Brandy and James Toutges

Brandy Toutges, 36, is a skillful stylist from Lee’s Summit. She established a successful career over 16 years ago in the beauty industry. Brandy’s spare time is consumed with her daughter, 11, and son, 9, who go in all directions with school and activities. When life seems like a rodeo, she unwinds with the newest horror novel, curled up on the couch.

James Toutges, 52, works as a network engineer for a gas company. James has six boys from his previous marriage, and he’s looking forward to welcoming the first grandson! He works as hard as he plays in his spare time, taking his dog, Loki, to play disc golf all over Kansas City. 

Brandy and James met a dinner hosted by mutual friends. She was working on a kitchen remodel in her home, and James volunteered to help. Since home projects always have the unexpected pop up, the job took longer than projected, which resulted in friends becoming friendlier. After five months of friendship, James asked Brandy for an actual date after a camping trip with friends. 

The proposal was a lovely, low-key Monday evening. James whisked her away after a dinner and never had a direct plan. He had already designed the most beautiful of rings and the jewelry store had called him earlier in the day to pick it up. It was burning a hole in his pocket, and he had to ask Brandy to be his wife just hours later with her children as witnesses. 

The wedding party consisted of Brandy’s daughter, Addison, as the Maid of Honor, and her best friend, Amber Vestal, as a bridesmaid. James’ Best Man was his best friend, Ken Oldaker, and Brandy’s son, Abel, served as groomsman. Jaxon and Lilah, Brandy’s sister’s children, completed the wedding party as ring bearer and flower girl.

 “Our wedding day was a pop-up wedding!” Brandy and James share. “We wanted something simple, easy and fun. It was an amazing experience. The menu was bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, pesto chicken skewers, an antipasto platter and fresh fruit. Our fun guest favors were bread-dipping kits from The Tasteful Olive, including infused olive oil and Tuscan seasoning.” ■

Bridesmaids’ Gowns
David’s Bridal

Groom’s Tux
Express

Floral
Fiore Floral Studio

Caterer 
Pinstripes

Venue
Museum at Prairiefire and
Pinstripes

Wedding Planner
Just Say I Do

Wedding Coordinator
Kate Morris, Just Say I Do 

Cake and Cupcakes
Blue Thistle Cakery

Videography
Dylan Trigg Productions

Cookies
Beautifully Delicious

Donuts
Lamar’s Donuts in Blue Springs

Invitations
Just Say I Do

Décor
Just Say I Do

Wedding Favors
The Tasteful Olive