Vinland Lutheran Church

Wedding and Reception

Ceremony & Reception

Ceremony

Our Wedding

Their StoryConnor and Lydia first met online, bonding instantly over their shared love of music. For a year, their friendship grew across the distance, until Connor finally worked up the courage to suggest meeting in person. Fate had its own plans: on a family trip to the ocean, Connor’s family truck broke down, towing their rv, just 45 minutes from Lydia’s house. A few weeks later, when the truck was ready to be picked up—only 30 minutes from Lydia—Connor and his family stayed a couple of days with his godparents. That visit gave Connor and Lydia the chance to meet face-to-face for the first time. They went to dinner at a steakhouse that Connor still swears was the best he’s ever had. From then on, it was history.Though two hours apart, they never let the distance get in the way. Every other week they traded long drives, meeting halfway or taking day trips to places like Fort Casey and Deception Pass. Together they explored small towns, camped under the stars, strolled flea markets and festivals, and enjoyed countless meals—fine dining and cozy favorites alike.On one of those camping trips, a detour to Ohme Gardens in Wenatchee became a moment they will never forget. Surrounded by beauty, Connor dropped to one knee and proposed, catching Lydia completely by surprise.It has been, and continues to be, a storybook romance for a storybook couple. Now, Connor and Lydia are ready to begin their next chapter as Mr. and Mrs. Clay.

(Lydia)   Connor and I had first “met” each other online on Hinge back in June of 2023, but due to the distance, we decided not to pursue a relationship with one another. However we kept it mutual, sending our favorite music or interesting facts to one another on occasion.    Then on June 1st of 2024, I actually had a very interesting dream. I was walking outside my house and someone was behind me trying to tell me something (I couldn’t remember unfortunately lol) to which I responded with, “By the end of the year I will have a boyfriend.” And then some guy whose face I couldn’t see took my hand and sat with me on a swing, just holding me.    I honestly didn’t think anything of it until that same day while just chilling in the living room with my mother, Connor randomly messages me, wanting to talk more about my life.    From there we texted back and forth, talked in Discord while playing World of Warcraft where we began building our relationship until eventually meeting in person a month later.   But when I think back on that dream, I knew it was from God and that this relationship (despite my previous assumptions) was meant to be and that life can be funny and very surprising sometimes.   So what I take away is this; always expect the unexpected when it comes to love and trust God to see it through to the end!

Our Story

Connor's younger brother. Logan is a submariner. Logan was the canvas for Connor's artwork when he was little. Green and Orange toes, macaroni in his hair. good times. 

Logan Clay

Lydia's best friend since middle school and partner in crime. A happy go lucky girl who enjoys music (especially Taylor Swift), being around children as a teacher, and sharing her love for puns, art, cooking, and more.


Samantha Laughlin

Connor's youngest brother.  Dillon is following in big brothers footsteps getting his IT degree while working as a cashier at Safeway where he'll soon be running the place. 

Dillon Clay

Lydia's best friend from Corban University. Enjoys anime and a good meme from the finest of movies (Monty Python and Emperor's New Groove lol), being with her cats, and is pursuing a nursing degree. Also part of the "Dancing Queens" group. 

Alexis Harbour

Lydia's older brother who enjoys art and making people laugh with his jokes. 

Isaac Yang

Lydia's best friend from the few years spent at Corban University. Was her first roommate and loves to find and share the best memes and her love for music. Part of the "Dancing Queens" group that Lydia and others shared. 

Elisabeth Longacre

Connor and Lydia's friend who is  Samantha, the maid of honor's fiancé', getting married in August. 

Dylan Reinhold

Riley is Connor and Lydia's soon to be sister in law. She and Logan are awaiting the arrival of their little girl at the end of July. 

Riley Clay

Rhett is Connor's cousin. Son of his cousin Jenine, who is making the Norwegian wedding cake. He is also the grandson of the photographer. 

Rhet Mowatt

Lucy is Connor's cousin. A spunky girl worthy of the Hansen clan. Connor was born on her mother Heidi's birthday. 

Lucy Rhoton

Wedding Party

<a href="https://wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ferry Schedule</a>

Campgrounds

Kitsap Memorial State Park

Hotels

Located in Poulsbo, 18 miles from Admiral Theatre, Fairfield by Marriott Inn &amp; Suites Seattle Poulsbo has accommodations with free bikes, free private parking, a fitness center and barbecue facilities. The hotel provides an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. There's an in-house snack bar and guests can also use the business area. Snohomish County Airport is 25 miles from the property.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Seattle Poulsbo

Offering views of the Olympic Mountains, this hotel is a 15 minute walk from Historic Downtown Poulsbo. A seasonal outdoor pool is on site. All rooms include free Wi-Fi and a buffet breakfast. Warmly decorated, each room at Poulsbo Inn &amp; Suites comes with a fridge and microwave. Tea and coffee-making facilities are provided. A 24-hour front desk is available at Inn &amp; Suites Poulsbo. After working out in the fitness center, guests can relax in the on-site hot tub. A fully-equipped business center is available. Clearwater Casino is 4 miles from this hotel. Naval Base Kitsap is a 24 minute drive away.

Lydia & Connor

Lydia & Connor

Q&A

Is there Alcohol?

What date should we RSVP by?

Will the Ceremony and/or reception be indoor or outdoor?

When shall we arrive to the church?

Is there parking?