Meet Our Staff

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“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ” Psalm 139:14

Mary Brown – Owner

I am a wife to Miles for 28 years, mother of 5 beautiful children and 3 grandchildren. We are an active family! Never a dull moment!

I started First Comes Love in January 2021 out of a strong desire to minister to the hearts of women. I want women and their families to feel served in their bridal and formal wear shopping experience. I want the dress to fit each woman and make them feel beautiful. We don’t get to dress in formal attire every day- the day itself is special and a celebration of our lives. The way we look and feel in that day is part of the precious memories of the day. I mostly each woman to know a singular truth- that she is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

After 30+ years of experience in alterations and customizations, I envisioned a place where brides, and others looking for a special gown, could go and let their dreams and desires drive the outcome rather than just what happens to be available. Countless shopping trips become a one stop experience where individual stylist attention helps you to find Your Dress. Dresses are altered to fit, customized, or custom created to bring your vision to life.

First Comes Love is pleased to offer bridal gowns, mother’s dresses, grandmother’s dresses, bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses, and prom dresses for every girl and woman.

I am so excited to help you find your dress!

Susie Remme – Store Manager

Hi There! I’m Susie., First Comes Love Store Manager. I have had the wonderful pleasure of being born and raised in Luverne. I was raised on a farm outside of Luverne

and always knew this was where I wanted to raise my own family. Luverne is a great community with wonderful people. I have been blessed with three wonderfully grown

children, Reghan Brady and Blaik whom I hope someday to move back to their roots in Luverne. When I’m not at the store, I enjoy sports(hockey and volleyball), farm life, and all

9 of my Fur Babies:)

Look forward to serving you in your bridal journey to finding the dress!

“Always have eyes that see the best, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in GOD”

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Denise DeKam

A joyful hello! I am Denise and have lived my entire live in SW Minnesota. Along with enjoying our ever changing weather and God’s beautiful creation here, I also enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. A fun adventure/trip would be New York watching musical after musical with our daughters!

My husband, Loren, and I have been blessed with 3 daughters, their spouses, and 7 grandchildren. My joy in life is serving God and serving others, so I look forward to being able to serve you in helping you find THE dress for your upcoming special event.

Marg Kuiper

Hi. I’m Marg and I live in Luverne with my husband Greg. We have three grown children and five amazing grandkids. I work most days as a registered dietitian in Sioux Falls in the areas of pediatrics and neonatal intensive care.

Since I was a child, I’ve always loved everything about bridal, fashion and sewing and am living my dream by working at First Comes Love as much as I can. I love helping women find that perfect dress for that special occasion. And I’m honored to be able to assist women in creating their personal unique dress by helping with design, sewing and alterations. FCL is a fun place to work where every woman is valued because she is

“Fearfully and wonderfully made.”

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Teresa Wieneke

Hi, I’m Teresa, and I am an alterations specialist at First Comes Love. I have been custom designing and sewing wedding wear for 30 years along with alterations of any clothing. I have only recently started at First Comes Love. I love the fact that First Comes Love is a small local business. I am excited to join the team.

I have lived in Adrian for 27 years where I live on a dairy farm with my husband and 3 children, 2 of which are in college. I studied both sewing and floriculture. I also worked as a florist for 22 years. In my spare time I’m either helping on our farm, working with flowers, sewing, or supporting my kids in their events.

I am happy to help fit your dress and to help make your vision possible.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5

Belle Smidt

Hello! My name is Belle, First Comes Love Consultant. I am a Senior at Luverne High School and I have lived in Luverne for around 8 years and just LOVE IT!!

In my free time I enjoy playing sports, participating in church activities, and hanging out with my family and friends. First Comes Love is such a wonderful environment

to work in, especially helping others find their dress for any occasion.

I am so excited to help you find YOUR dress.

“For I know the plans I have for you declared the Lord” Jeremiah 29:11

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Anna Mccarty

“Hello! My name is Anna, I’ve been at First Comes Love since March of 2023! I grew up in Northwest Iowa but have lived in Luverne for the past year and a half! I live with my boyfriend on his family farm along with our son Knox! If I’m not at the store you can find me helping around the farm, spending Friday nights at the race track or just hanging out with my family and friends!”

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Amie Reker

Seamstress. I grew up in the Luverne area. My mom taught me most of my sewing skills and have sewn dresses for 4-h state fair projects. In high school I started alterations of choir robes and football jerseys. In college I did costume design for plays at SDSU.

Now as a full time math teacher in Sioux Falls school district I’m happy to be part of the First Comes Love family and getting the opportunity to make special occasions feel their best with a perfectly fitted dress.

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Cloey Pauly

Hi! My name is Cloey! I live here in Luverne with my husband and my dog! I am a part time consultant at First Comes Love, and even got my wedding dress here! I work full time at the USDA office here in town. I enjoy spending time with family, crocheting and hiking!

The Lord is my light and salvation, of whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid.

Psalm 27:1