SARAH LEHN
+
MATTHEW CHRISTENSON
November 3, 2018 | Omaha, NE
OUR STORY
Our love story begins with a parasite. That is, we met while conducting research in an infectious disease lab at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Matthew was assigned to work on Sarah’s project in August of 2011. The long nights, under the fluorescent glow of red parasites, gave us ample time to get to know each other. We soon began spending more and more time together outside of lab and, as a result, our feelings for each other began to change. In June 2012, we began dating after an ambiguous first date, where Matthew seemed to be the only one who thought it was an actual date (although he still maintains to this day that his intentions were quite clear). Two days later, we went out on a proper first date. In the fall of 2014, we moved to Kansas City where Matthew began pursuing a PhD in Biology at the Graduate School of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. Sarah transitioned from working at the research bench to the hospital bed and is currently enrolled in a physician assistant program at Stephens College in Colombia, MO.
Finally, we have dramatically increased the love (and loose hair) in our lives with the addition of two wonderful corgis, Dunkel and Winnie, to our family. We brought Dunkel home in February 2015 during an ice-storm when he was eight weeks old and Winnie in March 2018, both are three years old. After an interesting introduction, Dunkel and Winnie are now an inseparable pair with lots of cuddles and kisses. Don’t ask Sarah to show you a picture, she will show you 100.
The Proposal
During the early stages of our relationship we’d go on “adventures”. Often, we would brave the harsh, unforgiving paved paths of Zorinsky Lake, armed with only our wits and a bottle of James Arthur Vineyards Edelweiss to sustain us. It is at Zorinsky, back in the spring of 2012, where Matthew realized that there was something truly amazing about Sarah and he began falling for her.
On July 4th, 2017, we made our way back to Zorinsky, along with a bottle of James Arthur and Dunkel in tow, to watch the fireworks. After the fireworks had stopped and the other spectators had long left, Matthew got down on one knee, pulled the ring from his pocket, and asked Sarah to marry him (btws she said “Yes” :) ).
THE BIG DAY:
November 3, 2018
All the days events will take place at
The Omar
4383 Nicholas St.
Omaha, NE 68131
CEREMONY
4:30 PM
COCKTAIL HOUR
5:00 PM
RECEPTION
6:00 PM
GUEST INFORMATION
Whether you’re joining us from afar or live nearby, we want to make sure you have the information you need. Below you’ll find tips on accommodations, transportation and fun things to do while in the city. If you have any questions or need additional suggestions, please let us know and we’ll be happy to help out.
TRANSPORTATION
Our venue is conveniently located in mid-town Omaha with ample on-site parking. For those who want to use ride sharing, both Uber and Lyft are present in Omaha. Lastly, shuttles will take guests from the Residence Inn (available until 11 PM) and Element (available until 10 PM) directly to the wedding (please contact the hotel front desk to determine arrival and departure times).
ACCOMMODATIONS
We have reserved blocks of rooms at three different hotels (varying in price, location, amenities, etc.) for our guests coming from near and afar to celebrate with us. Please refer to the Lehn/Christenson wedding when booking to get the discounted group rate. If you have any issues please let us know. To view photos, amenities and more, please visit the hotel websites directly.
Downtown:
Residence Inn by Marriott Omaha Downtown/Old Market *
106 S 15th St
Omaha, NE 68102
402-342-4770
Located 3.5 miles (10 minute drive) from The Omar
Group Rate: $109/night
Use our personal link, provided by the Residence Inn,
to book a room: Lehn/Christenson Wedding Block at Residence Inn
Midtown:
Element Omaha Midtown Crossing *
3253 Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68131
402-614-8080
Located 2 miles (5 minute drive) from The Omar
Group Rate: $109/night
Use our personal link, provided by the Element,
to book a room: Lehn/Christenson Wedding Block at the Element
West-O:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center
12520 Westport Parkway
La Vista, Nebraska 68128
402-331-7400
Located 15 miles (20 minute drive) from The Omar
Group Rate: $119/night
Use our personal link, provided by the Embassy Suites,
to book a room: Lehn/Christenson Wedding Block at the Embassy Suites
* Please try to book your room by October 4, 2018 for the discounted group rates. If past this date the hotels will continue to accept reservations at the prevailing room rate, subject to availability.
* Shuttles will be available to transport guests from the Residence Inn (available until 11 PM) and Element (available until 10 PM) to the Omar and back to the hotel. Guests wanting to take the shuttle should contact the front desk for departure and pick-up times.
CITY ACTIVITIES
Downtown:
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Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge – Footbridge spanning the Missouri river connecting Omaha, NE and Council Bluffs, IA that has a great views of the river and city.
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Durham Museum – Features a range of permanent and rotating exhibits that focus on the Midwest region
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Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium – Ranked the second-best zoo in the US. You could spend days checking out all the animals and exhibits.
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Lauritzen Gardens – Beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens, with themes that range from the Midwest to Europe, and art exhibits on over 100-acres.
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The Old Market District – Great place for unique shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
Midtown:
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Omaha Children's Museum – A great museum for kids (and adults who are still kids at heart) with interactive permanent and rotating exhibits that focus on creativity, arts, science and technology, zoology, and more.
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Joslyn Art Museum – Nebraska's largest art museum, with notable collections of ancient and European artworks.
West-O:
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Boys Town – Learn about Father Flanagan and Boys Town history and see the world’s largest ball of stamps.
