The Freighthouse Restaurant

Rehearsal Dinner

The Court Above Main

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Gift Opening

Our Wedding

It was a typical snowy day in Duluth when Alexa found herself behind the counter at the Walgreens pharmacy, where she worked. That day, she was asked to train a new team member named Joey. In addition to Joey, Alexa was also mentoring two other technicians who had recently joined the team. As the weeks went by, Joey continued to ask Alexa questions—many of which she had already answered. What she didn’t realize at the time was that Joey wasn’t just looking for help; he was looking for time with her. Around the same time, a new season of Outer Banks had just been released. Alexa recommended the show to Joey, insisting he give it a watch. Coincidentally, Joey’s roommate had just gotten a puppy—a tiny, irresistible corgi. Seizing the opportunity, Joey invited Alexa over to meet the puppy and watch Outer Banks. Alexa couldn’t resist the chance to cuddle a cute corgi, so she made her way to Joey’s college house… and the rest, as they say, is history. On September 12, 2021, after their first official date at Olive Garden, Joey asked Alexa to be his girlfriend. About a month later, they decided to share the news with their families by sending a photo of their first Halloween together, dressed as none other than Barbie and Ken. Since then, their love story has grown with countless shared memories. They took their first trip together to Tennessee. Alexa began pharmacy school, they vacationed in Florida, graduated from undergrad, and Joey started his master’s degree—all while building their life side by side. On December 21, 2023, Joey proposed to Alexa at Bentleyville in Duluth, right after a romantic dinner at their favorite restaurant, Bellisio’s. Shortly after, they went to their first Packers vs. Vikings game (the Packers won!), began planning their wedding, took a cruise vacation, and celebrated Joey’s graduation with his master’s degree. Through it all, they continued working together at Walgreens, the very place their story began. And now, on their wedding day, it will mark exactly five years since Joey asked Alexa to be his girlfriend after that special first date—proof that a snowy day, a corgi puppy, and a Netflix recommendation can lead to a forever kind of love.

It All Started at a Walgreens Pharmacy....

Our Story

Photos

Alexa Leiner

Lexi Gandrud

Lily Rowland

Anna Ergen

Sam Terwey

Keaton Breske

Spencer Rova

Tyler Ergen

Dan Breske

Dave Fenske

Elle McCann

Jonah Schneider

Heidi Stewart

Wedding Party

Q + A

﻿Featuring views of the Mississippi River and Riverside Park, The Charmant Hotel offers accommodations in downtown La Crosse. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and free WiFi access in this renovated candy factory built in 1898. Rooms include reclaimed maple wood flooring with exposed wood beams and brick. A 48 inch flat-screen cable TV, mini-bar and refrigerator are equipped in each comfortable room. The property offers a courtesy car service for guest transportation in the area. The La Crosse Charmant Hotel has multiple events spaces for business or personal needs. A fitness center is available for guests looking for a workout. On-site dining includes a restaurant serving rustic French cuisine, highlighting seasonal ingredients. Guests can also take in the view from the rooftop bar which serves cocktails and wood-fired pizza. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is 1.2 mi from the property. Specialty shops, art galleries, breweries and centers for the performing arts can all be enjoyed nearby.

The Charmant Hotel

Just a 10-minute walk away from La Crosse Convention Center and a 15-minute walk from the University of Wisconsin, this hotel is located off of Interstate 90 in downtown La Crosse and offers complimentary hot breakfast and free WiFi. Every room at Hampton Inn and Suites La Crosse Downtown provides a 55-inch flat-screen HDTV with streaming app functionality and a work desk with an ergonomic chair. A microwave, small refrigerator and coffee maker are also included. Guests can swim in the indoor pool, workout at the fitness center or relax at the outdoor patio on-site. Guests traveling for business can appreciate the 24-hour business center and conference room at the hotel. There is also a snack shop. Riverside Park is 2 blocks away from the hotel. Great River State Trail and La Crosse Regional Airport are both a 14-minute drive away.

Hampton Inn & Suites La Crosse Downtown

Located in La Crosse and with La Crosse Center reachable within a 6-minute walk, Fairfield Inn &amp; Suites by Marriott La Crosse Downtown provides express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and ski-to-door access. 2 miles from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and 14 miles from Hamlin Garland Homestead, the hotel has a ski pass sales point. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar. The breakfast offers buffet, continental or American options. The hotel offers an indoor pool. The area is popular for hiking and skiing, and ski equipment rental is available at this 3-star hotel. Free private parking and a business center are available, as well as a 24-hour front desk. La Crosse Municipal Airport is 5 miles away.

