Tuesday, November 22, 2011

On Vacation...

Greetings!  And thank you for visiting the Rustic Oaks Blog!

I will be on vacation from Nov. 24th - Dec. 2nd. When I return I will get back to you soon!
If you need assistance prior to my return, you are welcome to email the owners, Anne & Dave Larson, at rusticoaksBB@live.com.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Cheers & Happy Holidays!

Emily Finley

Thursday, November 17, 2011

our latest & greatest {brides & grooms to be!}

Lindsey/Ceaton (9.14-16.12)

Sara/Jarod (5.25-27.12)

Eve/Clinton (7.15.12)

Shannon/Erik (10.20.12)

Carrie/Ray (8.9-11.13)

Chelsea/Tyler (6.9.13)

Hanna/Adam (7/8/12)

Melissa/Ivan (5.11-13.12)


Friday, October 28, 2011

Recent Reviews...

Here's what a recent Rustic Oaks bride & groom had to say about their big day...

We LOVE Rustic Oaks!! I can't imagine a more perfect place to get married. We had looked for somewhere that was slightly off the beaten path and felt like "home" ~ somewhere that would bring to people's mind the way weddings used to be - at home, without all this wedding industry craziness and hoopla... and when we found Rustic Oaks, we knew that it was the perfect place to spend our wedding day with our family and friends. After contacting several local venues, I was used to waiting around several days for an email or phone call, but with Emily and the Rustic Oaks staff, I always heard back right away, sometimes within hours! The staff feels like family ~ even going over our wedding contract in their beautiful farmhouse kitchen. :) The facility is absolutely gorgeous ~ especially the renovated barn and the view of the beautiful Red River of the North. We loved getting ready in the farmhouse and having the whole place to ourselves for the day. We had SO many family and friends gush over our wedding venue and my favorite was: "this wedding changed what I thought my dream wedding was"... not because of our decorations or my dress or our cake or anything else, but because RUSTIC OAKS created a setting that made for amazing memories. We look forward to renting out Rustic Oaks in the future for anniversary BBQs, and who knows, maybe even family pictures once we start having babies!! :) LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.
-Benjamin & Kristen Larson (September 22, 2011)

The bride & groom's family also had some words to share:

"Rustic Oaks was the perfect place for Ben & Kristen’s wedding. It has a relaxed and warm feeling – like having everyone come to our home. Family and friends commented on how it was so welcoming and changed their idea of an ideal wedding. We loved it!!"
-Pat Larson, Mother of the Groom

"My husband and I absolutely loved our time celebrating Ben and Kristen at Rustic Oaks. We so enjoyed being able to be in one location for their ceremony and reception, making our time more relaxing and not waiting around for what happens next. We thought the scenery and overall facility was gorgeous! Also, the atmosphere was so laid back and yet entertaining since we were on a farm where we could explore and have a variety of choices of what to do--from eating around a camp fire to dancing all night!"
-Rachel Antoine, Bride’s Best Friend / Bridesmaid

"I loved Rustic Oaks because it reminded me of the farm in North Dakota that I grew up on. I can't think of a better place for my daughter to have gotten married. I loved the ceremony in the barn, the beautiful house where we spent the day getting ready, the hospitality of the owners, the quiet location, and even the cats roaming around the yard. It was perfect!"
-Diane Erbele, Mother of the Bride

"The setting by the river is magnificent. The upstairs of the barn is a great place for dancing. My favorite area is the high deck where you can see so much. The flight of the fire balloons looked awesome from up there. Perhaps a restored old tractor and/or buckboard and other "farmtiques" would complement the site. If I were looking to book for a large gathering in the FM area, Rustic Oaks would be my number one choice."
-Philip Carlson, Step-Father of the Bride

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The Route to Rustic...!

Good news!!  The construction on 75 is complete!!  

