About Joanna Carina of Carina Photographics

About Joanna Carina

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos | Marcie + Dave

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos

Marcie + Dave are planning their wedding at the MN Landscape Arboretum next fall. They decided they also wanted to enjoy an engagement photo session in the gorgeous gardens too. We were lucky enough to find a beautiful autumn day with stunning colors with perfect weather for their session!

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Session

We started their photo session in the Arboretum woodland gardens and shared lots of fun and laughs. We wandered around the stone trails, benches and beautiful pond. Then we moved on to the gardens, ponds, waterfalls and trails behind the Visitor’s Center. We found so many beautiful scenes and spectacular fall color, and even crossed paths with a pack of wild turkeys. A bonus feature during sunset was Patrick Dougherty’s giant willow building sculpture that is currently featured at the Arb. It is so spectacular, and we were excited to have the chance to photograph with it. It was such a beautiful autumn day and an amazing photo session!

Thank You!

Marcie + Dave, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your engagement and wedding photographer. I’ve had such a great time getting to know you, and I am so excited for your big day next fall!

Take a look at a fall Arboretum engagement session, another autumn Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement session, and a winter Arboretum engagement session I’ve captured too! If you’re planning for MN Landscape Arboretum engagement or wedding photography, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at Marcie + Dave’s slideshow too!

Mill City Museum, Guthrie Theater and Gold Medal Park Wedding Photos | Sarah + Eric

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Mill City Museum Wedding Day

Sarah and Eric were living in Chicago while planning for their big day. They enlisted the help of Rachelle and Style Architects Weddings & Events, and then also hired me as their photographer. They were such a sweet, wonderful couple, I was so excited to work with them!

Guthrie Theater First Look and Gold Medal Park Portraits

Their day started with them each preparing at separate hotels. Once they were ready, we headed over to the Guthrie Theater, on top of the Endless Bridge, for their first look. The weather during their big day, and the view of the Stone Arch Bridge and Mississippi River during their first look, were absolutely spectacular!

Once their Guthrie Theater portraits were finished, we headed over to the top of the hill in Gold Medal Park, complete with more breathtaking views of the riverfront. Their wedding party met us there for portraits too. Then we headed over to the beautiful Mill City Museum for more portraits and the big event!

Mill City Museum Wedding

Sarah + Eric’s wedding ceremony was absolutely beautiful. They were married in the Mill City Museum courtyard, and followed with cocktail hour in the train depot. Sarah + Eric snuck upstairs to the Crow’s Nest for a final, top-floor, unbelievable view of the riverfront, along with a little time to themselves. Afterward they headed down to their cocktail hour to celebrate with family and friends. Then we all headed inside the lobby of the Mill City Museum for dinner, dancing, cake cutting, toasts and celebrating!

Thank You!

Sarah + Eric, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer for your amazing day! I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at my other beautiful Mill City Museum wedding photos, as well as a Mill City Museum and Guthrie Theater engagement session I photographed too!

Take a look at Sarah + Eric’s slideshow too!

VENDORS:
Wedding Venue: Mill City Museum
Photo Venues: Guthrie Theater, Gold Medal Park
Wedding Planner: Rachelle Mazumdar, Style Architects Weddings & Events
Hair/Makeup: Kelly Ginges; Andrea Holton
Wedding Dress: Haute & Co Bridal Boutique
Catering: D’Amico Catering
Florist: Lilia Flower Boutique
Wedding Rings: Takohl Fine Jewelry
Officient: Brian Immerman
Wedding Cake: D’Amico Catering
Desserts: Farina Baking Company
Rentals: Apres, Sadie’s, Nalia’s
Musicians and DJ: Lake Minnetonka String Quartet; Josh Taylor, Super Good DJs
Videographer: Peterson Productions

St Olaf College Boe Chapel Wedding Photos | Sarah + Abhi

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St Olaf College Northfield Wedding

Sarah + Abhi had one of the most unique “how-we-met” stories that I had ever heard. Years ago, they met on an airplane! They remained friends for many years until it grew to the point of them falling in love. They had an amazing Indian wedding earlier this year, and now they were celebrating their wedding in Minnesota where they live. They had their St Olaf College wedding where Sarah (as well as many members of her family) attended, at the Boe Memorial Chapel. It was such an amazing day!

