About Joanna Carina of Carina Photographics

About Joanna Carina

Minneapolis Family Photography | Huntwork Family

MN Family Studio Photography

I met Maddie years ago when I started working as a wedding photographer. She is a phenomenal wedding planner, and once we worked at our first wedding together, we became fast friends. A few months ago, I was lucky enough for the chance to work with Maddie and her family right around the time her daughter Freya turned one year old.

MN Children’s Photography

Maddie, William and Freya came out to my St Paul photo studio and we worked together for just about an hour. Freya did an amazing job! She is a curious, happy, dancing, bouncing little darling! We captured photos featuring all three of them together, some with each parent and Freya alone, and then some of little Freya alone dancing, playing with her stuffies and having fun. They all had such a great time, and little Freya was a champ!

Afterward, I had them out to my St Paul studio for their Cinematic Presentation + Design Consultation. They had a number of photos that were their favorites – they even ended up highlighting the photo of Freya having a melt-down on their 2019 Holiday Card! Lol!

Thank You!

Thank you, Maddie, William and Freya, for working with me as your family portrait photographer. I had so much fun working with you three, and I am thrilled that you love your photographs!

Also, make sure to take a look at other family and child portrait sessions I photographed: Ford Family, Novak-Nadeau Family, Samolytz-Brossoit Family

If you’d like to work together for your family or child portrait photography, contact me soon!

Long Lake Regional Park Family Photography | Novak-Nadeau Family

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Long Lake Park Family Photos

Mary and Lisa knew that life doesn’t slow down, and their girls were growing up so quickly in front of their eyes. They contacted me to update their family photography last fall. They really enjoyed working at Long Lake Regional Park, the location of our first family session. So we decided to head on over to the beautiful park one more time. We had so much fun together!

St Paul Family and Child Photography

We happened to luck out and get a day of beautiful fall weather last October, during a time when the weather had been really uncooperative for awhile. (Lots of rain and freezing temps). We met up in the early morning and the light was so beautiful! Between the perfect sky and weather and the best fall colors, we had such an amazing day!

Mary + Lisa came back out to my studio to review the gallery of photos from their session. They loved them, and had a tough time narrowing down their favorites! They settled on a number of fine art matted prints. They were so beautiful, and I loved the look on their faces when they saw their prints for the first time!

Thank You!

Thank you, Mary, Lisa, Amelia and Eliza, for choosing to work with me as your family portrait photographer. I had so much fun working with you all, and I am thrilled that you love your photographs!

Also, make sure to take a look at other family and child portrait sessions I photographed: Ford Family, Huntwork Family

If you’d like to work together for your family or child portrait photography, contact me soon!

Mill Ruins Park + Guthrie Theater Senior Photos | Amari

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Minneapolis Senior Photography

Amari’s beautiful Minneapolis senior photo session is on the blog today. I was contacted by Amari’s mom to capture her senior photos. She loves theater and was instantly in love with the idea of working at the Guthrie for her photos, and also wanted to work at Mill Ruins Park right next door. Both are perfect locations for a beautiful portrait session!

Guthrie Theater Senior Session

We started our afternoon at the Guthrie Theater. We had fun playing around the nooks and crannies of the theater, and especially loved the view from the Endless Bridge. Once we finished at the Guthrie, we headed down to Mill Ruins Park for more photo fun.

Mill Ruins Park Senior Session

We photographed Amari throughout the Mill Ruins Park area, until the sunset ended our beautiful light. We had so much fun and Amari was laughing and having a great time the whole way.

Once we were finished, I invited the whole family out to my studio to show them the final “best-of-the-best” photos from Amari’s day. They ended up choosing a number of matted fine art prints to treasure forever!

Thank You!

Thank you, Amari, for choosing to work with me for your senior photography. I had so much fun working with you and your family, and I am thrilled that you love your photographs. Amari, best of luck with your future endeavors!

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

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

Graduate Hotel, Hamline Church + Como Conservatory Wedding | Alison + Steve

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Graduate Hotel, Hamline Church and Como Conservatory Wedding Day

Alison + Stephen were married on a mild, early November day. We began their big day with preparations at the Graduate Hotel, in Dinkytown by the U of M, in Minneapolis MN. Once preparations were complete, we headed over to Como Park for their First Look and wedding portraits.

Como Conservatory Wedding Photos

Alison + Steve had their First Look in the Palm Dome of the Como Park Conservatory – they were so cute! They were so excited to see each other, and so relieved and happy too. Once they held their First Look, we headed over to the North Garden for more portraits. Then we even had time to work in the Sunken Garden for more portraits. The fall flower show was so beautiful and made an amazing backdrop for their portraits. After that and a few quick shots in the Fern Room, we headed outdoors for wedding party portraits too.

We held their wedding party portraits outdoors in the newer formal garden outside the front entrance of the Conservatory – they were all so cute together, and so happy to be together and support Alison + Steve on their big day! Afterward, we finally headed over to Hamline Church in St Paul for the big event!

Hamline United Methodist Church Wedding

Alison + Steve were married at Hamline United Methodist Church in St Paul – a gorgeous vintage-style stonework church. We had plenty of time for wedding party and family photos beforehand, as well as some big group photos afterward. Then it was on to the party at the Graduate Hotel in Minneapolis!

Graduate Hotel Wedding Reception

Once they returned to the Graduate Hotel in Minneapolis, it was time to party it up! They had a fun cocktail hour, then dinner and toasts. Then Alison + Steve danced the night away with their family and friends.

Thank You!

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

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at Alison + Steve’s beautiful Mill City Museum engagement photos too!

