Ceremony & Reception
Date:
Time: TBD
Venue: Saint Paul College Club
Address: 990 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
Reception to follow ceremony
Andrew grew up in Kentucky, earned a software engineering degree in upstate New York, and took the scenic route to Minnesota - landing in July 2017 with a love of technology and cars. Lavania grew up right here in Minnesota, headed to Wisconsin for a biology degree with plans to become a veterinarian, then made a sharp turn into a coding bootcamp and never looked back. Two very different roads, same destination.
They ended up at the same company, where a mutual friend saw an opportunity. She suggested Lavania reach out to Andrew for mentorship - framed it as professional development. In reality, she was playing matchmaker, and she has never been particularly modest about how well it worked.
On April 15, 2022, they made it official. Their first date started at a bar and ended with a movie they never actually watched - they were too busy talking (and, admittedly, sobering up).
Between the two of them, you get someone who can talk to your reptile, cuddle your cat, wrangle your dog, fix your computer, recommend a car, and make sure everyone in the room feels seen. Lavania brings a warmth for people and animals alike - especially the scaly and furry kind. Andrew brings an enthusiasm for technology and anything with an engine that is, frankly, contagious. What they actually have in common is less poetic and more important: they'd both drop everything for the people they care about.
They've taken five cruises through the Caribbean and lost count of how many comedy shows they've been to - which tells you most of what you need to know about how they spend their time together. There will almost certainly be more of both.
In the summer of 2025, surrounded by the color and joy of People's Pride in Minneapolis, Andrew got down on one knee - after a friend who was there to capture the moment got a little too excited and gave the whole thing away. Andrew, now thoroughly outed and somehow even more nervous, promptly forgot everything he had planned to say. Lavania said yes anyway.
On April 15, 2027 - five years to the day - they're doing it all over again. Same date, on purpose.
Date:
Time: TBD
Venue: Saint Paul College Club
Address: 990 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
Reception to follow ceremony
TBD
Details coming soon.
Street parking is available along Summit Ave and the surrounding neighborhood — the venue says there's plenty of it. The Governor's Mansion is right next door, so you'll know you're in the right place.
Both! We're planning to use the outdoor spaces weather permitting. Don't worry — there's a beautiful indoor option regardless.
Yes — we love your little ones, but this is a grown-ups night. We hope you enjoy the rare evening out!
Check your invitation — it'll indicate whether a plus one is included for you.
Details coming soon — check back closer to the date.
Making a trip of it? The Twin Cities have plenty to offer. A heads-up: April in Minnesota is famously unpredictable - it could be a beautiful spring day or a surprise cold snap, so plan accordingly and pack layers.
Andrew and Lavania have lost count of how many they've been to. Check the Hennepin Theatres, Acme Comedy Co., the comedy club at Mall of America, or just look up what's on around the Cities - there's almost always something good.
Acme Comedy Co. Hennepin TheatresAmerica's largest mall in Bloomington, about 20 minutes south. Indoor amusement park, Sea Life Aquarium, restaurants, and enough to fill a full day whatever the weather is doing.
mallofamerica.comJust steps from the venue - local restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques along a walkable stretch of St. Paul. Worth a wander before or after the wedding.
grandave.comOne of the longest stretches of Victorian architecture in the US, running right past the venue. Worth a stroll when the weather allows.
Learn moreA stunning 53-foot waterfall inside Minneapolis parkland. Spring runoff makes it especially dramatic - bring a jacket.
Get directionsHome to the Spoonbridge and Cherry - the giant sculpture you've definitely seen before. Free to visit, right next to the Walker Art Center.
walkerart.orgA small park in downtown St. Paul framed by the Landmark Center, the Ordway, and the Saint Paul Hotel. Walkable from the Science Museum and worth a stop if you're in the area.
Get directionsMinneapolis has two bars that have argued for decades over who invented the cheese-stuffed burger. Matt's Bar spells it "Jucy Lucy" and keeps it cash-only and no-frills. The 5-8 Club spells it "Juicy Lucy" and has four locations across the metro. Both are worth trying - pick a side.
Matt's Bar 5-8 ClubA 1937 railroad dining car in downtown St. Paul that's been slinging classic diner food since 1939. A National Historic Landmark and a quintessential Twin Cities stop.
mickeysdinerbywilly.comA Twin Cities brunch institution with 8 locations across the metro - St. Paul, Minneapolis North Loop, Edina, Eagan, and more. Breakfast and brunch favorites with a full bar, open daily 8am-3pm. Dog-friendly patios and plenty of dietary options.
hopebreakfast.comMinneapolis has one of the most vibrant drag communities in the Midwest. Flipp Phone hosts iconic drag brunches; Roxy's Cabaret and Lush are Twin Cities staples for a night out with spectacular performances.
Flipp Phone Drag Brunch Roxy's Cabaret Lush MplsA reptile education center in Eden Prairie - YouTube-famous, hands-on, and exactly the kind of place Lavania has to be dragged out of. Great for all ages.
snakediscovery.comFree admission, year-round animals, and a gorgeous indoor conservatory that's especially welcome if April decides to be April. A St. Paul classic.
comozooconservatory.orgAn indoor exotic animal experience with nearly 100 species - kangaroos, capybaras, lemurs, African porcupines, and more. Two metro locations (Maplewood Mall and Burnsville Mall), with live wildlife shows included and add-on cuddle encounters with kangaroos and wallabies.
sustainablesafari.netA James Beard-nominated Hmong American restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis from Chef Diane Moua. Brunch, dinner, pastries, and cocktails - a blend of pastry artistry and traditional Hmong comfort food. Reservations recommended.
dianesplacemn.comSits right on the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul. Great exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a solid rainy-day option.
smm.orgA Northeast Minneapolis cidery with a laid-back taproom and more cider varieties than you'll get through in one visit. Good place to kill an afternoon.
sociablecider.comAn authentic Thai spot on 50th Street in Edina - scratch cooking, no MSG, with solid gluten-free and vegetarian options. Andrew goes here and doesn't regret it.
coconutthaimn.comA Japanese spot in Richfield with an extensive sushi and roll menu - think Dancing Lobster Roll and Crazy Spider Roll - plus solid ramen and udon. Andrew has eaten here more times than he can count.
katakisushi.com