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Meet the Local Couple: The Bergers

We are Mara and Jarod Berger, recently married in June of 2024. Our story started at NDSU and four years later we got engaged! Jarod proposed to Mara on a cold December night… in a blizzard (very North Dakotan of him). Jarod surprised Mara by inviting Tomi Dawn Photo to take photographs of the proposal in downtown Fargo. We love going on walks with our golden retriever, going to the lake, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. We just got back from our honeymoon in Spain and are loving being newlyweds!

The Day They Tied The Knot

June 2024

“We would describe the day as classy, timeless, and truly the best day ever. We added a lot of personal touches throughout our day which made it feel super intimate.” -

Vendors

Venue: Riverhaven Events Center

The moment we stepped foot into River Haven, we knew it was going to be our venue. The layout, packages, and views are incredible. We loved the ceremony room overlooking the river. It’s very classy and fits our vibe as we had a black-tie wedding.

Band: Save Me CJ

We chose this band as they play the classic 90s music we used to hear every weekend at the Pickled Parrot in our college days!

Caterer: Chef’s Table

We have tried many of their dishes at previous weddings. A few years ago, we tried their Swedish meatballs at a friend’s wedding and it was the best wedding food we have ever had! Swedish meatballs it was on our day and it did not disappoint!

Gowns: Flutter Bridal

I went out looking in Minneapolis and landed here. I loved the workers there, specifically Drew! He is from Moorhead, MN, and went above and beyond to help me find my dress. I wanted something a bit different and I felt they had such a wide variety of dresses.

Suits: Halberstadt’s on Broadway

This is the way to go. They help with everything for the groom and groomsmen. They make it so easy and are so organized with their process.

Hair Stylist: Local Stylist Sierra Kasson + I Do Crew

I had my local stylist do my hair and then the I Do Crew help with the moms and bridesmaids. I chose my personal hair stylist because she knows exactly what I do and do not like. She is a friend from back home and I wanted to have her be a part of my day!

Makeup Artist: I Do Crew

They are such a fun group of ladies who made the morning so special and exciting!

I am incredibly lucky to have been a part of Jarod and Maras’s wedding. Every detail was so thoughtfully planned and their vision came to life so beautifully. My favorite part of the day was the love that just exuded from them—for each other and all of their families and friends. Truly, this was one of the most joy-filled days I’ve ever witnessed.”

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Couple Q&A

Q: Looking back, what was worth the coin and what wasn’t when it came to the entire process, why?

A: Your photographer is worth every penny. The moments captured by your photographer will last a lifetime. Having a band is worth it as well. Live music is so much fun at weddings

Q: Everybody says that you should have fun and enjoy the wedding planning process, but it is easy to get stressed! Any recommendations on how to stay calm during the stressful parts?

A: It’s a lot to plan and sometimes can feel isolating if you’re doing it yourself. Just remember that the day is about the two of you and do whatever will make you happy. It’s hard letting all the other stuff get in the way of what’s truly important. You can also enjoy a glass of wine while planning.

Q: What were the standout vendors or products you found that made your day memorable?

A: Kayla Cash is the event manager at River Haven. She was so helpful during the planning process and has everything set up/ organized for you the morning of.

Tomi Dawn Photography is the best of the best. You spend a lot of time with your photographer on the day of—probably more than your spouse! I love Tomi’s energy and knew spending time with her all day would make our day so much fun and special.

Save Me CJ, our band. We wanted our night to feel like another night at the Pickled Parrot and they did not disappoint. We had live music during our ceremony and first dances by the wonderful Zane Miller from Bismarck, ND.

Our officiant Aaron Jordan from Bismarck, ND. He is a family friend who did such a great job during our ceremony. He made personal touches that also moved everybody to tears.

Frequently Asked Questions... with answers from local vendors!

i do crew logo
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The I Do Crew is a wedding planning service in Fargo, offering customizable packages from day-of coordination to full-service planning to help couples create their ideal wedding.

Do we travel?

Yes, but we only travel within a 15-mile radius of the FM area and require a travel fee.

How many hair and makeup services can we provide?

However many they need! Our group of talented stylists is in network with multiple stylists we trust and value to help out when the wedding party exceeds a certain limit of services.

Can we provide small services such as lash applications or just eye makeup?

Absolutely! We can adjust any service to their liking!

Do clients need to contact other stylists for bigger wedding parties?

NOPE! Once they contact the I Do Crew, we take care of the rest! Kelsey will reach out and contact more stylists if needed for their wedding party.

Learn more at |
Facebook | /I Do Crew
Instagram | @idocrew.fargo

fuze entertainment logo

Fuze Entertainmen is a professional DJ and lighting company based in Fargo, specializing in personalized wedding and event entertainment headed by Drew Boraas.

Can we give you a Do Not Playlist?

Absolutely! The last thing I want to do is ruin your night by playing something you didn’t want to hear. I encourage you to think of songs that remind you of an ex, someone who passed away, or any songs that would ruin your vibe/mood.

Can you describe your style?

On the MC side, I enjoy taking or directing attention where it needs to be. Making sure your guests understand what’s happening and when, without being over the top. On the DJ side, I enjoy mixing and transitioning music in a fun way. None of that awkward fade-in fade-out that your parent’s wedding DJ might have done. And reading the crowd, seeing what’s working and what’s not. Figuring out what songs will get Aunt Janice and your friend Michael dancing at the same time.

What do you listen to?

In my headphones: Nic D, Quinn XCII, Post Malone, Ben Rector, Sofi Tukker, Morgan Wallen, Conner Price

My Favorite Dance Floor Fillers: “Starships” by Nicki Minaj, “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” by Shania Twain, “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers, “Hotel Room Service” by Pitbull, “Year 3000” by Jonas Brothers, “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, and “Party In The U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus.

Learn more at fuzemobileent.com
Facebook | /FUZEmobileent
Instagram | @fuzeent

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