ANDREW & PARKER

August 20, 2022

Hailing from Mobile, Mr. Michael Warren and Mrs. Kathrine Butler’s daughter, Parker, married Andrew, the son of Mr. Ronald Louis and Mrs. Cary Gavlin from Ellicott City, Maryland. Having met during freshman year at Washington & Lee University (W&L), Parker and Andrew didn’t necessarily socialize in the same friend group. “I considered him part of the ‘Yankee crowd!’” Parker jokes. However, given the small student body, they were familiar with one another. “We became closer friends our sophomore year, and I ended up making the first move by asking him to my sorority formal. We started officially dating soon after!” Parker shares. 

 Upon graduation, Andrew moved to Washington, D.C., for a job and Parker headed to Charleston, South Carolina, for an internship with Garden & Gun Magazine. Dating long distance and with their romance in full-bloom, Andrew more than surprised Parker with his touching proposal. “In September 2021, he came for a routine visit. We had dinner plans and he suggested a walk down a few of my favorite streets in the French Quarter beforehand. I started getting suspicious because high heels and cobblestone streets do not go together! Turning down Philadelphia Alley, Andrew had a string duo playing my favorite songs. It was just the two of us in the most perfect moment. I felt this overwhelming sense of peace when he got down on one knee.”

 Thoughtfully, Andrew had also secretly flown in their friends to celebrate the engagement, too. An easy yes for Parker, she recalls overhearing a conversation between her brother, Danner, and her father. “Danner and I are extremely close and while I always felt Andrew was a keeper, those feelings were confirmed when I overheard my dad and Danner having a conversation about Andrew. When my dad asked Danner for the ‘scoop’ on Andrew, Danner told him that I couldn’t have found a better guy; that’s all it took for my dad – and me!”

 Choosing a destination wedding, Parker tells us, “My maternal grandmother, Anne Williams Koelmeyer, owns a beautiful summer home not far from Camden, in Spruce Head, Maine. My family has been fortunate to visit at least once a year since I was born. My childhood memories are filled with picking blueberries, helping my grandmother tend to her garden, climbing the waterfront rocks with my brother and eating lobster—lots and lots of lobster! Andrew has made several trips and we have both come to cherish our time there. This was a pretty easy decision for us!”

 As for the overall theme, Parker shares, “We focused on letting the Maine setting do the talking. We were excited to share Camden with our family and friends—many of whom had never been to Maine. And given that our wedding was in August, it was a welcomed reprieve from the Alabama humidity! The décor was simple with lots of big white blooms and green accents. The Camden Harbor stole the show and made a spectacular backdrop for one of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever seen.”  

 As for her wedding attire?  “My veil, which was accented with lace from my mother’s wedding gown, was purchased from Over the Moon Bridal in Mobile. I found my gown at The Bridal House of Charleston as we were about to leave when my mom pointed out a dress in the front window. I tried it on and it was a done deal!” Parker exclaims.

 Naturally, it wouldn’t have been a proper Mobile party without the Cooper Trent Band.  “We are so grateful to Cooper and his bandmates for flying to Maine to take part in our special day. Cooper even learned the songs “When You Say Nothing at All” by Alison Krauss for our first dance, and “Wide Open Spaces” by The Chicks for the father-daughter dance. Both songs have such sentimental meaning, so it really meant a lot that he took the time to learn those for us,” Parker shares. 

 Much like the Bay area, Maine is known for its fresh seafood, too. “We had several food stations so our guests could get the full taste of Maine. The lobster rolls, raw oysters and gumbo were big a hit,” she shares. Knowing it takes a village, Parker’s mother was instrumental.  “She played so many roles throughout the process – planner, designer, counselor, and best friend. She has the best taste so I trusted her with everything – and she pulled off the wedding of my dreams.”

 In addition to arriving by lobster boat with their wedding party, Parker fondly recalls many special moments. “Almost 10 years ago to the date of my wedding, my dad was in a terrible car accident, and we nearly lost him. By the grace of God, he made a full recovery and I have been thankful for every day with him since – but my wedding day was especially significant knowing my dad was by my side. Right before the church doors opened, I looked at him and told him how glad I was that he’s still here to walk me down the aisle; how glad I was that he fought so hard to stay here, and how honored I am to be his daughter. I consider it such a blessing that we were able to share that moment together.”

 Also, my ‘Something Borrowed’ earrings and bracelet were from my mom’s close friend, Lee Adams, and my ‘Something Old’ was my dad’s christening bonnet, which my mom wore at their wedding, and for my ‘Something Blue’, we wrapped my Camp Illahee tie around my bouquet.”

 As for the wedded bliss? Andrew shares, “Parker brings a positive attitude, a great sense of humor, and a deep sense of empathy to every situation she encounters. She’s an incredibly loyal and supportive friend and life partner. Helping others become the best versions of themselves, her vibrancy is infectious and brightens up even my worst days!” Chiming in, Parker shares, “Andrew is the most thoughtful person I know. He asks the best questions and is an incredible listener. Great at loving the people around him, he also makes time to call friends he hasn’t seen to see how they’re doing. Putting his relationship with God first, I’m very thankful for his guidance and encouragement as he continues to lead us in our faith.” 

 For 14 glorious days, the newlyweds toured Greece and Italy on their honeymoon. “Starting in Santorini, we made our way to the island of Paros and flew from Mykonos to Florence, and then to wine country in Tuscany. Andrew planned everything and did such a fantastic job!” Parker shares. As for now, Andrew and Parker reside in Arlington, VA, with their yellow Labrador, Lanier. Andrew works as an investor for Sands Capital and Parker works in public relations with Allison+Partners. Concluding, Parker shares, “We’re not sure what the future holds, but we are so excited to start our lives together as husband and wife!”