Carrie grew up and graduated high school in Yankton. Christopher's family also has ties to Yankton. Driving to his grandparents' house in Verdigre, NE from Wells, MN, they often stopped off in Yankton to watch the bald eagles at the Dam or drive around the federal prison camp. Christopher's father graduated college at Yankton College (now a prison, though George only claims a music major), and Christopher's mother Rita's mom, Delores (nee O'Connor) McGill, graduated from Mt. Marty College in Yankton back in the 1940s. Finally, George's sister, Jennifer Powell, and her husband Ted raised their children in Yankton. Carrie graduated with Christopher's cousin, Ian, whose wife--Jessica--is friends with Laura and Leslie (They were also classmates with Christopher's cousin Ethan). Finally, Christopher went to college down the road in Vermillion and worked a summer at South Dakota Magazine, headquartered blocks from the wedding reception venue!
Yankton can be a hot and humid in the summer, so wear whatever makes you happy -- jorts, black-tied tuxedos, coveralls, penguin suits. Whatever suits ya. The bridesmaids will be wearing cowboy boots.
Last fall, we became homeowners! The home is very small (think a boat-house on dry ground). So we really can't fit a lot of stuff. In fact, we've spent much of 2018 getting rid of things. The house has windows with lead paint, and the window sills are rotting. Our top priority is replacing our old windows with lead-free windows that maintain the historic integrity of this cute carriage home, built in 1890 and located in the heart of Capitol Hill.
Christopher and Carrie's combined families could have their own voting district, so unfortunately we're only able to invite children of our families to the reception dinner and dance. Hopefully the kiddos love spending the night with grandpa/grandma, though?!? On Sunday, we are planning to have a post-wedding beach party at the lake. Everyone -- including the offspring of non-family members -- are welcome!