Butcher & The Boar

The Groom's Dinner

Aster Cafe

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Love Story

Seth Salenger is the match maker here! Seth and Erik are friends, and they were out at a concert one night. Seth told Erik about a girl (Laura) at his gym. All Seth knew about Laura was that she was chatty, went to the gym regularly, was super positive during the workouts, and had done an Ironman. That's all you really need to know about someone, right? Erik said he was interested and Seth direct messaged Laura through Instagram asking if she was single, and if so there was someone he thought she should meet.&nbsp;

The introduction

Erik and Laura had exchanged a few messages, and there is a fine line between pen pals and wanting to get to know someone a bit before you meet them in person.&nbsp;They decided to meet at Steel Toe Brewery, just .5 miles from where Laura was living at the time. They were going to meet on Tuesday at 7:30pm. Laura was talking to her best friend, Theresa, on the phone the day before and chatting about their plans that week. Turns out Theresa and her husband Adam&nbsp;were meeting a couple for a beer at Steel Toe Brewery that Tuesday at 7pm! This was too much! They devised a plan to not acknowledge each other (Erik wasn't going to know they were friends, just a few other beer-goers at the brewery). Also, Theresa could scope out Erik before Laura got there.&nbsp;Game plan was set!

The lead up to the 1st date

Laura and Theresa were texting the moment Theresa got to the brewery. There were plenty of open tables, but Theresa jokingly sent Laura a photo of the table right next to her saying "...but I hope you sit here ;)" When 7:30pm came around Laura walked into the brewery and Erik was the guy "putting out the vibe, but not too much of the vibe" like he said he was going to be. They immediately started laughing, embraced, and got a beer. Erik pointed at a&nbsp;table and suggested they sit there... it was the table right next to Theresa! Laura walked by Theresa's table and felt everyone trying to hold it together and trying to play it cool. They sat right next to Theresa's table, the one Theresa had previously sent a photo of, jokingly. Laura sat with her back to Theresa, so she could focus on Erik and not see Theresa out of the corner of her eye.&nbsp;

The date was going well and Erik asked if Laura wanted another drink. She declined but encouraged&nbsp;him to have one so they could stay longer! When he went back to the bar, she turned to Theresa and started talking 100 miles a minute to catch up! They had 30 seconds together, then Laura turned back around and played it cool again.&nbsp;









The rest of the 1st date was great. Learning about each other&nbsp;and enjoying each others company.&nbsp;









But anyone can nail a 1st date...

The 1st date

Running! Who&nbsp;would have guessed?!

They met at Lake Calhoun (Lake&nbsp;Bde Maka Ska), and went for a run. The pace was fast, and the conversation was flowing.&nbsp;

The 2nd date

This was it!&nbsp;This was when it all clicked. Maybe it was the atmosphere (Lawless), maybe it was the conversation, or maybe it was their first kiss,&nbsp;but this was when it all came together. They both knew this was&nbsp;something special.&nbsp;

The 3rd date

Our Story

Timeline

We cannot wait to step into our lives together with you by our side. Below you will find the itinerary of the first day of the rest of our life:

 









Arrive at the <a href="http://events.astercafe.com/">Aster Cafe</a> - where the ceremony (outside) and reception (inside) will be held. Although we love your children we regretfully cannot&nbsp;accommodate them at the venue to due to restricted numbers. Make it a date night!&nbsp;









Ceremony @ 5:00&nbsp;- Erik's dad, Ralph, will be performing the wedding









WE&nbsp;WILL&nbsp;BE&nbsp;MARRIED!









Poppin' champagne @ 5:30&nbsp;- let the celebration&nbsp;begin with a cocktails and&nbsp;hors d'oeuvres









Venture into the River Room @ 6:30









Dinner and toasts @ 7:00 







Erik and Laura have their 1st dance&nbsp;@ 8:30









Social Time @ 8:30 - we will not be having a dance, but rather extended social time with friends and family. Feel free to step outside under the shasta tent (where the ceremony was held), or walk along the river for some fresh air. Drinks will be hosted. Enjoy!









The big send off @ 11:00

Details

Because we are having a smaller, intimate wedding, everyone who attends is a part of our "wedding party."&nbsp; You are reading this because you are one of THE most important people to us individually and as a couple. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Everyone

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

We have set aside a block of rooms. Please click the link below to book your room for our big night!<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1551208676586&key=GRP" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id%3D1551208676586%26key%3DGRP&source=gmail&ust=1552232597405000&usg=AFQjCNFIoh3yVYScc4SQKMeVekDzK20YNA">Book your group rate for Johnson Thompson Wedding</a>

Laura & Erik

Laura & Erik

Photos