Rehearsal & Groom's Supper

The Madison

Rehearsal

Sweet Magnolias Events

Groom's Supper

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Take 1 - witty, creative, kinda funny

Emma and Bryce each spent the early part of their twenties in St. Paul - Emma at the University of St. Thomas and Bryce at the University of Northwestern - St. Paul. Both student athletes, each frequent visitors of local coffee shops, and even while sharing some mutual friends and connections, they never ran into each other. In the summer of 2023 (Emma now in her ...late-twenties and Bryce in his mid-twenties), they "matched" on a dating app, Hinge, and set out for their first date at Master Noodle. Bryce claimed to know the best place in town for Chinese noodle soup and he was correct! As the story goes, Emma felt sure of Bryce after date #2 - likely his wicked skills in Battleship - and Bryce felt sure of Emma after date #3 - probably because of her *classic* car troubles that night and choice to order blue ice cream, of all flavors. Since the beginning, Emma and Bryce have cherished their sweet time together... frequenting Timberwolves games, spending time with friends and family, playing just about any game (Bryce beating Emma at Hand and Foot and Emma anihilating Bryce at Monopoly Deal), and chatting into the wee hours of the night. God has been SO good to us by bringing us together, even amidst our unawareness of each other's existence up until we matched on Hinge. We're honored and excited to be doing life together, soon as husband &amp; wife!

Take 2 - heartfelt, less witty

After some encouragement from their respective friends to just see how it goes on the dating apps, Emma and Bryce came across each other's profiles on Hinge in the summer of 2023. Little did they know, this match would be the match—the one they each wrote home about, the one they told their friends about, and eventually, the one they would do life with and become one with.   They set out for their first date at Master Noodle, the place with the best Chinese noodle soup in town per Bryce's recommendation. Emma didn't have great chopstick skills but tried to play it cool, keeping her slurping to a minimum, and Bryce wasn't sure how all of this would pan out but wholeheartedly engaged in conversation anyways. After just a couple dates, both Emma and Bryce knew they had something special. They built an instant connection and an ongoing foundation on their love for Jesus, commitment to their families and friends, their sense of spontaneity, and their love for a good local coffee shop.   It's always been evident that God has written their stories in His book and has so thoughtfully and generously brought them together in His timing. It was just a few months into their relationship when Emma and Bryce began talking of a future together, feeling excited to be doing life side by side and committed to honoring God while doing so. It was October 27, 2024 when Bryce asked Emma to marry him at the Prairie Bluffs and it was an easy and enthusastic YES! YES! YES! from Emma. We are so blessed by God to be given this precious gift of one another and to soon become husband & wife!

Our Story

Thank you, Allison Hopperstad Photography, for our beautiful engagement photos 🤍

Photos

We are incredibly blessed to be surrounded by a village of friends and family who root for us and pray for us, and we believe our wedding party is a sweet representation of just that. Disclaimer: Each groomsman was asked to submit their own photo

My not-so-little-anymore sister, Grace, is the courageous, compassionate, punchy, and funnier half of the Teal sister duo. It's always been said that she is my pride and joy. Borrowed clothes, unruly laughter, and understanding without words pretty much sum up the sweet sisterhood that Grace and I share. There's something special about having a lifelong best friend who has known every version of you and loves you through each one. I'm thankful to have her right by my side, as she always has been, as my maid of honor during this special season 🤍 

Grace Teal

Ryan and I have been friends since freshman year where we were both friends and hall mates. We both joined the Civil engineering program and (briefly) played for the same Lacrosse team. Nowadays we are more likely to hit a brewery after a round of disc golf than we are to wait for a Caribou Coffee to open after pulling an all-nighter studying for finals, but either way we are still making memories. Ryan is working as a Civil Engineer and raising one of our flower girls, Elyse, with his wife in Prior Lake.

Ryan & Elyse Fries

Although not a Teal by blood, Marissa has been a part of our family for as long as I can remember as she and my brother, Graham, began dating in high school. She's always been our bonus sister, a gift from God we didn't know we'd be so fortunate to have. Marissa is confident, elegant, and so much fun! She has graciously supported me and lifted my chin through many life stages and changes and I’m so grateful for her! 

Marissa Teal

College friend and former roomate, Josh has consistently been someone I could count on to do homework with as we would both decide 10pm is the perfect time to start a grad school essay due at midnight (yes, we both finished our degrees). A youth minister by trade, Josh and I have shared many a cup of coffee after a round of disc golf. Josh is currently living the dream out of a camper with his wife in San Diego

Josh VanLith

Grace Thysse, affectionately known as "Duffy" (her maiden name), is the dearest friend you could ask for. What began as some friendly competition between strangers for a starting spot on the volleyball court quickly became some serious and lifelong bonding over good music, our shared love for family, and our faith in God. Our friendship has been a beautiful blend of laughter, tears, and sweet memories at the cabin, coaching together, and indulging in fried food (s/o Plums).

Grace Thysse

Andrew, A.K.A. Fedje, was my roomate freshman, sophomore, and Senior year of college. Hardly ever a dull moment throughout the years, Fedje has always been someone I could count on. When he is not hosting a DND game, Fedje is working hard towards his dream of his wife finally finishing medical school in Joplin, MO.

