Minneapolis warehouse snowstorm wedding – Hilary and Collin

We weren’t planning on a snowstorm wedding.

By the time the first 2 feet of snow fell, and it was pretty clear that this was the kind of sticky, huge, epic snowfall that cancels flights and derails the best laid plans. 

I often tell people that I’m pretty much prepared for anything a wedding day can throw at me.

But I don’t often have to prove it. 

So, when I saw the snowstorm predicted for Hilary and Collin’s April wedding, I thought “no big deal – maybe it will even snow enough to have some in the photos!” and when the storm seemed bigger I thought “Oh, we can pop out before it melts”. Eventually, it was clear I’d be throwing a shovel into my trunk and planning for adventure.

When you are snowed into a reception you have no excuse not to celebrate fully. And when the wind howls past your wedding church, you can delight in the kind of snowy adventure that is awarded to very few. 

This is the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around very often, and we made the photography a reflection of the day and their super, adventurous, extraordinary love story. 

Ceremony: St Charles Borromeo
Receptions: Solar Arts

Catering: Chowgirls

couple stands by window and groom kisses brides cheek
One of my favorite photos ever – standing by a snow-covered window, having a small beautiful moment together
wedding party outside in a snowstorm under the arches of a church while snow whips past
This was a vicious howling snowstorm – I could barely see and was covered in snow just by walking the 10 feet to take this photo. And it was also a gorgeous, exuberant snowstorm wedding!
couple under painted vaulted ceiling in church with painting of sky
The ceiling of this sanctuary demands a little special attention.
black and white photo of couple in snowy weather with church door behind them
laughing, snowing, chaotic, controlled.
groom laughs with joy while he sees bride for first time
A little amazing, a little emotional, a lot of laughter – that’s a perfect first look
wedding guests covered in jackets trek through snowstorm to mn wedding
Intrepid guests arrive for this snowstorm wedding
bride and her father walk down aisle of large church in mn
This is one of those moments out of time – could this me 1930, or 2052?
panorama of interior of wedding ceremony with vaulted ceiling
groom waits for bride at top of aisle
It doesn’t matter how often you see each other before you get married – this moment of being on two ends of the same aisle is a little magical
wedding ceremony under arched altar
Tilt shift lenses were developed to capture architectural detail. I used them to obscure them.
bride and groom walk down aisle after first kiss as man and wife
wedding party in snowstorm
Have friends like this – warmth in the snow no matter the season
a groom and his groomsmen play in the snow for wedding portraits
Collin can attest – your best friends will play in the snow for you.
flash composite of wedding party for dramatic dark lighting at solar arts building in minneapolis
These folks can handle the extra dramatic lighting of a flash composite (8 images stitched together for this one).
wedding rings on bike
cocktail hour at solar arts
Snowy days were meant for conversation – this cocktail hour at Solar Arts was perfect
father gives toast at wedding
snowy day wedding in minneapolis exterior of indeed brewing building
a first dance of husband and wife at solar arts in minneapolis ne arts district
The ritual of a first dance – showing a connection, starting off the dancing.
bride and her father dance with funny faces
Father and daughter dances always get me right in my heart. Even, maybe especially, when there are silly faces involved.
couple in snowstorm at night outside of indeed brewing
At the end of the night we ventured back into the snowstorm for a little quiet moment, still surrounded by snow

It doesn’t get much more Minnesotan than this: A record snowfall on your April wedding. And your guests all just celebrate harder.

Afterwards, I woke up with a wedding hangover – advil, water, and lots of coffee are the only thing that are hitting the spot after photographing an epic wedding in epic snowfall, and lots (AND LOTS) of shoveling to get my car back home.

Lots of days I say things like “I can take photos in any condition” or “it doesn’t matter if it snows – we will make it work”. I have always meant that and believed it to be true. I’ve taken photos in caves, from across rivers, and while paddling a canoe. But this record setting snowstorm (which was still continuing on day 2!) was a whole new experience, even for this Midwestern native!

So it is a nice reality check to photograph a Minneapolis blizzard wedding in April. All it takes for amazing photos is a really excellent couple, their awesome guests, and very warm boots.