Intimate Winter Elopement // Como Conservatory in Saint Paul

Some weddings come together with months of planning, and others fall into place like they were always meant to be and this was one of those days. These two reached out just a few weeks before their elopement at Como Conservatory in Saint Paul, and everything aligned in the most effortless, magical way.

It was a frigid February day, and I am talking COLD. The kind that bites your skin and makes you run for shelter, but the energy these two brought completely shifted the vibe. The whole day was intentionally small, just the couple, a few close friends, the officiant, a handful of staff, and me third-wheeling in the best way. And can we talk about the dress? My bride showed up in a show-stopping electric red gown with a flowing cape jacket that was the perfect addition to the garden inside. It brought so much life to an otherwise gray and windy day and simultaneously complimented the space around us. It was pure icon energy.

We took our time exploring the lush warmth of the conservatory, letting the tropical plants and steamy windows frame their connection. After they exchanged vows, we ventured out to a local neon sign shop (yes - the coolest hidden gem, but they asked me not to share who they are), where the owners graciously let us play in their industrial, neon-lit wonderland. It was the perfect contrast to the softness of Como - edgy, electric, and the perfect representation of my couple.

To wrap up their elopement adventure, we headed to the Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis where they were staying for the night for a few more laid-back, casual shots before they headed off to spend the rest of the day together in the city, soaking up their just-married glow.

It was the kind of day that reminded me why I love what I do and why elopements mean so much more to me than full weddings did. The work is more aligned with me where it is intentional, personal, and full of color (in every sense of the word). Winter elopements? Yeah, I’m obsessed.