Rainy tent wedding reception at Northern Oaks

As Minnesota wedding coordinators, we love attending open houses at our favorite venues whenever we can. They’re a great way for us to stay in touch with our local wedding community, but also to meet great couples like Alyia and Alec!

When we were at the Northern Oaks open house, we had the pleasure of chatting with the couple’s moms and Alec. The couple’s wedding was quickly approaching and they knew they wanted help pulling everything together. Just a month before the wedding, the couple officially booked us and we got to work planning with the bride, Alyia, who was the sweetest!

The couple opted to have 94 guests for the ceremony and bumped it up to 187 guests for the party. We love this option to keep the ceremony more intimate while still getting to celebrate with all of the additional friends and family later in the day!

THE MORNING

When the wedding day arrived, the weather was looking less summer-y than we hoped for the early June wedding. The high for the day was 56 degrees and it was pouring rain all morning, but that didn’t stop us! Our team showed up in rain boots and rain coats and began setting up the decor as the event tent was rippling in the wind.

The tables were decorated with white roses, greens, cheese cloth, and votive candles. We also set up the gift and cards table, bar decor, entrance decor, signage, cocktail table lamps, and more. It was looking beautiful already!

Meanwhile, the ladies got ready in the house on site. The bride’s friend Samantha helped everyone with their hair, while ESO Makeup perfected the ladies’ glam. It wasn’t long before Alyia slipped into her stunning dress from Xandy’s Bridal House to complete her stunning look!

Emily Paulson Photography then took the couple outside for their first look amongst the trees. They then made their way around the property for couple portraits, followed by wedding party photos.

After watching the radar and checking the temperature throughout the morning, our team decided to chat with the couple about whether or not we should move forward with the rain plan. It was a tough call, but the couple decided to move forward with plan B and had us set up the chairs inside the tent for the ceremony.

We moved a few tables to the side and it looked like it had been planned for months! The couple was so understanding and didn’t let the change of plans phase their joy. This is why we work through a preferred rain plan prior to the wedding day!

We then did a quick 15 minute day-of rehearsal for the ceremony and chatted with the ushers about their duties. We love doing this on the wedding day so that it’s fresh in everyone’s minds and everyone feels comfortable in the space!

THE CEREMONY

Right before the ceremony the rain stopped briefly, which was perfect for guest arrival. The venue team opened up the back part of the tent to create the perfect ceremony backdrop with the fountain and pond in the background. It was a little chilly, so the heaters were turned on high to keep everyone comfortable.

Green Thumb decorated the venue’s arch with a beautiful floral arrangement, which perfectly complimented the venue’s whimsical drapery. We loved the clean, timeless setup!

Once guests were seated, we began to cue the processional. The wedding party consisted of 7 bridesmaids and 7 groomsmen, which walked in alternating order single file. Alyia then made her grand entrance with her father. She looked absolutely stunning!

Rainy tent wedding ceremony at Northern Oaks

The overcast skies created perfect lighting for Emily Paulson Photography to capture the ceremony. Our favorite detail was that the couple had 2 of the bridesmaids hide gold pens under a ceremony chair. Whoever sat in those 2 chairs were the ones to sign the marriage license. It was such a fun interactive moment for guests!

Alyia and Alec had the most special ceremony surrounded by their loved ones before sharing their first kiss as husband and wife!

THE RECEPTION

While guests were enjoying cocktail hour, our team grabbed the bouquets from the ladies and placed them on the head table. As we worked through last minute details, everyone was diving into the appetizers that consisted of warm cheese and pretzel bar and a fancy beef and cracker dish.

Guests then took their seats before the bride and groom made their grand entrance as newlyweds! Everyone waved their napkins in celebration.

The couple said a welcome and the father of the bride shared a lovely prayer before inviting guests to enjoy the delicious buffet dinner from Great Blue Heron.

One of our favorite details of the reception was the couple’s 50/50 raffle. The groomsmen sold the tickets while the bridesmaids helped gather them in the bucket. They ended up raising $2,000! What made it even more special is the winner gave his half to the bride and groom. How sweet is that?!

As everyone finished their meals, they were welcome to make their way out to The Wandering Cow ice cream truck. It was such a cute vehicle serving up the most delicious ice cream!

Once everyone had satisfied their sweet cravings, they made their way back inside the tent. The couple took to the dance floor for their first dance, followed by the traditional parent dances.

Emily Paulson Photography then snapped an epic photo of everyone on the dance floor before Anderson DJ Services kicked off the dance party with his impressive setup!

As the night progressed, our team straightened out the chairs and started cleaning up as offered in our Clean Up Package. The couple didn’t originally book this service on, but decided to add it on the week of the wedding. They were so thankful they did and let us know it was so worth it so they could enjoy every last second of the day with all of their family and friends!

We then greeted the Domino’s Pizza driver as he arrived with the late night snack and ensured the DJ knew to make an announcement.

It wasn’t long before Trobec’s Transportation was back to safely shuttle guests to the hotel and First Class Transportation arrived to pick up the couple in their getaway limo. It was the perfect end to a great day!

Alyia + Alec, we are so glad we had the opportunity to work with you and your loved ones! Your day was filled with so much love and special moments.

Huge thank you to Emily Paulson Photography for sharing these photos with us!