue: Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs

As I sat down to talk with Jim O’Brien former Meteorologist for WLKY, and his new wife Missy Colvin O’Brien, a broker for APB Energy, their faces beamed with enthusiasm. They told me about the first time they met and their romance that lasted on and off for about ten years. When Jim left Louisville to pursue a degree in meteorology at Western Kentucky University, it was not long until Missy followed, and she still feels it was the best decision she could have made.

Sunshine
Jim asked Missy to dinner one night to Ruth Chris’ Steakhouse and Missy agreed, although she thought that he was acting awfully suspicious about something. Jim had decided several days before to pop the question; but before asking Missy, he had called her father Tommy Colvin to ask his permission. The couple went to dinner, then headed back to Missy’s apartment for a bottle of wine. Jim turned on some romantic music, walked into the kitchen, placed his arms around Missy, and asked her, “Would you marry me?” Missy was shocked, and all she could do at that moment was to laugh and giggle. Jim had to ask her a few more times, but she finally said, “Yes”. They immediately went to Missy’s sister’s house and to her cousin Phil’s house to show off the ring and share the news. The engagement lasted for fourteen months, but they both immediately began preparations for the big day.

Clear Skies
The wedding date was set for the evening of March 1, 2003. The ceremony took place at the beautiful St. Louis Bertrand in downtown Louisville. Missy wore a white strapless trumpet sheath by Diamond Bridal from Sher’s, and Jim wore a classic black tuxedo with a white satin vest and four-in-hand knot tie from Gingiss. The maid of honor was her sister Lisa Colvin, and her seven attendants were friends Angie Hanka, Joy Wheatley Barton, Jennifer Groom, Mary Del Negro, Melanie Ackee, Jessica Self, and Denise Scott. The groom’s niece and nephew, Katie and Keegan Odell, were the flower girl and ring bearer. The bridesmaids wore satin cornflower blue two piece gowns accented with rhinestone belt buckles and mermaid skirts from Bridesmaids and More. The flowers, from Highlands Wildflowers, were both pale and vibrant pink roses. The groom’s best friend Toby Monks was his best man, while the groomsmen were Jason Brunstetter, Mike Seymour, Mike Schrecker, Phillip Edwards, Bobby Elder, and Bobby Vinegar. Although Jim’s grandfather could not attend the wedding, he gave Jim his wedding band that he had shared with Jim’s grandmother. The band is simple, but is inscribed with Jim’s grandparents, names and the date of their marriage, and Jim now wears it with is own wedding band. The evening was captured in photographs by Wettig’s Photography.

The reception took place at the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs; because Jim’s family is from out of town, he thought that it would be a great way for them to experience Louisville. There was even a screening of a movie about Louisville and the Derby. The room was decorated with white linen tablecloths and candles. Clemons Catering served an elaborate dinner followed by cake, while guests listened to music provided by DJ’s and More. The reception did not end when the bartender called, “Last call”, but was moved to Bearno’s by the Bridge in downtown Louisville, where the bridal couple and their wedding party danced long into the night.

The Tropical Honeymoon
Jim and Missy honeymooned for seven days and six nights in Maui, where they dined at some of the most romantic spots, watched the sunset, walked on secluded beaches, and took in all the sights. They even attended a Luau, where Missy took pictures of Jim dancing with the locals. The last night there, they stood outside their condo and watched the sunset, an exceptionally beautiful sight in Maui. About 150 other guests of the resort stood outside to watch the sunset, as well. When the week came to a close, the couple, although sad to leave such a paradise, flew home to Louisville, excited to begin their life together as husband and wife.