Leah Gjerston and Erik Hembre's House

The Night Before Dinner

The American Swedish Institute

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Social Hour

Dinner & Reception

Allie and Daniel's House

Friend Brunch

Our Wedding

Daniel and Allie met in 2019, when Daniel moved into the St. Paul house where Allie was living. Allie rented the lower level, Daniel was on the main level, and the landlord lived on the second level. We started dating in March 2020, when the world turned upside down. We share a keen interest in spending time outdoors. Whether it's fly fishing, Nordic skiing, mushroom foraging, or planting more trees in our yard, we delight in exploring the natural world together. Allie has learned to manage ropes and brush during Daniel's tree work endeavors and Daniel has supported Allie in her nordic skiing and open swimming events. Our friends and families mean the world to us and have also shaped our story. Thank you to each and every one of you for your love and support.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Travel

The American Swedish Institute (ASI) holds a special place in our hearts for its focus on craft and creativity. We have attended the monthly Maker's Night, a community gathering held every third Thursday of the month. A general nerd night for craft enthusiasts that ends with wood shavings covering the floor. The institute also sponsors amazing art exhibits and speakers. We had the opportunity last year to learn from Swedish axe maker, Julia Kalthoff, about her wood-carving background and journey to selling axes on a global scale. The ASI continues to be a venue where we find inspiration and belonging. Additionally, the décor in the Turnblad Mansion during the winter season is spectacular (see Daniel's joy while literally "dancing with the stars").

Why ASI?

As live music enthusiasts, we are thrilled to have two bands performing on our big day. Moreover, we feel immense gratitude that these bands include dear friends. Justin Rosckes (guitarist/vocalist in No Man String Band) and Bridget Ayers Looby (trumpet player in Sabby White) have known Daniel since high school. The early 2000s was a good time to be in the Waconia music program :). Three members of No Man String Band will be playing during cocktail hour, and Sabby White will perform following dinner.

No Man String Band: https://www.nomansstringband.com/index.html

Sabby White: https://bayerslooby.wixsite.com/sabby-white/about

Live Bands

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is a great place to escape the city and experience nature. Fall color should still be hanging on around our wedding, and maybe some lingering flowers in the oak savanna! Allow for an hour or so to explore the entire trail system.

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary

If you're into good coffee and 80s Trolls, Misfit coffee is the spot to be. This is a favorite meeting ground for coffee-loving Allie and her brother, Pat.

Misfit Coffee

Mill City is an amazing farmer's market. October 25 will be the final day of vendors selling outdoors before they move inside for the winter. A perfect place for a morning wander.

Mill City Farmers Market

The current exhibit "Inscriptions" features artist Salad Hilowle. The ASI states "experience moving image, sound, and sculpture by internationally acclaimed Swedish artist Salad Hilowle as a poetic exploration of belonging, spectatorship, and the visibility of the African experience in Sweden over time." The museum also has a great gift shop and cafe, Fika.

Allie & Daniel

Allie & Daniel

Registry

Daniel and I have lived together for 5+ years and have a comfy, full home. We are eager to take a honeymoon trip next year, we LOVE crafting experiences, and we also enjoy investing in the indoor & outdoor spaces where we live. Thank you for supporting us in this next chapter!