Andrew Fedje

Though I prayed for a best friend to come from my college experience, I never would have imagined as precious of a woman as Bri would fulfill that role. She came into my life as an instant confidant and role model. My favorite memories with Bri come from our six years living together (ask us about our basement gym) and our time spent traveling abroad during college (ask us about our adventures sometime). It's also been so sweet to see her embracing motherhood and raising Georgia. I can’t thank God enough for gifting me with Bri!

Bri & Georgia Meyer

THE Luke Meier. College roommate and fellow engineer. Many nights were spent puzzling over homework problems and unsuccessfully trying to convince him not to set fire to random items such as our deck. Fortunately for everyone, when Luke is not at work or spending time with his wife, he is now a member of the fire department.

Luke Meier

It seems like just yesterday that Kaylee and I met each other in the Crossfire Volleyball gym, quickly becoming friends and being mistaken as twins. I look back on our teenage years with so much gratitude and humility because my friendship with Kaylee deeply grounded me and kept me rooted in my faith, even amidst the highs and lows of life. Those years are also the foundation of my love for Taco Bell since we went after almost every practice. Kaylee has always set a beautiful example of a faithful woman of God - that was true when we were sixteen and still holds true twelve years later.

Kaylee Slagter

As my first brother, Mason and I have had our fair share of highs and lows growing up. However, at the end of the day our relationship has remained strong. Throughout high school, we were fortunate enough to both play football, basketball, baseball, and track ensuring I had at least one brother on every team I played. Even today, Mason continues to follow in my footsteps as he has picked up disc golf and chose to have shoulder surgery (although if you ask him about it he will try and convince you those are not related to me). Currently, Mason lives and works in South Dakota doing things with computers that go completely over my head.

Mason Schmidgall

Though we first met each other as "Kaylee's sister" and "Kaylee's new teammate," I consider it such a blessing that Jenay and I have developed a friendship of our own! My love for her was solidified when she played with us at the 2013 national tourney in Orlando (quite the time). A fellow creative and lover of hosting and homemaking, Jenay has always been a source of connection, encouragement, and accountability!  She is a great role model to me—an amazing friend, loyal wife, and faithful mother.

Jenay & Miller Michael

Little brother #2, Parker and I have spent countless hours playing board games and fighting over who gets to be player 1 on the Wii. In our college years, Parker chose to go to UNW with me and we were able to play 2 seasons of lacrosse together before my NCAA eligilability finally ran out. However, Parker and I were able to remain close with us both still in the cities and he even had the pleasure of staying in my too small spare bedroom one hot summer when I rented a home with minimal air conditioning. Currently, Parker is living out one of Gage's dreams and works up close and personal with BNSF Trains.

Parker Schmidgall

God knew I needed an older sister and I'm so thankful that Aimee has assumed that role in my life! Aimee has faithfully and selflessly served as an encourager, prayer warrior, and accountability mentor to me for years. Co-leading middle school small groups with Aimee and having a front row seat to her parenting of her sweet kids has taught me a lot about being committed to the Word of God and finding our identity in Him alone. In addition, Aimee is beautiful, bold, and hilarious!

Aimee & Grace and Raegan Peterson

Little can be said about my youngest brother that everyone who meets him does not already know. Always outgoing and talkative, he is always quick to make friends and encourage those that he meets. Gage is currently putting his abundant energy towards his studies at UW-Superior.

Gage Schmidgall

Sami, the bubbly and lovely big sis of the Schmidgall clan, has welcomed me with open arms into the family and has made me feel so loved from the start. I'm excited to have such a joyful and caring future sister-in-law! As a special cherry on top, we get to walk alongside one another in our bridal era as she is getting married in July!

Samantha Qaddoum

Graham, Emma's one brother, has been a strong supporter of my and Emma's relationship since the start. Welcoming and encouraging, I am looking forward to many more weekends spent at the cabin with him and the rest of the Teal clan. While an architect by day, Graham's “attention to detail” skill at Mario Kart makes him a force to be reckoned with during any family game night.

Graham Teal

Taylor, the beloved hubby of Emma's BFF Kaylee, generously allowed Emma to be their third wheel for years until she met Bryce. Bryce and Taylor go back even farther, as they were rivals in basketball growing up. We love Taylor for his kind heart and down-to-earth demeanor! We're grateful to have him in our lives.

Taylor Slagter

Karsten, the guy with the most contagious smile, is a gift to us both! Like Taylor, Karsten has graciously allowed Emma to third-wheel with him and Jenay for so many of life's moments. We know and love him as a steady friend, dedicated husband to Jenay and father to Millie, and the ultimate board game enthusiast (seriously, watch out).

Karsten Michael

Wedding Party

Q + A

We’ve reserved a block of hotel rooms to make travel planning easier for our guests! You can find booking details below—we recommend reserving your room early as these room blocks are likely to fill up quickly. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Holiday Inn Express & Suites St. Paul - Woodbury, an IHG Hotel

Use the linked website below to get our room block rate.

Hampton Inn Minneapolis/St. Paul-Woodbury

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites St. Paul NE - Lake Elmo, an IHG Hotel

Travel

Our Valentines Day spot and maker of our favorite: Tres Leches cake.

Cafe Latte

Our first date spot ❤️ (Best hand-stretched Chinese noodles!!)

Emma & Bryce

Emma & Bryce

E&B

Wedding Day

4:30 PM–5:00 PM

Ceremony

5:00 PM–11:00 PM

Reception