After 9 years together it’s definitely hard to tell your entire story of your relationship but we'll start with how we met Aaron and Merja met in the summer of 2013 on the 4th of July, through Merja's best friend Keanna who went to camp with Aaron, for the next year and a half they were constantly hanging out with friends and each other, but they were both too nervous to ask the other person to be “official”. FINALLY one February day between the week of Merja’s birthday and Valentine’s Day they decided to make it official in the winter of 2015. Unbeknownst to Merja, after 2 weeks of dating Aaron decided it was time to introduce Merja to his Parents by telling her 2 HOURS before they were supposed to meet them that they were going out to bingo with them. Not only did they BOTH win at bingo but they also won over the hearts of Chris and Terri, Aaron's parents. 6 months later Merja decided to FINALLY introduce Aaron to her family where they went to her grandparents for dinner, with her entire family. He of course loved the dinner... an easy win over of her grandma. He also let Inga (Merja’s little sister 8 years old at the time) dress Aaron up, which immediately won Inga over, arguably the hardest win. After 10 years of knowing each other and 9 years together, many memories, laughs, moving in together, career changes, and FINALLY deciding to get married…the rest is history. We cannot wait and are so excited to see what our future holds for us.
4:30 pm - 11:45 pm
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
5:00 pm - 11:45 pm
We have chosen Gastro Truck for our catering on the day of our wedding. Gastro truck is a a food truck they will be serving various appetizers at our cocktail hour and then dinner which will be 3 tacos in various styles and flavors.
Please RSVP by June 7th, 2024
Please, arrive at 4:15pm. The ceremony is at 4:30pm, this is an important day for us and we want to make sure everyone is on time and there to celebrate the day!
If you're curious about what to wear we do have a Pinterest board linked below. Our theme for our wedding day is Romantic, Garden Florals. Please dress in cocktail/Semi- Formal attire. Aaron and I, our families, and our wedding party will be dressed in our best and we ask that everyone feels just as beautiful/amazing as we do. We want everyone to feel comfortable and confident in what they wear, however we do ask that there be no casual attire. Example: No jeans, t-shirts, athleisure or hats Please copy and paste the link for the Pinterest board for inspo https://pin.it/6U4B4wnTe
Aaron and I love all the littles in our lives, however we are making this day an Adult Only event
The ceremony and reception are at the same location, however the parking is limited and reserved for vendors. There is also street parking for all the guests. We do recommend carpooling or Ubering/Lyfting.
Your invitation as well as the RSVP page will indicate if you have a plus one
There are many hotels in the area, we also have a hotel block at the Hyatt Regency. If you would like to book there please book a room by June 26, 2024.
Hotel
You are welcome to book any hotels in the area, however we do have a wedding block at the Hyatt regency. If you would like to book there please book a room by June 26, 2024.
Discount Code - G-PREE
Matron of Honor
Keanna and Merja met in 2013 on Mayday and immediately were inseparable, through relationships, working together, weddings, growing families and the many experiences they’ve had Keanna has been there through it all. Keanna is Merja’s best friend, other half, soul mate, and now adding to long list of titles she's Merja’s Matron of Honor!
Bridesmaid
Merja met Hopi through one of Aaron’s bestfriends and groomsman, Aaron Rieger. Hopi and Merja had an instant connection, spent many days and hours together while the Aaron’s golfed and have built many memories over the last few years.
Bridesmaid
Inga is Merjas baby sister. Merja is 10 years older than Inga, meaning she practically raised her or as Inga would say "she's not really her sister she's more like her sister mom" having her stand up with Merja and Her brother has been a moment they’ve all looked forward to.
Bridesman
Tenzin is Merja's younger brother, they’ve always been incredibly close, and is one of Merja’s biggest supporters. Having Tenzin being a part of the wedding and standing on Merja's side of the bridal party was no brainer for her.
Best Man
Chad is Aaron’s oldest brother the brother who made Aaron an uncle, as well as a co-best man along side Ryan. Chad will always be a lifelong mentor to Aaron whether he knows it or not, many of interests and hobbies can be attributed to Chad’s influence growing up.
Best Man
Ryan is Aaron’s middle brother and co-best man. Ryan recently had a beautiful wedding in Red Wing this past winter where Aaron was also a best man in his wedding. Aaron has always looked up to Ryan as a role model growing up and still does..sometimes literally.. Aaron is still stealing his clothes to this day...
Groomsman
Aaron Rieger is Long time friend of Aaron who he met at summer camp when he was 8. They were inseparable and were always together at camp, that trend continued into their adult years. There is a good chance that if Aaron never met Aaron Rieger, Aaron would have likely stopped going to camp and may never met Merja.
Groomsman
Aaron’s first best friend growing up. They Met in 2nd grade and have been best friends ever since. They have experienced a lot together throughout the years, living together after college, going to summer camp together, and acting as the second son to the Taplin family.
Officiant
Joel, or Joey is Merja's "step dad" although Merja has never liked to call him her step dad. Aside from Merja's own Father, Joey he has been a second father to her, even before he married her mom. Having Joey officiate the wedding was one of the fist decisions Merja and Aaron made in the process of planning a wedding. They are so happy to have him be a part of the wedding.
Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.