The Henry - Phoenix

Rehearsal Dinner

The Paseo

Wedding Day

Boondocks Patio & Grill Scottsdale

After Party

Our Wedding

Sometimes, love finds you when you least expect it – like when you’re just trying to grab a drink at the bar and suddenly you make eye contact with your forever.&nbsp; On March 16, 2024 (the day before St. Patty’s Day), divine intervention (and maybe a little Irish luck) brought us together at Smack Shack, a popular bar in Minneapolis. Neither of us had any expectations that night – Amanda had been bar-hopping with her girlfriends and was ready to call it a night, and Riley had come straight from a different St. Patty’s event in St. Paul.&nbsp;But as fate would have it, our paths crossed at just the right moment.&nbsp; Across the crowded bar, Amanda spotted Riley and casually mentioned to her friend Kelsey that she just made eye contact with a cute guy (definitely not planning to do anything about it). But Kelsey, being the ultimate wing woman she is, had other plans. She walked right over to Riley, asked if he was single, and told him exactly what Amanda had said. Moments later, Riley walked up to Amanda, introduced himself, and the rest is history. We hit it off immediately and spent the night chatting. It was clear – something felt different, and it was very exciting. The next day, Riley wasted no time and asked Amanda on a first date – ice cream at Fletcher’s. From there, our relationship continued to grow. Summer weekends were spent at Riley’s parent’s lake place in Battle Lake, MN and cruising the St. Croix River with Amanda’s family in Hudson, WI. The last year was filled with lots of laughs, daily walks, an absurd amount of Whole Foods runs, plenty of jump scares (because who doesn’t love scaring each other??!), and watching our relationship grow.&nbsp;&nbsp; Fast forward to November 14, 2024 – while celebrating Riley’s birthday in Pompano Beach, FL (Amanda’s favorite place), Riley got down on one knee and popped the question. It was the perfect way to start our forever, and a reminder that God’s timing is always right!&nbsp; We can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you – our favorite people! Your love and support mean the world to us, and we hope you’ll join us in Arizona to celebrate our big day!

Our Story

Photos

Bri Best

Lauren Jerry 

Courtney Lund

Kelsey Price

Kendra Buss

Chelsey Ludolph

Kiley Fiala

Suzette Johnson

Court Schmeisser

Payton Johnson

Cole Johnson 

Hunter Sczepanski

Kollin Kragnes

William Leaf

Jon Dutoit

David King

Wedding Party

To help with your search, we’ve listed a few hotels not too far from the venue. We also recommend checking out Airbnb and VRBO rentals, with a few nearby areas listed below. If you have questions or need help with your search, please reach out to us!

~1 min from The Paseo (wedding venue)Located near the Superstition Mountains, right next to the wedding venue, is a brand-new luxury micro-resort with twelve individual units. Availability is limited, with a minimum 2-night stay. There is no group code or discount.&nbsp;

Aquila Place

~16 min from The Paseo (wedding venue)To book a room, reference the "Best-Johnson Wedding" room block by calling the front desk at 480-982-9090 or emailing nicole@gcgr.com. Be sure to mention the group name and provide the code: 25K6QG. Rooms are being held until September 5, 2025.Check-In:&nbsp;Wed, Feb. 18 (4 p.m.) |&nbsp;Check-Out:&nbsp;Fri, Feb. 20 (11 a.m.)

Gold Canyon Golf Resort & Spa

We recommend checking out Airbnb or VRBO for rental options. If you’re coming as a group, consider booking a larger rental together! There are lots of rental options available, depending on where you’d like to stay. Here are some locations we recommend: •	Apache Junction (~1-15 min from The Paseo)&nbsp;**The most convenient choice, as it’s closest to The Paseo. Please note: Airbnb and VRBO rentals are limited in this area, so we recommend booking early if you’d like to stay nearby.&nbsp;&nbsp;•	Gilbert (~25-30 min from The Paseo)•	Mesa (~20-25 min from The Paseo)•	Scottsdale (~30-40 min from The Paseo) If you have a specific location in mind or need help finding a place to stay, feel free to reach out and we can help!&nbsp;

Airbnb / VRBO

~15 min from The Paseo (wedding venue)

Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Mesa

~38 min from The Paseo (wedding venue)Beautiful hotel in Downtown Scottsdale with resort style amenities. Further from the venue, but would be great if you’re hoping to explore Old Town Scottsdale.

