Edward Anne Estate at Bavaria Downs

CEREMONY & RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

Our Wedding

During the peak of COVID-19, Craig and Emily met through an online dating app called "Hinge." On the New Years Eve 2020, Craig and Emily connected on Hinge, and on that evening, Craig sent a Hinge message to Emily not knowing how truly a match they really were yet. A few days later, after texting nonstop, Craig and Emily had a video chat which lasted for five amazing hours, in which there were no silences and it was like they knew each other for a lifetime. Craig’s phone even started dying and he had to continue Facetiming while holding up the wireless phone charger to the back of his phone. It certainly was one amazing way to bring in the New Year – full of hope and new beginnings. They then arranged their first date a week later on January 8, 2021. With social distancing in full swing, there were few options for a date night at public places, so Craig decided to get somewhat creative with their date. That day, after each of them picking up drinks, snacks, and popcorn, Craig went to pick up Emily from her home and they drove to a small parking lot and then set up his iPad on the truck dashboard with several downloaded movie options and proceeded to have their own private drive-in movie theatre experience. Of the options, Emily chose The Other Guys as the feature film. It was this evening that they shared their first kiss and good thing there were no flammable liquids around, because sparks flew.--Many more dates and experiences followed, such as attending sporting events, hikes, stand-up comedy shows, concerts, romantic dinners, and an urgent care visit (Craig accidentally stabbed his hand cutting an avocado in making breakfast one morning). It did not take long to realize that they were soulmates and over the following weeks, their love and relationship grew. Soon, by September of that same year, they had found a house in Shakopee and moved in together along with Emily’s (now our) dog, Ollie, who would soon be joined by his adopted sister, Luna, at the end of February 2022.--On August 9, 2024, during the start of their trip to London, they took their relationship even further by getting engaged to be married after Craig definitely and completely surprised Emily by proposing near Tower Bridge. Craig had hired a photographer and a specific meeting place with Tower Bridge in the background. Under the guise of an early dinner reservation at the Shard, they were dropped off near the Shard with the intention of taking a little walk along the River Thames before dinner. Nerves were certainly high. Once they were in place, with their photographer pretending to be a tourist nearby, Craig suggested that they get some photos and selfies with Tower Bridge in the background. After a couple of photos, Craig asked this “stranger” to take some photos of them. It was at this moment that Craig proposed to Emily (BTW, she said “Yes!”). An amazing photoshoot and mini tour followed and then they finally made it to their dinner reservation. The rest of the trip was blissful and unforgettable.--Now, Craig and Emily are looking forward to their loved ones joining them on August 8, 2026 for their wedding!--Forever and Always.- Craig &amp; Em

Our Story

Photos

Craig Matthew Picka

Emily Anne Hessler

Abraham Ledezma

Melissa Joy Saucke

José Miguel Ledezma

Lauren Nicole Walker

Santos Guadalupe Ledezma

Madison Mamie Van Cleave

Benjamin William Schweer

Logan David Campbell

Bryan Wesley Saucke

Kate Lee Swenson

Jack Alejandro Ledezma

Lincoln Stephen Saucke

Ruby Isabel Hoffman

Olivia Ruth Guillermina Ledezma

Randall George Picka

Robert Joseph Hessler, Jr. 

Ellen Sue Picka

Tamara Jo Anderson

The Honorable Jessica A. Bierwerth

Wedding Party

Edward Anne Estate

at Bavaria Downs

3919 Bavaria Road, Chaska MN 55318

Driving Instructions: After turning off Bavaria Road, follow the driveway past both available left turns towards the white building, past the glass structure and continue all the way to the end of the driveway. There will be green signage along the drive that will prompt you to continue until you reach the house! **Click the photo below to enlarge and view the map.

<a href="https://www.bavariadowns.com/the-edward-anne-estate/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bavariadowns.com/the-edward-anne-estate/</a> <a href="https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/edward-anne-estate-at-bavaria-downs-chaska-mn-956583" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/edward-anne-estate-at-bavaria-downs-chaska-mn-956583</a>

Venue Photos

Venue

What Is Cocktail Wedding Attire?

Cocktail Dresses to Add to Your Cart ASAP

What Guys Need to Know About Dress Codes

We kindly request Formal or Cocktail attire. You’re welcome to go full glam—gowns, tuxedos, and other formal looks are absolutely appropriate—while cocktail dresses, refined pantsuits, and suits in any shade (including dark or light summer colors) are equally welcome. Choose whatever feels comfortable and polished for an August evening wedding.

Dress Code

6.2 miles and approximately 14 minutes from the venue. A total of&nbsp;18 rooms&nbsp;have been blocked under&nbsp;Craig Picka, consisting of:11 suites&nbsp;with&nbsp;one king bed and a full kitchen7 suites&nbsp;with&nbsp;one queen bed and a full kitchenGuests should reference the&nbsp;Craig Picka wedding block&nbsp;when booking. Reservation Deadline:&nbsp;Wednesday, July 1, 2026After this date, any unreserved rooms will be released to the public. Located in Chaska, 7.5 miles from Paisley Park, TownSquare Place has accommodations with a fitness center, private parking, a garden and a terrace. This 3-star hotel offers free WiFi. The hotel has family rooms. Lake Harriet is 22 miles from the hotel, while Mall of America is 22 miles from the property. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is 22 miles away.

TownSquare Place

7.7 miles and approximately 14 minutes from the venue. Please use the link below to reserve your room within our wedding block:<a href="https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hotels/51958?checkInDate=08/07/2026&amp;checkOutDate=08/09/2026&amp;groupCode=Picka 2026" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hotel Booking Link</a> A total of 15 Deluxe Tower Rooms with two queen beds&nbsp;have been reserved for our guests. We recommend booking early to ensure availability. Reservation Deadline:&nbsp;Wednesday, July 1, 2026After this date, any unreserved rooms will be released to the public. Located off Highway 212, this Chanhassen, Minnesota hotel offers a daily hot breakfast and rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. The famous Mall of America is 15.2 miles away. A fridge and coffee maker are provided in all rooms at the AmericInn Chanhassen. Each room features simple décor and includes a work desk. Free access to the indoor pool, hot tub and sauna is offered to hotel guests, and free passes to the nearby Snap Fitness are available. A business center is on site. Bluff Creek Golf Course is just an 8-minute drive from the Chanhassen AmericInn. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is 11.7 miles away.

AmericInn by Wyndham Chanhassen

14 miles and approximately 21 minutes from the venue. We have reserved a room block for our wedding weekend at the Hyatt Place Minneapolis/Eden Prairie. Rooms are available for Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9, with flexibility to adjust your stay dates based on your travel plans. Room RatesKing Room — $134/nightDouble-Double Room — $144/night Reservation InformationPlease use <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/shop/rooms/mspze?location=Hyatt%20Place%20Minneapolis%2FEden%20Prairie&amp;checkinDate=2026-08-07&amp;checkoutDate=2026-08-09&amp;rooms=1&amp;adults=1&amp;kids=0&amp;corp_id=G-HEPI" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this hotel reservation link</a> for guests to book directly within the Hessler–Picka wedding block. Please reserve your room by&nbsp;Friday, July 17. After that date, any unreserved rooms will be released back to the hotel for public booking. Individual reservations may be cancelled up to 24 hours prior to arrival without penalty. Hotel AmenitiesThe hotel is a suite-style property and includes:- Pullout sofa beds in all rooms- Separate living area with 42-inch TV- Mini fridge, wet bar/countertop area, and coffee maker- Complimentary Wi-Fi- Complimentary hot breakfast buffet- 24-hour fitness center- Large indoor pool- Business center- Complimentary parking The hotel is conveniently located near major highways, restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping. TransportationThe hotel does not provide shuttle service. Guests may prefer to use Uber or Lyft for transportation throughout the weekend. For those interested in arranging private shuttle transportation, the hotel recommended: Total TransportationPhone: (651) 770-5668Email:&nbsp;info@totallimo.com Welcome to Hyatt Place Minneapolis/Eden Prairie! This Eden Prairie, Minnesota hotel is conveniently located just off Interstate 494, a short 12-minute drive from Mall of America and Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) International Airport, and just a 19-minute drive from Minneapolis City Center. There are several great local attractions, such as Eden Prairie Center, US Bank Stadium, Paisley Park, etc. and various unique restaurants in the area. Our beautiful, spacious Lobby was renovated around three years ago. We are pleased to offer a hot, daily, complimentary breakfast in our Gallery Kitchen (Mon-Fri 630AM-9AM, Sat/Sun 7AM-930AM). Our Gallery Bar is open from 12PM - 12AM daily and includes an on-site limited Starbucks for those early mornings, drinks/cocktails for the late evenings, as well as small, hot dining options from our Gallery Menu. Still hungry? Our Gallery Market is available 24/7 for anytime snacking and nonalcoholic beverages. All our rooms at Hyatt Place Minneapolis Eden Prairie are considered suites due to their spacious size. In fact, each room is equipped with a sofa-bed to offer you and your guests the most comfort possible! Our rooms include a 42-inch flat-screen cable TV which are Chromecast enabled and will allow you to enjoy all your favorite streaming services! For your convenience, a wet bar/sink, refrigerator and coffeemaker are also included in the room. The Bathroom Area includes a hairdryer, iron/ironing board, as well as complimentary toiletries. Hyatt Place Minneapolis Eden Prairie is thrilled to offer 24/7 access to our recently remodeled Fitness Center. Other amenities include complimentary WI-FI, a Business Center with printing access, free parking, and a large indoor pool (open 8AM – 10PM). We are truly excited for the opportunity to provide exceptional service to you and your guests! Please call with any questions, we look forward to your upcoming stay!

Craig Matthew & Emily Anne

Craig Matthew & Emily Anne

C&E

CEREMONY & RECEPTION TO FOLLOW