Paradise Charter Cruises and Minneapolis Queen

Rehearsal Dinner

Pique Travel Event Space

Welcome Party

Edward Anne Estate at Bavaria Downs

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Minneapolis Marriott Southwest

Hangover Brunch

Summer

Our Wedding

The Samsung Alias was a revolutionary phone. With its full QWERTY keyboard and ability to flip both vertically and horizontally, it was the perfect device for a first-ever “What’s up?” between Karina and Joe. Fast forward 12 years later, and a familiar “I love you” pings Karina’s iPhone each time Joe’s flight takes off. And there were A LOT of flights… so here’s their story: Karina and Joe met in 2012, fully expecting to have one of those classic early high school texting flings before the world ended. But when the apocalypse failed to show up, they were left with no choice but to see how this whole relationship thing would play out. After Joe lost his debit card on their first date, the bank kindly informed his mom about the two smoothies and two movie tickets to The Impossible. She didn’t care about Tom Holland’s performance—she wanted to know who Joe took to the movies. So, despite his best efforts, meeting the parents was inevitable. September 2015: Karina dumped Joe—she was off to Tulane, and he to Middlebury. ‘Long-distance relationships never work.’Thanksgiving 2015: Joe convinced Karina to undo the breakup, kicking off eight years of long-distance relationship expertise. Over the years, they mastered long-distance, navigating the challenges of separate lives while staying deeply connected. Karina and Joe have always lived in parallel, but never quite together. From different high schools to different colleges, cities, and medical schools, their paths rarely overlapped. The silver lining? All of you. These independent chapters in Karina and Joe’s lives brought them an expansive, unique support system—friends and family who make their journey easier. Without every one of you, their relationship would have been far more difficult, perhaps even impossible. Finally, in March 2024, Karina was accepted to practice medicine at Cincinnati Children’s. Despite many cumulative years of training still ahead, they’re ready to begin this next chapter in Cincinnati—alongside their cats Piper and Poe, and a lifetime of shared adventures waiting for them.

Our Story

Photos

Bridesmaids

Kira Smiley

Annabelle Smiley

Tatyana Moscatelli

Morgan Pocock

Rachel Marks

Rachel Solorio

Audrey Santore

Larissa Lushniak

Groomsmen

Trevor Susla

Liam Breen

Emmett Breen

Colin Schrof

Nathan Abzug

Max Melin

Alex Forde

Grant Olcott

Robert Lichenstein

Jeeva Jagabandhu

Arjun Mathur

Beer Boys

Trevor Smiley

Nolan Smiley

Officiant

Carter Smiley

Ushers

Karl Donahue

Tia Moscatelli

Kristian Donahue

Wedding Party

Q + A

Whether you're coming from two states over or flying across the globe, thank you for making the trip to celebrate with us. Your effort, time, and travel snacks mean the world. We are so grateful (and honestly impressed) that you’re making the journey to be here. We promise to make it worth your while—with food, fun, hugs, and probably too many emotional speeches.   Make sure to check the Q&A and Things to Do pages for all the details you’ll need to get here, get comfy, and get jolly!

Accommodation

Please use the link below to access our room block to book your accommodations! If you have any issues, please contact Julie Zemanick directly at (952) 352-0182&nbsp;to ensure you get the group discount rate. We highly encourage you to stay at our hotel block to utilize our discounted rate and free shuttles running to and from our welcome party and venue throughout the afternoon and evening :)

A true lakeside boutique retreat on Lake Minnetonka’s shore, about a 25-minute drive to the wedding venue and a 15‑minute drive from the Marriott SW. Features contemporary design with Nordic-inspired spa, indoor/outdoor restaurant, and suites with bay views. Great for a stylish, relaxed escape—perfect for couples or singles wanting a unique atmosphere and scenic Minnesota lakeside amenities. Price: $$$$

The Hotel Landing

A boutique bed-and-breakfast nestled in a restored Italianate Victorian home built in 1858, located at 371 Water Street—just a few blocks from Excelsior Bay. It offers a charming, romantic escape with modern comforts and a historical ambiance. Explore downtown Excelsior and walking distance to our Welcome Party Friday Eve!

The Guest House

Set 2 miles from jogging trails at Lake Ann Park, this down-to-earth hotel is a mile from the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and 2 miles from Lake Minnewashta Regional Park.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chanhassen by IHG

There are many selections of home rentals near and around the area! Connect with friends/family and share a house for the weekend!

AirBnb and VRBO

Flights

The Minneapolis airport is a large international airport that is airport is centrally located within 10 miles of both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. It is 18 minutes away from the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest Hotel. MSP is a major hub for&nbsp;Delta and also serves as the home airport for Minnesota-based Sun Country airlines.