Directions to Rustic Oaks:
*From I-94, take the Moorhead Hwy 75/8th St. Exit
*Go South on Hwy 75 for about 9 miles

*At 120th, take a right (going towards the river)
*In about a half mile you will come to 3rd St
*Take a left on 3rd St; you will soon reach 12155 on your right

*From I-29, take the Wild Rice Exit (Exit 56)
*Go east on CR 14
*Take a right on University (CR 81)
*Take a left on CR 16
*Turn right on 3rd St (shortly after you cross the river)
*12155 will be on your right in approx. 1 mile

You can also view these directions (taking 75 OR 29)...on our website!  (Click on "about the"...& "route to rustic"...!)  www.rusticoaks.net

Monday, August 22, 2011

Our (new & fabulous) Brides & Grooms To Be...!

Thank you for choosing Rustic Oaks as your wedding venue!
We look forward to hosting the following weddings:

April & Jeff:  9.30.11
Sam & Robert:  8.4.12
Nicole & Ryan:  10.22.11
Kristen & Ben:  9.22.11
Alicia & Andrew:  7.13.12
Sara & Steve:  8.25.12
Jordan & Matt:  9.7.12
Nels & Annie:  8.18.12
Jessica & Jeremy:  10.6.12
Ashley & Zach:  9.18.11
Cailtlin & Codie: 9.9.12
Brooke & Eli:  10.13.12
Amber & Sean:  9.28.12
Julie & Jesse:  6.24.12
Shaylee & Jordan:  8.19.12
Lindsey & Ceaton:  9.15.12
Sara & Jarod:  5.26.12

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Road Construction...

Just a heads up...!  There will be some construction on Hwy 75 around 60th Ave. (about midway between 94 and Rustic Oaks)...!  You will be offered a detour...but please note that depending on where you're coming from, you may want to consider: 29 S to Wild Rice (Exit 56), left on CR 14, right on University (CR 81), left on CR 16, & right on 3rd St (shortly after you cross the river).  OR...if you're on University...go south until CR16 and take a left, then go right on 3rd.

Hwy 75 at Clay CR 12 (60th Ave South)
Description: Construct roundabout
Construction Dates: Aug. 1– late September
Traffic Impacts: Detour
News: Construction, detour begins Aug. 1

Monday, June 13, 2011

Our New-Fabulous-Rustic Oaks Couples...!!

Tara/Todd: Wedding Day - Saturday 10.8.11
Chris/Beverly: Wedding Day - Friday 9.16.11
Lisa/Harrison: Wedding Day - Friday 8.5.11
Anna/Andrew: Ultimate Wedding Weekend - 6.2.12
Ali/Kyle: Ultimate Wedding Weekend - 9.22.12
Chrissa/Matt: Wedding Weekend - 7.21.12
Claire/Kyle: Wedding Day - Friday 7.6.12
Krista/Ryan: Wedding Day - Friday 10.7.11
Becky/Tony: Ultimate Wedding Weekend - 8.11.12
Meg/Josh: Wedding Day - Sunday 9.30.12
Alexa/Luke: Wedding Day - Friday 8.17.12
Sara/Scott: Ultimate Wedding Weekend - 7.28.12

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Shuttle Service!

Great news! 
Our fabulous neighbors are now offering a Shuttle Service! 
They have two 14 passenger vehicles are are offering their services for $110 per vehicle per hour.
Please note that there is a two hour minimum;
the hours can be broken up.

If you're interested,
you will arrange things directly through Pete Livdahl:
701-261-4141 (c)
218-585-4529 (h)

Shuttle Services and carpooling are great for a number of reasons: it's eco-friendly, it helps combat venue parking congestion, and it's super smart after cocktail consumption!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Grill for Rent!


New @ Rustic Oaks...a giant grill!
Available for rent: $75/day! Includes propane! Great for groom's dinners, corporate or family gatherings, smaller events/celebrations & more!

Monday, May 9, 2011

The Latest Addition...!

Also new @ Rustic Oaks: a wooden swing-slide-and-climb swing set...nicely tucked away between the Inn & Barn - perfect for occupying the little ones!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Heat & AC...!

Exciting news!! The Rustic Oaks Barn now has heat & AC...!!

Contact Emily to set up a tour or venue visit...and check out all of the fun new projects & improvements!!

218.343.0347 (Emily)

Monday, April 18, 2011

Female Group Fitness Class - Coming Soon to Rustic Oaks!

