We Eloped!

COVID-19 forced many to change their plans, but we were fortunate enough to have two unique and magical elopement celebrations with our parents. Our first ceremony took place in the Hansen back yard in Minneapolis. Under an arch built from birch branches, Otto's parents, joined us in a handfasting ceremony (which is where the phrase "tie the knot" originates"). We said vows while forming a knot around our hands from three cords--two representing our individual families and the third representing the one we have formed. We shared an outdoor toast of Aquavit and many bites of Kransekake (a danish wedding cake) with close family before embarking on a road trip to the west coast. For photos and information about that journey, see the "Trip Photos" section of this website. A week later, we arrived in a very smoky Portland, Oregon where wildfires had blackened the sky and forced residents to remain indoors. Between COVID-19 and wildfire-related park closures, we scrambled to identify a Plan C or D venue for our ceremony--but we found a beautiful waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge that was still open to the public. On a warm Wednesday afternoon, we arrived at the Starvation Creek Trailhead ready to elope. Alexis changed into her wedding dress in the parking lot, and our small group hiked to the base of a beautiful waterfall to exchange rings and vows with one of Alexis's oldest friends serving as our officiant. Champagne bottles were popped, cupcakes were devoured, and Alexis and Otto were showered with rose petals as they hiked across streams (in their suit and dress) to visit another waterfall for photos. It was a magical moment, a magical day and we wish that all of our loved ones could have been there to share it with us. Thank you to everyone for your love, support, calls, texts and creative videos as our plans evolved from a Chicago brewery wedding to the whirlwind elopement journey it became.

Because we couldn't share our day with you in person, we made this website to share some of our favorite moments. Ceremony Photos: Here you will find a few photos from our two ceremonies. Additional/larger photos can be seen in the "Trip Photos" section under the Minneapolis and Portland stops. Trip Photos: You can follow along on the road trip that made this possible and see some of the places we camped along the way. Registry: A few of you have asked about a registry, so we've included a small one here, but please don't feel obligated--we really just want to share our journey with you.