A Magical Northern Oaks Sartell Celebration
They say rain on your wedding day is good luck, but for Chicki and Gunnar’s Northern Oaks Sartell wedding, it was more than luck – it was pure magic. As a Central Minnesota wedding photographer, I’ve captured countless celebrations at this beautiful Sartell venue, but there was something especially enchanting about the way these two embraced every raindrop with pure joy.
The morning started with steady rain tapping against Northern Oaks’ historic windows as Chicki and her bridal party prepared. The venue’s getting-ready suite provided the perfect cozy atmosphere for capturing those intimate pre-ceremony moments. While rain might deter some couples, it actually enhanced the romantic atmosphere of Northern Oaks’ already stunning interior, creating the kind of soft, dreamy light photographers dream about.
When Chicki and Gunnar exchanged vows, the rain created a magical backdrop against the venue’s large windows. Their love radiated through every glance and smile, proving that perfect weather isn’t what makes a perfect wedding day – it’s the love you’re celebrating that matters most.
The Reception Magic
After the ceremony, Northern Oaks transformed into the ultimate celebration space. DJHampsterdance, known throughout the Twin Cities for bringing incredible energy to wedding receptions, turned this rainy day wedding into an unforgettable party. The dance floor never emptied – from the first dance to the final song, guests celebrated with the kind of joy that makes my job as a wedding photographer pure magic.
One particularly touching moment came during “Sweet Caroline.” Watching Gunnar’s grandmother Caroline light up as the familiar tune played, surrounded by family on the dance floor, perfectly captured the essence of why I love documenting these celebrations. It’s these unscripted moments that tell the real story of a wedding day.
The Delicious Details
Cold Spring Bakery (a personal favorite – they created my own wedding desserts!) outdid themselves with an incredible spread. The attention to detail in every dessert matched the thoughtful planning evident throughout the entire celebration. McKales provided a feast that had guests raving, proving that every aspect of this wedding was carefully chosen for maximum impact.
Northern Oaks’ versatile spaces allowed for seamless transitions throughout the day. From the intimate ceremony setting to the spacious reception area, each space was transformed to reflect Chicki and Gunnar’s vision. The venue’s classic architecture provided stunning backdrops for portraits, while the covered areas offered perfect shelter for creating romantic rainy-day photos that looked straight out of a movie.
What made this Northern Oaks wedding truly unforgettable wasn’t just the beautiful details or the romantic rain – it was Chicki and Gunnar’s ability to stay present in every moment. Their joy was infectious, their love evident in every photo, and their celebration proof that sometimes the most magical weddings happen on rainy days.
The Creative Team Behind the Magic
• Venue: Northern Oaks, Sartell, Minnesota
• DJ: DJ Hampster Dance
• Hair: @the_hairmethod by Morgan TeBrake
• Makeup: @Emilythebeautyartist
• Florals: Lily Becker
• Desserts: Cold Spring Bakery
• Catering: McKales
• Stationery: Truly Engaging
• Photography: Amber Bauer Photography
Planning your own Northern Oaks celebration?
Fun fact: I might drop a curse word or two, and I'll definitely make you laugh. Because let's be real—the best photos happen when you're actually having fun.
Behind every perfectly unscripted moment is a photographer who's thought of everything. My signature blend of detailed preparation and creative spontaneity means you get to relax and be yourself while I handle the magic behind the scenes.
I'm here to be more than just another vendor with a camera. Consider me your personal hype girl, professional third wheel, and the friend who's slightly obsessed with making sure you feel amazing in front of my lens.
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Brainerd Lakes photographer & your professional hype girl
Hi, I'm Amber
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