Abella Weddings and Events

Wedding Day

<a href="https://weduploader.com/upload/W22Z6icYAi0mKBdL" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Share your pictures from the wedding day </a><a href="https://weduploader.com/upload/W22Z6icYAi0mKBdL" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">with the bride and groom!</a>

Our Wedding

Kai and Anna met on the first day of high school in September 2014. Slowly becoming better friends throughout the years, Kai decided to ask Anna to their Junior Prom in March 2017. Just a few months later, the two decided to take it one step further and go on a date, making their relationship official on May 20, 2017. The theme of their Junior Prom was “La Vie en Rose” and ever since, the couple has a special place in their hearts for Louis Armstrong’s “La Vie en Rose” and the color pink! When Kai proposed to Anna on May 16, 2024, they agreed that night that their wedding must be themed "La Vie en Rose."&nbsp;Look out for pinks and roses at the wedding!

   Our Story

The Story of Kai's Proposal

It was a Thursday morning and Anna had a scheduled meeting for work in Edina, MN with her supervisor Angie. At the time, Kai was working at Royal Credit Union and was expected to work at the Edina, MN Royal Credit Union location that same day. Anna and Kai go on a walk almost every morning so it was not out of the ordinary for them to decide to carpool that day to Edina and go on a morning walk before they both had work. Anna and Kai chose to walk at Centennial Lakes, the same location as their first date on May 20, 2017. The couple exited the car and walked in the quiet, but peaceful park. After only a few minutes, Kai suddenly got down on one knee and asked Anna to marry him. Anna was completely shocked, and she said YES! Right after Kai got back up to put the ring on her finger, out came their entire families who were waiting in a nearby cafe to both witness and celebrate the special moment. Turns out that there was never a meeting scheduled for Anna in Edina and that Kai had reached out to Anna’s supervisor, Angie, months before to schedule a fake meeting to get Anna there without suspicion. It worked! Kai proposed to Anna on May 16, 2024, just before their 7th anniversary and on Annas parent’s 26th wedding anniversary. The couple will get married on August 8, 2026, which is the 28th wedding anniversary of Kai's parents.

The Proposal

Photos

Dress Code

Our Wedding Party

Maija Beckwith

Mitchell Fang

Pearl Fang

Penkeng Yang

Claire Fang

Ka Cha

Bridget Jarosinski

Aidan Buesing

Megan Psick

Jaren Yambing

Hope Taylor

Mylaney Walker

Colette Edgar

Thomas Walker

Petra Holtze

Ben Newell

Wedding Party

Because overnight parking is prohibited at our venue, please use our provided shuttle to transport between the venue and hotel if you are planning to drink. There are no Ubers or taxis nearby. There will be a shuttle at 4:00pm that will take guests from Running Aces Hotel to the venue. The ceremony will begin promptly at 5:00pm. There is a short 6-minute walk from the reception space to the ceremony space. If you are driving yourself to the venue, please arrive at the venue no later than 4:30pm. There will be a shuttle available at 10:30 pm and 11:45 pm, which will transport guests from the venue back to the Running Aces Hotel.

Shuttle Service

Running Aces does not accommodate room blocks, but you will be able to simply mention that you are in town for a Wedding to receive a 15% discount when booking over the phone! Since we do not have a reserved block, please be sure to book your stay in advance. Restaurant, Bar, and Umi Sushi Express will be open at Running Aces until 2:00 am. The casino is attached to the hotel and is open 24/7, but has only card tables and no slot machines. The complimentary breakfast is from 7:00 am-10:00 am.

Running Aces Hotel

13 minutes from the venue. No shuttle pick-ups/drop-offs at this hotel.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Forest Lake, MN

9 minutes away from the venue. No shuttle pick-ups/drop-offs at this hotel.

AmeriVu Inn & Suites - Chisago City/Minneapolis

______________________________________

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the bride anytime at 952-838-5428.

Lodging & Shuttles

Wedding Day Order of Events

4:30 PM Guests Arrive at Venue

5:00 PM Ceremony Begins

5:30 PM DRINKS

7:00 PM Dinner

8:00 PM DESSERT

8:30 PM Dancing

11:30 PM Music CONCLUDES

11:45 PM ANNA AND KAI depart

12:00 AM GUESTS DEPART

Order of Events

Chisago City is only 30 minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul and 30 minutes from Stillwater! All three cities are well worth the trip. See below for some of Kai and Anna's activity, coffee, food, ice cream, and drink recommendations!

Minneapolis 

_____________________________________________

One of the most iconic landmarks in Minneapolis, the Stone Arch Bridge is a former railroad bridge that crosses the Mississippi River and connects you to some of the most beautiful parts of the city. Start at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.minneapolis.org/superbowl/52-must-sees/guthrie-theater/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Guthrie Theater</a>, head to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.minneapolis.org/superbowl/52-must-sees/mill-city-museum/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mill City Museum</a>&nbsp;to see the ruins, catch the&nbsp;<a href="https://millcityfarmersmarket.org/visit/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mill City Farmers Market</a>&nbsp;on Saturday mornings, and then head across the Stone Arch Bridge to get great views of the downtown skyline.

