Genevieve and Francis's story begins in 2016 at a small college in Morris, Minnesota. Genevieve was a DJ for the college radio station, known for her carefully themed shows and her refusal to take requests. Francis, freshly returned from a student exchange in Montana, crossed paths with her for the first time at a party he and his housemates were hosting. The theme was Thrift Store, and Genevieve arrived wearing a Step Brothers T-shirt. When Francis complimented her shirt she said, "it's my boy-meeting shirt." "Is it working?" he asked. "I'm talking to you right now, aren't I?" she replied.

Not long after, Francis happened to hear one of Genevieve's radio shows, caught a song he liked, and called in on a whim to request something similar. Genevieve said no.

Not discouraged, Francis kept calling week after week. While his requests were consistently denied, his persistence caught her attention. Instead of playing his songs, Genevieve invited him to co-host the show. Francis arrived stocked with snacks, candy, and a list of songs to share. Genevieve ate the snacks, none of the songs made it on air, and a friendship took center stage.

They spent the following months together in the studio discovering a shared sense of music and humor. On April 1, 2017, they officially started dating. Over the years, they navigated distance with laughs and determination. Genevieve moved to Ohio for graduate school, and Francis decided 700 miles was too far, so he packed up and joined her. They returned to Minnesota each year for holidays and for the State Fair, a place that has always been deeply important to both families. Francis's parents met there, and Genevieve and her family visit every year. It was there in the summer of 2024, during one of those visits, that Francis proposed to Genevieve on the Skyride. She said yes, making the fair a cherished milestone in their story.

Genevieve and Francis have always loved a good theme, hosting unforgettable gatherings from a western-inspired 30th birthday to a kitschy Hawaiian tiki Christmas, as well as a few elaborate Halloween feasts. Now they are planning their wedding with that same playful spirit, bringing together family, friends, and a little old-Hollywood glamour for a night that is entirely their own.

What is the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception?

Our wedding will take place at The Hollywood Theater, a historic venue listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. With its vintage charm and cinematic elegance, it is the perfect setting for our Hollywood-inspired evening.

Address: 2815 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

Will the ceremony and reception be at the same venue?

Yes. Both the ceremony and reception will be held at The Hollywood Theater, so once you arrive, you can settle in and enjoy the full celebration without needing to travel between locations.

What time should I arrive?

The ceremony will begin promptly at 4:30 PM. We kindly ask guests to arrive by 4:00 PM to allow time to mingle, find your seat, and enjoy the atmosphere before the festivities begin.

What will be served for food and drink?

In keeping with our glamorous Hollywood theater theme, we are taking inspiration from classic cinema experiences like the iconic Mann Chinese Theatre. Dinner will feature a Chinese buffet, offering a variety of delicious options for guests to enjoy.

We will also be hosting an open bar for the evening.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes. We have worked with our caterer to ensure there are options available for vegetarian, vegan, and peanut-free diets. If you have additional dietary needs or restrictions, please let us know when you RSVP so we can make appropriate arrangements.

The Royal Sonesta, Downtown Minneapolis

For your convenience, we have arranged a room block at The Royal Sonesta in downtown Minneapolis so guests can stay together comfortably during our wedding celebration.

Hotel Address: 35 S 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402 View on Map

Room Block Link: Reed Wedding Booking Link

Room Block Name: Reed

Room Block Code: G061926RWB

Reservation Cutoff Date: May 21st, 2026

Please be sure to reserve your room before the cutoff date to guarantee the special rate and availability with our group.

Things to Do in Minneapolis

For our out of town guests and anyone looking to explore the city, here are a few of our favorite spots:

For Food and Brunch

If you ask Genevieve where to eat, especially for a fun brunch or lunch, she will recommend Saint Genevieve (https://www.stgmpls.com/) or Barbette (https://www.barbette.com/). Yes, one is named after the bride and we fully support that choice.

If you are in the mood for something more casual, Pizza Lucé (https://pizzaluce.com/) is a Minneapolis and Saint Paul staple with great pizza and an excellent selection of Minnesota beers.

If you love matcha as much as Genevieve does, be sure to stop by Northeast Tea House (https://www.northeastteahouse.com/). They mill their own matcha and it is truly something special.

For Drinks and Nightlife

Up Down (https://updownarcadebar.com/minneapolis/) is one of our longtime favorites. It is a lively arcade bar that is perfect for a fun night out, especially if the weather is nice.

The White Squirrel (https://whitesquirrelbar.com/) is extra special to us. It is where we created our signature cocktail and they always have live music.

Minneapolis is also home to many incredible breweries, many of which have great patios to enjoy if the weather cooperates.

For Music and Unique Finds

Pilllar (https://www.pilllar.com/) is a skateboard and coffee shop that regularly hosts live music and is a great stop if you are exploring Northeast.

For Arts and Culture

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (https://new.artsmia.org/) is a fantastic free museum with an impressive collection.

The Bakken Museum (https://thebakken.org/) is a great option if you are visiting with kids.

If you are looking for something a little quirky, the Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication (https://pavekmuseum.org/) is a small, funky, and fascinating hidden gem.

For Movie Lovers

To lean into the spirit of our wedding weekend, catch a film at the Heights Theater (https://heightstheater.com/). This nearly 100 year old movie theater shows a mix of classic and new films and is one of our favorite places in the city.

We’ve reserved a parking lot just two blocks from the venue at Northeast Middle School (2955 Hayes St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418) for your convenience. We are currently in the process of arranging a shuttle service to transport guests between the lot and the venue, and we’ll share updates as plans are finalized.

That said, we highly recommend using Uber or Lyft for the easiest and most convenient experience—especially if you’d prefer to skip parking altogether and be dropped off right at the celebration.