Wedding Day Details

Christ Lutheran Church ELCA

"I Do" | The Ceremony

7 Vines Vineyard and Winery

"Drinks, Dinner,  & Dancing" | The Reception

Get to know our Venues: "Christ Lutheran Church started with a congregation of German immigrants &amp; has been a part of the Lake Elmo community for 160+ years. Keep an eye out for the stained glass windows, one of the Bride &amp; Groom's favorite details in the church!" "7 Vines Vineyard and Winery sits on historic land once owned by railroad baron, James J Hill. Hardy grapes from the University of Minnesota are grown right on the estate and all wines are hand-crafted on site in the production space and barrel room.Note the Bride &amp; Groom's favorite wine - LaCrescent North Block!"

Our Wedding

Welcome To Our Love Story 

Many of you might not know that our wedding date, May 17th, holds a special place in our hearts. Nick &amp; I officially started dating on May 17th, 2020 (during the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic)! Due to social distancing, we had to be creative with our first dates with outdoor picnics, bike rides, &amp; masking up for ice cream meet-ups. We saw each other more during those months than we did our own families and truly became inseparable ever since. 💗 We have been fortunate to go on many trips together including Nashville, San Francisco, Hawaii, &amp; London to name a few. Nick makes flying seem a lot less scary &amp; nothing beats traveling with my best friend. ✈️ We also moved into our first home together in September of 2021 and put down roots in Lake Elmo, MN. Whether Nick likes it or not, he is becoming more Minnesotan by the day. He's gotten the hang of "Minnesota-goodbyes" haha &amp; has even found his favorite stop at the MN State Fair (salt water taffy)! 🏡 In March of 2023, Nick planned a last-minute trip to our favorite spot on Waikiki beach, Hawaii and to my complete surprise asked me to marry him while watching the most beautiful sunrise -- seriously, pinch me. 💍 Our love story brings us to now during the chaos and excitement of wedding planning where we've decided to say "I do" exactly four years after making our relationship "official". We cannot wait to have each of you there to celebrate such an important day together! 😍 #CountdownToKennedy&nbsp;

Our Love Story

Engagement photos by:Hayley Bodin Photography

Photography

The Couple

Nickolas Kennedy 

Grace Larson

the "I do" crew

Joshua Kennedy

Caitlin Sherva

Lucas Kennedy

Kelly Eckerty

Daniel Schack

Hope Vendsel

Gunnar Larson

Taylor Olson

The Littles 

Wyatt Sherva

Charlotte "Lottie" Eckerty

Vivian "Vivi" Eckerty

The Flower Grandmas

Joan Mason

MaryLou Kennedy

Bonnie Larson

The MVPs

Dillon Schroder

Andrew Woodard

Libby Roppel

the Parents 

Patrick Kennedy 

Theresa Kennedy 

Anita Larson 

Eric Larson (In Loving Memory)

Wedding Party 

Accommodation Notes:

Be sure to mention the Kennedy Wedding for a group rate at the first two hotel options listed below(Room blocks available for 5/16 + 5/17)

A bus will be provided at the end of the night for guests with stops at both the Holiday Inn Express and Best Western hotels Ample parking available at both church &amp; winery - vehicles can be left at the winery overnight if needed, please remove by mid-morning the following day

(15 minute drive from reception venue)

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Vadnais Heights an IHG Hotel

(5 minute drive from reception venue)

Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn

(15 minute drive from reception venue)No room block at this hotel, book early!

Hotel Crosby

(~30 minute drive to ceremony venue &amp; reception venue)

Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport

Accommodations 

Registry

What is an unplugged ceremony?

We are planning an unplugged ceremony where we invite you to be fully present with us as we say "I do" &amp; kindly ask that you keep your phones away until after the ceremony!

RSVP Deadline?

Please RSVP here on our website by: March 15th!

What is Cocktail Attire?

Examples include tea or maxi length dresses/skirts &amp; jumpsuits.Ties encouraged for men, please no jeans.

Are the bride and groom going on a honeymoon?

Yes! We are planning to celebrate our first week as Mr. &amp; Mrs. on the Big Island of Hawaii! Send us your favorite recommendations/must see spots!

How do I share photos with the bride & groom?

Feel free to use our hashtag below when posting on instagram so we can enjoy your photos of our big day! You are also welcome to message photos directly to the bride!#CountdownToKennedy

Nickolas & Grace