Rustic Oaks Group Fitness Classes
Our "girls only" May/June sessions will begin May 23rd:
Days: Mondays & Thursdays
Time: 7:15pm
Dates: May 23, 26 & 30 & June 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20 & 23
Equipment needed: Exercise Mat, Stability Ball, 5# Dumbbells
Contact Emily for the super reasonable rates & more information!
 
Emily Finley
Phone: 218.343.0347
Website: www.rusticoaks.net (contact us link)

Friday, April 8, 2011

Booking Incentive!

Attention Brides & Grooms-To-Be! 
If you are considering Rustic Oaks as your venue of choice for your big day...here's some extra incentive to book soon!  Alyssa Flaten - owner & principal artist & photographer @ mosaic photography has donated two $250 gift cards - one for each of the next two couples to book their big day @ Rustic Oaks! 
The extra awesome thing is...there are no strings attached!  The $250 can be used however you please: save-the-date session, family photos, pet pictures, & yes of course - $250 off of your choice of wedding packages!  Thank you Alyssa!! 
For more information about Alyssa & Mosaic Photography - visit: http://www.mosaicphotography.net/!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Find us on Facebook!

Rustic Oaks can now be found on Facebook!

Become a friend, like the page, and stay connected and up-to-date!

Check in often for photos, events, updates, and information about

local wedding/ event vendors and "pros we know"!!




Visit our page! If you like it...then I invite you to "like us!" :)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

June 11, 2011

Are you (or someone you know) still hoping for a Saturday Wedding in the summer of 2011? If so, Rustic Oaks could be the answer to your prayers! June 11th, 2011 is now available at Rustic Oaks! If you want to keep your engagement short and sweet...this date could be the perfect fit for you!
For inquiries - contact Emily!
Phone: 218.343.0347

6.23.12

Kendra & Ben - good family friends of the venue's owners - recently booked their 2012 wedding at Rustic Oaks! We are definitely happy to be hosting their big day...! We wish them luck with their wedding planning and look forward to working with them!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day!

We want to wish our Rustic Oaks brides and grooms-to-be a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY tomorrow! May your day be filled with fun and love!!

Also, with Valentine's Day...comes a lot of new engaged couples! We still have a couple of great dates available for 2011; here are a few dates that I want to highlight:

May 13-15 (1,000 off of both weekend packages!)
June 3rd (Friday)

June 11th (SATURDAY!!)
July 3 (A great Sunday option - & what a way to start your 4th of July weekend!)
August 5th (Friday)
September 16th (I'm a BIG fan of this weekend, as I got married on 9.18.10!)
September 30 (Friday)
October 7th or 9th (Friday OR Sunday!)
October 14th (Friday)
October 21-23 & 28-30 (Two beautiful fall weekend options!)
November 4-6, Saturday the 12th, & 18-20

Friday, January 21, 2011

Prairie In A Pot...

Wildflower Seed Planting Instructions:

  • Cultivate soil to a depth of 1-2 inches.
  • Remove plant debris and stones.
  • Broadcast seed and lightly firm to soil.
  • Apply starter fertilizer.
  • Watering should begin immediately.
  • Water lightly and frequently until seed is thoroughly germinated.

This Wildflower "partial shade mix":

  • Performs best with 3 or more hours of sun.
  • Height: 3-4 feet
  • Contains beautiful perennials, biennials, and annuals
  • Ideal to create a meadow looking pot

Wedding Show * 1.23.11 * 12-4pm

RUSTIC OAKS will be at the Ramada Crystal Ballroom this Sunday, January 23rd - for the Radio Fargo-Moorhead Wedding Show!
The show takes place from 12-4pm!
Stop by our booth and say hi...we'd love to meet you!!

At our booth:
  • Grab some free goodies
  • Pick up a mini bag of "Prairie in a Pot" Wildflower Seed
  • Check out our slide show and photo display
  • Gather some: Brochures, Tell-A-Friend Postcards, & Honeymoon Package Promos
  • Flip through a photo album of past Rustic Oaks weddings
  • Visit with Emily & Sarah - we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have

Brides & Grooms-To-Be...

Rustic Oaks is pleased to be hosting the following weddings:
Andrea & John: 5.21.11
Kelsi & Luke: 10.16.11
Kristin & Chris: 5.28.11
Congrats! We look forward to working with you all!