Black and white photo of a group toasting with shot glasses in a circle, viewed from below.
Bride and groom posing on ornate spiral staircase in rustic wedding venue with wooden beams and green walls.

 

Photographing "the Berge's"


On what has to have been one of THE WINDIEST winter days ever Aaron & Abby Berge joined in matrimony. This was a day full of fun, romance and joy that produced some of the most romantic couples portraits.

 

 

About the couple.

Love is an adventure


Over the years, Aaron and Abby have shared some incredible memories together, including two unforgettable cruises. On their most recent trip, Aaron experienced something completely new—swimming in the ocean for the very first time!


They spent their days exploring the water on two snorkeling excursions, swimming alongside beautiful sea turtles and spotting jellyfish drifting through the crystal-clear sea. One of the most memorable moments? Watching Aaron confidently hold a jellyfish in his hand. It was surely equal parts exciting, surprising, and amazing to witness.


These are the moments they will treasure most—not just the destinations they visit, but the experiences they share and the joy of seeing someone discover something new. From sea turtles to jellyfish and everything in between, this adventure is one they'll never forget.


#LoveStoryGoals #CruiseMemories #OceanAdventure #SnorkelingLife #SeaTurtles #MakingMemories #AdventureTogether #TravelStories #LifeIsAnAdventure #CherishedMoments

 

Groom dips bride in elegant wedding venue with white French doors and warm chandelier lighting.
From the Couple

"Aaron and I have gone on two cruises together and on our most recent cruise Aaron experienced swimming in the ocean for the first time. We went on two snorkeling trips where we swam alongside sea turtles and saw jellyfish. Aaron held a jellyfish in his hand. It was amazing!"

-Abby B

 

A Love Story Full of Adventure, Joy, and New Experiences

 

Some couples have a way of making every moment feel like an adventure, and that perfectly describes Abby and Aaron.


Long before their wedding day, these two were building a life filled with shared experiences, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Whether exploring new places, traveling together, or encouraging each other to step outside their comfort zones, their relationship has always been rooted in genuine friendship and a sense of wonder.


Their wedding day at Crooked Willow in Osakis, Minnesota was a beautiful reflection of that same spirit.


Nestled among rolling countryside and surrounded by the rustic elegance that makes Crooked Willow such a beloved Minnesota wedding venue, friends and family gathered to celebrate a love story years in the making. The venue's charming barn, beautiful grounds, and warm atmosphere created the perfect setting for a day that felt both intimate and joyful.


From the moment Abby slipped into her wedding gown, there was an excitement in the air. The morning was filled with anticipation, happy tears, and quiet moments shared with the people who love them most. As the finishing touches came together and guests arrived, it became clear that this would be a day focused not on perfection, but on connection.


One of my favorite things about photographing weddings is watching the way couples interact when they think no one is looking. Throughout the day, Abby and Aaron continually found their way back to one another. A glance across the room. A gentle touch of the hand. A laugh shared during portraits. Those small moments often tell the most beautiful parts of a wedding story.


Their ceremony was heartfelt and emotional, surrounded by family and friends who have supported them throughout their journey together. As they exchanged vows and promised forever, there wasn't a dry eye in sight.

After the ceremony, we explored the beautiful grounds of Crooked Willow for portraits. The property offers so many incredible locations, from rustic architectural details to open spaces filled with natural light. Every backdrop seemed to perfectly complement Abby and Aaron's relaxed and genuine connection.


As the sun began to lower, we captured some of the most romantic images of the day. The golden light wrapped around them as they embraced, creating the kind of timeless portraits that never go out of style. These quiet moments together allowed them to pause, breathe, and simply enjoy being newly married.


The celebration continued into the evening with heartfelt speeches, laughter, dancing, and countless memories made alongside family and friends. The joy in the room was contagious, and it was impossible not to smile while documenting the celebration.


Looking through their images, I am reminded that the best wedding days are never about elaborate details or perfect timelines. They are about two people choosing each other, surrounded by the people who matter most.



Abby and Aaron, thank you for trusting me to tell your story. It was an honor to witness and document this beautiful chapter in your lives. May your future be filled with many more adventures, new experiences, and unforgettable memories together.

