Wedding Day at Gathered Oaks Channels 'Rustic Forest Fairytale'

Samantha Kollasch and Daniel Onken’s story began at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where mutual friends brought them together. Despite an instant connection, life led them on separate paths for a while, with Samantha in Minneapolis and Daniel chasing his dreams out West. However, fate was scheming. When Daniel returned to town, a night of dancing rekindled their spark. Samantha decided to take the initiative and sent him a text, which kickstarted the romance. Five years later, Daniel popped the question at a weekend getaway with friends, surrounded by nature. They set out to design a dreamy wedding teeming with down-home details, with Gathered Oaks as a picturesque backdrop. The motif: a rustic forest fairytale, featuring towering oaks, pink, blue and white florals, and the aroma of eucalyptus. Samantha donned a sleek, fitted gown with illusion sleeves to walk down the aisle, meeting her groom in a smart light-gray suit. Beneath nature’s leafy canopy, they exchanged heartfelt vows, with a tranquil lake behind them. Attendees adjourned to the barn space and found their seats at tables with fresh white linens and a taper-candle centerpiece complemented by moss, all resting under a veritable galaxy of fairy lights. As day turned to night, the newlyweds danced in the moonlight, reminiscent of the night that reignited their love.