From Shy Beginnings to Forever
Some love stories start with fireworks. Sara and Matt’s started with friendship—and a little playful teasing. They met through mutual friends, and while Sara wasn’t looking for romance at the time, Matt couldn’t resist picking on the pretty, shy girl in the group. What began as a need for good friendship quickly blossomed into something neither of them expected.
A Proposal Worth the Planning
Matt spent an entire week orchestrating the perfect surprise, enlisting his family as co-conspirators. He casually asked Sara out for a date, playing it cool by suggesting one of their usual Fargo spots. But at the last minute, he “changed his mind” and took her to her favorite restaurant instead. Sara, thrilled by the surprise, dressed up for the occasion.
After dinner, Matt’s mom called with a perfectly timed (and pre-planned) request for help at the lake cabin. Once there, Matt told Sara he needed her help moving something. She walked to the back of the cabin to find a beautifully decorated gazebo—set up hours earlier by Matt’s family—and Matt standing there, ring in hand. They celebrated with champagne and bundt cake, then surprised Sara’s family the next day with the news.
Bringing Their Vision to Life
Sara’s love of color set the tone for their early spring wedding. She envisioned a celebration that felt fresh and vibrant, decorated with light blue hues and wildflowers. Family was woven into every detail, with heirlooms thoughtfully placed throughout the venue.
Why Crooked Willow?
The couple chose Crooked Willow for its convenient location between both families and its stunning indoor space—perfect for an early spring wedding in unpredictable Minnesota weather. The variety of packages, including an onsite rehearsal dinner and setup time the night before, sealed the deal.
“We wanted our guests to feel happy and excited to be there with us,” Sara shared. “Food and entertainment were very important to make sure everyone enjoyed their time.”
Planning Priorities: Venue, Vibes, and Vendors
Sara and Matt’s top three planning priorities were clear:
- Lock in the venue and vendors available on their date
- Find the perfect DJ—they knew the right entertainment could make or break the guest experience
- Serve incredible food—both foodies at heart, they wanted unique and fun options for sweet and savory treats throughout the night
The most challenging part? Keeping track of all the details and payment deadlines. But their organization paid off.
Details That Mattered Most
Sara honored her late father and grandfather throughout the day, incorporating their candle holders into the décor. A piece of wood from a tree her dad had planted graced the dessert table. But Matt had a few surprises of his own:
- He wore her dad’s cologne
- All the groomsmen wore tie clips spelling out her father’s name
- He carried her dad’s pocket knife
- Sara carried her dad’s medal on her bouquet
- Matt and Sara’s brother surprised her with the tailgate from her dad’s favorite pickup—the one he’d sold to buy her mom’s engagement ring
It was a day filled with love, memory, and meaning.
A Day That Started at Dawn
Sara and Matt are private people, so they chose to read their vows in an intimate morning ceremony—just the two of them at 7 a.m. on their wedding day. It was their favorite moment: starting their marriage together, before anyone else arrived.
Later, sitting at the head table and looking out at everyone who came to celebrate them, they felt overwhelmed with gratitude.
“If anything unexpected happened, Derek and Jody took care of it!” Sara laughed. Their DJ also surprised them with custom hats and a framed picture featuring their first dance song, “The Rest of Our Life” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
Advice for Future Couples
Sara and Matt’s wisdom for couples planning their own big day?
“Don’t settle when picking vendors, stay organized, and remember that you get to marry your best friend.”
And one thing they’d do differently? “Make sure your fiancé doesn’t travel for work the whole month before your wedding!”
Vendor Love
Sara and Matt’s dream team made their day unforgettable:
Entertainment: Cam with Harmon Entertainment
Hair and Make-Up: Rowan Beauty
Photographer: Prairie Edge Impressions
Desserts: Pink Apron Bakery
Videographer: Handheld Studio
Floral: Lavender Haven Floral
Décor: Sara (the bride—talk about talented!)
Bride’s Attire: Your Day By Nicole
Groom’s Attire: Halberstadts
Bridal Party Attire: Azazie and Halberstadts
Congratulations, Sara and Matt! Thank you for trusting Crooked Willow to be part of your beautiful spring celebration. Wishing you a lifetime of laughter, love, and memories as sweet as your wedding
day 💙🌾