Fairfield Inn & Suites La Crosse Downtown

Located in La Crosse and with La Crosse Center reachable within a 3-minute walk, Home2 Suites By Hilton La Crosse has a fitness center, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a grill. The hotel provides an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel also provides a business center and guests can use the on-site ATM machine at Home2 Suites By Hilton La Crosse. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is 1.7 miles from the accommodation, while Hamlin Garland Homestead is 14 miles from the property. La Crosse Municipal Airport is 5 miles away.

Home2 Suites by Hilton La Crosse

Hotel

Grandad Bluff is a prominent scenic overlook located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Rising about 600 feet above the city and the Mississippi River, it offers panoramic views of La Crosse, the river valley, and parts of Minnesota and Iowa. It's a popular spot for sightseeing, hiking, and picnicking, and holds cultural and historical significance for the region. Grandad Bluff is also part of the city's identity and has been named one of the best scenic overlooks in the U.S.

Grandad Bluff Park

Riverside Park is a scenic, versatile riverfront gem—with gardens, performance venues, art, docks for riverboats, and vibrant seasonal events—all set against the stunning backdrop of downtown La Crosse and its rivers. Whether you're there for a stroll, a cruise, a concert, or just to soak in the views, it’s the heart of community life in La Crosse.

Riverside Park

Ecker’s Apple Farm is a charming, family-owned orchard located along the scenic Great River Road near Trempealeau, Wisconsin. Established in 1945, it’s now run by the fifth generation of the Ecker family. From late August through October, visitors can enjoy pick-your-own apples, boarding the playful Honeycrisp Express train, strolling through blossoming orchards, and savoring scratch-made caramel apples, hand-baked apple pies, and fresh farm goods in the orchard market. The atmosphere is lively, with Hog’s Back Brew Farm hosting a weekend craft beer and hard cider garden, food trucks, live music, and an on-site apiary producing local honey.

Ecker's Apple Farm

This is a scenic 22-mile multi-use trail that runs from La Crosse to Sparta along a former railroad corridor. With a crushed limestone surface and gentle grades, it's ideal for biking, walking, and cross-country skiing. The trail winds through the picturesque Coulee Region, featuring wetlands, forests, and farmland, and is home to diverse wildlife.

Great River State Trail

The Crow, located at 100 3rd St S in downtown La Crosse, is an American gastropub and bourbon bar celebrated for its extensive bourbon and craft beer selection. Voted La Crosse's Best New Restaurant in 2015 and 2016, it’s known for gourmet specialty burgers, unique comfort dishes (like BBQ mac on Texas toast), and Wisconsin hospitality.

The Crow

Howie’s on La Crosse is a beloved, historic “hometown hangout” located at 1128 La Crosse Street in downtown La Crosse. It offers a casual, friendly atmosphere with a menu featuring gourmet burgers, signature sandwiches, in‑house smoked meats, wood‑crust pizza, wraps, and a full Bloody Mary bar. The bar lineup includes a solid selection of craft beers, martinis, and signature cocktails, with popular specials like Wing Wednesdays and happy hour deals. It’s a community staple for gatherings, trivia nights, fish fry Fridays, and late‑night bites in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting.

Howie’s on La Crosse

The Breakfast Club &amp;&nbsp;Pub is a lively all‑day breakfast and brunch hotspot nestled on Main Street in downtown La&nbsp;Crosse, WI. Open daily from 7 AM to 2 PM, it’s known for its generous portions of classic and creative comfort fare—think loaded chicken &amp; waffles, stuffed French toast, hearty burgers, breakfast cheese curds, and vegetarian-friendly options—alongside a full bar boasting 16 beers on tap. Step through the door and you’ll be transported back to the ’80s, surrounded by nostalgic memorabilia, old records, and nonstop John Hughes movie clips and MTV music videos playing on TVs throughout the dining area.

The Breakfast Club & Pub

The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor &amp; Confectionery is located at 207 Pearl Street in downtown La Crosse. Since its opening in 1993 inside the historic 1874 Vincent Schwarz Building, it has grown into a beloved local institution that seamlessly blends a traditional ice‑cream parlor, artisanal candy store, and cozy coffee house. Step inside and you’re transported back to the 1930s: polished wood counters, vintage Hamilton Beach malt mixers, antique glassware, and classic tunes from Frank Sinatra to Billie Holiday. Their homemade ice cream—crafted in small batches with Wisconsin dairy—is available in over 20 inventive flavors (think Mississippi Mud, Snappin’ Turtle, White Chocolate Raspberry, Cappuccino Oreo, plus gluten‑free sorbets and cones). Beyond ice cream, The Pearl offers handmade chocolates, fudge, nostalgic candies, espresso drinks, and even ice cream catering.

Alexa + Joseph

Alexa + Joseph

A&J

Wedding Day

4:00 PM

Ceremony

6:00 PM–9:30 PM

Reception