Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

CEREMONY

The Machine Shop

Reception

Cocktail Hour

Summer

Our Wedding

Ryan and Mercedes met in the spring of 2019. Mercedes had just moved from North Dakota to Minneapolis that March to pursue her nursing career. Ryan is from the Chicago area, and had lived in Minneapolis since 2015 working as a police officer. The two of them both exercised at St. Louis Park Lifetime, and Ryan had noticed Mercedes was new to the gym. One afternoon while she was running on the treadmill, Ryan approached her and said "I've seen you around before and I'd like to introduce myself, I'm Ryan." She was taken aback the gesture, but immediately swept off her feet. Over the course of two weeks, they starting seeing each other daily at the gym and striking up conversation. Ryan was very persistent, and mentioned wanting to take her out for coffee or drinks throughout their conversations. One Thursday evening, Ryan approached Mercedes and said "let's get drinks after this, what kind of girl are you: cocktails, wine, beer?" Without hesitation she said "Oh I'm a beer girl!" Later that evening they planned to meet at HeadFlyer brewery in NE Minneapolis. Mercedes was so nervous on her way there. She pulled over in a gas station parking lot checking her makeup multiple times, taking few deep breaths in excitement, and obviously not wanting to be the first one there. To her relief, Ryan was sitting in a back corner facing the door, waiting patiently as she walked in. The date lasted over 2 hours long, talking and getting to know one another. They came to the realization they had a lot in common. Ryan then looked up at Mercedes and said "should we go somewhere else?" To her surprise she thought "Oh ..I think he likes me?" Mercedes suggested they go to an older bar called 1029. Ryans' eyes lit up once it was suggested, and later on she found out exactly why. The name 1029 stems from police 10-code "officers on scene", and has been a thin blue line watering hole for many years. The bar was filled with old police artifact, pictures, and memorabilia. Mercedes didn't realize at the time that it was a police bar, the ambiance simply reminded her of back home. Mercedes felt the date was going to well. She then proceeded to invite her roomate at the time and very close friend, Alex Clark. The approval was given after the night concluded and the rest was history. January 25th, 2020 .Ryan told Mercedes he loved her. Each month the two of them grew stronger in their relationship. Traveling is something they share in common, and doing it together just made everything perfect. That weekend, they went snowmobiling and ice fishing at Lake of the Woods, MN. The weekend was relaxing, peaceful, and a special experience shared between them. Over the course of the year, there were the struggles of covid not only within their careers but in society. If they could get through this, they could get through anything. And they did. December 2020A blessing entered their life, Zara. Zara is their furry canine friend who is the center of their world. Her energy is one of a kind. Ryan and Mercedes enjoy traveling with Zara to their parents house, the Hanson's lake cabin, and camping with the Carreros. Over the next year, they explored Minneapolis together. They bike along the Mississippi River, tried new restaurants, exercise at Lifetime, and travel with family and friends. February 18th, 2022.Ryan got on one knee and proposed to Mercedes. The weather was -30 degree windchill blistering over the Mississippi, as Ryan walked Mercedes out to the middle of Stone Arch bridge overlooking downtown Minneapolis. They committed to spending the rest of their life together. Despite the cold there were happy tears (quickly frozen to her face) and without a question, she said yes! February 18th was Ryan's 30th birthday. He shared his birthday celebration with an engagement to his favorite girl. They then went for cocktails at the Hewing Hotel, followed by a steak dinner and a limo to conclude the evening. The celebration continued on to Saturday. Mercedes had rented a party bus for family and friends. That weekend holds a special place in their hearts. September 9th, 2023. The Carreros! Ryan and Mercedes will be married at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, followed by the reception at The Machine Shop. We are excited to have you all be included in our next chapter. We looked forward to celebrating with you and creating new memories together!

Our Story

Photos

Marcela is Mercedes sister and someone very special to us. She is a nurse like her big sister, and has been a rockstar maid of honor!  She is known to be very witty with her jokes and humor once you get to know her!