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport

Everyone is invited to attend the Welcome Party at the Pique Travel Event Center at 306 Water Street in downtown Excelsior. If you want free transportation from the Marriott Hotel SW to the Pique Travel Center, a school bus will depart the Marriott at 7:15PM on Sept 19. First come, first served. That same bus will make one return trip from the Pique Travel Center to the Marriott, leaving Pique at 10:15PM. If you prefer to drive to the Welcome Party, you can park in the Excelsior West Parking Ramp just across 3 rd Street from the Pique Center. Cost to park is about $10. We have free transportation via 2 school buses from the Marriott Hotel SW to the Edward Anne Estate at Bavaria Downs in Chaska. These buses leave the Marriott at 3:00PM on Sept 20. First come, first serve. The bus ride will take about 30 minutes. The wedding starts at 4PM. Near the end of the wedding reception a bus will take you back to the Marriott hotel, leaving Bavaria at 10:30PM and another at 11:45PM. If you prefer to drive, it will take about 30 minutes from the Marriott to Bavaria Downs. There is plenty of free parking at the Anne Estate. Ubers are limited at Bavaria Downs so make sure you have a plan to get back to your hotel at the end of the evening! Summary Schedule: Friday Sept 19: 7:15 PM – School bus from Marriott SW to Pique Travel Center Welcome Party 10:15 PM – School bus from Pique Travel to Marriott SW Saturday Sept 20: 3:00PM – 2 buses from Marriott SW to Bavaria Edward Anne Estate 10:30 PM – bus from Bavaria to Marriott SW 11:45 PM – bus from Bavaria to Marriott SW

Shuttle Services

Travel

Whether you’re joining us from near or far, we’re so excited to welcome you! Here are some of our favorite things to do in the area—from great food to outdoor adventures.

🌿 Nature &amp; Outdoor Adventures 🌅 Lake MinnetonkaThis iconic Minnesota lake offers everything from scenic boardwalk strolls to boat rentals. Take a peaceful morning walk along Wayzata Beach, enjoy a sunset cocktail cruise, or rent a paddleboard for some fun on the water. The lakeside towns of Wayzata and Excelsior also offer great dining, shopping, and people-watching. 🌲 Baker Park Reserve (Maple Plain)Just a short drive away, this 2,700-acre park offers hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, a beach, and peaceful views of Lake Independence. It's perfect for a morning jog or a laid-back afternoon surrounded by nature. 🌸 Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Chaska)A hidden gem for plant lovers and peace-seekers alike. Wander through themed gardens, wooded trails, and rolling prairies. There’s a seasonal café and beautiful photo ops everywhere you turn. 🚴‍♀️ Luce Line State TrailThis long, scenic trail winds through prairies, forests, and farmland. Ideal for walking, biking, or even just grabbing a bench and watching the world go by. You can access it from several points in the western suburbs. 🌳 Bryant Lake Regional Park (Eden Prairie)Perfect for families and outdoor lovers! There’s a sandy beach, paddleboard and kayak rentals, wooded hiking trails, and even a disc golf course. 🦋 Noerenberg Memorial Gardens (Orono)A lakeside garden known for its serene beauty and well-manicured blooms. It’s a peaceful, photo-worthy spot ideal for an afternoon stroll. 🌅 Bde Maka Ska (Minneapolis, near the western suburbs)A beautiful urban lake with a 3-mile walking and biking trail, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and a lively beach scene. It's a great spot for a morning jog, sunset walk, or relaxing on the shore. The lake's name, Bde Maka Ska, means “White Earth Lake” in Dakota—honoring the area's Native heritage. Don’t miss the public art installation near the southeast shore that commemorates Dakota history. 🏙️ Things to Do in Minneapolis 🎨 Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) World-class art museum with everything from ancient sculptures to modern masterpieces. Free admission and beautiful galleries to explore. 🎭 Guthrie Theater Even if you don’t catch a show, stop by for the incredible architecture and the Endless Bridge overlooking the Mississippi River. 🚶‍♀️ Stone Arch Bridge &amp; St. Anthony Falls Walk or bike across this historic bridge for some of the best views of downtown Minneapolis and the falls. Perfect for photos or a scenic stroll. 🎶 First Avenue Legendary music venue made famous by Prince and still hosting top-tier live shows. A fun outing for music lovers. 🍽️ North Loop Neighborhood Trendy downtown district packed with hip restaurants, local boutiques, cocktail bars, and bakeries. Try Spoon and Stable, Bar La Grassa, or The Freehouse. 🛍️ Midtown Global Market Indoor market with international food vendors, handmade goods, and a great sense of community. A good option for a casual lunch or snack adventure. ☕ Coffee &amp; Cozy Corners ☕ Smith Coffee &amp; Café – Eden PrairieHoused in a charming old train depot, this café has great coffee, light breakfast fare, and a scenic patio. 🍳 Bellecour Bakery at Cooks – WayzataA French-style bakery and café with croissants, quiche, and cappuccinos—perfect for a slow, luxurious morning. ☕ The Café Meow – New HopeFor something quirky and fun, sip a latte while hanging out with adoptable cats in this cozy cat café. 🛍️ Shop &amp; Stroll 🛍️ Downtown ExcelsiorA quaint, walkable lakeside town with boutiques, wine bars, local art, and great people-watching. Don’t miss Licks Unlimited for ice cream or a cocktail at 318 Café. 🛍️ 50th &amp; France – EdinaAn upscale shopping district with designer boutiques, bookstores, and beauty salons. Also home to a variety of cafés, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Things to Do

Registry

Karina & Joe

Karina & Joe

K&J

Welcome Party

Wedding Day

Reception

Hangover Brunch