“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies” – Aristotle
Andrew Whalley
Genius
Thousandaire
Libertine Philanthropist
Our Story
Andrew and Brooke began their love story in the best way possible… as friends. They met in 2015 when both needed a temporary place to live while making new and big adjustments to their lives. They each rented a room out of friend and groomsman Zane Ahmed’s home in Conway. While sharing a bathroom they got to know one another and developed a friendship. With Zane always out on the road the two found themselves home together a lot. They would often watch movies and TV together or talk and even check out the others dating apps, offering suggestions to make their profile more appealing.
New Years 2015 Andrew went home to Charleston to visit his parents. Brooke asked if he wanted to come back down to Myrtle Beach and be her date. He agreed and they spent their first New Years together. This was also the evening they shared their first kiss. While at the time they both claimed it was just a friendship kiss neither of them realized it would be the first of many endless kisses.
The next day after Brooke finished coaching at a basketball game her and Andrew decided to go “out on the town” in Conway. They got drinks and dinner then ended up at home sharing a bottle of tequila and doing headstands and two stepping. They laughed, told secrets, talked about their families and childhoods and shared stories causing them to become closer than expected. This was their first unofficial date.
A few months later in April 2016 Brooke had finally saved enough to get back on her feet and move into her own place. In July of 2016 she knew Andrew had a box of kitchen stuff and asked him if she could borrow some of it. He agreed and brought over a big box of stuff for her. She made him dinner and told him he could stay over since he had to work the next day and it was easier than going all the way home to Conway. He stayed over and left for work the next morning. He decided to come back again the next evening. His excuse was to make dinner and see how the kitchen stuff was working. He never really left after that except to go home and get clothes. From there their life together began.
Brooke Lopez
Brilliant
Accomplished
Queen Humanitarian
Countdown
Pack your bags and get ready!
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Wedding Party
Bridesmaids
Brittany Giesking
Matron of Honor
To say that my life changed for the better when my little sister, AKA the Bride, was born would be (mostly) true. I was two years old and had no idea that I was meeting one of the my very best friends in the entire world. All of my favorite childhood memories include Brooke, and I am confident that she’d say the same about me; of course, her being the younger sister, I am also confident that she’d likely say that some of her least favorite childhood memories include me as well. I used to hate having to share a room with my little sister (and wearing matching Christmas and Easter dresses), but looking back, the nights I spent in the same room as Brooke fill my heart with joy: taking care of her in the middle of the night after a nightmare; using our timeouts wisely to conspire against our brother; and drying her tears (usually after being the one who caused them, but that’s not the point). I am proud to boast that I am the one who taught her proper roommate etiquette (you’re welcome, Andrew!), however I am still wondering what the point of the matching dresses was …
Groomsmen
Kevin Whalley
Best man
What a pleasure it has been to be with Andrew from his beginning and see him grow up all his life.
To be his Best man is a treat; I do think of him as my best friend and that is what I’m very proud of.
We’ve shared so many things together, (some wild) and most wonderful! We’ve watched him embrace marriage with a strong beautiful woman he loves.
We love them both and we wish them the best life will continue to offer.
Dr. Jacob Greenberg
I have known Brooke 15 years since High School, we have always been by each others side from New Mexico to Colorado! We spent so much time together when we first met, anyone can tell you we were almost always together, cheerleading for Highland, acting at the Vortex, or just hanging out in Princess (then upgraded to Priscilla). I always knew that Brooke had a huge heart, and proved it to me time and time again. Whether it was me confiding my sexuality for the first time when I was 15, to talking through bad breakups as teenagers and as adults, Brooke has never turned her back on me and always was a shoulder to cry on, and more importantly, could use a bad Simpsons reference to make me laugh again. When Brooke met Andrew I knew things were different, she was cautious, shy, and nervous, (all traits none of us know of Brooke! :P) and I think it’s because she could tell that finally she found the one and really didn’t want to mess it up. I met Andrew a few months after they began dating and was so impressed with how mature and respectful he was, to not only Brooke, but everyone around him. The love he has for Brooke flows out of him when he is talking about her. I can tell by the way they look at each other from across the room that this is true love and I couldn’t be happier for them both.
