Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis

Rehearsal Dinner

The American Swedish Institute

Wedding Day

Ceremony and Reception

Our Wedding

Where is the American Swedish Institute (ASI)?

The ASI is located at 2600 Park Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55407. For guests staying in downtown Minneapolis, the ASI is theoretically within walking distance. However, we understand that walking in semi-formal attire can be less comfortable than walking in jeans and sneakers. Minneapolis has a strong Uber and Lyft base, as well as LIME scooters if that is your vibe. If you would like to drive your own vehicle to the ASI, there is ample parking space for the ASI itself at no-charge. Should we run out of ASI parking, there is street parking in the area.

Is there a dress code?

Semi-formal to formal attire requested. For guests wearing pants: "semi-formal to formal" means any slacks, a tie or bow tie, and a jacket. A tux is not required. For guests choosing dresses: "semi-formal to formal" means anything from a cocktail dress to a floor-length gown is appropriate. Our colors are jewel tones, so feel free to let that influence your choices (but you don't have to dress within that palette if you don't want to). Ultimately, we want YOU at the wedding, not your outfit. If you do still want to make sure you're within the dress code, we strongly recommend following The Knot's dress code guidelines, which you can read at https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-guest-attire-cheat-sheet

What kind of transportation do we need?

Minneapolis and St. Paul are pretty easy to get around and navigate. Most driving is similar to what you'll find in other medium-to-large city centers in the country. We recommend using your own vehicle if you drove to the cities. If you flew in, Minneapolis and St. Paul have an excellent public transport system with the Light Rail and their busing system. If you're not used to navigating public transportation, the Light Rail is our recommendation. The maps are easy to understand, the fares are very reasonable, and the system is pretty comprehensive for the areas you'll need or want to access. The ASI is located near downtown Minneapolis (within walking distance depending on where you are staying), guests can also use Minneapolis public transportation or ride sharing apps like Uber or Lyft to conveniently arrive to the ASI.

What if I party a little too hard and have to leave my car parked at the ASI?

We want you to be as safe as possible. If you are worried that you are unsafe to drive home after the wedding, we have confirmed with the ASI that cars parked in their parking lot may remain overnight. Because the ASI is an active museum with Sunday hours, they do ask that you remove your vehicle promptly Sunday morning so that customers can use the parking. While there is no hard-and-fast "you MUST remove your car by this time or it will be towed," the hope is that you can collect your vehicle BY NOON on Sunday (and ideally before they open to the public at ten am).

What will the Minnesota weather be like in September?

In early September, expect temperatures to range from the 60s to the mid 80s with some significant humidity (nothing like what you'd find in Florida, but more than you find in the plains). The concrete and asphalt downtown can make the weather feel much hotter than it is. Plan to wear clothes that can breathe but bring a jacket in case the weather gets chilly at night. The wedding will be a combo of indoors and outdoors. We strongly suggest thinking more "summer" than "autumn" when picking fabric weights and making other attire choices.

Q + A

Airports

If you are flying from home to the wedding, we recommend flying into the Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport, located approximately 10 miles from the downtown area. There are ample transportation options to get from the airport to your lodging, including the Light Rail, ride-share apps, and rental cars. When you're ready to leave the Twin Cities, we recommend following basic airport guidelines for arrival times. The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is considered one of the best in North America; there are some pretty good restaurants (for airports, at least) at varying price points if you're worried about spending 3+ hours there waiting for your flight out. <a href="https://www.mspairport.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Homepage | MSP Airport</a>

Accommodations 

If you would like to stay near the American Swedish Institute, we recommend searching for accommodations in the downtown Minneapolis area. Even better, downtown Minneapolis has excellent access to the Light Rail, meaning you can head to other Twin Cities' fun things (like Can Can Wonderland or the Como Zoo and Conservatory) without needing to drive yourself and fight for parking. Downtown Minneapolis has many excellent hotel accommodations available.&nbsp;Because of the diversity of our invited guests and their differing needs for accommodation (and the large variety of hotels and AirBnBs in the area), we DO NOT have any hotel blocks set up. While we welcome our guests to take advantage of whichever hotel they prefer, these are a few places we like to stay when we travel to Minneapolis.