Stone Arch Bridge

Explore more than 60 sculptures from the Walker’s collection in the heart of Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is free, open to the public, and is open from 6 am to midnight every day. Bebe Zitos ice cream and Gai Noi’s Laotian cuisine are nearby!

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Lots of beautiful walking trails around the falls. Sea Salt Eatery is right next to the falls with delicious Shrimp Po' Boys and fish tacos. There’s a little ice cream stand next to Sea Salt Eatery too!

Minnehaha Falls

We love grabbing a coffee and donut at Frgmnt’s St. Anthony Main location before walking across the Stone Arch Bridge to the Mill City farmers market! Kai's order: Mocha and old fashioned cake donutAnna's order: Vanilla latte or Matcha and blueberry cake donut

FRGMNT Coffee - St. Anthony Main

Kai and I believe this is the BEST sandwich and breakfast sandwich in the Twin Cities! You must add the hash brown to your sandwich! The line is long, but it goes fast. We like to get our breakfast sandwich’s to go and eat them at Frgmnt coffee on St. Anthony Main or have a picnic at Boom Island Park!

Marty's Deli

This amazing restaurant is a Hmong American full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is located in Northeast Minneapolis and brings together Chef Diane’s incredible talents in pastry and the comfort recipes of her Hmong heritage in an exceptional culinary experience! You definitely will need a reservation, but this place is SO worth the hype!

Diane's Place

If you want to try a ton of different food with access to lots of seating, this is your place! Kai and I have yet to have anything that we did not like here. Annas order: Wrecktangle Pizza (New Hawaiian or Shredder) and Bebe Zito (Dulcineia flavor) Kais order: Momo Dosa (Bison Momo or Masala Dosa) and Bebe Zito (Dads Coffee flavor)

The Market At Malcolm Yards - Food Hall

AMAZING Juicy Lucy burgers and you must get a side of fries! The line will look long, but it goes by quick. They are cash only and seating works best for groups of 6 or less.

Matt's Bar and Grill -  Home of the Juicy Lucy

Anna’s all time favorite ice cream shop! They have several locations, great flavors, and if you are hungry, they have amazing burgers!

Bebe Zito Ice Cream & Burgers

If you like beer, this is a must. Kai and I love the vibe here and they usually have live music! Kai's order: Mosh Pit JuicyAnnas order: Velvet Jam

Surly Brewing Co.

St. Paul

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is open every day 10 am-6 pm. Admission to both the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is free! You can easily spend the whole day here!

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

An interactive museum with permanent and changing exhibits, the Minnesota History Center is open 10 am-4 pm and tickets are $15. Kai and I also enjoy the James J. Hill house tour and the Summit Ave walking tour!

Minnesota History Center

Adorable market with fresh flowers, veggies, fruit, and amazing Bao buns. I recommend going early on either Saturday or Sunday morning before getting coffee at Cafe Astoria or breakfast at Hopes Breakfast Bar!

St. Paul Farmers' Market

Kai's order: Rainbow latteAnna's order: 24k latte

Cafe Astoria - Coffee and Breakfast 

Kais order: Mushroom and Swiss Burger with truffle friesAnnas order: Barcelona Burger with sweet potato fries

Red Cow St. Paul - Burgers and Wings

One of our favorite places! Kai and I love to share a classic Bahn Mi sandwich and the Bulgolgi Kimchi Fries. They also have amazing spring rolls, bowls, bakery items, and coffee.

Mi-Sant Kitchen & Bakery

Every flavor of ice cream here is amazing! Kai and I love their waffle cones and ice cream sandwiches.

Grand Ole Creamery

Kais order: MangomancerAnnas order: Mangomancer

Bad Weather Brewing Company

Stillwater

_____________________________________________

Stillwater Lift Bridge, Historic Site

Stillwater River Boats

Blueberry Fields of Stillwater

The Daily Grind Espresso Cafe

Kais order: Brisket Mac &amp; CheeseAnnas order: Bourbon Burger

Brick & Bourbon - American Cuisine

We LOVE all of their tacos and they make great margaritas!

Lolito Cantina - Mexican Cuisine

The best sundaes! So much fun to build your own!

MN Nice Cream

River Siren Brewing

Things to Do

Coffee with the Newlyweds

Sunday, August 9

10:00am - 1:00 pm

If your plans allow, stop by anytime between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm for a light breakfast, an espresso bar, and hugs from Kai and Anna! We would love to see you before leaving town whether you can stop by for fifteen minutes or stay for three hours!

Have questions about the venue? Click the link below to learn more!<a href="https://www.abellaweddingsandevents.com/guest-questions-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.abellaweddingsandevents.com/guest-questions-1</a>

If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the bride anytime at 952-838-5428.

Anna & Kai