Northern Oaks Events Wedding | Kendra + Colin
Kendra and Colin booked Rustic Elegance to help coordinate their dream wedding at Northern Oaks Events in Sauk Rapids, MN. It was our team’s first time at the venue, and we have been raving about the amazing property ever since!
One of the owners of the space, Danielle, did a wedding planning internship with us a while back. It was so fun to see her space and how much she has grown within the industry! Danielle and her whole team are so fun to work with. Her history with Rustic Elegance makes us an incredibly cohesive pair when pulling a wedding together!
Kellie, the RE owner, handled all of the planning with the couple. It was a blast helping them pull the details together for their day at Northern Oaks Events with their 225 guests.
THE MORNING
The ladies arrived at 8am to get ready in the bridal suite in the log house on-site. The windows are positioned perfectly to allow sunlight to pour in during those early morning hours. We love how bright the bridal suite is, it truly matched those wedding excitement vibes that the ladies were radiating!
Kendra has two aunts that are hairstylists and both happily offered their services for the bride and her gals. Taylor Miley Makeup was also on site, providing the most perfect makeup for each one of them. We love how they were all a glamorous version of themselves!
Meanwhile, the men gathered in the groom’s quarters. This space is perfectly set to entertain, including a dart board and TV (what more could they ask for?!).
In the pavilion, the RE team was busy setting out decor and greeting vendors as they arrived. As the morning progressed, we popped in to see how the wedding party was doing. When we checked on the guys, they were all in their suits and ready for our team to help pin on their boutonnieres.
As soon as we finished, Boundless Exposure set the couple up for their first look on the porch of the house. After a heartfelt embrace and twirl to show off the stunning gown from Emily Kaye Bridal, the couple made their way around the venue for portraits.
The venue sits on 100 acres of wooded property, so the photo locations are endless. A few of our favorites are the balcony, the spiral staircase, and the pond!
As pictures wrapped up with the couple and their wedding party, the RE team pulled everyone aside for a quick day of rehearsal. We also used this opportunity to chat with the ushers about their duties and what was expected of them as guests arrived.
THE CEREMONY
Around 4:00, guests began to arrive for the 4:30 ceremony. The winding driveway leads to the parking lot where guests were dropped off of the shuttle provided by Trobec’s Bus Service. From there, they follow the path to the ceremony site.
There are two ceremony locations at Northern Oaks Events, but Kendra and Colin decided on the one in front of a pond with fountains. Northern Oaks Events provided the arch, which the couple’s families decorated with floral and white draping. It was such a beautiful, well-maintained spot for an outdoor ceremony!
Per our instructions, the ushers were on top of greeting guests and handing out programs. Once everyone was seated, our team helped cue the wedding party out of the lower part of the house for the processional. The groom was escorted in by his parents, followed by the bride’s mom (escorted by her son), the couple’s grandparents, 6 bridesmaids, 7 groomsmen, 1 flower girl, and 3 ushers. With our guidance, the large group made it down the aisle with ease!
As the instrumental chorus of “I Get To Love You” began, everyone stood for Kendra’s grand entrance escorted by her father. The emotions of this moment always make us tear up!
The couple shared a lovely ceremony before sealing all of their sweet promises with a kiss. They made their way down the aisle as the newest Mr and Mrs!
When they reached the end of the aisle, their parents joined them to do a receiving line. In between hugs and congratulations, our team stepped in to slip them a glass of their favorite drinks to enjoy.
After guests had their moment with the couple and their parents, they made their way to cocktail hour on the lawn. This included yard games provided by the venue and a bar near the pavilion with drinks served up by Northern Oaks Events.
Meanwhile, the RE team began cleaning up and repurposing the ceremony decor to be used throughout the reception space.
THE RECEPTION
The couple provided all the decor for the guest tables, which were located in the reception pavilion. The black runner with simple greenery and white florals gave off elegant vibes while maintaining the simple look that the couple wanted.
Kendra and Colin wanted to have a head table, so we decided a harvest table would be perfect for the group of 15. The couple’s seat was at the head of the table, where they sat on a settee with the venue’s greenery wall behind them. This greenery wall creates a perfect location for a LED sign, so the couple purchased a custom last name sign to be hung here.
As dinnertime approached, our team began inviting guests to find their seats in the reception area. Meanwhile, the wedding party was getting hyped up for their grand entrance. The bridesmaids put on their shades and entered while pumping their bouquets in the air, followed by the groomsmen who had a fun football themed entrance! Kendra and Colin came in next, causing the room to erupt into cheers for the newlyweds!
The bride and groom made their way to the head table and said a quick welcome speech, followed by a prayer by the bride’s grandpa Keith. Our team then helped dismiss guest tables to grab dinner from the buffet provided by Trobec’s Bar & Grill.
When Kendra and Colin finished eating, Boundless Exposure pulled them aside to capture their love surrounded by the golden light of the sunset. The grassy field at Northern Oaks Events made for the perfect location!
As guests finished enjoying their meals, we coordinated the 5 speeches. Colin’s parents, Kendra’s father, the maid of honor, best man, and bridesmaid Abby all shared sweet memories and special stories. The room was filled with laughter and tears of joy!
While speeches were taking place, our team set out dessert - Nothing Bundt Cakes. These are always a hit, so we were on standby to refill the dessert trays as soon as the couple finished their cake cutting!
At 8:00, we let the couple know it was time to start their first dance. As “Sweetheart” by Thomas Rhett rang through the space, the newlyweds only had eyes for each other. This was one of our favorite moments of the day!
What’s the Damage Entertainment then opened the dance floor to everyone. As guests flooded the space, it was clear it was going to be a party filled night!
As the night progressed, Northern Oaks Events provided wood and started the bonfires. Guests who wanted a break from the action were able to sit around the fire and soak up the beautiful fall evening. Marnantela’s Pizza arrived a while later, which delighted guests who were still hanging out to party with the newlyweds!
While the couple was celebrating their love with their favorite people, our team was busy cleaning up the space. We highly recommend adding on our clean up package so you and your loved ones have nothing to worry about the night of your wedding!
Trobec’s Bus Service returned at the end of the night to give guests a safe ride back to AmericInn by Wyndham in Sartell.
Kendra + Colin, it was such a pleasure to coordinate your wedding at Northern Oaks Events! Cheers to your love and lasting memories!
Are you getting married at Northern Oaks Events? We would love to help coordinate your day! Send us a message to see if we would be a good fit.
VENDORS
Minnesota Wedding Coordinator: Rustic Elegance - Kellie + Josie
Venue: Northern Oaks Events
Caterer: Trobec’s Bar & Grill
Bar Service: Northern Oaks Events
Late Night Snack: Marnantela’s Pizza
Makeup: Taylor Miley Makeup
Bridal Gown: Emily Kaye Bridal
DJ: What’s the Damage Entertainment
Photographer/Videographer: Boundless Exposure
Dessert: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Transportation: Trobec’s Bus Service
Hotel: AmericInn by Wyndham - Sartell
Creatively written by: Hope Konkol