The Scott Resort & Spa

We recommend flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Please check your departure city for flight options. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is also an option. Please note: a REAL ID or passport is required for flying domestically starting May 7, 2025.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Travel

WHERE IS THE WEDDING? The wedding will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at The Paseo in Apache Junction, Arizona. We’re so excited to celebrate this day with our favorite people and incredibly grateful to those traveling to join us – it truly means the world! WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE? The ceremony will begin promptly at 4:45 p.m. – please arrive by 4:15 p.m. to allow time to get settled, find a seat, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There will also be champagne for anyone who’d like a glass before the ceremony begins! SHOULD I RENT A CAR? Totally up to you! Renting a car is great option if you would like the flexibility to explore more of Arizona while you’re here or if you’re staying a bit farther from the venue. Uber and Lyft are also an option if you’d prefer not to drive. WILL TRANSPORTATION BE PROVIDED? Due to the location of the venue and guests staying in a variety of locations, we’re unable to provide transportation to and from The Paseo. We recommend scheduling an Uber or Lyft in advance of your desired departure time, as wait times can vary so planning ahead is encouraged. If you choose to drive, you’re welcome to leave your car at the venue overnight. All vehicles must be picked up by 11 a.m. the following day to avoid being towed. We kindly ask that you plan for a safe, sober ride home. WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE? The dress code is formal – think suits, tuxedos, floor-length dresses. Please, no jeans – we would love for everyone to dress up with us! :) Please see formal attire inspo / ideas in the photo below.

CAN I LEAVE MY CAR OVERNIGHT? Yes, guests are welcome to leave their cars overnight at the venue. The gates will open the following morning at 9 a.m. and all vehicles must be picked up by 11 a.m. to avoid being towed. WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE THIS TIME OF YEAR IN ARIZONA? Arizona weather can be unpredictable, but we’re praying for perfect weather! In February, temperatures in Apache Junction typically range from the mid-60s to low 70s during the day. Once the sun sets, the desert cools down quickly, so we recommend bringing a jacket to stay warm! As a reminder, the ceremony and cocktail hour will be outdoors, and the reception will be held indoors. ARE CHILDREN INVITED? As much as we would love to have all of our loved ones with us, due to limited space at the venue, we’re only able to include the children of our immediate family in the celebration. This was a difficult decision and we hope you understand. WHERE SHOULD I STAY? IS THERE A HOTEL BLOCK? Yes! We’re reserved a hotel block at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort &amp; Spa. Rooms will be held until September 5, 2025, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot. All booking details, along with additional nearby accommodation options, can be found on the “Travel” tab. Please note: Airbnb and VRBO rentals are limited in Apache Junction, so if you prefer one of these options or want to stay close to the venue, we recommend securing your stay as soon as possible. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I CAN'T MAKE IT? We will miss you, but we completely understand that everyone’s situation is different, and travel isn’t always possible. If you’re unable to attend, please RSVP by December 1 on the RSVP tab. We’ll feel your support from afar! CAN I BRING A PLUS ONE? Due to limited space, we can only accommodate those listed on your invitation. If you received a plus one, their name will be listed on your formal invite, which will be sent in September, and will appear when you RSVP. We’re keeping the celebration intimate with close family and friends and appreciate your understanding!

Q + A

Things to do Nearby&nbsp;&nbsp;Superstition Mountain &amp; Lost Dutchman State Park&nbsp;Camelback MountainPapago ParkSaguaro LakeDesert Botanical GardenArizona Outdoor Fun Adventures &amp; Tours – ATVsHot Air Balloon RidesGolfingSpa Day in Scottsdale Things to Do Further Out (Day Trips)SedonaGrand Canyon National ParkHorseshoe BendLake PowellAntelope Canyon

Amanda & Riley