About Joanna Carina of Carina Photographics

About Joanna Carina

Family Photography MN | Goetze Family

Fine Art Family Photography

Sibyll has been a friend of mine since our kiddos attended pre-school and grade school together. It’s been fun watching her sweet son Sean grow through the years. I was incredibly honored when she purchased my donated gift card at our school’s fundraiser and asked that I would photograph the two of them! How awesome was that?!?!

MN Family and Child Photography

Sibyll and Sean visited my studio one fall day to create their portraits together. They were ready with wardrobe ideas and were ready to have fun! We hung out in my studio, chatted about our latest happenings, found the perfect wardrobe, and got going. We had fun creating photos of them both together and individually. Sean had fun showing me his awesome dance moves, as well as making as many funny faces he could. I also loved capturing photos of them hugging and holding each other, and could just sense their love from across the room!

Once we were finished their session, we narrowed down to a good number of their favorite photos. They decided to craft a beautiful custom album of their session featuring all their favorite photographs. The album is so beautiful – watch for photos in a future blog post!

Thank You!

Thank you, Sibyll + Sean, for working with me as your family and child photographer. I had so much fun working with you, and I am thrilled that you love your album!

Make sure to take a look at other family sessions I have photographed too: Long Lake Regional Park family photos, MN Landscape Arboretum family photos, and studio family photos.

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

Maternity Family Studio Photography | Huntwork Family

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Fine Art Maternity Photography

My friends Maddie + William are expecting their second child in January. I was so happy they paid me a visit for beautiful maternity and family photography. They included their sweet 2-year-old daughter Freya in their maternity photography too! (I photographed them last summer when Freya celebrated her first birthday. Check out their adorable family photoshoot here.) We had so much fun during their session, playing in my studio with wardrobes and fun ideas. I’m so excited to share their photos!

MN Maternity and Family Photography

Maddie arrived first for hair and makeup artistry with the ever-fabulous Onsite Muse. Once she was ready-to-go, we were able to play with some of the beautiful dresses I had on hand. Then, when William and Freya arrived, we were able to focus on their family photos. William was a great assistant during our “flying dress” photos. And Freya was a very cooperative model, also so excited to meet her new little brother in just a few weeks.

Thank You!

Thank you, Maddie, William and Freya, for working with me as your maternity and family photographer. I had so much fun working with you three again, and I am thrilled that you love your photographs! And of course, I cannot wait to meet your new little peanut in just a few months!

Make sure to take a look at other maternity sessions I have photographed: Kelzer Family, Ford Family, and Samolytz-Brossoit Family

If you’d like to work together for your maternity and/or family photography, whether indoors or out, contact me soon!

Southern Theater Wedding | Inspiration Photoshoot

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Southern Theater Wedding Inspiration

The Southern Theater opened in 1910 near the Seven Corners Neighborhood of Minneapolis. It served as a theater for a number of years before going through a few changes, including time spent as a restaurant and even an automotive repair shop. In the 1970’s, the Guthrie Theater leased the space before releasing it again to becoming an independent home for non-traditional and engaging theater and live art.

Theater Wedding Photos

The Southern Theater is now offering their beautiful venue to couples getting married. A team of wedding vendors was assembled to craft a “wedding inspiration” photoshoot. We included numerous vendors and elements that would be included in a traditional wedding day, including floral, decor, wedding cake, invitations, etc. These photos will help couples to envision how their own big day could look. I was so honored to photograph the gorgeous event. It was such an amazing day!

Thank You!

A special thank you to all the members of our wedding photoshoot team. I am honored to be included as your photographer for this stunning photoshoot.

If you are considering a Southern Theater wedding, contact me soon!

VENDORS
Venue & Coordination: Southern Theater Weddings
Décor & Styling: Positively Charmed Boutique Wedding & Event Décor
Florist: Wilderland Floral
Rentals & Rugs: Rudy’s Event Rentals
Wedding Cake: Farina Baking Company
Invitation Suite & Calligraphy: Epitome Papers
Wedding Gown & Accessories: Brides of France
Make Up Artist: Taylor Marie Beauty
Hair Stylist: Karla’s Beauty
Bespoke Tailoring & Men’s Grooming: Carraway Club
Bridal Model: Kelly Nelson
Groom Model: Derek Reed
Officiant Model: Christopher Hernandez
Lighting: Southern Theater

Backyard Lakeside Wedding Photos | Kristen + Jamie

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Backyard Lakeside Wedding

“Something good should come out of this pandemic. Hey – let’s get married!” So began Kristen + Jamie’s wedding planning. They had been together for nine years so they wanted to finally tie the knot, pandemic or not. Luckily, they had some amazing family friends who had a beautiful lakeside backyard, so that was the perfect place to gather for their big day.

