From St. Paul’s Summit Avenue to Downtown Minneapolis: A Winter Wedding Story
Vanessa + Phillip
February air, full hearts, and a just-married glow in St. Paul
Venues: St. Thomas More Catholic Church + The Lofton Hotel
There’s something incredibly special about a February winter wedding in Minnesota—the quiet beauty, the soft light, and the way everything feels a little more intimate. As a Minneapolis MN based wedding photographer, I absolutely love winter celebrations like this one, where the focus is fully on connection, emotion, and those fleeting in-between moments that matter most.
This wedding day was the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern city energy, starting with a heartfelt ceremony at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Summit Avenue in St. Paul, followed by a stylish downtown reception at The Lofton Hotel in Minneapolis.
A Meaningful Ceremony at St. Thomas More Catholic Church
St. Thomas More Catholic Church is one of those timeless St. Paul wedding venues that never goes out of style. Nestled along historic Summit Ave, the church is filled with beautiful architectural details, soaring ceilings, and a peaceful atmosphere that sets the tone for a truly meaningful ceremony.
The winter light filtering through the church created the most beautiful, soft glow—perfect for capturing true to life color and natural skin tones. From the moment the bride walked down the aisle to the quiet, emotional glances exchanged during the vows, this ceremony was full of warm, candid moments that felt deeply personal and genuine.
As a wedding photographer, my goal during ceremonies is always to document what it felt like to be there—without interruption or distraction. The result? Images that feel timeless, emotional, and real.
Winter Portraits with a Classic Minnesota Feel
February weddings in Minnesota often come with snowy sidewalks and crisp air, and this day was no exception. We embraced the season, stepping outside briefly for portraits that felt romantic and cozy rather than cold. Winter weddings are perfect for layering textures—wool coats, elegant wraps, and classic black tuxes that photograph beautifully.
The neutral winter palette paired perfectly with my approach to true to life color, keeping everything natural, soft, and authentic. These are the kinds of images that won’t feel trendy years from now—just honest and full of heart.
Downtown Minneapolis Reception at The Lofton Hotel
After the ceremony, we headed into downtown Minneapolis for the reception at The Lofton Hotel, a venue known for its refined atmosphere and incredible city views. The contrast between the historic church in St. Paul and the modern elegance of the Lofton made the day feel thoughtfully balanced and uniquely Minneapolis.
The reception space glowed with warmth—twinkling lights, heartfelt toasts, and a packed dance floor created the perfect environment for capturing candid wedding photography at its best. From joyful laughter during speeches to spontaneous moments on the dance floor, every part of the evening felt effortless and full of life.
Why Winter Weddings Are Underrated (and Amazing)
Winter weddings often get overlooked, but days like this are a reminder of why they can be some of the best. There’s a calmness to the season, a sense of intentionality, and a cozy elegance that’s hard to replicate any other time of year.
As a Minneapolis MN based wedding photographer, I approach every wedding with a focus on storytelling—documenting your day in a way that feels warm, candid, and timeless, while staying true to the colors, emotions, and atmosphere that made it yours.
If you’re planning a winter wedding in Minneapolis or St. Paul and value photography that feels natural, emotional, and true to life, I’d love to help tell your story.
