Our Story
Despite living less than a mile apart, Erica and Conner finally met through the magical power of online dating. Conner wooed Erica with his best first date questions over queso and chips at Barrio in downtown Minneapolis; for example, he asked her, "How many paper towels do you use to dry your hands after you wash them?"
She replied, "None. I wipe them on my pants." (Conner believed this was a great answer) After a few baskets of chips and many laughs, Erica agreed to a second date.
Regrettably Conner failed to ask Erica about her quirky text message habits on the first date, and he hadn't yet learned that Erica deletes text message threads at the conclusion of the conversation. As a result, Erica messaged Conner with a question that perplexed him: "Can you give me a hint where we are going...?"
Conner, who had already told Erica the location of their next date, and who did not yet know about Erica's text deletion habit was forced to reply, "Tonight? Or in general...?"
Embarrassed by her phrasing, Erica replied, "Tonight... I mean to dinner 🤦" Little did she know, her journey with Conner was only just beginning and would last much longer than those first few dates.
Over the next four years, Erica and Conner went on many adventures together: a multi-city Europe trip, Packers and Bills football games, seeing Hamilton and other Broadway musicals, moving in together, and more. Ever the patient one, Erica wondered when Conner would take their relationship to the next level. Growing frustrated, she asked him one night, "Are we just going to play house forever?!" Conner tried hard not to laugh because he had already begun planning his proposal to Erica.
Under the auspices of seeing the Bills play back-to-back games in Minneapolis and Green Bay respectively, Erica's and Conner's families were brought together outside of Sturgeon Bay, WI at Erica's parents' lake house. Claiming that family photos needed need to be taken outside by the lake (never has any Smith agreed so readily to photo taking), the families lured Erica outside. While posing for a couples' photo, Conner got down on one knee and told Erica, "I love you to the moon and back." (Erica replied, oblivious, "There is no moon," since it was cloudy). He then asked her to marry him. After much smooching, she said "Yes!"
Conner and Erica are delighted to renew our vows amongst so many of our friends and family. See you in Minneapolis!
Details
Wedding Ceremony
May 29, 2022
Lafayette Club
Ceremony begins at 5:30 PM.
Cocktails & Reception to follow.
The bus from the hotel to the venue will leave at 4:35pm.
The bus returning to the hotel will depart the venue at 10:00pm, 11:00pm, and 12:00pm.
COVID Information
As we all know, COVID is an ever present part of our lives
In order to ensure the safety of all our guests, it is our wish that all guests be vaccinated. Additionally, we'd ask for all guests to achieve a negative test before arriving.
Thank you for your understanding!
Wedding Party
Iain Johnson (Man of Honor)
Erica and Iain met in the fall of 2006 in their first year course. Despite Erica’s torn ACL and strict instructions from Gwenn to forgo alcohol, the two assumed the role of “social chairs” and quickly became best friends. Rarely seen at events without the other, the two remain a package deal. Sorry Conner!
Jess Baier (Maid of Honor)
Erica and Jess met in Iain’s dorm room in 2008 before a Macalester Hockey Game. The two remember the sequence of events slightly differently – Erica recalls politely offering career guidance and wisdom; Jess remembers Erica declaring, “I’m gonna be your mentor”; upon hearing of Jess’s interest in economics. Either way they have been friends ever since.
Evan Graboyes
Evan and Erica became friends on November 21, 1987 when he became the proud big brother to his one and only little sister. Although it was a friendship forged initially from family bonds, it has grown over the past 31 years through countless jokes, shared highs and lows, and an enduring love of the Green Bay Packers!
Jenn Murphy
Erica and Jenn met at a lovely family event, shortly after Erica graced the world with her charm (possibly the last time she was early...) Over the many years of cousinhood, Jenn and Erica have not only become like sisters and but also amazing friends. It was on another family trip, a few years ago, that Jenn convinced Erica to join eHarmoney as a birthday present to Jenn that brings us here today. Cheers to my natural pear and the love of her life!
Ali Nystrom
Erica and Ali met at Macalester in 2006 via Olivia Baus (Abbott), Ali’s teammate and future roommate. Ali remembers Erica as ½ of the boisterous Iain & Erica duo – a constant at any Mac event. Erica & Ali’s friendship truly solidified when Erica asked Ali to sober cab her beloved 1997 Toyota Sienna minivan to a Mac hockey game. It may have bottomed out in the parking lot.. Sorry Gwenn and Joe!
Sandy Sandhu
Erica and Sandy met when on the same team at General Mills And bonded over their love of finance and spreadsheets, in true nerd fashion. While they no longer work on the same team, they nevertheless find a way to spend quality time together - whether watching rom-coms (Erica no longer has movie picking privileges), going on coffee dates, talking about puppies (corgis), or playing board games with their +1s.
Erin Voightlander
While Erin and Erica officially met at Macalester in the spring of 2006; it was thanks to their yearlong stint as roommates in Wallace 207a, a shoebox of a dorm room, that they became close friends. Conner if you ever have any questions about living with Erica just ask.. or ask Iain.. or Jess.. we all survived!!
Brody Smith
Brother, Best Man. Perpetually 5 years younger than the groom.
Cassidy Smith
Sister. Responsible for groom's complete knowledge of Backstreet Boys songs.
Matt Gabriel
Fraternity brother. Occasionally achieves legendary status along with the groom.
Lucas Dineen
Long-time friend. Taught the groom everything he knows about Warhammer.
Gibson McCullagh
Highschool roommate. Ensures the groom is watching the funniest TV shows.
Matt Dee
Former co-worker. Bonded with the groom while washing red paint down the driveway of a chemical warehouse.
Kyle Wilson
Fellow Bush socialist. Talks politics with the groom over gin & tonics and dominates the groom at Worms.
Accommodations
For your convenience, we have reserved a room block at the Hilton in Bloomington. Transportation will be provided to and from the hotel to the wedding venue. A light rail stop is nearby, which can take you into the cities. Also ride shares (e.g. Uber, Lyft) are plentiful.
Things To Do
If this is your first time in Minneapolis, we'd highly recommend checking out the Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis that spans the Mississippi river. Nearby you will also find the Mill City museum, which we'd encourage you to visit if you're interested in learning more about the city's history (also it's just a really cool little museum). Minneapolis also boasts a huge number of wonderful restaurants to try - honestly you'll not be disappointed! Downtown Minneapolis is also home to a large number of local breweries - Conner once mapped out a day-route to 10, all within walking distance, but maybe just stick to one or two (try Modist and Fulton if you're downtown)! The Twins baseball team plays in downtown Minneapolis as well; tickets tend to be plentiful and inexpensive, and the ballpark is beautiful. The theater and music scene is very important to Minneapolis, so there's a good chance there will be a fun show you can catch while you're in town. First Avenue is a renown music venue in the downtown area. Finally, if you're at the hotel in Bloomington, you'll be staying near the Mall of America, which boasts a whole indoor amusement park and is one of the largest shopping malls in the world.
RSVP
Your formal invitation will contain instructions on how to RSVP.