Back Yard Lakeside Wedding

Their October wedding day was a bit chilly, but they had some warmed tents and lots of layers at the ready. We started with their first look and portraits at beautiful Lac Lavon park across the street. They were even able to include their sweet doggy Pickerel in their photos! Afterward, we headed back to the lakeside yard, where we had a short pontoon ride around the lake for a few more photos. Even with the chilly cloudy October day, the wind was still and the filtered sunlight through the clouds was stunning.

Back at the private lake property, they held their beautiful wedding ceremony with their closest family and friends. So much laughter and so many tears of joy! Their ceremony was followed with toasts, cake cutting, dinner and a wonderful evening of fun.

Thank You!

Kristen + Jamie, 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: Check out another backyard lakeside wedding I photographed too!

If you are considering a backyard and/or lakeside wedding, contact me soon!

Be sure to take a peek at Kristen + Jamie’s slideshow for more photos too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Private Residence
Wedding Dress: BHLDN
Hair/Makeup: Cole’s Salon
Groom’s Attire: Macy’s
Wedding Rings: Family Heirlooms
Officient: Paul Hillmer
Florist: Lindskoog
Catering: Pizza Luce
Wedding Cake: Gray Duck Bake Shop + Bride’s Grandmother

Mill Ruins Park Engagement Photos | Jordan + Elliot

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Mill Ruins Park Engagement Session

Jordan + Elliot were so excited to have fall engagement photos. Thankfully, even though we were in a full-fledged pandemic, we could still work safely outdoors. They considered a few location options for their session, including beautiful Stillwater MN and Mill Ruins Park. After paying a few visits around town, they opted for Mill Ruins Park. I absolutely love that location! It is filled with old ironwork and stone down by the historic riverfront of Minneapolis. We were so lucky to have a beautifully spectacular day for their fall engagement session!

Mill Ruins Engagement Photos

The day arrived, and Mill Ruins Park was busier than I’ve ever seen! We had plenty of time to wait things out and just hang around and talk, so the time seemed to fly. The two of them had such a great time – joking, laughing and having a blast, almost as if I wasn’t even around. We wandered around the park enjoying the beautiful river scenery while photographing away. The time was up before we even knew it! And Jordan + Elliot loved their photos!

Thank You!

Jordan + Elliot, thank you so much for working with me as your engagement photographer! I had so much fun working with you for your beautiful photos. And I am so excited for your big day next year!

Be sure to take a look at an additional Mill Ruins Park engagement session I photographed too!

If you are considering Mill Ruins Park engagement photos, I would love to work with you! Contact me soon!

Take a look at Jordan + Elliot’s slideshow too!

Lakeside Backyard Wedding Photos | Sarah + Aaron

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Lakeside Backyard Wedding

Sarah and Aaron faced a tough choice as the 2020 pandemic spread. Postpone their wedding or change their venue. Neither one was a great option. Luckily, they had friends who owned a gorgeous lakeside property and were able to move their wedding reception venue instead. They changed the date to accommodate the alternative venue, and their 2020 wedding was back on!

Excelsior Covenant Church Wedding

The big day started at the gorgeous lakeside property in Maple Plain. The weather was perfect without a cloud in the sky, with beautiful calm waters on the lake. Everyone was busy preparing during the morning. Once they were ready, Sarah + Aaron held their first look near the beautiful, woodsy yard. After we spent some time capturing photos, we headed over to Excelsior Covenant Church for the ceremony.

After their beautiful wedding ceremony, we headed back to the beautiful lakeside backyard for their reception.

Back Yard Wedding Reception

The reception was so beautiful! They had a fun cocktail hour with yard games, followed by an amazing dinner. Once toasts and cake cutting were complete, Sarah + Aaron were able to dance the night away, and finish up with a fun sparkler exit.

Thank You!

Sarah + Aaron, 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: Check out another lakeside backyard wedding I photographed too!

Be sure to take a peek at Sarah + Aaron’s slideshow for more photos too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Excelsior Covenant Church
Reception Venue: Private Residence
Wedding Dress: Essence of Australia, Raffine Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Kennedy Blue
Hair/Makeup: Palindrome and Friends
Groom/Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Wedding Day Diamonds
Wedding Planner: Rosewood Weddings
Florist: Christina Marie Floral
Caterer: L&L Catering
Rentals: Ultimate Events
Cake/Desserts: Lunds & Byerlys
DJ: Freddy Fresh
Videography: High Shine Media
Photo Booth: Brey Mafi-Mafi Photo Booths
Invitations: Shutterfly

Centennial Lakes Park Family Photos | Meyer Family

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Centennial Lakes Family Photography

I always love autumn portrait sessions because of the gorgeous fall color. This year I was especially excited to have an opportunity to photograph a fall family session at the beautiful Centennial Lakes Park in Edina. Sandra gave me a call and wanted photos with her son and his wife, as well as their two grandchildren. I was so honored they gave me a call. And we had so much fun!

