If you’re searching for Twin Cities micro wedding photography, Maddy and Lance’s intimate celebration is the perfect example of how meaningful, emotional, and visually stunning a small celebration can be. With just fourteen guests, intentional moments, and one of the most iconic St Paul venues, their day was a reminder that less can truly be more.
Getting Ready at Home (and a Sweet Start with their Dogs)
Maddy and Lance chose to keep their morning relaxed and personal by getting ready at home, one of my favorite choices for micro weddings. Maddy spent the morning with her mom and sisters helping her into her dress, creating a calm, supportive energy that carried into the rest of the day. Meanwhile, Lance shared a meaningful moment with his mom and she pinned his boutonniere.
Before heading to the ceremony, they made time for something increadibly them – photos with their dogs, Honey and Bones. It added such a personal touch, and helped ground the day in what matters most.
They intentionally chose not to see each other before the ceremony, building anticipation for that aisle moment.
A Private Pause Before “I Do”
Once we arrived at Como, Maddy tucked away inside the Palm Dome while guests arrived, hidden from view. Her dad shared a private first look with her just before walking her down the aisle. Lance meanwhile waited in the Sunken Garden, soaking in the moment and greeting guests before everything began.
The separation made their ceremony entrance even more emotional.
An Intimate Ceremony in the Sunken Garden
Their ceremony was simple, heartfelt, and deeply personal:
- Maddy walked down the aisle with her dad
- Officiated by Lance’s mom
- Custom-written vows (always a favorite of mine)
- Just fourteen guests to witness it all
The scale allowed every person present to feel connected, not just watching, but truly part of the moment.
For couples considering a micro wedding in the Twin Cities, this is exactly where the magic lies.
Post-Ceremony: Meaningful Time with Every Guest
One of the biggest advantages of a smaller guest count? Time.
After the ceremony, Maddy and Lance were able to greet and connect with every guest, capture a full group photo, take photos with each family group, and offer portraits to guests in attendance. Nothing felt rushed or forced – but completely intentional.
Recreating Family History
A standout part of their day: we recreated photos from Maddy’s parents’ wedding, in the exact same location. Moments like this is why I love photographing weddings. It’s not just about what’s happening now, but now generations are connected.
Guided, Natural Couples Portraits
When it comes to portraits, I took a very hands-on approach to help Maddy and Lance feel confident and natural in front of the camera.
We balanced:
- Guided posing for flattering, timeless images
- Prompts for candid, movement-based moments
- Space for genuine interaction
We explored multiple areas:
- The vibrant florals of the Sunken Garden
- The lush greenery of the Palm Dome
- Soft outdoor light to wrap up the evening.
The result was a gallery that felt both polished and completely authentic to them.
Why the Como Conservatory is Perfect for Micro Weddings
For couples searching “Twin Cities micro wedding venues,” Como Conservatory is tough to beat:
- Year-round beauty (even in Minnesota winters)
- Multiple backdrops in one location
- Intimate scale that fits small guest counts perfectly
- Built-in atmosphere, with no decor needed
It’s especially ideal for couples who want a refined, nature-filled setting without the complexity of a large venue, and it’s extremely affordable.
Planning Your Own Twin Cities Micro Wedding
If you’re considering a micro wedding in Minneapolis or Saint Paul, here’s what Maddy and Lance did right:
- Prioritized meaningful moments
- Chose a location that naturally elevated their photos
- Included personal touches (family, pets, traditions)
- Kept the guest list intentional
And from a photography standpoint, this kind of day allows for more storytelling, more connection, and more time to create images you care about.
Looking for a Twin Cities Micro Wedding Photographer?
If you’re planning a small, intentional wedding and want photographer that feels both guided and genuine, I’d love to help you create something similar. Whether you’re getting married at Como or another Twin Cities location, micro weddings deserve just as much care, creativity and storytelling as any full-day celebration.
Let’s make something beautiful.