Andrew and Elizabeth: 'A good balancing act' - The Globe | News ... - The Globe
WORTHINGTON — When Andrew and Elizabeth (Thier) Johnson became engaged in late May 2021, they both said yes — she to matrimony and he to a canine.
After dating for nearly three years, the vacationing couple had hiked to the peak of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Ariz., where they paused to catch their breath, enjoy the picturesque panorama and rehydrate.
Photo by Paige LeAnn Photography
"The climb was a little strenuous," admitted Elizabeth, 26, a 2015 Adrian High School graduate who was active in basketball and volleyball as a teenager.
"I was taking pictures of the view and when I turned around, Andrew was down on his knee and a nice lady was photographing us as he asked me to marry him."
Call him the quiet but crafty type; Andrew had researched scenic engagement spots and planned ahead for the big moment by previously typing a message into his phone that would explain to a random stranger what he needed.
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"I handed my phone to another tourist, showing the message that said I was about to propose and asking if they would take some pictures," Andrew said. "I was definitely nervous on the way up the mountain."
Elizabeth's response? An unequivocal "yes," yet she was looking for an affirmative reply from Andrew, as well.
"There was a contingency," laughed Andrew. "She wanted to get a dog but I'd told her we couldn't get one until we'd decided to get married and move forward together."
Andrew said yes to a dog, and their handsome white Labradoodle Bauer (affectionately named after sports equipment company Bauer Hockey) became part of the package.
Blossoming romance
Elizabeth, the daughter of Ron and Kellie Thier of Adrian, says she and Andrew (a 2015 Worthington High School graduate and the son of Andy and Jayne Johnson, Worthington) knew of each other during their high school years but had never previously connected.
While attending a mutual friend's 21st birthday party in July 2018, everything changed.
Photo by Complete Weddings + Events
"I went over to talk to him because he was one of the quieter guys there and I just wanted to help him feel comfortable," said Elizabeth.
Added Andrew, "She's an attractive woman, and she was very easy to talk to, so it was a lot of fun to get to know each other that night."
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They exchanged cell numbers and about a week later, Andrew (a 2019 graduate of Augustana University) drove north to Brookings, S.D., where Elizabeth was due to graduate from South Dakota State University in December 2018.
"He took me to Cubby's Sports Bar — my favorite place in Brookings," said Elizabeth.
After that, hanging out together became routine, and the two enjoyed outings like hiking at Palisades State Park in Garretson, S.D.
"We like to be active and outdoors when the weather is nice," said the 26-year-old Andrew, who played three years of tennis at Augustana and was a three-sport high school athlete (tennis, hockey and soccer).
Several months before their engagement, the Johnsons had scouted engagement rings; conveniently, one of Andrew's Augustana tennis teammates is a relative of the Riddle's
Jewelry owner. Hence, he purchased the ring there.
"Elizabeth gave me a handful of ring ideas," said Andrew. He ultimately chose the first ring that had caught her eye — an oval diamond with a halo on a diamond-studded band.
Elizabeth insists she was surprised by the proposal timing because it had been "many months" since they had last looked at rings.
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Andrew's wedding band didn't come from a store but has value beyond measure.
"I never wore jewelry," he said, "so I didn't really know where to start in finding a ring for myself."
One evening while having dinner at his parents' house, Andrew's dad presented him with the wedding band his late paternal grandpa Gene wore and treasured for decades.
"My grandma had set it aside in case I'd ever want it," said Andrew, "and I couldn't say no to that. It meant so much to them, and my grandma thought of giving it to me.
"I got it resized and shined up. There's a lot of meaning behind it, and I've had a few compliments on it, too."
Wedding bells
Elizabeth, says Andrew, is a planner, so wedding preparations proceeded smoothly.
"She took notes, did a lot of work beforehand and made sure we had plenty of time to get things done," credited Andrew. "She had an awesome vision of how she wanted things to go, and it turned out awesome."
A rehearsal dinner in the backyard of the groom's parents' house had a "local cuisine" theme, featuring food from JBS, Jon-E-1's BBQ, Nystrom Orchard, Gordon Farms and La Azteca.
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Their afternoon wedding on Sept. 3, 2022, took place at the Church of St. Adrian with Father Richard Colletti officiating.
Photo by Complete Weddings + Events
An aunt of Andrew's, Cheryl Mahin, provided piano accompaniment and his cousin, Colleen Mahin, was the cantor.
With six groomsmen, six bridesmaids, three personal attendants, five ushers, a flower girl and a ring bearer (the latter two a niece and nephew of the couple), the Johnsons had a relatively large bridal party — appropriate for a wedding with nearly 300 guests.
"We both have good-sized extended families," said Elizabeth, "so family members were a big chunk of our guest list."
The bridesmaids/matrons of honor wore mauve dresses accented with sage green (ordered online from Azazie, with the attendants choosing their own style) while the groomsmen and ushers were resplendent in black tuxes with white shirts and black bow ties.
"We got the tuxes from Robyn (Moser) at The Stag," said Andrew. "She does a wonderful job."
Elizabeth's gown was an ivory fit-and-flare style with straps found at Bridal Gallery, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
"The one thing I wanted was a long, elegant train," said Elizabeth. "And I knew I didn't want a strapless dress."
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Bouquets came from Seed & Stem 12:27, DJ Barry Roberts provided music at the reception and Complete Wedding + Events of Sioux Falls handled wedding photography/videography.
Worthington Event Center was the reception headquarters; Hy-Vee catered the traditional meat-and-potatoes menu that included roast beef and pork loin, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, salad, rolls and cupcakes. A friend of the family also made tasty cookies.
"Our wedding cake was a chocolate-chocolate chip cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes, and it was delicious," said Elizabeth.
They waited until the cold of December to honeymoon in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
"It was great to sit back, relax and enjoy the warm weather," said Andrew.
Since then, Elizabeth, a sales account executive at Bedford Industries, and Andrew, a financial advisor with First State Investment Services, have happily settled in to married life in Worthington.
Evening walks with Bauer are a rule, and Andrew — an enthusiastic golfer — has coaxed his bride into trying the sport this season.
"It's a frustrating game on your off-days," she laughed.
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The couple feels their personal strengths are complementary and provide a healthy, respectful balance to their relationship.
"Andrew is determined and giving," said Elizabeth. "He's always willing to do things for me and others even if it's not asked of him."
And Andrew appreciates his bride's personal integrity.
"She's true to herself and who she is," he said, "and she's very compassionate as well."
As their first anniversary approaches, the Johnsons advise other couples to take wedding planning little by little.
"Things will go wrong," said Andrew, "and it's a big day, but as long as both of you have fun, are happy and have a good time, it's a win.
"And if friends and family are around you, that's what matters."
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