It was a one-of-a-kind wedding at Three of a Kind’s annual motorcycle run and fundraising event last July, as Mike and Jennifer Thompson tied the knot at the very place their story began. Their romance also proves the saying ‘love at first sight’ really can happen.

Each year Three of a Kind’s motorcycle run kicks off at Clearwater Corners, with riders gathering together, having lunch, and registering for the ride. Mike Thompson was running late for 2020’s ride, pulling into the parking lot just as kickstands were going up. As he was coming in on his bike, Jen was heading out on hers and their eyes met.

“We made eye contact and I instantly had butterflies in my stomach,” said Jen. 

Mike had the same reaction, looking back at her so intently that he almost hit James Tyson, who was walking across the lot. 

At the run’s planned stop at Eagle’s Healing Nest in Sauk Centre the couple was able to meet – the friend Mike was with knew the friend Jen was with – and the two started talking. 

After the run concluded at the Clearwater Rodeo grounds the two met back up, spending the evening together dancing and hanging out. At the end of the evening Mike walked Jen out to her car, sending her off with a kiss.

Meeting up again the next day, their romance flourished quickly, with the couple moving in together two months later. 

Fast forward to 2021. Although the couple had talked about getting married someday, Mike had been a confirmed bachelor and no date had been set. Taking matters into her own hands, Jen devised a secret plan to propose to Mike at the rodeo grounds after that year’s Three of a Kind bike run. 

She purchased a simple dress and wedding ring to give him, and planned to have someone get his bike to the stage and then calling him up. However, it soon became a race to see who would propose first, as her son spilled the beans to Mike, who had been planning on proposing to her that day as well!

Not knowing any of this, Jen followed through on her plan, but after Mike accepted her proposal she was shocked when he then dug into his pocket and pulled out a ring for her.

Three of Kind’s next event in 2022 was the obvious choice for a wedding date. The couple wanted their wedding to be as unique and memorable as the rest of their story, so the best man wore a dress and the maid of honor wore pants. The flower girl, Mike’s grown son, was also in a dress.

Because it had been what brought them together, Mike rode his Harley. Jen’s brother then brought her down on her dad’s motorcycle. As he had passed away, it was their way of including him in the ceremony. Her mom, who had also passed away, had a favorite saying, ‘Forever rely on God’ (FROG), so to include her as well a streamer of cardboard frogs was attached to the back of the bike.

Even the ring exchange was out of the ordinary. Before Mike placed the ring on her finger he first placed her in handcuffs. 

After the wedding Three of a Kind’s event went on as planned. As Jen had admired a wooden American flag sign that was on the fundraiser’s live auction, Mike was determined to get it for her as a wedding gift. By the time he won his bid was $500. The sign is now displayed in their entryway. 

Participating in benefit rides like Three of a Kind’s annual run continues to be a favorite activity of the couple, who also enjoy camping, ice fishing, and kayaking. They plan to celebrate their wedding anniversaries at Three of a Kind’s event each year.