Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception to follow!

Yee Haw Woo Hoo!

We'll finally say "I do"!

Charley already outgrew his baby carriage, but we still have big plans to celebrate our marriage with you. When we moved to Minnesota, we counted our pennies and discovered we had enough to pay scientists to help us get pregnant, put a down payment on a house, OR host a wedding. With our little cowboy in utero, we secured our new homestead last year. And this year, if you all are willing to come here to celebrate with us over a can of chili beans, we'd love to share our home and son with you for an afternoon. We understand if you don't like to travel for less than a cut of salmon or a NY strip steak, but we hope you'll kick off your boots and rough it with us for some good vibes under some midwestern October skies. Sun, rain, or snow, this little family has some promises we'd like to make to each other in front of all who are willing to show. Photo by <a href="https://www.laurazastrow.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.laurazastrow.com/</a>

Likely kicking off around 3pm, stay tuned for more specific time, parking, & arrival details!

Our Wedding

THEY MEET

In September 2020, a friend of Jonel's predicted her first year in Trinidad, CO would be full of aces. She said she saw Jonel buying a beautiful house on a hill, she'd land the job she'd been hoping for, and that she would meet her knight in shining armor -- except, instead of armor, he'd be holding a shit ton of cups. While the first two were checked off quickly, the third was downright idiotic: Trinidad's dating scene was non-existent. Regardless, she figured 2/3 were pretty impressive odds for a friendly psychic connection. Meanwhile, Robbie was in Indianapolis dreaming up a move to the same Colorado mountain town to manage a tap room. By spring 2021, the tap house had its grand opening &amp; Jonel had emailed her resume to him with links to her ridiculous videos she'd produced for other breweries. We'd like to tell you that when she walked in to discover how handsome he was and notice all the damn cups he was holding... that lighting struck and the rest was history. But the sage's premonition was lost on her completely, because the first thing Robbie did was introduce her to his then-girlfriend.

THE CHASE

They did have a really positive work relationship and the tap room became the living room of Trinidad as the pandemic lifted. Robbie revealed his musical talent, open mic was never more special, trivia was born, and more people paid over $7 for swampy sour beers than our dusty-booted town ever would have dreamed. Jonel taught Robbie how to use Google calendars. Robbie was a respectful boss. They both liked to razzle the same favorite customers. Otherwise, the only thing they shared was an affinity for sarcasm. His girlfriend left town to pursue her acting dreams -- something Robbie knew was coming but came as a shock to the rest of town. A few days later (on October 18, 2021) a group went down the street for drinks after open mic ended. Robbie and Jonel hung out socially outside of work for the very first time. A game of pool and a few rounds of Ms. Pac Man later, Robbie walked her to her car and gave her a not-so-bossly handshake to confirm the chemistry was real. The next day Jonel invited Robbie over for farm-fresh eggs and an ass-whooping at Carcassone. He brought sandwiches. And it took these idiots another 40 hours of hanging out that week before he kissed her. They watched the entire Evil Dead franchise, stargazed on the rooftop of his house, swapped ghost stories, and gave Robbie plenty of chances to redeem himself at Carcassone. And finally, he made his move, sparks flew, and the gosh dang cups prediction finally clicked.

JUNIOR

By the time town noticed Robbie making eyes at Jonel during a Reckless show, there were whispers of a scandal. But those gossip queens were dead wrong. While it was supposed to be fun, with a plan to take things slow... on their first weekend away in the Old Hog, they accidentally got real high and dreamed of a future together. In the years since, they've laughed 1,374 out of 1,374 days (as of this post), they've supported each other through great losses, they moved halfway across the country in search of opportunities -- the biggest one being a chance to make that gleam in their eyes into a real human boy named Charley. Look at him; you'll see it. And now, because the order of operations never matters in happy endings, these pellet-chasing mazers are going to tie the knot like they first dreamed about way back when in Santa Fe.