Ryan Mistretta
I met Andrew on move-in day at Coastal Carolina University way back in 2003. At the time I did not know that the first day on my own was also going to be the day I made a life-long friendship. I instantly bonded with Andrew over cars, video games and music. I lived with Andrew for the entirety of our 5-year college careers and we have been through many amusing and interesting experiences together. We have been able to watch each other grow into adult versions of our younger (and dumber) selves and I can proudly say we have both ended up more successful than most of our college stories would lead you to think. I was extremely honored to have Andrew as a groomsman in my wedding, and I couldn’t be more pleased to return the favor. The older I get the more I appreciate just how lucky I have been by having friends like Andrew, and I look forwards too many more years full of stories and “interesting” situations!
Emily Rinehart
Brooke has been such a wonderful friend to me! Watching her take on her own businesses, move across the country, support her community and friends has been such a blessing! Through the high highs and low lows she is always courageous and has repeatedly beat the odds all the while with a lip synced song on her lips! I am so happy that she’s found a wonderful man who compliments her and is cheering for her as hard as I am! Brookelette you are an inspiration, a wonderful friend and you are going to be a stunning bride! I love you so much! CONGRATULATIONS!
Evan Stribling
Whalley and I met in college when we were randomly assigned the same quad. Being from Virginia I knew no one at Coastal. After meeting my first roommate I wasn’t sure how that year was going to go. Whalley was the last roommate to show up that day. He was a cocky, spiky haired kid that seemed so sure of himself. It didn’t take long for me to realize that he was just as clueless as I was. The first time we went to the beach he insisted on driving because he knew the best spot. We ended up in Georgetown and never actually made it to the ocean. Whalley never lost that self confidence and it would ultimately lead us all on some interesting adventures. Over the years we went through a lot and somewhere along the line became family.
Mallory Knight
Brooke Lopez is everyone’s best friend. She has this way of making every person she comes across feel special,important, and instantly at ease. She meets everyone with an open heart and happiness that is contagious. So what was my moment? Well to be honest, it was nothing memorable or special which is why it deserves mention. I did not meet Brooke in some epic story worthy manner which is why it is so important. I met Brooke briefly in passing and from the very second I may her, I knew she was a person who would be a part of my life forever. How often do we encounter a person so briefly that so profoundly imprints on our heart? From some silly fleeting moment a lifetime of friendship was born. Once blossomed, the stories and legendary tales of friendship were born… But I will always marvel that a lifetime of friendship was born from literally nothing. As only Brooke Lopez can do.
Daniel Parker
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair. – Charles Dickens
This is what Dan sent me. Literally.
Audralee Scofield
2004
New Mexico State University
Cheerleading Tryouts.
I was a transfer student coming in with Tommy to tryout for the program. I walked up to Brooke and started talking asking a ton of questions. She answered back and befriended me. We ended up going out the night before tryouts (great idea) and stayed in a hood rat hotel. We all ended up making the team and the rest is history.
I believe we bonded over the summer that season when we missed the bus to cheer camp and had to drive my 1998 Grand Prix with duck tape tail lights from El Paso, TX to Fort Collins, CO to meet our team. Thank goodness for Maggies gas card. I drove most the way, with two black eyes from Brooke breaking my face. Mary was too short to drive so she sat on a pillow and Brooke was still drunk so we left her in the back seat. I was pulled over and got a speeding ticket. On a positive, we still made it camp on time. The most hated trio of them all arrived on time thanks to my wonderful driving skills.
Over the years, we became more like sisters. Her family took me in and Dad yelled at me a few times for being a bad influence on his Brookie even though half the time, it was not me. We went thru several ups and downs together. The good times and the bad, lots of laughs and tears. So many great memories that I cherish and several stories that should remain untold.
AGGIES AGGIES GOOOOO AGGIES!
-Drunk Audra
Zane Ahmed
I’ve known Whalley for about 7 years now and he is hands down the best dude out there.