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Village Pointe – Outdoor mall that contains many shops and restaurants.
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Zorinsky Lake – A lake in the middle of West-O that has soccer/football fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and great trails for walking/running/biking. Also, it is here where I proposed to Sarah :)
Other:
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Ameristar, Harrah's, and Horseshoe Casinos – Feeling lucky? Head on over to Council Bluffs and let the dice fly. A cut of the winnings for the bride and groom is always appreciated ;)
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Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum - A bit of a drive but full of interesting aircraft and exhibits.
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Zipline – Looking for something a bit more intense? How about ziplining at Mt. Crescent (one of the longest lines in the Midwest)?
Events in Omaha occurring between November 1 – November 5, 20018
For other suggestions see https://www.visitomaha.com/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g60885-Omaha_Nebraska-Vacations.html
FOOD AND DRINK
Food and Drink:
Downtown
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Blatt Beer & Table – Serves classic pub-food with a twist and has a nice beer selection.
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Block 16 – Absolutely delicious. Sandwich shop with a garden-to-table philosophy serving casual lunches of gyros, burgers & sides. One of the must-try restaurants in Omaha.
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Blue Sushi Sake Grill – Trendy outpost of a small chain serving sushi & Japanese plates paired with sake, beer & cocktails.
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Hiro 88 – Solid sushi place with a great happy hour.
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Hook and Lime – Modern, airy locale for seafood-centric, Mexican-inspired tacos & small plates, cocktails & tequila.
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Old mattress factory – Happening sports bar supplying American pub chow in an 1883 venue with live music & special events.
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Roja Mexican Grill – Delicious tex-mex inspired dishes and accompanying margaritas.
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Upstream Brewing Company – Beers brewed on-site plus American pub grub in an Old Market space with pool tables & shaded patio.
Midtown
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Brazen Head Irish Pub – Homey hangout combining American eats with Old Country brews, food & decor from the Emerald Isle.
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Dundee Dell – Pub grub such as fish ’n’ chips plus a vast list of scotch & microbrews in an easygoing taproom.
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La Casa Pizzaria – Old-school institution serving simple Neapolitan-style pies & pasta.
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Pitch Pizzeria – Sleek, modern eatery featuring Italian specialties fired in a coal oven, plus a weekday happy hour.
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Ray's Original Buffalo Wings – Sleek, modern eatery featuring Italian specialties fired in a coal oven, plus a weekday happy hour.
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Thirst-tea – A great place to get your bubble tea on while playing some giant chess or ping pong.
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Varsity Sports Cafe & Roman Coin Pizza – An old favorite. Pizza. Beer. Pool. Repeat.
West-O
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Baby Blue Sushi Sake Grill – Trendy outpost of a small chain serving sushi & Japanese plates paired with sake, beer & cocktails.
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Blatt Beer & Table – Serves classic pub-food with a twist and has a nice beer selection.
-
Hiro 88 – Solid sushi place with a great happy hour.
-
La Casa Pizzaria – Old-school institution serving simple Neapolitan-style pies & pasta.
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Roja Mexican Grill – Delicious tex-mex inspired dishes and accompanying margaritas.
South
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Dinker’s – Serves, what many would argue, the best burger in Omaha.
More Drink than Food
Downtown
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Billy Frogg's Grill & Bar – Vibrant hangout featuring eclectic decor, build-your-own burgers & drinks by the pitcher.
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Laka Lono Rum Club – A tiki bar with a very unique atmosphere and cocktails.
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Mr. Toads – Nice atmosphere with a great patio and extensive cocktail menu.
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Wicked Rabbit and Looking Glass Cigars & Spirits – The Looking Glass Cigars and Spirits shop which sells a variety of spirts and cigars and contains an interesting secret behind the back wall, an intimate speakeasy known as The Wicked Rabbit.
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Wilson and Washburn – Mellow hangout offering comfort fare, craft beer & cocktails in airy digs with exposed-brick walls.
Midtown
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1912 Benson – Historic 1912 spot with a rooftop tavern with a vintage vibe & an upscale American bar menu.
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Alderman's Bar – A Omaha dive bar staple.
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Bärchen Beer Garden – An outside beer garden that focuses on German, Belgian, and Scandinavian craft beers.
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Beer Corner USA – One of our old favorites. This complex contains three bars (Crescent Moon (Original Alehouse), Huber Haus (German Pub), Max & Joe’s (Tavern and Tasting Room)) and one craft beer store (Beertopia). Take it easy with a fine craft cocktail/beer or go all in and get a few boots.
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Beercade – A bar/arcade combo with a rotating craft beer menu, plus classic arcade games & pinball machines.
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Jambo Cat – A craft cocktail bar with intimate live music venue.
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Reverb Lounge – A mid-century inspired lounge, specializing in tiki drinks and delectable craft cocktails & beer with live music.
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The Homy Inn – A very “interesting” dive bar that serves champagne & sangria on tap.
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The Neighber's – A cozy dive bar.
West-O
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Addy’s Sport Bar and Grill – West-O bar classic. Great place to get a pitcher, shoot some pool, and play some darts
Breweries/Wineries
Downtown
Midtown
West-O
OUR REGISTRY
CONTACT US
We are so excited to celebrate our love, and would be thrilled if you could be there while we tie the knot. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
4515 Walnut St. #102A
Kansas City, MO 64111
402-216-1346 (Matthew)