Marcela Hanson

Michael is Ryan's older brother who lives out in NYC and was an easy choice for Ryan's best man. When Michael isn't playing daddy to little ones, Ryan and him enjoy a night out, talking sports, and going to concerts. Michael has taught Ryan plenty over the years and we are thankful for his insights, along with letting us play auntie and uncle :)

Michael Carrero

Nico and Mercedes have been very close since birth. They are Irish twins, and the same age for 10 days, and he never lets it go.  Mercedes' parents will tell you they did everything together.  Some of their best moments were going to college at the University of North Dakota together.

Nico Hanson

Rachael is Ryan's younger sister who lives in Chicago with her fiance. She is kind, thoughtful, and the BEST cook you'll come across.  Ask her about her homemade lemon pie :)

Rachael Carrero

If you don’t know this Hanson sibling yet, you’re missing out on a good time. Miguel is full of energy and always the yes man to doing something adventurous. He one of the kindest people we know.

Miguel “Miggy” Hanson

Abby grew up with Mercedes in Fargo, ND and they ran cross country in high school together. She's always up for a good time, such as dancing to some country music and making us laugh with her sense of humor!

Abby Rothfusz

Mike and Ryan were randomly paired roommates in freshman year at Iowa State and have been best buds ever since. Although he is a Green Bay Packers fan, we still like him and try and meet up anytime we can for drinks, concerts, and weekly sand volleyball all summer long.

Mike Weisenberger 

Alex went to college with Mercedes and is our go to party planner. If the picture doesn't say it all, I don't know what does. If you're looking for a great karaoke singer, this is your girl. 

Alex Clark

Kyle and Ryan went to Iowa State together and were roommates for a few of those years. Kyle and Ryan link up for rounds of golf, watching football, and a night out whenever possible. Ask him about his nickname ;)

Kyle Menkosky

Katie was one of Mercedes' first friends she met at UND  and roommate for multiple years.  If you're looking for a dance partner, or to get no sleep after the reception, find her!

Katie Reinarts 

Jake, Ryan, and best man Michael all grew up together on the same street playing sports and staying out of trouble... Jake lives in Chicago but him and Ryan always find an excuse to make a trip back and forth. Jake's smoked meats will surely have you inviting yourself over in no time.

Jake Michalek

We call her Zahn so referring to her as Emily is nonexistent. Zahn went to college with Mercedes and is a nurse as well. The amount of energy this girl brings with her sass is truly a treat in itself!

Emily Meinke 

Matt and Ryan went to high school together and have kept a close friendship ever since the two of them moved up to Minneapolis after college. Matt will make sure you're having a good time and always has something fun planned for the group. Life of the party is an understatement.

Matt Amendola 

Tia is not only a close friend but soon to be a member of the Hanson family! This Italian queen is engaged to groomsman Nico and is also dogmom to Harvey, our dog Zara's best friend :)

Tia Erickson

Max and Ryan work together and were shift partners for several years. Max has taught Ryan some ice fishing skills and likes to be outdoors whenever he can. Give Max a few drinks and he will try and show off his wrestling skills. 

Max Bullock

Haley and Mercedes went to college together, and were in the same sorority. These two share the love for health and fitness and hitting the gym! Haley has dedicated her life to inspiring and helping others with their fitness goals. They have been friends for over 11 years!

Haley Lauer

Brooke went to college with Mercedes, and shared great memories in the Alpha Phi sorority. When we visit Grand Forks, she's always right there bringing us back to the old stomping grounds such as UND hockey games, and of course, making us laugh!

Brooke Salyer

Wedding Party!

Please reach out to Ryan &amp; Mercedes with any additional questions and concerns!

<a href="https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1668021979820&amp;key=GRP" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your group rate for Hanson/Carrero Wedding</a>&nbsp;

Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot

<a href="https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1669217897174&amp;key=GRP" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your group rate for Hanson/Carrero Wedding</a>

Mercedes & Ryan

Mercedes & Ryan

Photos