Wedding Day

Ceremony

Historic Hope Glen Farm & Vineyard- Treehouse Suite!

Reception

Our Wedding

It all started with a tapped heart, or as some dating apps like to say, a swipe right, and some simple conversation. We had a few weeks of chatting due to our schedules (and some sickness on Erika’s part), but in August 2023, we had our first date at Coldstone followed by going to see Barbie in theater. Which we were almost late to because we were talking so long at Coldstone.&nbsp; From there, Ryan decided he wanted to spend part of Erika’s birthday with her, so he met Erika and one of her friends at the Minnesota State Fair. From pronto pups to cheese curds, and Sweet Martha’s cookies the State Fair was a day to remember. This was also the day we got our first picture together on the Ferris Wheel overlooking the fairgrounds! On August 30th, 2023 Ryan took Erika to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. And with the Spoon and Cherry in the background asked Erika to be his girlfriend. She of course said yes (or we wouldn’t be here today!).&nbsp; We had our first weekend roadtrip to North Dakota in October 2023 so Ryan could meet Erika’s friends in ND and attend his first ever Fighting Sioux Hockey Game! (Yeah Sioux Sioux)!!!! Which even if you ask Ryan today, he may not be a fan of Sioux Hockey, but he loved the Ralph Englestad Arena.&nbsp; Then came the holiday season where we went to Duluth and Bentleyville to experience the Christmas Season. During the holiday season we also went driving to see Christmas lights and ended the holidays by spending it together with family and friends.&nbsp; In the new year (2024) we started out with a little competitive bowling (which both of us aren’t great at) and some fun at TopGolf playing Angry Birds. And in case any of you are wondering no Ryan doesn’t let Erika win, but when she does, he gets mad!!! But he even though Erika still beats him in sports he still officially told her he loved her while on the Stillwater Lift Bridge.&nbsp; Spring started to blossom, and we went to our first concert together. And of course, it was Dan &amp; Shay! And if you don’t know Ryan he’s obsessed with Dan &amp; Shay! He may even love them more than he loves Erika! (Just kidding of course!)&nbsp; Then came the sunshine and warm weather! Throughout the summer we celebrated Ryan’s Birthday, a Morgan Wallen Concert, Ribfest, hiking, and a Tinquist Family Reunion.&nbsp; To celebrate Erika’s birthday and our year anniversary we decided to take a week trip to Washington. While there we got to experience the great Pacific Northwest and all its beauty. We went to a Mariners game, Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Whale Watching, Pike Place Market and enjoyed time with some of Ryan’s family on the coast.&nbsp; But one of our favorite parts of the trip was going to Leavenworth and enjoying this small Bavarian town. While there we decided to go on a 8.7 mile hike on Erika’s birthday to experience a once in a lifetime moment. On the hike we saw the beauty of the Cascade mountains and Colchuck Lake. With the glacier lake and mountains in the background Ryan got down on one knee and asked Erika to marry him. And of course, she said YES! It was the best day of our lives and an amazing view to start the next chapter of our lives. We can’t wait to share our special day with all of you!&nbsp;

Our Love Story

Our Story

Photos

Rachael is Erika's younger sister. As kids Erika liked to pick on Rachael by singing I Hate Barney and accidentally pushing her off the bed. But over the years their relationship improved and got a little competitive, especially when it came to softball. We still have our competitive moments, but our relationship and sisterhood has grown over the years. And Erika couldn't imagine her big day without her little sister by her side!

Rachael Sorenson

Aaron is Ryan's middle brother.  They grew up sharing a bedroom together, a car together, and even went to the same college.  They had the typical brother relationship growing up but when they got older their relationship became closer and stronger. Aaron has always been there for Ryan in his times of need. They enjoy watching all the Minnesota sports teams together. Ryan couldn't imagine not having Aaron as one of his Co-Best Man on his big day!