Boe Memorial Chapel Wedding Ceremony

The day began with preparations at Sarah’s parent’s Northfield home, as well as a nearby hotel. Sarah + Abhi held their first look on the riverfront in downtown Northfield. Afterward, we headed off to St Olaf College.

Once at St Olaf, we began with couple portraits, then captured their wedding party and finally family portraits. Their wedding ceremony was so beautiful and joyful! After their receiving line, we all headed off to Northfield’s Armory Event Center for their reception and fun.

Armory Square Event Center Wedding Reception

Their celebration continued at the Armory in downtown Northfield. After cocktail hour was an amazing dinner by the Holy Land (new to the catering world!) They then began their dancing with not just their First Dance and father/daughter dance, but they then broke into an amazing choreographed Bollywood-style dance routine! That really got the crowd going with a night full of non-stop dancing and fun!

Thank You!

Sarah + Abhi, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer for your amazing day! I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together.

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at a beautiful St Olaf College engagement session I photographed too!

Be sure to take a look at Sarah + Abhi’s wedding slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Boe Memorial Chapel, St Olaf College, Northfield MN
Reception Venue: Armory Square Event Center
Wedding Planner: J’aime Events
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair/Makeup: Cole’s Salon
Florist: The Cutting Garden
Catering: The Holy Land
Wedding Cake: Sugar and Spice Custom Cakery
DJ: Harmony DJ Entertainment
Videography: Two Hearts Film & Video
Photo Booth: Mirror Me Photo Booth

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Wedding Photos | Jing + Alex

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Como Park Wedding Day

Today’s blog post features part two of Jing + Alex’s amazing wedding day. Take a look at the first part – their beautiful Chinese Tea Ceremony wedding that happened earlier in their day.

After Jing + Alex’s Tea Ceremony, they headed back up to their Saint Paul Hotel suite to prepare for their American-style wedding ceremony. Jing prepared first, then hid as Alex completed his preparations.

They first headed down to read cards they had written for each other. Then we headed out to the Saint Paul Hotel gardens to hold their first look. They were so sweet and filled with tears of joy! We all then packed up in our cars and headed to Como Park for the remainder of their day.

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Wedding Ceremony

We began their Como Park wedding day with portraits of Jing + Alex together. This was followed by photos with their wedding party. After these were finished, we prepared for their Sunken Garden wedding ceremony.

Their ceremony was so beautiful! They were married amongst the summer flower show in the Sunken Garden of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory – stunning! Once their ceremony was finished, we had time for a few more portraits among the flowers before heading upstairs to their wedding reception.

Como Park Wedding Reception

Jing + Alex’s Como Park wedding reception began with a cocktail hour featuring Chloe the sloth! Chloe was a big hit, and was so cute as she slowly munched her snacks. Dinner was followed with several toasts and then finally dancing until the late hours of the night.

Thank You!

Jing + Alex, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer on your beautiful day! I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together.

Be sure to take a look at an early summer Como Conservatory wedding, a late summer Como Conservatory wedding, and a fall Como Conservatory wedding I photographed too!

Be sure to take a look at Jing + Alex’s wedding slideshow too!

VENDORS
Prep Venue: The Saint Paul Hotel
Wedding Venue: Como Park Conservatory
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair/Makeup: A-List Bridal Hair and Makeup
Wedding Rings: Etsy
Officiant: Tom Armstrong
Catering: Lancer Catering
Wedding Cake: Buttercream
Stationery: Mixbook, Paper Source

Wedding Tea Ceremony Minneapolis | Jing + Alex

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Chinese Tea Ceremony Wedding

Today’s blog is a two-part story. Jing + Alex had a busy day planned for their wedding. Their big day featured not one but TWO wedding ceremonies! They planned for a Chinese Tea Ceremony for the first half of the day, followed by a more traditional American-style wedding for the second part. Today’s blog post features their amazing Chinese Tea Ceremony!

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Day

We began their day with preparations for their Chinese Tea Ceremony. Jing used their suite at the Saint Paul Hotel, while Alex prepared at their home in New Brighton. Once everyone was ready to go, the guys traveled down and arrived at the suite’s door. They began an hour of fun and games to encourage Jing’s family and friends to “agree” to let Alex marry her! They asked Alex tons of questions about Jing, including her favorite movie stars, favorite color, birthdate and more. They hid her shoes and made Alex find them. They even had the groomsmen working on “feats of strength” including doing squats, lifting each other up, passing chopsticks without using hands, balloon-popping, and eating interesting and unusual Chinese foods!

Once the fun was over and Jing was given the “OK” to marry Alex, they held their Chinese Tea Ceremony right in the suite. Their wedding party and families were both witnesses to their fun event. Once their ceremony was complete, we had a chance to capture a few photos of them together as well as with their families. Afterward, they headed back to the suite to prepare for the second half of their day, their American-style wedding ceremony.

Stay Tuned!

Jing + Alex, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer for your amazing Tea Ceremony!

Be sure to take a look at Jing + Alex’s beautiful Como Conservatory Sunken Garden wedding that happened afterward! Also, be sure to take a look at another wedding that included a Chinese Tea Ceremony I photographed too!

Be sure to take a look at Jing + Alex’s Tea Ceremony wedding slideshow too!

VENDORS
Venue: The Saint Paul Hotel
Hair/Makeup: A-List Bridal Hair and Makeup
Wedding Rings: Etsy
Stationery: Mixbook, Paper Source

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos | Katharine + Zach

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MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos

Katharine + Zach’s Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement session was so perfect. The two of them love to spend time together in the beautiful outdoors, going hiking, visiting National Parks, etc. In fact, they were engaged right in Zion National Park! So when we began to plan for their engagement session, they really wanted a place with beautiful outdoor landscapes. The Landscape Arboretum was the perfect choice!

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Session

We started their session at the Arboretum near the waterfalls. Since Zach is an architect, he is drawn to bridges and other interesting architectural features, so the bridged waterfall gardens were a great choice. We started with a more hidden waterfall, then moved on to the woodlands garden and the frog pond with waterfall too. A bonus feature was Patrick Dougherty’s giant willow sculpture that is currently featured on the grounds. It is so spectacular, and we were excited to have the chance to photograph with it! Once we finished with the gardens near the Visitor Center, we headed out to the Three Mile Drive to take in the wildflower fields and the grass garden just as the sun was setting for the day. Everything was just picture-perfect!

Thank You!

Katharine + Zach, thank you so much for working with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer. I’ve had such a great time getting to know you. I am so excited for your big day next summer!

Take a look at a fall Arboretum engagement, a winter Arboretum engagement, and another summer Arboretum engagement session I’ve captured too! If you’re planning for MN Landscape Arboretum engagement or wedding photography, contact me soon!

Bonus: Take a look at Katharine + Zach’s slideshow too!

St Thomas More + Harriet Island Pavilion Wedding Photos | Hansol + Chris

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St Paul MN Wedding

Hansol + Chris met while Chris was living in South Korea. They connected over their love of travel, eating amazing foods, and seeing the world! They were married last fall in a spectacular South Korean celebration, and then they began planning for their US wedding. It was a bit tough planning while they are living in China, but they had local planners and family to help out. When their big day arrived, it was as perfect as they had hoped!

The day began with preparations at a few of Chris’ family’s homes. Hansol prepared at Chris’ parent’s home, Chris at his grandmother’s house. They held their first look, then stopped by Chris’ aunt’s home, a place of family legacy. We then stopped at the top of the High Bridge in St Paul for some beautiful photos of them with the St Paul skyline in the background. From there, we stopped at Mears Park in downtown for a few more portraits, and then on the ceremony.

St Thomas More Wedding Photos

Hansol + Chris’ wedding ceremony took place at St Thomas More Catholic Church in St Paul. The church and it’s surrounding gardens are so gorgeous! Their ceremony was so beautiful in the grand church. After their ceremony, they held a large group portrait on the front steps of the church. Then it was on to the reception and celebration!

Harriet Island Pavilion Wedding Reception

Hansol + Chris’ reception was held at the Harriet Island Pavilion. The venue was decked out with highlights from their world travels. After Hansol changed over into her beautiful red reception gown, they made their appearance during their grand entrance. After toasts and speeches, dinner was served, followed by their cupcake toast. From there, it was on to an amazing choreographed first dance and their simultaneous parent dances. And then a large group photo on the dance floor and dancing was enjoyed by all!

Thank You!

Hansol + Chris, thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer on your beautiful day! I am so happy for you both as you enjoy your new lives together.

Be sure to take a look at Hansol + Chris’ wedding slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: St Thomas More Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Harriet Island Pavilion
Wedding Coordinator: Ask for the Moon Events
Wedding Dress: Mysoo Dress
Hair/Makeup: D’Anna Ashcroft
Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein
Wedding Rings: Zhou Da Fu
Catering: Aesop’s Table
Rentals: Avant Decor
Desserts: Sweet Retreat
DJ: Instant Request
Videography: Pinnacle Film + Photo

Lyndale Peace Garden Wedding Photos | Allison + Sam

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Lyndale Peace Park Wedding

Allison + Sam were engaged to be married while living in Baltimore MD. With Sam being a MN native, they planned for their wedding to take place in Minneapolis. They decided to get married in a beautiful garden setting and loved the Lyndale Peace Garden.

Their day dawned with some rain but it quickly made way for the sun as they were preparing for their event. They arrived at the Peace Park and held their first look amidst laughter and tears of joy. We spent some time photographing them together as well as with their family and friends, and then it was on to the ceremony.

Allison + Sam’s wedding ceremony was quiet and simple, and again full of laughter and tears of joy. Allison’s brother provided the music and their friend officiated. They were so happy and joyful!

Stone Arch Bridge Wedding

Once their ceremony was complete, they headed off to the reception and made a quick side trip to the Stone Arch Bridge. They walked across the beautiful Bridge in front of the city skyline and heard numerous well-wishes from passers-by.

Alma Wedding Reception

Once they finished their quick side trip, we all headed to Alma for their dinner reception. The rooms were set for family and friends, and began with their cocktail hour prior to dinner. They had a wonderful evening celebrating with their closest family and friends.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Allison + Sam, for working with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I enjoyed meeting you, and am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together.

BONUS: Take a look at a fall Peace Garden engagement session, as well as a summer Peace Garden engagement session that I photographed too!

Be sure to take a look at their slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Lyndale Peace Garden
Reception Venue: Alma
Dress Vendor: Mori Lee, Azazie
Suit Vendor: Suit Supply, Indochino
Wedding Rings: Jade Moran Jewelry
Officiant: Aniello Alioto
Florist: Acanthus Floral Arts
Catering: Alma
Musician: Jeff Demas
Stationery: Paperless Post

Trellis Wedding + Profile Event Center Photos | LaShay + Jarid

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Trellis Outdoor Wedding

LaShay + Jarid grew up at opposite ends of the country. They both joined the Navy and met while stationed in Hawaii. The rest, as they say, is history! When they decided to get married, they planned to head back to LaShay’s home in Minnesota for the festivities. It made for some long-distance planning, but nothing they couldn’t handle with LaShay’s family still living in the area. They planned for a beautiful springtime Trellis Event Center wedding in Stillwater MN, followed by a Profile Event Center reception. Minnesota decided to show these Hawaiian residents how unpredictable a May wedding could be and showered them with snow! While it made for a bit of a chilly day, it was still beautiful – and definitely memorable!

The day began with preparations in the adorable cottage on the Trellis grounds. LaShay was in the bridal suite and Jarid in the upstairs guys’ lounge. Once their prepping was complete, we photographed LaShay + Jarid together for their first look. We did a quick stroll through the grounds and photographed them laughing through the snow. They were so cute! After their couple photos, we captured their family photos right before the ceremony was about to begin.

Vandalia Tower Wedding Photos

Once their ceremony was complete, we ditched our plans to visit the Stone Arch Bridge because of the snow and cold. We headed to my studio building, Vandalia Tower, and photographed LaShay + Jarid along with their bridal party in the lobby of the building. I’m so lucky to have this option available to me – the building has such beautiful light!

Profile Event Center Reception

After their bridal party photos, we all headed over to the Profile Event Center for their wedding reception. The cocktail hour started and LaShay + Jarid held their fun grand entrance. Dinner and toasts followed, and finally their cake cutting.

Once these were complete, they held their first dance, bouquet toss and garter toss. They then danced the night away and had a blast with all their family and friends!

Thank You!

LaShay + Jarid, thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer for your beautiful day! I am so honored to have worked with you, and so happy for the two of you (and sweet little Lily!) as you spend your lives together.

Make sure to a look at another Trellis Event Center wedding I photographed too! If you are planning a Trellis Event Center wedding, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

Be sure to take a look at LaShay + Jarid’s slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Trellis Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies
Reception Venue: Profile Event Center
Dress Vendor: Raffine Bridal
Suit Vendor: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Jared Diamond
Officiant: Johnny Hunter
Florist: Chilonda Medlock + Profile Event Center
Catering + Wedding Cake: Profile Event Center
DJ: Profile Event Center
Stationery: Adori Designs
Videography: Storyteller Videography

Mill Ruins Park Senior Pictures | Tatiana

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Minneapolis Senior Photography

Today I am highlighting Tatiana’s beautiful Minneapolis senior picture session. Tatiana’s mom Teri contacted me requesting a session with Tatiana. They had found my work online and decided to contact me, and I was thrilled! Senior sessions are so much fun, and I was excited to work with them!

Mill Ruins Park Senior Session

Tatiana wanted to hold her senior portrait session at Mill Ruins Park in downtown Minneapolis, along the riverfront. I love that beautiful park! She gravitated toward the park because it was a favorite location of her father, who had passed away just a couple of years ago. Holding her portrait session here was such a perfect homage to her dad.

The day arrived and it was sunny, although a bit on the cold side. We were all dressed in our warm layers and coats, while Tatiana wore her cute dresses and sandals. She persevered and it seemed the cold barely bothered her at all! We wandered through the grounds of the park as Tatiana rotated through three outfit changes and we stopped at numerous locations. We even had time to take a break before sunset to warm up in our cars for a few minutes too.

Viewing + Ordering Session

Teri + Tatiana loved the final images. They settled on ordering an Heirloom Print Box featuring a handmade copper-foiled glass box with heirloom matted 8×10 prints. These boxes are so unique and gorgeous! I am so excited to finally see the final box.

Thank You!

Thank you, Teri + Tatiana, for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis senior photographer. I had so much fun working with you both, and I am thrilled that you love your images. And Tatiana, best of luck with your future endeavors!

If you’d like to work together for your senior photo session, contact me soon!

Also, make sure to take a look at some of my other Minneapolis senior portrait photography sessions too:
Brenda
Holly
Maia
Molly
Maya
Taylor
Annie
Lauren
Maggie
Kate
Claire