ABOUT US
Come 2019, friends Teresa and Melissa bonded over a shared dream – creating a wedding venue that celebrated nature, love and meaningful moments.
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After a long and thoughtful search for the perfect property, inspiration struck: Why not transform Ralph and Helen’s farmstead? The setting was everything they’d hoped for – scenic, spacious and sentimental. In November 2020, they made it official and purchased the property.
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Today, the original farmhouse serves as the bridal suite and guest lodging, while the newly built barn includes a mezzanine-turned-groom’s suite.
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The name Lone Oak Farm honors the single oak tree on the property, a gift to Helen from lifelong friend Mike Smith. Nestled among mature cottonwoods, the oak can be seen from the farmhouse’s sun porch – a symbol of legacy, growth and lasting memories.
The Lone Oak Farm Story
The Lone Oak Farm site was built in 1906 and became home to Ralph and Helen Puton in 1951 – grandparents of Melissa Oberlander, venue partner. While they worked the land, they also brought it to life by hosting gatherings filled with food, laughter and community. Through every season, the farm offered a cozy charm and natural beauty that brought people together.
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In 2016, after Ralph and Helen moved, the farmstead quietly awaited its next chapter, ready to welcome new memories.
Our Team
MELISSA OBERLANDER
Owner, Venue Management
Lone Oak Farm brings me peace. It’s more than a venue; it’s where family and friends gather to celebrate life’s biggest moments. That’s why I moved just across the road over 10 years ago to enjoy the open skies, stunning sunsets and fresh air every day.
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Born and raised in Ayr, North Dakota, I always knew I’d come home. With deep roots in the area, my high school sweetheart and husband, Jay, and I chose this quiet rural spot to raise our boys, Gavin and Ian.
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I have a degree in social work from the University of North Dakota and a heart for helping others. I love gardening, baking, traveling, volunteering and spending time at the lake with family. Planning events at Lone Oak lets me share what I love most – creating joyful, meaningful moments in a place that feels like home.
TERESA GULLESON
Owner, Venue Management
Lone Oak is truly one of a kind – with century-old cottonwoods, prairie trails and sunsets that take your breath away. It brings me peace, and I love sharing that with others. After attending two unforgettable barn weddings in 2018, I felt called to create a place just as personal and meaningful.
As a registered nurse, I’ve walked with people through life’s most significant moments: births, surgeries, oncology diagnoses and end of life. I feel honored to provide a continuum of this service during weddings, reunions, retreats and graduations, and I feel privileged that others trust us to make their event a once in a lifetime experience.
My husband, John, and I live in Casselton with our two daughters, Makelle and Ava. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in nursing and a Master of Science degree in leadership. As a native of Arthur, North Dakota, I was honored to have my personal wedding at Johnson’s Barn – and I hope others feel the same deep connection to Lone Oak as I did there.