Aaron Peterson

Amanda and Erika met during Erika's Sophomore year at college when Amanda ended up being one of her suite mates! Throughout college, when not in classes, you would most likely catch them at Sioux Hockey Games! Since college she's become an even closer friend and we try to hang out every month or two at least for a little girl time!

Amanda Chirhart

Neil is Ryan's youngest brother.  Ryan tended to look out for Neil and showed him the ropes.  Even though there was an age difference they still supported each other during school events. Neil and Ryan have enjoyed going to multiple Timberwolves and Gopher Hockey games and movies together. Ryan can't wait to have his youngest brother standing next to him as a Co-Best Man on his big day!

Neil Peterson

Meggi and Erika met freshmen year of college in biology class!  We soon became great friends and had so many memories together! From trying to survive biology class, to hockey games, and all the other crazy stories they had many laughs and fun memories in college! And even though the distance the last few years has prevented us from hanging out as much we're still great friends!

Meggi Pelton

Ryan and Mike met in a Poli Sci class in college and became instant friends. They enjoyed hanging out on weekends in River Falls with the crew.  Even though Mike is a Blackhawks fan and Badger Fan and part time Iowa Fan their friendship has remained strong. Mike moved to Florida before Covid and they still kept in touch and try to meet up whenever Mike comes back to Minnesota to visit family. Ryan even went down to visit last fall and they had a blast together. Ryan couldn't imagine not having one of his best friends by his side on his big day!!

Mike Leonard

Kayla and Erika started their nursing careers together at Essentia in Fargo. We soon formed a friendship outside of work and started to plan all our nursing education days together and even spent a whole night shift on call together binging Netflix! Kayla became Erika's go to nursing buddy, and it was a hard decision to move back to Minnesota because she was a great coworker and an amazing friend! Even though we no longer work together they've still maintained a great friendship and she still listens to me occasionally complain about work to her ha!

Kayla Tufte

Tony is one of Ryan's cousins. Tony and his family built a house right behind where Ryan and his family lived. They would spend a lot of time together along with Aaron and Neil and Tony's brother Lee growing up. Once Aaron and Neil moved out Ryan and Tony spent most weekends together between going to movies, Twins games, Saints games, going to Como Zoo or watching Neil in his musicals and plays. You could usually find Ryan and Tony at Meisters's Bar in Scandia  on Friday nights.  Tony's friendship has meant a lot to Ryan and he couldn't imagine celebrating his big day without Tony by his side.

Tony Smith

Jayde and Erika met while attending the University of North Dakota when they both decided to work as Campus Tour Guides. We started out just as coworkers, but over time became great friends! To the point we drove through a North Dakota Blizzard to get to Target one day, whoops! 

Jayde Heinen

Noah is one of Ryan's cousins. Even though they don't see each other that often they still have a good bond and Noah has been a big supporter of Ryan.  In the winter time you can sometimes find Ryan and Noah on the slopes at Trollhaugen 

Noah Brown

Andy is one of Ryan's cousins.  Andy and Ryan spent a lot of time together growing up when Ryan's family would invite Andy with on road trips. Andy has been a big supporter of Ryan. Andy and Ryan enjoy going to Twins games or skiing at Trollhaugen or listening to Paul Allen at a Buffalo Wild Wings during the Vikings season or going to a preseason game 

Andy Drummond 

Wedding Party

Q + A

A block of rooms have been reserved at this hotel at a discounted rate if you need a place to stay! To book a room please use this link! <a href="https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/SL51Q5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/SL51Q5</a> Thursday Rate $99Friday Rate $134

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cottage Grove, MN

Due to other events in the area The Confluence is unable to do a room block, but if you need a place to stay feel free to book a room here if you don't want to stay at the Country Inn.

The Confluence Hotel

Or if you want to be closer to downtown Hastings and the Mississippi River feel free to grab a room here! Just keep in mind this location is a little further from the venue and we don't have a room block at this hotel.

Erika + Ryan

Erika + Ryan

Things to Do

Afton State Park

Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park