Meet Cute

A Thing Called Love

Every one of you has been a part of our love story, supported us while we tried to grow our family, and put up with our dumb senses of humor for longer than you had any business doing. We wouldn't invite you to swarm our house, asses to elbows, if we didn't feel like you are an integral part of our life's patchwork. Thank you for honoring us like you do. We've enlisted this team of bandits because they each broke the mold of traditional wedding party roles a long, long time ago.

Tradition be damned, but not without honor

Janice is often our first call -- to share news or rotten jokes, if we need a sounding board, or when it's time to call in the cavalry. She is the tenacious, secret-keeping, healthy-perspective offering, tell-it-like-it-is special ops badass that helps puts the ground back under your feet ~with great empathy~ when you need it most. Party planning is in her DNA, so lucky for each and every one of you, she'll think of all the things we wouldn't have. Extra port-a-potties at this chilifest? Thank Janice that you won't have to shit your pants.

Janice Woodcock

Bring your hankies! This sweetheart is unstoppable in the mush department. From her third grade class to her BFFs, she loves in full force and can zero in on the very core of a person. She is the champion of vulnerability, the inventor of rose-colored glasses, and has an unholy knack for describing the unique brightness a person carries within them in vivid detail.  When she rolls up her sleeves, she is fixin' to show up for you in multiple dimensions... turning overwhelm into memories you'll hold onto tightly. And her homemade cookies are a love story of their own.

Amanda Littrell

Julie is a master of craft, tech girl boss, respect-commanding diva who never has to pack her own bowls. You hear Big Bands playing in your head when she sets her mind on making you feel intimately seen -- as a person and as a fellow design nerd. The woman can pinpoint your style, breathe contagious creative energy into any project, and do it with one-of-a-kind, quick-witted Kentucky brightness. From oversized handbags and wedding decorations, to papercraft journals and memento greeting cards... a gift from Julie packs a serious punch.

Julie Miller

When we eloped, Hilary dropped everything to help us acquire rings, flowers, and a wedding arch for what was *supposed* to be a courthouse signature experience. It turns out, this party-planning hero is a genius of themes. Our baby shower was a five course-series of surprises that made us feel seen as people, as style nerds, and as parents-to-be. Armed with so many thoughtful tricks up her sleeve, she puts Hermoine's bag to shame. We couldn't ask her to sit this one out if we tried (we tried).

Hilary Woods

Whether mastering the dungeons, running the show, or simply stopping by to say hi while you refinish your deck -- you know you want Emma on your team for the apocalypse, because she knows how to do it all. Giving Emma the day off to eat chili and be merry is only going to work if we tie them to a chair. So chances are, this fierce & generous sprite is going to be leading us through our cues and directing solutions through a secret mic. Our wedding won't be a shit show, but likely because Emma shows up to save a series of days between now and then. I'll delete this if I'm wrong. 

Emma Hansen

Isiah is a man of many talents. From dancing to choreography, acting, singing, playing guitar & bass, or blowing a gym whistle... the only thing he sucks at is saying "no" to things (and lucky for us, his friends)! Whether it's keeping the mics hot, mix-policing our playlist, or ensuring our awkward moments are properly emceed... this beauty queen will protect your ear bones on all fronts. His heart is the first gold we struck when we moved to Rochester. And you lucky sons 'o guns get to spend the day with the guy who will see nothing but the very best in each and every one of you, too.

Isiah Asplund-Giberson

On rare occasions, you meet people that somehow become your best friends overnight. We were lucky enough to meet three at once. Six, if you count their dudes, too. These heart-led Austinites are as stylish as they are funny, and it all pales in comparison to their enthusiasm for showing up big for their tribe. From Easter BBQ spreads, to honorary grandparenting, haircut emergencies, charcuterie olympics, and taxidermy partners... we're honored that these dames let us into their family and are willing to help us with this rodeo. 

Novy/Dunshees

Who better to make sure our house doesn't burn down with open fire pits and a small army of children running amuck than my pig-smoker brother Jake Martin and our baby whispering friend Nik Chase? Jake smokes hams so good they spark family fights lasting two years (and counting). And Nik has one of those bright spirits that turns people of all ages into helpless moths just wanting to be near him. This team may grow between now and the ceremony, but these two have the brains, beauty, and good sense to make sure you smoke your sticks right all night.

