Our team absolutely loves coordinating weddings at Northern Oaks, a beautiful wedding venue in Sauk Rapids, MN. Rustic Elegance owner Kellie worked closely with Sara and Ryan, meeting with them in person at our Plymouth office to bring their vision to life!

Throughout the planning process, the couple had full access to our online planning tool, Aisle Planner. Together, we used it to build a month-by-month checklist, track their guest list, manage their budget, and organize all of their day-of coordination details. Our Master Details document ensures every moving part (timing, decor, logistics, and more) is clearly outlined so nothing is missed.

After months of thoughtful planning, we couldn’t wait to celebrate alongside them and their 200 guests at this stunning Sauk Rapids wedding venue!

THE MORNING

As we arrived at the wedding venue in Sauk Rapids, MN, we were greeted with the most beautiful fall day. Our team jumped right into setting up the reception tables, guest book table, memory table, and gifts + cards station.

Meanwhile, the ladies were getting ready in the on-site log house, with Stacey Jensen and Lucky Beauty Bar perfecting their glam. Sara then slipped into her stunning L’amour bridal gown to complete her look.

Bridal suite at wedding venue in Sauk Rapids, MN

The couple shared a sweet first look surrounded by vibrant fall foliage. It truly couldn’t have been more picture-perfect! Afterward, they captured a few portraits with Hannah Mae Creations before Sara met up with her wedding party for a group first look.

In true iconic fashion, she lifted her dress to reveal a hidden stash of drinks, pulling off the ultimate “ice” moment! The wedding party grabbed a drink, took a knee, and fully committed to the Smirnoff Ice tradition.

While all of this was happening, our team continued setting up, including the photo booth the couple rented from us. It’s always such a fun addition! It gives guests a way to stay entertained while creating lasting memories.

We also made sure to greet and connect with each vendor as they arrived. The couple had an incredible team, and we were so excited to spend the day alongside them!

THE CEREMONY

As guests began arriving, the wedding party hid away in preparation for the ceremony. Everyone made their way to the outdoor pond ceremony space, where they were welcomed with a glass of champagne served by Northern Oaks.

Once guests were seated, it was time for us to cue the processional. The wedding party included seven members made up of both guys and girls on each side. It’s so fun when couples have a wedding party that truly reflects them!

The groom’s brother served as the officiant, which made the ceremony even more meaningful. Before the ceremony began, we walked through a few quick reminders with him (like inviting guests to be seated, stepping aside for the kiss, and remembering the mic). It was his first time officiating, and he absolutely crushed it!

The wedding party made their entrance from the lower level of the log house, while the bride made her grand entrance down the steps to meet her father waiting below. She looked absolutely stunning!

The couple exchanged heartfelt, personally written vows during a beautiful ceremony, followed by a long-awaited kiss and their exit as newlyweds. While they signed their marriage license, our team delivered their favorite drinks to them. Another detail we had thoughtfully planned for during our planning meetings.

THE RECEPTION

As the wedding party exited the ceremony, we collected the bridesmaids’ bouquets, which were DIY wood flowers (so fun!), and repurposed them as decor on the head table.

During cocktail hour, our team set out dry snacks provided by the couple and turned on the heaters to keep guests comfortable. Everyone enjoyed mingling, snapping photos at our photo booth (we loved the couple’s custom backdrop!), and participating in a 50/50 raffle hosted by the wedding party. Such a fun touch!

As dinner approached, we checked in with the caterer to confirm timing before inviting guests to take their seats. Once everyone was settled, it was time for the grand entrance. The wedding party entered together, followed by the newlyweds making their entrance to “First Date” by Blink-182.

Reception table decor at Sauk Rapids wedding venue

The groom shared a brief welcome, followed by a prayer from the bride’s father. Kellie then began dismissing tables for a delicious buffet dinner from D’s Smokehouse.

While guests enjoyed dinner and heartfelt speeches, our team set out donuts from Cold Spring Bakery for dessert. The couple also surprised guests with a second option, an ice cream cart from Honey and Mackie’s, which was a huge hit!

The evening continued with the couple’s first dance to “Speechless” by Dan + Shay, followed by traditional parent dances. DJ Spencer with Studio Veil kicked things off with the anniversary dance and kept the dance floor packed all night.

As the evening cooled down, guests gathered around the bonfires, enjoyed the heaters, and grabbed a late-night snack from Jimmy John’s before hopping on shuttles from Trobec’s Bus Service for a safe ride back to their hotels.

Meanwhile, our team handled the clean-up, carefully packing all the decor into the couple’s designated vehicles so they didn’t have to worry about a thing.

The next day, Sara and Ryan received their full photo booth gallery right in their inbox. It’s such a fun way to relive your wedding day through your guests’ perspective while you wait for your professional photos! Guests also received their images instantly via text during the event, so fun!