Winter Wedding at The Como Conservatory

Emma and Nathan’s winter wedding at the Como Conservatory in Saint Paul, Minnesota didn’t quite go as planned. But we were able to pivot and give them a day they will remember always!

The couple had originally planned to have a small ceremony at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Sunken Gardens and then head off to Watson Block in Minneapolis for their reception. But a few days before the wedding date, COVID struck and we had to pivot.

They decided to go ahead with their ceremony, with themselves and guests wearing masks the whole time indoors, but it was still beautiful and magical! And of course, what a story they will have for the rest of their lives!

Originally, we had planned to capture each of them getting ready for their day, a first look and couples portraits, wedding party and family photos, and the reception events. With COVID in the mix, we opted for only the first look, couples portraits, partial wedding party, ceremony, and family photos. We’ll have an opportunity to get the rest of the photos at the reception in April! Again, what a story!

Full disclosure, Emma is my sister, and I was about crying during their first look. I mean…I am privileged to be a part of this moment on wedding days, but this was extra special for me! It was a brisk, 15F January day, so we headed straight into their portraits. I loved Emma’s custom dress from Flutter Bridal, and Nathan’s custom, green velvet suit from King Bros! What a pair! To go with her dress, Emma also had a cloak to keep warm (and also look like the winter queen she is)!

Here are some things to consider if you are planning a winter wedding!

• Wear warm boots with warm socks! Trust me, if you lose feeling in your toes, you will not have a good time!
• Bring hand, foot, and body warmers. MAJOR game changer!
• Bring gloves and something to put over your ears while in transition. It’s all about avoiding frostbite, ya know?
• Bring an assistant or some wedding party members to help carry coats while they are not in use.
• Plan 30-50% extra time to accomplish everything you want. We move more slowly in the winter, and you’ll need some time to warm up!
• Be flexible. We were lucky to have a sunny, 15F day in January. But if the wind chill was below 0F or the actual temperature was much lower, we would have had to move inside. I want you to stay safe and warm on your wedding day!

Back to Emma and Nathan’s wedding day!

About half the original wedding party was able to attend, so we had fun with who we had! Emma is also a florist, and had made two bridesmaids bouquets. Since only her MOH was able to attend, Methas, the best man, also got a bouquet! How special! 😀

After photos, the wedding party hid and we prepped for the ceremony in the Sunken Gardens. The sun was going down, and the Conservatory looked absolutely magical! They kept their pagan ceremony relatively short, exchanging vows and rings.

After the ceremony, we took their family and guest photos. Everyone opted to keep their masks on, which again, will preserve the memory of what truly happened that day! We were also cognizant that we do get a redo for these photos come the reception!

We capped the night with some iconic Sunken Garden photos. All I have to say is: LOVE. <3

So. If you’re wondering if a winter wedding at the Como Conservatory is worth it, I say YES! They have room for a reception and the grounds are lovely for all of your photos! Don’t get me wrong though. Warmer months are also amazing at Como!

If you’re thinking of getting married in the Sunken Gardens, I’d be honored to capture your day! Contact me here to get started!