Family and Child Photography MN

We met up on a MN October day – a bit chilly and overcast, but the colors were beautiful nonetheless. We meandered around the lake and photographed the family together on the beautiful rock walls, gardens and benches near the lakeside of Centennial Lakes Park. The kiddos were excited to be out and playing around with grandma and grandpa, and the grandparents and parents were thankful to get beautiful photos with them together. Photos like these are so important, especially during the daily reminders of those we miss during our worldwide pandemic.

When we were finished with the photos, I met up again with Sandra and Gary, and they chose their favorite portraits. They created a number of beautiful matted fine art prints to cherish in their home. I cannot wait to see them in their frames!

Thank You!

Thank you, Meyer Family, for working with me as your family and child photographer. I had so much fun working with you, and I am thrilled that you love your beautiful fine art prints!

Make sure to take a look at other family sessions I have photographed too: Long Lake Regional Park family photos, MN Landscape Arboretum family photos, and studio family photos.

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

Family Photography Minnesota | Ludvigsen Family

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Family Photography MN

Jolene gave me a call this past fall and wanted family photos with her husband and young adult sons. She really wanted something in her home to capture them together and celebrate their family. I was so excited to work with them in my St Paul studio for their portrait session!

Family and Child Studio Photography

The four of them arrived for their session one afternoon and were ready to go. We captured them all together, as well as mom and dad together, and the boys together and apart. They had fun cracking jokes and laughing, and seemed to be having a great time – their session flew by!

After we were finished with their portraits, the four of them headed out for a quick break. I culled their photos down to the “best-of-the-best” from their session. Then the four of them came back to my studio to select their favorite portraits from the group. We created a beautiful wall art collection featuring their favorite photos. They have the perfect spot in their home already picked out. I cannot wait to see their gorgeous canvas collection on their walls!

Thank You!

Thank you, Ludvigsen Family, for working with me as your family photographer. I had so much fun working with you, and I am thrilled that you love your beautiful portraits!

Make sure to take a look at other family sessions I have photographed too: Long Lake Regional Park family photos, MN Landscape Arboretum family photos, and studio family photos.

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

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Teanna + Michael

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Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photos

Michael + Teanna were an item for several years before they finally decided to tie the knot. I was so excited when they hired me as their engagement photographer. They wanted their photos near the Stone Arch Bridge since that was where they were engaged – and I was so excited to work with them!

Father Hennepin Bluff Park Engagement Session

We met up at Father Hennepin Bluff Park, right near the Stone Arch Bridge, on a beautifully warm fall day. The two of them were so bubbly and excited – I loved how happy and carefree they were together. We wandered around the bridges, trails and paths near the bridge and Mississippi River, through the woods, and throughout the park. They were a barrel of non-stop laughs, and we all had so much fun! We even took the extra-rickety wooden stairway down to the river below the bridge – it was scary but amazingly beautiful, especially at sunset. We all had so much fun that the time seemed to blow by – and they were blown away by their photos at their Cinematic Presentation + Design Consultation a few days later.

Thank You!

Teanna + Michael, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your engagement photographer. I am so happy for you both as you join your lives together!

If you’re planning for Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography or prewedding photography, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

Take a look at more of my Stone Arch Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement sessions too!
Courtney + Blake
Chantel + Quinn
Alyssa + Dave
Stephanie + Travis
Kim + Lucas

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos | Vishana + Brian

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MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Session

Vishana + Brian were excited to have engagement photos taken. They hadn’t done anything like this before, so were a bit nervous too. They settled on the MN Landscape Arboretum for their ideal location because it is so full of natural beauty, and it seemed like the perfect spot for their portraits. They certainly chose one of the most beautiful locations in the Twin Cities! And of course, the Arb is one of my favorite locations to work too, so naturally I was so excited too!

Arboretum Engagement Portraits

The weather during our Arb photo session was absolutely perfect – a warm, sunny, late summer day. Most plants and trees were still looking gorgeous, so we had plenty of ideal locations to visit. Even the mosquitoes and humidity were pretty light that day! Vishana + Brian especially loved the waterfalls and ponds. As most people often are, they were a bit nervous at first, but quickly got the “hang” of it, and had an awesome time! Vishana even got to model her beautiful custom “Mrs Parsaud” jacket, complete with beautiful pearl detail.

Thank You!

Vishana + Brian, thank you so much for working with me as your engagement photographer! I had so much fun working with you for your beautiful photos. And I am so excited for your big event next summer!

Be sure to take a look at an additional MN Landscape Arboretum engagement session, another MN Landscape Arboretum engagement session, a winter Landscape Arboretum engagement session, another Arboretum engagement session, and even an Arboretum engagement session featuring a couple’s dog too!

If you are considering Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement photos, contact me soon!