Lisa Lopez
I met Brooke back in our early college days at NMSU. I can’t recall the specific time and place we met but all of a sudden…BAM!.. This loud, beautiful, smart, obnoxious, loving, cheerleader girl was in my life. She knew how to live each day like it was her last and she took me along for the ride. I remember thinking how envious I was of her because she could live life in the fast lane all while passing her classes with flying colors. Something I had only wished I could do. If I’m going to keep this paragraph PG, then all I will say is I sure had some colorful times with her haha! She definitely brightened up my college days! We haven’t lived in the same city in almost a decade but we’ve always kept in contact because there is no distance far enough that can keep me away from my sister from another mister!! #lopezsistersforlife Congratulations Brooke! I’m so excited for this new chapter in your life and I’m honored to make more memories celebrating with you and your husband to be!
Molly Daugherty
I wanted this to be a rap.
Alas, there is no time for that.
So here’s some Brooke to metered time,
I’ll do my best to make it rhyme.
She was el jefe of my shop.
No need to laugh, it’s true, so stop.
We went for drinks, a local dive,
Side-splitting laughter did arrive.
Let’s pause the story, and consider,
some descriptions that might fit her.
Or better yet, let’s take a look,
at words that just don’t link to Brooke.
Not a soul would call her shy,
apprehensive, coy or dry.
That night I learned the words that matter:
Character, mischief and laughter.
Doubled over like a quilter,
Who is this person with no filter?
Decorum was of no concern,
Only real talk, as I would learn.
Never had I come across
Such an extroverted boss,
That night I learned the truth uncut,
No turning back, that door was shut.
Let’s continue on this trail,
regrettably, a censored tale.
Another story which amuses,
About our trip down to Las Cruces.
A car with 3 friends and a puppy,
(poor dog’s fate would turn unlucky).
But first, I got to meet Brooke’s friends,
(a crazy lot, I’ll see again).
It was my tail-gaiting debut,
Hooray! Let’s go NMSU.
The whole thing is a little hazy
Back at the house was really crazy.
Seared in my mind, I’ll not forget
A ruckus I thought was the pet.
Alas t’was Brooke, boldly unclad
Chasing around a wide-eyed lad.
Two lessons were learned on that day
1: with Brooke, you can’t run away,
She’ll not stop ‘till you’re overthrown.
2: piercings are there to be shown.
We say goodbye, go to the car.
Something with Elvis is bizarre.
Long story short, poor pup got worms.
The details will give you the squirms.
Next, as times changed, boys came and went,
A new job’s where our time was spent.
As no doubt comes with no surprise,
Brooke was dear, to the whole franchise.
Not your typical worker bee,
Fake titty compliments were free!
She’d do workouts while on a call.
Our ballet tryst was known to all.
But really cheer was her calling
Soon life took an overhauling.
To bravely face uncertainty,
is as courageous as can be.
Avalanche Cheer on a budget,
Brave enterprise, how I judge it.
Always committed to her girls,
High expectations for their twirls.
Of course, life changes, as we know,
Brooke opts to leave Colorado.
Doubtless a sad day for Molly,
However, good luck for Whalley.
And now approaching present day,
We keep in touch from far away.
Friendsgiving with her new boyfriend,
(A choice of which I do commend).
And Vegas with its feared blackouts.
Perhaps a leash next time you’re out?
And now I look toward the spring
When she can show me her new ring!
You’ve worked hard and deserve the best
Your destiny YOU manifest.
I’m beyond proud to be your friend,
I’m here for you until the end.
Erica Smith
Our friendship took off like we knew each other our whole lives. Anyone that knows me can tell you that’s not easy to do. To get to know someone so quick and get as close as we have. I don’t consider this to be just a friendship most of the time it’s like co-parenting. We might go days without talking but if the girl’s need you no matter what your always there. From birthday party’s school event’s, sports, slumber party’s, sleepovers or just girl time I know we can count on you to be there no questions asked. It means more to me than you will ever know the love, time and support you give us. Being a part of this special moment in your life makes me happy and means the world to me that I can share it with you. I hope I can give you back some of the support you give me and my family for you mean the world to us. thank you for being you
Accomodations
Elena Gallegos Amphitheater
The wedding will reside in the Elena Gallegos double shelter amphitheatre overlooking the beautiful Sandia mountains. After the ceremony join us in celebration at the View Event center located 15 minutes away near Vista Del Mundo.