Hilton Minneapolis

(Tyler’s favorite hotel when staying in Minneapolis) Upscale hotel located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.&nbsp;On-site restaurant, also light walking to amenities such as CVS &amp; Target.&nbsp;Hotel includes indoor pool and fitness center.&nbsp;

Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

(KJ's favorite hotel when staying in Minneapolis)Upscale hotel located near the Mill District in the north end of downtown Minneapolis.&nbsp;Multiple restaurants and cocktail bars located on-site (Tyler &amp; Kjerstine highly recommend cocktail bar Miaou Miaou located on the 5th floor).&nbsp;Comfortable and quiet with a 24-hour fitness center and direct skyway access.&nbsp;

Millennium Minneapolis

Budget friendly hotel located 1.5 miles from the wedding venue, the American Swedish Institute. Located directly on Nicollet Mall within walking distance of many excellent dining and nightlife options

Travel

Can Can Wonderland is one of KJ's favorite Twin City spots. With an amazingly designed mini-golf course and EXCELLENT cotton-candy (and other food too, but why would you want anything else if you have cotton candy?????), it's an excellent way to spend an afternoon or evening. Once your entrance fee is payed, you have unlimited access to vintage arcade games surrounded by some of the best immersive art styling around. The craft cocktails are INTENSE (try one of the boozy milkshakes, but don't drive home after) and the food is greasy in the BEST way. They also have a beer tap wall that has more variety than KJ can wrap her mind around. Can Can Wonderland is also family friendly, except after 9pm Fridays and Saturdays when they restrict entry to those 21 and over. They are a cashless venue, so be ready with your debit or credit card. Games are included in entry, so you don't need to worry about keeping a bunch of quarters on you. From their website: Located in St. Paul’s Hamline Midway neighborhood and the Creative Enterprise Zone, Can Can Wonderland combines art and play to create a one-of-a-kind arts immersive environment for people of all ages to enjoy.

Can Can Wonderland

Como Park Zoo is an excellent establishment focused on making animal education accessible and understandable. Their collection is incredibly well cared for, the habitats are beautifully designed, and their selection ranges from big cats to giraffes to flamingos. As for the Conservatory, it can be easy to want to skip –&nbsp;usually the draw to a zoo is the animals, after all. However, the Conservatory is beautifully maintained and expertly curated. Check out their edible plant section, featuring spice plants from around the globe. From their website: <a href="https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/directory/como-park-zoo-conservatory/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Como Park Zoo &amp; Conservatory</a>&nbsp;is located in Saint&nbsp;Paul’s beautiful&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/things-to-do/neighborhoods/como-park/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Como Park neighborhood</a>&nbsp;and is&nbsp;open 365 days per year; 10am - 6pm April through September and 10am - 4pm October through March. If you’re planning on making a stop to see all the zoo has to offer, please note that the&nbsp;zoo is free, but&nbsp;voluntary donations of $4 for an adult and $2 for a child are always appreciated&nbsp;to help them care for the plants and animals.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

If you've been to the Twin Cities as often as we have, it can be easy to forget the Mall of America is actually a big deal. But if you've never been, make a point to go. For one thing, the mall is dizzying in size without being so intense as to trigger megalophobia. The amusement park (it will ALWAYS be Camp Snoopy to us) is a great way to burn off kids' (and kids-at-hearts') energy. The shopping is slightly more expensive than in other malls –&nbsp;but with MN not having sales tax on clothes, it's not as noticeable as locals might say. This is also the prime stop for small-business Minnesota-based tourist-y merch. They also have mini golf (two courses, I think), some arcade-like attractions peppered around (think VR and laser tag). The dining is great too; there's everything from the iconic Rainforest Cafe to Cadillac Ranch to fast food to more upscale spots like Crave or the Twin Cities Grill. If you're a bubble tea fan and LOVE a good mochi donut, try Uni Uni (KJ especially likes their Vietnamese coffee with brown sugar boba and soy pudding). Or, if you want to find Tyler in the mall, check the Squishable store. He'll be there FOR SURE. From their website: Mall of America is the largest retail and entertainment complex in the nation. It features 520 stores, 50 restaurants and attractions galore. Nickelodeon Universe is in the center of the complex, and is the largest indoor family theme park in the US, and offers over 30 remarkable rides. Since opening its doors in 1992, Mall of America has revolutionized the shopping experience and become a leader in retail, entertainment and attractions. Mall of America is one of the top tourist destinations in the country as well as one of the most recognizable brands.

Mall of America®

The Mill City Museum is located on the river in downtown Minneapolis and is easily walkable from the hotels we've recommended. The museum has a little bit of everything: irl examples of how flour fires happen (be ready for a LITERAL, though small, explosion), to a multi-level elevator exhibit that tells the story of the mill. You can learn a bit about how water mills work too, by watching and feeling just how powerful water pressure can be. There's even a bakery that shows how many different types of flour there are (and you usually can taste test some of them!). Please note that this was once a functioning flour mill and still utilizes flour in their exhibits. If you are gluten-sensitive, you may want to do some research to make sure you can visit safely. From their website: A fiery past and dynamic presentSoon after Minneapolis was born on the Mississippi's west bank, the city's flour milling industry skyrocketed. Powered by the mighty river and fed by boxcars of grain rolling in from the plains, the industry gave Minneapolis bragging rights as the “Flour Milling Capital of the World.” Explore where old mingles with new at Mill City Museum, built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill.