Jake & Nik

Some positions are still being invented as we plan the day, but we wanted to get you all invited before October.

Honkies

Q + A

Flights connect into Rochester from Minneapolis and Chicago. That said, the connections are often sabotaged by weather, mechanical issues, and other corporate fuckeries. Most folks elect to fly into Minneapolis instead. If you don't want to rent a car, there are shuttles (<a href="https://groometransportation.com/minneapolis-st-paul-airport/rochester/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=gbp_rochester&amp;sd_client_id=7e4acc33-7a85-45f6-86be-5dc8338ec4a4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Groome Transportation</a>) that will drop you off at the hotel for $50 each way &amp; you can use a ride share service or Lime scooters to get around town. Otherwise, we're about 7 hours from St. Louis, 8 hours from Indianapolis, 13 hours from Denver, 16 hours from Trinidad, and 24 hours from Phoenix by car. Giddy up, road warriors.

GETTING HERE

***PLEASE BOOK SOON! Our final plans and parking overflow situation depends on having final numbers to them soon. And they will give any remaining rooms away to the general public if not booked by early September!**** The hotel is located directly across the street from our house, with a path option by the river if you want to take the scenic route. It has a pool, hot tub, patio, trail access, free parking, free wifi, and huge rooms that accommodate 4-6 people (double queen &amp; king rooms each come with a full-sized memory foam fold out sofa). They come equipped with legit kitchenettes that rival some studio apartments (mid-sized fridge, microwave, sink, real dishes, and a dishwasher). If anyone wants to make a pot of chili for the "cook off", bring a crock pot or check out free cooking burners from the front desk. Also, for anyone coming early to help with set up, I did block a few extra rooms Wednesday-Monday at the same rate. Please coordinate with us if you plan to be here early.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area

PARKING

If you're staying at the hotel, please park at the hotel in the underground lot. If you're coordinating with someone who is staying at the hotel that did not drive themselves to Rochester, please park at the hotel underground parking and walk over with them! If you're local or staying elsewhere and don't have a parking spot to repurpose from a shuttle rider staying at the hotel, please park across the street in the Stone Barn Dentistry Parking Lot across the street from our house. If you need special accommodations or have any mobility concerns, please call me to discuss... the sooner the better! We want to make sure you're 100% comfortable at our wedding!

Hotel & Travel

Our no-gifts request is rooted in the hopes you can spend your buckaroos on some fun while you're in Rochester. We aren't having a formal rehearsal dinner and we're too old for our parents to pick up the tab for brunch. So, here are a few of our favorite spots -- we hope to join folks for some extra hangs while they're visiting.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry'd

Forager Brewery

<a href="https://www.foragerbrewery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Forager</a> is our favorite place to get out in Rochester. The beer, the food, the vibes, the dining and garden areas, the staff are all inspired. And it's the only place you'll see me eat a salad, let alone rave about it. They support local art, music, and shenanigans. It is the first place that made us feel like Rochester could be home.

Old Abe's

You don't have to be a vegetarian to adore this creative, bright, community-minded spot. You do have to love donuts, flavor, and a diversity mindset. Abe has a real vibe going -- and in the winter, we are always excited to attend his sauna/cold plunge nights. Not 100% safe on fertility meds, though. Oops.... now we know.

First Meeting Noodles

We're lucky it's a stone's throw from home -- and you're lucky it's in the hotel parking lot. It's a smaller restaurant, but their takeout game is fire if there is a wait. They make their own noodles, the service is fantastic, and you can watch cooking shows. Robbie and I recommend the Dan Dan noodles and the coconut milk.

Thai Pop

Want to feel like you're on a REAL vacation? Step into the nearly-literal jungle for delicious Thai food -- you may not find the traditional fried bits and pad thai, but you will leave with something better. Like the lemongrass chicken, wings, or the coconut curry brisket. And the craft cocktails? Chef's kiss.