BONUS 2: Take a look at another Graduate Hotel wedding, Como Conservatory wedding and Hamline Church wedding that I’ve photographed too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Hamline United Methodist Church
Reception Venue: Graduate Hotel Minneapolis
Portrait Venue: Como Conservatory
Wedding Planner: Maddie Huntwork, Ask for the Moon Events
Wedding + Bridesmaids Dresses: JenMar Creations
Hair/Makeup: Onsite Muse
Florist: Studio B Floral
Wedding Cake: Buttercream
Rentals: Festivities
Welcome Favors: Miss Sara’s Cakery
Thank You Favors: Sara’s Tipsy Pies
DJ: Instant Request
Photo Booth: The Traveling Photo Booth
Transportation: 10,000 Lakes Transportation

Noerenberg Gardens + St George Church Wedding Photos | Wittne + Scott

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Church of St George and Noerenberg Gardens Wedding Day

Wittne + Scott met at the Church of St George, where her parents worked. Once they were engaged, they planned for a beautiful autumn wedding. Lo and behold, their big day dawned with snow! Happily, it was pretty light and melted away. It did make for chilly temps which altered our outdoor photo plans a bit. They were their tough Minnesota selves and agreed they still wanted to take some photos at Noerenberg Gardens.

Wittne + Scott began their day with preparations at Church of St George. They had help in creating their dream day with a number of friends and relatives, including their wedding cake, flowers, hair/makeup, DJing, and other prep work.

Noerenberg Gardens Wedding Photos

After Wittne + Scott were prepared, we headed over to Noerenberg Gardens. Regardless of the snow, the fall color at the Gardens was beautiful. We held their First Look, and then spent a bit of time wandering the grounds to take couple photos. Even though it was cold, they were so joyful and happy to be together.

Church of St George Wedding and Reception

Once photos at the Garden were finished, we headed back to the church for wedding party and family photos. Then it was on to the big event!

Following their wedding ceremony, Wittne + Scott headed over to the fellowship hall for cocktail hour. After their grand entrance, they enjoyed dinner and toasts. Then they partied it up and danced the night away with family and friends.

Thank You!

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

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at Wittne + Scott’s beautiful Mill City Museum engagement photos too!

Take a look at Wittne + Scott’s slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Church of St George
Wedding Photo Venue: Noerenberg Gardens
Wedding Dress: Posh Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom
Bridesmaids Dresses: The Social Room
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Wedding Day Diamonds
Catering: Chuck Wagon Catering
Florist: Aunt of the Bride
Officient: Father Mark Juettner
Wedding Cake: Friend of the Couple
DJ: Friend of the Groom
Invitations: Friend of the Bride

Semple Mansion + Hamline Church Wedding Photos | Sarah + Ezra

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Semple Mansion Wedding Day

Sarah and Ezra were not only living out of the state when they began planning their wedding, but they also lived in separate states from each other! It was a bit tough planning from afar, but having their family in town helped. The weather for their big day was a bit chilly and rainy, so we were lucky to have such beautiful indoor locations to spend their day.

Their big day began with preparations at the beautiful Semple Mansion – Sarah in the Bridal Suite and Ezra in the game room. Once they were ready to go, we held their first look on the beautiful Semple stairway. Afterward we had photos with their wedding party in the Library, and by the stairway and fireplace. We then headed over to Hamline Church for more photos and their wedding ceremony.

Hamline Church Wedding

We began Sarah + Ezra’s Hamline Church wedding with wedding party and family photos. We even had time for a few photos of the two of them alone. It was then time for the big event! After their beautiful ceremony, everyone headed back to the Semple Mansion to celebrate.

Semple Mansion Wedding Reception

Sarah + Ezra held a grand entrance onto the Semple Mansion stairway to begin their reception. They first had a cocktail hour and then moved up to the spectacular ballroom for dinner with lots of laughter and toasts. Once their cake cutting was finished, they moved back down to the main floor to dance the night away.

Thank You!

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

BONUS 1: Take a look at Sarah + Ezra’s amazing St Olaf College engagement photos from their session last fall!

BONUS 2: Be sure to take a look at my other beautiful Semple Mansion wedding photos too!

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

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Hamline Church
Reception Venue: Semple Mansion
Hair: Kim Gracey, Salon 27
Wedding Dress Designer: Rosa Clara
Bride’s Shoes: Bella Belle
Bridesmaids Dresses: Kennedy Blue, The Wedding Shoppe
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Savvi
Catering: Atlas Catering
Florist: Lexington Floral
Officient: Harold Babcock
Wedding Cake: Wuollet Bakery
DJ: Michael Wegter, DJ Synfinity

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos | Marcie + Dave

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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

Fine Art Wedding + Portrait Photography | Custom Heirloom Artwork Design

About Joanna Carina of Carina Photographics

About Joanna Carina

MN Family Studio Photography

MN Children’s Photography

Thank You!

Long Lake Park Family Photos

St Paul Family and Child Photography

Thank You!

Minneapolis Senior Photography

Guthrie Theater Senior Session

Mill Ruins Park Senior Session

Thank You!

Graduate Hotel, Hamline Church and Como Conservatory Wedding Day

Como Conservatory Wedding Photos

Hamline United Methodist Church Wedding

Graduate Hotel Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Church of St George and Noerenberg Gardens Wedding Day

Church of St George Wedding and Reception

Thank You!

Semple Mansion Wedding Day

Hamline Church Wedding

Semple Mansion Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos

Thank You!

Mill City Museum Wedding Day

Guthrie Theater First Look and Gold Medal Park Portraits

Mill City Museum Wedding

Thank You!

St Olaf College Northfield Wedding

Boe Memorial Chapel Wedding Ceremony

Armory Square Event Center Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Como Park Wedding Day

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Wedding Ceremony

Como Park Wedding Reception

Thank You!

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CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

MINNEAPOLIS MN WEDDING + PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY