Making Dreams Come True
By Debbie Lagestee • Photos by Lea Austen Photography
Do you ever wonder if dreams really do come true? Scott and Amy Brekke don’t have to wonder because they know they do. Their love story began in Minnesota, where they both grew up. They met at their church, smiling and meeting eyes across the aisle for a couple of months before Amy worked up the nerve to step out of her comfort zone to say hello to Scott. That meeting led to exchanging emails and getting to know each other. The emails progressed to phone calls which eventually led to actual dates. They dated for a year before Scott proposed on New Year’s Eve 2001. It was a night most girls only dream about. They had dinner at a French restaurant, and afterwards Scott surprised Amy with a romantic horse drawn carriage ride. Snuggled under blankets, they rode through beautiful, snowy Loring Park. It was a scene straight out of a movie. When they reached the center of the park, Scott got down on one knee in the carriage and asked Amy to marry him. She, of course, said yes and despite the freezing cold she took her mittens off so he could slip the gorgeous engagement ring on her finger. It was a magical night – one they will never forget!
The Brekkes have five children: one in college in their home state of Minnesota, one in high school, one in middle school and two in elementary school at a local private Christian school. They also have a seven-year-old Yorkipoo, named Jacksan. The Brekke family is an artistically inclined bunch. Together their talents include designing, painting, drawing, videography, singing and writing. Sundays are reserved for family time. They love to spend time together whether it’s playing basketball in front of their house, taking long walks with Jacksan, or playing the expedition board game Catan, which takes them hours to play!
Six years ago, after a vacation to Myrtle Beach, the Brekke Family made the decision to move to South Carolina, and Charleston became their new home. There was no job transfer, no family in South Carolina, just a desire to move. When they joined Crosstowne Church they quickly realized this is where they were meant to be. From the moment they walked through the doors, they fell in love with the church community and now call them family. They believe God called them from Minnesota to South Carolina and specifically to this church. Scott and Amy have been leading the marriage group there for the past four years. They have enjoyed meeting and getting to know other couples, hearing their stories and going through life together. They are involved in community outreaches through their small groups and have a sense of satisfaction knowing they are actively making a difference for the good in the community. The icing on the cake was the kids immediately loved their youth programs and have made everlasting friendships as well. Their family motto is love God, love others and do good in the world. Crosstowne has helped them fulfill that motto.
Scott attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a Construction Management degree. He grew up working for his father at his construction company. Scott followed his father’s footsteps by starting his own construction company which he had for 10 years. After the move to Charleston, Scott started a new architectural design company called Alpha Home Design & Consulting. Scott loves designing projects for builders, homeowners and businesses. He uses cutting edge technology which allows his clients to see his renderings in 3D rather than just viewing blueprints. Scott has a passion for helping them envision the finished space.
Amy was a stay at home mom for 18 years. While being home with the kids, she earned a two-year degree from Crown Bible College with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. She is a writer at heart, but also loves to paint. Last year, while spending quality time at a local paint studio with their oldest daughter, Amy learned the studio would be closing. This was so disappointing to her because the studio had become a favorite place for date nights with Scott and girl time with their daughter. When she told Scott the news, he suggested they purchase the business for Amy. It was another dream come true. They officially acquired For the Love of Art Studio last year. The transition from being a stay at home mom to a small business owner has been challenging yet rewarding. Amy has two amazing artists who help her teach the classes. Sharing her love of painting with clients of all experience levels is what drives her. “This business is a perfect fit for me and our family,” says Amy. She acknowledges the support from Scott and their entire family has been instrumental in her new role.
The Brekkes have lived in Carolina Bay for just over a year. They are impressed with the amenities the community has to offer – the kids especially love the pools. Riding around the neighborhood in their Minnesota Vikings golf cart has become a favorite family past time. Amy comments, “Although it’s a big neighborhood, the events held at the community park have made it more personal and easier to get to know fellow neighbors.”
Amy enjoyed hosting a table at Art in the Park and felt like it was a great opportunity to make new friends. Overall the Brekkes feel blessed to be surrounded by wonderful neighbors. They appreciate kind, simple gestures such as looking out for each other, bringing in packages or helping with dog sitting.
Scott and Amy would like to offer a special thank you to all the sponsors for making this magazine possible, stating “In a large neighborhood with so many subdivisions, this will surely make it seem closer knit.”
Although their lives are extremely busy raising five kids and owning two businesses, they wouldn’t have it any other way. The Brekkes are living life to the fullest and look forward to achieving their next dream!
This article was featured in the April 2020 issue of Carolina Bay Neighbors magazine.