FLAPDOODLES

There's rarely a week that we don't flap a doodle. Don't get weird, it's a local ice cream shop and their flavors are off the CHAIN. These startled dairy-(and non-dairy)-slinging teenagers never quite know how to handle a 6'5" man skipping up to them so he can give boomingly loud reviews from his tiny-spoon tastes. Lemon cheesecake, key lime pie, and cherries jubilee are our favorites. Only creeps like malted milk balls.

Bitter and Pour

Perhaps our worst-kept secret in Rochester. This speakeasy's drinks are too good to keep to yourself. Note that they do not offer standing room service. And rarely accommodate large parties. But if you want a small group outing with some of the truly best cocktails you've had in a minute, solve the riddle in the basement (down the block from Thai Pop) and treat yourself after we tucker out at home.

Terza

Craving Italian? Terza's chef learned to cook alongside his grandmother's apron strings in Italy, and it shows. They've got amazing lasagnas, entrees, FRIED CHEESE, and wines. We've celebrated good news and big birthdays here a few times. And their catering may be our new Christmas tradition.

Canadian Honker

The Honker is a Rochester staple that is like an IHOP with a bar. We are big fans of their cinnamon rolls (and eat them every Christmas morning since we moved here), burgers, and their (now discontinued) nachos.

Grandma's Kitchen

Grandma's Kitchen is our favorite greasy spoon. It feels like real meals with real local folks -- when we want to get out of downtown's tourist trap.

Corona's Tacos

Corona's Tacos - they're delicious, and the closest we get to the Southwest here in Minnesota. But they don't open early, so check before you go. If you're unlucky, the karaoke machine will be turned on and you can get grinded on by a dancing burrito.

Francisco's

Want a taste of Cuba in the middle of white-bred USA? Lord have mercy, does Francisco's have your back! Jerk chicken, empanadas, tacos, rice 'n beans, plantains, cuban sandwiches, grapefruit soda -- plus, construction is putting a lot of strain on this GEM of a business, so bonus points if you'll go out of your way to support them so they can keep feeding us for years to come.

Panera

We don't usually advertise the corporate joints, but you get a big discount if you stay at the Home2 Suites hotel, so that's worth mentioning. Be warned... service is mindbogglingly slow and the ghost of St Lous Bread Company would be ashamed of the new generation. But hey, you don't have to drive for it, so that's nice.

Steam

A way better cup 'o joe and breakfast sammy spot downtown on Broadway. But, it does require you to leave the hotel parking lot. If you're early enough, they'll sell ya a homemade pop tart.

Spyhouse Coffee

These posh-aproned barista heroes know how to make a speciality coffee drink: lavender, turmeric... they're not trying to murder you with 4 pumps of sugar water. And if you're there on the right day, they'll sell you a flakey croissant with a flan center in it.

Culture

Local theatre is pretty special in Rochester. In fact, our dear friend, Ashley, is starring as Dolly Parton in 9 to 5 at the <a href="https://www.rochesterrep.org/wp/plays/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rochester Rep</a> the weekend you're here. She is a vision on stage and if you skip seeing us Friday night or Sunday afternoon to witness her perform, we can't possibly be mad at you. <a href="https://sargentsgardens.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sargent's Greenhouse </a>has a cute plant and gift shop we adore, that doubles as a bright, warm space to enjoy coffee from their in-house coffee shop (called Aqui) in the cooler months. They turned us down for the wedding plan, but it's still worth a stop for a pastry and a cup of coffee. <a href="http://www.sparkrochestermn.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spark</a> is a local children's museum. They have things for kids as young as Charley into early school ages. We haven't gone yet, but it's right around the corner from us/the hotel by the mall &amp; other parents rave about it. <a href="http://qhnc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Quarry Hill Nature Center</a> - it's no Rocky Mountain Trail, but it's a nice space to get out and see some fall colors. They have short hiking trails, long bike/walking paths, and a small nature center to explore. We spend a lot of time thrifting and boutique shopping. From Savers, to Kismet, Chappies, Clover &amp; Rose, Refashion, Old Rooster Antiques, and Pawn America... you can pass a whole day chasing cheap thrills.

Jonel & Robbie