Mill City Museum

This is especially great for families. They have impressive permanent exhibits ranging from physics explainers to river beds to human anatomy (don't worry if you're concerned about young ones seeing the human body slices; they are tucked away so that only those who choose to see them can). Their traveling exhibits are also a great draw, though they can come at an additional fee. From their website: Experiment. Discover. Investigate. The Science Museum of Minnesota aims to show policy makers, educators and individuals how science affects all aspects of life through interactive exhibits, Omnitheater films and a priceless collection of nearly two million artifacts from around the globe. A must-see museum for all ages, come explore more about the Mississippi River, Egyptian mummies, dinosaur fossils and more.

Science Museum of Minnesota

We all know the Spoon Bridge and Cherry, but you do have to see it to believe it. Take advantage of the early September weather and check out the outdoor sculpture garden, featuring said bridge (though you can't walk across it, which is lame). The blue rooster is also really great to see in real life. From their website: The Walker Art Center is a renowned multidisciplinary arts institution that presents, collects, and supports the creation of groundbreaking work across the visual and performing arts, moving image, and design. Guided by the belief that art has the power to bring joy and solace and the ability to unite people through dialogue and shared experiences, the Walker engages communities through a dynamic array of exhibitions, performances, events, and initiatives. Its multiacre campus includes 65,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, the state-of-the-art McGuire Theater and Walker Cinema, and ample green space that connects with the adjoining Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The Garden, a partnership with the Minneapolis Park &amp; Recreation Board, is one of the first urban sculpture parks of its kind in the United States and home to the beloved Twin Cities landmark Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. Recognized for its ambitious program and growing collection of more than 15,500 works, the Walker embraces emerging art forms and amplifies the work of artists from the Twin Cities and from across the country and the globe. Its broad spectrum of offerings makes it a lively and welcoming hub for artistic expression, creative innovation, and community connection.

Walker Art Center

Other recommendations from Tyler & KJ

Electric Fetus – record store located just south of Downtown Minneapolis where Prince used to shop for records <a href="https://electricfetus.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Electric Fetus</a> Minnesota History Center – award-winning historical museum featuring voices of real people reminiscing about their experiences, special effects, and opportunities to learn while playing. Great interactive exhibits for all ages to experience. <a href="https://www.mnhs.org/historycenter" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Minnesota History Center </a> Minneapolis Institute of Art – free art museum consisting of art pieces and exhibitions from multiple cultures, time periods and artistic mediums <a href="https://new.artsmia.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Minneapolis Institute of Art (artsmia.org)</a> Minnesota Children's Museum – a beautifully educational museum geared at kiddos with curious minds. <a href="https://mcm.org/ " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://mcm.org/</a> The Weisman Art Museum –&nbsp;a contemporary art museum on the University of Minnesota campus housed in iconic architecture <a href="https://wam.umn.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://wam.umn.edu/</a>

Things to Do

They both swiped right.

It may not be a meet-cute that you'd expect to see in the movies, but a dating app kicked of this romance. The first date was at the Boiler Room in downtown Fargo. As they grabbed seats at the bar, the host pegged them as a couple, saying they looked good together. KJ is still convinced that that host is a psychic.

They knew quickly.

Funnily enough, considering both Tyler and KJ are fairly wary about letting people get close, it didn't take long for them to realize this was something special. From traveling together to vegging to reality TV on Sunday evenings, they quickly fell into step with each other. As Tyler began to spout, "When you know, you know."&nbsp;

Strength in the face of turmoil.

Every good love story has bumps in the road, and this one is no different. From health scares to grief, every wave thrown at the couple was weathered. Instead of turning against each other, adversity strengthened them. They became each other's biggest advocate and cheerleader, celebrating successes together and being a rock for the other when things didn't go smoothly.

Speaking of turmoil...

When Tyler had his proposal plan ready to go, he couldn't have anticipated how complicated things could get. The plan was Venice Beach at sunset following a lovely meal, halfway through the couple's trip to LA. Then he threw out his back so badly he could barely walk. Then KJ overheard his plans at the airport chiropracter. Then KJ caught COVID from the flight to LA and was essentially bed-ridden. And that's not even everything that went wrong. But they still found themselves on the beach that night. KJ was well enough to do some light walking in the sand, and since she was masked and they were outside (avoiding crowds), it was safe for her to be out. Tyler was stiff and sore, but he'd been medicated and dedicated to his stretching and was able to walk without cringing every two steps. He didn't even have the chance to fully ask her before she had said yes and yanked him off his knee. To be fair, KJ has never been the most patient of women.

And now, they're getting married.

The best part of this story? It's not a happy ending. Rather, this is a happy beginning. Tyler and KJ can't wait to see you all at their wedding. They're looking forward to celebrating with all of you after they say their vows.