From a very young age, he played hockey and she did gymnastics. At the age of eleven their families began car pooling to and from gymnastics and hockey practices. Brooke in the back seat and Bryan in the front they never spoke a word to each other. But who knew the first day of grade 6 would bring these two together for life!
Brooke had been at her elementary school since grade 3 and was simply making her way to her new classroom when her teacher asked “Brooke, can you show our new student to the gym?”. She turned to look at who this new student was…her stomach flipped, it was Bryan! Her speed walking skills kept her in front of him all the way to the gym! Not saying a word, she simply pointed to gym doors. Little did they know over that school year they would become best friends. They continued on to the same highschool here in London. In grade 10 Bryan was drafted in the first round to the Ottawa 67′s. At the age of 16 that was the beginning of their long distance relationship. Brooke visited him in Ottawa with her family and a few years later found herself driving 4hrs to Kingston as he was traded to the Frontenacs. Then, as luck would have it, Bryan was traded to the London Knights in 2005 and not only did they enjoy an amazing year together in their hometown. But, Brooke witnessed first-hand the Knights road to their Memorial Cup victory!!! What a fun year! After that year, Bryan moved to the USA to pursue his hockey career while Brooke finished her undergrad at UWO and later her B.Ed. in Windsor. Eight years of being apart consumed much of their early relationship but with many long phone calls, road trips, flights and visits that always flew by too fast they made it through together!
Bryan and Brooke are now enjoying life together and find with time, 14yrs to be exact, comes the life they always dreamed of. Bryan is currently playing with the Carolina Hurricanes and Brooke is a successful gymnastics coach and elementary/secondary school teacher. This summer they bought their first house together, got engaged and recently expanded their family….a chocolate lab named Griffin! Their relationship is a true testament to the old saying….”good things come to those who wait”!
Our Lee Mann Productions team had an amazing time with Brooke and Bryan. They were wonderful to work with and so enthusiastic and natural together! Notice the shot where Brooke tried her gymnastics on a fallen tree!
A little behind the scenes…LMP seems to like the water!