Elegant banquet hall with painted ceiling, wood beams, stained glass window, and tables set for an event.
Rustic wooden directional sign reading Just A Jaunt with local attraction arrows beside a red building and yellow column.
White lace bridal sandals on a rustic wine barrel with floating candles and floral decor at a wedding venue.
Wedding flat lay with invitation, pink tulips, veil, and blue ring box on wooden chair.
crooked willow weddiBlue velvet ring box with diamond rings beside pink roses, wedding invitation, and happy tears embroidered handkerchief.
White wedding gown surrounded by light blue bridesmaid dresses hanging on a rack in a rustic venue.
Flat lay of wedding details including floral invitation, glitter heels, happy tears handkerchief, and ring box.
Elegant wedding invitation with floral border for Aaron and Abigail, surrounded by rings, shoes, and flowers.
Wedding invitation for Aaron and Abigail with floral design, engagement ring, and wedding bands on blue velvet.
White wedding gown displayed on hanger surrounded by light blue and mint bridesmaid dresses.
YSL cologne bottle beside tan leather brogue shoes and an orange tie on a wooden surface.
Classic tan leather brogue oxford dress shoes displayed on a wooden surface for a wedding.
Red and stone cylindrical tower entrance of a rustic wedding venue on an overcast day.
Woman with gray hair and glasses relaxes in a beige armchair in a cozy, well-lit interior space.
Woman with elegant auburn updo hairstyle adorned with pearl pins, wearing a plaid shirt, photographed from behind.
Bride with a romantic twisted updo hairstyle adorned with delicate crystal hair pins.
crooked willow weddings Five women in matching plaid shirts celebrating together in a rustic venue setting.
Elegant white A-line wedding dress with lace details hanging on a hanger against cream curtains.
Two women helping a bride fasten her open-back lace wedding dress in a rustic bridal suite.
Groomsmen in gray suits with peach ties playfully huddle around the groom outdoors near a rustic barn venue.
Groomsmen wearing matching argyle socks and brown leather oxford shoes with gray trousers.
Bride in white gown holding bouquet stands at base of wooden spiral staircase in elegant venue.
Groomsmen in gray suits place hands on a wooden table holding cufflinks during wedding preparations.
Bride sits on staircase holding a lush peach and blue floral bouquet near a stained glass window.
Bride in white gown with bouquet poses at top of ornate wooden staircase in historic venue.
Bride and groom share a first look in an elegant venue with hardwood floors and a floral fireplace.
Bride in a flowing white gown stands by shuttered windows near a fireplace in a charming vintage room.
Man in gray suit with orange tie, matching pocket square, and brown leather watch, hands clasped.
Man in gray suit sitting under ornate wooden staircase in elegant Victorian-style home with rich hardwood floors.
Bride and groom share a romantic moment on a grand wooden staircase in an elegant historic venue.
Bride in flowing white gown and groom in gray suit share first look near stained glass window.
Bride and groom share a kiss in an elegant wooden venue, bride holding a colorful bouquet beside a grand staircase.
Bride and groom embrace during wedding ceremony, bride holding peach floral bouquet, groom in gray suit with orange tie.
Black and white photo of bride and groom embracing, bride holding elegant floral bouquet with roses.
Bride and groom pose together in elegant venue with stained glass windows and dark wood bar backdrop.
Groom dips bride in elegant wedding venue with stained glass windows and dark wood bar backdrop on hardwood floors.
Bride and groom share a romantic dip kiss in an elegant dark-paneled venue with stained glass windows.
crooked willow weddings Wedding couple sharing a kiss surrounded by blurred bridal party in elegant venue.
Bride holding a lush wedding bouquet with peach ranunculus, white roses, and greenery against a sparkly white gown.
Bride holding a lush wedding bouquet of peach roses, ranunculus, white blooms, and thistle with greenery.
Elegant wedding dessert table with a two-tier white cake surrounded by rows of frosted cupcakes on wooden display stands.
Groom dips bride in elegant wedding venue with white French doors and warm chandelier lighting.
Bride and groom share a romantic moment on elegant wooden staircase in a grand historic venue.
Black and white photo of a group toasting with shot glasses in a circle, viewed from below.
Group of friends toasting with champagne glasses in a circle, viewed from below at a wedding celebration.
Bride and groom pose together in front of a charming red stone tower at their wedding venue.

 

Vendors

Venue:

Crooked Willow #venue


Vendors

Photography : 📸 Nicole Hollenkamp Portrait Studio, LLC.

🎵 Harmon Entertainment — DJ Courtney #dj

🌸 MN Bloom Co  #weddingflowers

🧁 Two Ten Cakes #cake #baker

👨🏾‍🍳 Raaper's Eatery & Ale Catering #catering

💇🏼 The Glamour Ranch #weddingbeauty

🙏 Jeff Pankratz Celebrations, Officiating, & Counseling #weddingofficiant #premaritalcoaching #Legacy


Nicole is a wedding photographer with over 13 years experience documenting weddings and a 5 star rating across the web.


 

Affordable photographers The Grands at Mulligans Sartell MN.