COVID UPDATE on above banner and on RSVP tab

We acknowledge that COVID precautions still hold a major priority during the wedding. The venue is following all COVID sanitization measures required by MN, we will provide hand sanitizer throughout the evening and the food and dessert service will not be buffet style. There is a large, outdoor, covered patio for those feeling more comfortable in the open air and we encourage everyone to wear a mask if they feel safer doing so, but we will not require mask wearing. Although we are excited to spend the day with you, your health and safety are the most important. If you have any questions or would like to suggest additional safety measures, please reach out to us!

The terrifyingly competitive demeanor. The vernacular of John McEnroe. The eerily-similar "on court, in game" coaching style of Bobby Knight. These were Kris's first impressions of Christine while playing volleyball on a beautiful day in Colorado 6 years ago. Those unique characteristics captured his attention, how could they not? Somewhat intrigued, mostly scared, Kris joined Christine and some others for lunch after the park. At first neither paid much attention to the other. Kris was watching March Madness on TV while Christine socialized with old friends. Eventually, she moved over to watch the game with Kris. He asked her who she thought would win, not really expecting much of an answer, if anything. "Wisconsin." She said emphatically. "Michigan State can't shoot the ball from the perimeter and they won't be able to drive inside of Wisconsin's 2-3 defense." Hook, line and sinker... After he did a double-take in her direction, they spent the rest of the day talking sports, careers, family and anything else he could think of to keep her attention. Although they had known each other for only a matter of hours, they knew they had found something special. Something they would explore and nurture in the coming years, eventually leading to the promise and commitment of "forever".

We had no plans for Labor Day weekend 2019. Kris researched and quickly found a winner (classic Kris): the Labor Day Liftoff hot air balloon festival in Colorado Springs! Early morning of the liftoff came, and we watched hot air balloons slowly rise from the ground like sleeping friendly giants. And then... surprise! Kris said "hop in!" He reserved the hot air balloon inflating right in front of us. Gasp, "oh my gosh, we get to fly?!" Climbed in the basket and we were off... waving to those below like the great Wizard of Oz. Seeing the other flights, watching the eastern sun on the mountain range, hearing our captain's ballooning stories; it was such a beautiful experience! After nearly landing on a school (yikes), we safely made it to the ground and thanked our pilot for the fantastic adventure. Drove to nearby Manitou Springs to get coffee/breakfast and found a small garden surrounding a fountain that backed up to a mountain road called Lovers Lane. We strolled around appreciating the brisk morning shifting into a sunny warm day. And then... Kris started acting, mmmm, a bit funny. He began looking all around, 360 degrees, and asked if I wanted a candy bar (at 9AM). Huh? He dug in his backpack a little flustered the candy bar offer did not get immediately accepted and before I knew it, he was on one knee holding a gorgeously glowing red ruby ring in his hand. "You're my best friend and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. My life changed when I met you four years ago, and I hope to grow with you and be by your side forever." He explained that the original plan was to propose on the balloon, but the basket was too small for him to get on a knee. I felt extremely loved and ecstatic. The ring was stunning and I could not stop staring at it as we called our families to tell them the big news!