Ceremony
7100 Tramway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122
Reception
The View Event Center 1550 Tramway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112
Hotels and Rental Options
Below is a list of hotels in the area. The prices are average nightly rates and may change upon booking your room:
- HOTEL ALBUQUERQUE AT OLD TOWN – Starts at $195/night
- Marriott Albuquerque – Starts at $190/night
- Best Western Airport Albuquerque Inn Suites Hotel & Suites – Starts at $95/night
- Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North – Starts at $110/night
- COMFORT INN & SUITES ALBUQUERQUE NORTH AT BALLOON FIESTA PARK – Starts at $88/night
- VRBO – Varies
- Airbnb – Varies
Things to do…
- Sandia Resort & Casino – https://www.sandiacasino.com/
- Isleta Resort & Casino – http://www.isleta.com/
- Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel – https://www.santaanastar.com/
- Sandia Peak Tramway https://sandiapeak.com/
- Old Town https://www.albuquerqueoldtown.com/
- ABQ BioPark https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Center https://indianpueblo.org/
- Petroglyph National Monument https://www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm
- Hot Air Balloon Tour https://www.rainbowryders.com/locations/albuquerque/
- Balloon Fiesta Museum https://balloonmuseum.com/
- Casa Rondena Winery https://www.casarondena.com/
- Meow Wolf (Santa Fe, NM just over an hour away) – https://meowwolf.com/visit/santa-fe
- White Sands (Alamagordo, NM about 3 ½ hours away) – https://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm
- Four Corners (Farmington, NM about 4 hours away) – https://www.newmexico.org/listing/four-corners-monument/1786/
- Carlsbad Caverns (Carlsbad, NM about 5 hours away) – https://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm
Transportation
- UBER
- LYFT
- Enterprise Car Rental – (855) 266-9289 https://www.enterprise.com/
- Rail Runner – (866) 795-RAIL (7245) https://rideroadrunner.com/
- ABQ Green Cab – (505) 243-6800 http://www.abqgreencabco.net/
- Public Transit – (505) 243-7433 https://www.cabq.gov/transit
- Private Car Service – (505) 424-3367 https://rideroadrunner.com/
Our Wedding
Wedding Details
Date: Saturday April 9, 2022
Ceremony: 4:30 pm
Cocktail Hour: 5:00 pm
Reception: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location:The View Event Center by Simply Decor Tents & Events
Predicted Weather
Temperature: 71°
Rain: 0%
Humidity: 21%
Wind: 9.2mph
Wedding Details: The ceremony and reception are by invite only. If you do not RSVP you will not be able to join.
- Date: Saturday April 9, 2022
- Ceremony: 4:30 pm
- Elena Gallegos Double Shelter and Amphitheater 7100 Tramway Blvd. NE – Albuquerque, NM
- There is a security gate going into the park. Let them know you are with the Lopez/Whalley wedding, they will let you through no charge. Follow the one-way road up the mountain. You will see a line of parking spaces on the left. From this parking area. there is a gate that you can go through and follow the trail to the amphitheater. Keep driving until you see another dirt parking lot on the left side. Continue around towards the top of the loop and there are more parking spots to the left and the right of the restrooms. As you come back around to the front of the shelter there are some spots available directly in front. You can park here. There a few more just past the shelter as well.
- Cocktail Hour: 5:00 pm
- Location: The View Event Center 1550 Tramway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112
- Reception: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Location: The View Event Center 1550 Tramway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112
- Elena Gallegos Double Shelter and Amphitheater 7100 Tramway Blvd. NE – Albuquerque, NM
Other Wedding Events – All Wedding activities including the ceremony and reception will be adults only. NO CHILDREN PLEASE.
Other Wedding Events
Bachelorette Party (Anyone brave enough)
- Date: Wednesday April 6, 2022
- Time: 7:00pm
- Location: Founders Speakeasy Located at 622 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Golf Outing
Check back for more information.
Registry
In liue of gifts the happy couple would prefer contributions to their Honeymoon fund.
Please Send contributions to: