Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church

St. Paul Town and Country Club

Our Wedding

We met at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.&nbsp;As freshmen we would meet our friends every Friday night at midnight to make pancakes and enjoy each others company. As our college years went on, we continued our friendship and loved to connect at a nearby brewery called Lake Monster.

After college we became the best of friends with our love of trying new breweries and attending Minnesota Wild games together. From introducing Connor to pedicures and oysters to treating each other to adventurous beers at the Minnesota State Fair, our friendship blossomed into a strong trust and love for each other.

After 8 years of friendship, Emily broke the "friend zone" and we started dating.

Our love thrived as we got to know each other more. We were surprised to learn that we both love sushi. After 6 months of dating, Connor moved to St. Louis for a new job opportunity and we started a new journey of a long distance relationship.

Following many fun adventures while navigating a long distance relationship, we decided to take the next big step and move in together. Our new chapter would take us to Washington DC as we started our new life as East Coasters.

We enjoy traveling, trying new foods and making life long memories together. New York City has become one of our favorite destinations. No matter where we go, we look forward to always being there for each other. On October 5, 2024, Connor proposed to Emily in New York City.

Our Story

Engagement Photos

Maid of Honor Claire Franksen 

Maid of Honor Katherine Franksen 

Bridesmaid Francesca Goodnight

Bridesmaid Erin McCloskey

Bridesmaid Sarah Klaiman

Bridesmaid Cassie Theisen

Bridesmaid Kelsey Hynes

Best Man Brett Theisen 

Groomsman Dan Czarnecki 

Groomsman Jeff Galbavy

Groomsman Jake Abbott

Groomsman Blake Bornstein

Groomsman Greg Hynes

Flower Girls Anella and Stassi Theisen

Usher Adam Rykal 

Usher Will Theisen 

Assisting Usher Jack Riege

The Brides Parents Bob and Traci Franksen 

Reside in Lake Forest, IL

The Grooms Parents Dave and Colleen Theisen 

Reside in Shoreview, MN

Wedding Party

Q + A

Church Parking

Parking is available at the church for wedding guests. There is a parking lot located diagonally across from the front entrance of the church on the corner of Kent Street and Portland Ave. There are handicapped spaces in front of the church on Kent Street. Street parking is also available but may be limited.

Elevator access to the whole church on the Kent Street Lobby. Wheelchair lift to the main worship space at the side door on the corner of Kent Street and Portland Ave.

Reception Venue Parking

Parking

We are very excited to celebrate and appreciate the distance many of you will travel to share our wedding day.&nbsp;For your convenience, a limited number of rooms have been reserved at a discounted rate for Friday and Saturday nights under the name“FRANKSEN/THEISEN WEDDING”at the hotels listed below.&nbsp;&nbsp;Check the hotel websites for specific rates and availability. You are encouraged to reserve as soon as possible to ensure availability and discounted rate.&nbsp;

Special note: Due to The Minnesota Twin City Marathon held on October 5, 2025 you may want to book rooms early.

Intercontinental Hotel 

MARRIOTT RESIDENCE INN

AC HOTEL

HYATT REGENCY

Accommodations

Dining Recommendations

Great company in combination with great food will make for a wonderful vacation to Saint Paul, Minnesota. Enjoy! Reservations are suggested.

Emily probably ate at Punch Pizza 100 times over the 11 years she lived in Minnesota. A favorite spot is an understatement. This pizza restaurant serves delicious wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads. This eatery highlights affordable prices and a pleasant patio. The toto pizza and punch salad was always Emily's go to order. There are no reservations at Punch Pizza.

Punch Pizza Grand Avenue

Always good. Always great service. Parlour Bar is the perfect place to grab a bite with friends. The Parlour Burger is a must and will be the best burger you ever have. Enjoy!

Parlour Bar St. Paul

A renovated firehouse in the heart of St. Paul. Hope breakfast bar is known for their delicious chicken and waffles, breakfast sandwiches and chicken fried steak.

Hope Breakfast Bar - St. Paul

Emily and Connor have shared many wonderful times with each other and friends at The Gnome. Great beer list and is the perfect place for brunch, lunch and happy hour. We would recommend enjoying their friendly patio.

The Gnome Craft Pub

We love La Grolla! Delicious food, relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff. This classic restaurant will make you feel that you have transported to Italy.

La Grolla

The Nook is a one-of-a-kind dinning experience famous for their Juicy Lucy. A Juicy Lucy is a cheese-stuffed hamburger that is a regional specialty of the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. The Food Network named the Nook to its list of the 15 best burgers in 2016. There are no reservations at the Nook.

The Nook

Breweries 

The Twin Cities are known for having an abundance of craft breweries. One of Emily and Connor's favorite things to do is explore new breweries, meet new people and try a world of flavors within the timeless tradition of sharing good spirits.

Visit the brewery where Emily and Connor connected throughout college. Located near the wedding venue. You can always find Connor ordering one of the sour beers from the menu.

Lake Monster Brewing Company

Emily and Connor have shared many wonderful memories together at Bad Weather Brewing Company. From grabbing a beer before a Minnesota Wild game, to enjoying a beer in the taproom, Bad Weather has become Emily's favorite brewery. Our recommendation would be to order the American IPA: The Hopcromancer.

Bad Weather Brewing Company

This brewery has history! A beautiful home that was originally the oldest Minnesota German lager beer saloon has been transformed into a brewery and restaurant. We would highly recommend checking this place out!

Waldmann Brewery

Sweeney's is a fun lively neighborhood pub that is walking distance from the church that includes indoor and outdoor spaces. A favorite spot of the happy couple.

Sweeney's Saloon

Coffee

Anybody who knows Emily, knows her love for coffee.

Claddagh is a familiar Irish symbol of two hands holding a heart topped by a crown. The symbol represents love, friendship and loyalty. This cozy coffee shop holds a special place in our heart as it is where Emily broke the "friend zone" and we started our love story.

Claddagh Coffee

Cafe Latte is a modern restaurant on the corner of Grand and Victoria. You will be tempted by the delicious desserts. Their tres leches cake is delightful. It's a great spot to grab a bite to eat.

Cafe Latte

Exploring St. Paul 

St. Paul is historic and the capital city of Minnesota. It is located on high bluffs overlooking a bend in the Mississippi River. The Summit Avenue Neighborhood is a historic landmark.

We met at the University of St. Thomas during the first week of our Freshman year. Our group of friends would meet every Friday night at midnight to make pancakes and celebrate each other. We called ourselves "The Breakfast Club". We maintained our friendship throughout college while also exploring interests, passions and making new friends.

University of St. Thomas 

Grand Avenue is home to a little bit of everything. An electric and inviting atmosphere with tree-lined streets that stretch 26 blocks of shopping. Browse charming boutiques, enjoy patio dining or a cheerful sidewalk cafe.

Grand Avenue

Stroll the longest avenue of Victorian homes in the United States, taking in the former homes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, railroad tycoon James J. Hill, Nobel laureate Frank B. Kellogg and more. The residence of the Minnesota Governor and the University of St. Thomas campus is also located on Summit Avenue.

Summit Avenue 

We are excited to have our reception at the first country club in Minnesota. The original club opened in 1887. The club moved to its current location in 1890. Town &amp; Country Club golf course is the second oldest golf course in the United States still being played on its original land.

Emily & Connor

Emily & Connor

Wedding Party

The Brides Parents Bob and Traci Franksen

The Grooms Parents Dave and Colleen Theisen