Snow Photo Session at Plummer House, Rochester, MN, for the Bride and Groom
When you plan a winter wedding, you often hope for snow in your photos. As always, one of the key elements of a successful photo session is the location. However, on your wedding day you might not have time to drive far for the best spots, so you make the most of the photo stops you have nearby.
In this article, I’ll share Alyssa and Andrew’s wedding photos from January at the Plummer House in Rochester, MN. You’ll see what’s possible and decide if you’d like to include a snow photo stop on your own wedding day.
Table of Contents
Alyssa and Andrew’s winter wedding, in a few words
Alyssa and Andrew initially planned a September wedding for 200 guests, but for personal reasons, they postponed it to winter. For their celebration, they rented a large Airbnb home in northeast Rochester to get ready.
Given their larger guest list, booking the Plummer House wasn’t an option, since it accommodates up to 100 guests. Therefore, they chose another fantastic Rochester venue, Garten Marketplatz Perennial Farms, for both the ceremony and reception.
They reaped the fruits of their efforts
During their engagement session at the Plummer House, they made lasting memories. So on their wedding day, we stopped there for a few snowy portraits.
It’s worth noting that those portraits were possible thanks to their engagement shoot. They learned how to pose, so on the wedding day, they struck several poses in a very short time.
Snow Session at the Plummer House
Fresh Snow and Cold Temperatures!
On their wedding day, the bride and groom woke up to an incredible surprise: 12 inches of fresh snow! It was unexpected, since the winter had been very dry until then.
As a photographer who loves shooting in the snow, I was thrilled. Of course, to get great snow shots, you need to be well prepared, especially when it’s freezing.
That day, temperatures plunged below zero Fahrenheit, but thankfully, winds were mild. Even so, you couldn’t stay outside long without a warm coat.
The secret to enjoying a snow photo session on your wedding day
Did you notice how the bride and groom dressed?
While the groom embraced his rugged Minnesota spirit without a wool coat, the bride chose a faux fur bolero to stay warm.
Under her gown, she wore white snow boots and cozy tights.
I can’t stress enough: dressing warmly is the key to a successful snow session.
Plummer House: your photo options with snow
If you use the Plummer House for an engagement session, you’ll be in snow boots and pants, so you can access all the usual spots.
But if you, like the bride, are wearing a white dress, you don’t want to ruin it with mud, so we stayed close to the historic venue to make the most of it quickly.
The main door
We started with the main door by the roundabout. It’s a wooden door with Gothic arches, set against limestone walls that echo the snow’s white tones with warmer hues. Furthermore, the evergreen flowerbed enhances the winter wonderland feel.
The main facade of the Tudor Revival building
Next, we focused on the main facade and its stunning Tudor Revival details. The steeply pitched roof with multiple gables, half-timbering with stucco and stonework, ornate chimney, and tall, narrow leaded-glass windows all evoke medieval charm, placing us in a prince-and-princess story. This dramatic setting pairs perfectly with a formal wedding gown.
The pine trees
We also used the pine trees. Their dark silhouettes contrast beautifully with the white snow, and the snow-dusted branches reinforce the fresh snowfall vibe.
After those shots, the bride grew chilly, so we moved on to the ceremony.
Should you use the Plummer House when there is snow?
If you book the Plummer House for a winter wedding, all the vendors will recommend it for every photo opportunity. It’s stunning both outside and in. Ask any makeup artist: the large first-floor room offers ideal lighting, and the woodwork interior makes for gorgeous portraits!
If you have another wedding downtown—for instance, at a small restaurant or venue, like this couple’s winter celebration at Studio 324. In that case, you might still want to stop by the Plummer House for a few photos.
Other locations in Rochester for snow days?
Your choice depends on your wedding venue’s location. I recommend several parks, like Oxbow Park, Quarry Hill Park, or Chester Woods Park. You can even have portraits taken on a frozen lake, such as Silver Lake.
Finally, remember that architectural features work beautifully with snow, especially red-brick buildings. Downtown Rochester, with its restaurants, plazas, and historic structures, offers several great photo options (check out the Engagement Session Downtown).
If you’re planning a winter wedding in Rochester or anywhere in Minnesota, I’d love to be your photographer. Send me an email, and we can start planning your big day and schedule our first meeting.
Rochester, MN 55902
