Como Conservatory Maternity Photos | Angel + Aaron

Como Conservatory Maternity Photography

I have been sooooo excited for my good friends Angel and Aaron – they are going to be parents soon! I was so excited when they asked me to photograph their Como Conservatory Maternity photos. It was March – another cold, gray day in Minnesota. Angel and Aaron were now living in California, and were planning to visit Minnesota for a week. They wanted their session in a place that was greengreengreen. Where could we go? The only place I knew that would be gorgeous this time of year – Como Park Conservatory! I have a special place in my heart for this location since it is also where my husband and I got married years ago. I am dying to photograph a wedding there some day too!

Minneapolis Maternity Photography

We got there bright and early and jumped into the lush, green, floral grounds. What an awesome place! We were able to spend a full hour photographing in numerous locations throughout the building, and we got tons of beautiful images. Congratulations, Angel and Aaron – I’m so happy you chose to work with me as your Minneapolis maternity photographer, and I can’t wait to meet your sweet little peanut!

If you’re planning for Como Park maternity photography, contact me soon to discuss working together!

Take a look at another of my blog posts featuring a Como Park maternity session here!

Minneapolis Maternity Photographer

Mill City Museum + Mill Ruins Park Engagement Photos | Katie + Bob

By Joanna Carina 1 Comment

Mill Ruins Park Engagement Photography

“Looks great you guys! OK, just one more second….” ~Click~ “Alright, I got it!”

“OK, NOW we need to go inside!” Bob had decided that he’d had enough of the blustery, icy wind that was numbing his ears and hands. He and his fiance, Katie, had planned on photographing their engagement session in Mill Ruins Park, however, the Minnesota winter of 2014 quickly changed their minds. Luckily, we had just started only a few minutes prior, so changed to working on Mill City Museum engagement photos, where we had previously decided we could finish our session if Mill Ruins Park turned out to be too cold. And it definitely was! (After I-don’t-know-how-many Polar Vortexes this winter, we had all pretty much tired of trying to suffer through any more.)

Mill City Museum Engagement Photography

After warming up for a few minutes following our freezing walk around the corner to the museum, we were able to jump right back into the swing of things, and got some amazing photos of the two of them. Luckily, we were visiting the museum during the later half of a weekday, so there were not many members of the public to contend with. We were able to spend lots of time there having fun around the beautiful venue.

Thank You!

Congratulations Katie and Bob! Thank you for hiring me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer. I had so much fun on your Mill Ruins Park and Mill City Museum engagement photos. And I’m so excited to photograph your wedding later this year!

If you’re planning for Mill City Museum or Mill Ruins Park engagement photography or prewedding session, contact me soon!

ETA: Check out Katie + Bob’s beautiful Cottage Vineyard & Winery wedding photos too!

ETA: Be sure to take a look at Alison + Steve’s Mill City Museum engagement session and Danielle + Emmanuel’s Mill City Museum engagement photos too!

Minneapolis Engagement Photographer Mill Ruins Park City Museum Couple

Mill City Museum Minneapolis MN Engagement Photo

Minneapolis Engagement Photographer Mill City Museum Laughing Sitting

Mill City Museum Minneapolis MN Engagement Photo

Landmark Center Wedding Styled Photoshoot | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina 2 Comments

Putting together a styled wedding photoshoot is sort of like creating a painting. The first thing you see is a blank white canvas. You plot and plan – forming ideas, letting your imagination run wild with thoughts of what the painting could be, what you want it to look like, the “message” you are trying to convey. You start mixing up the colors – talking to people and finding others who subscribe to your vision, have aspects of their own vision to contribute, and offer amazing thoughts that make your ideas even stronger than before. Then finally, the day arrives to create your masterpiece. You apply the paint to the canvas – your partners contribute their amazing talents to the photoshoot, and you see your dream realized right in front of your eyes.

St Paul MN Wedding Styled Photoshoot

That’s exactly how it felt to work with this amazing team of people crafting our beautiful winter styled wedding photoshoot at the Landmark Center in St Paul, MN, as well as a gorgeous Summit Avenue mansion. It went off without a hitch and was as amazing in real life as I could have possibly imagined it to be. Thank you again so much everyone for contributing your exceptional talents! I’ve truly enjoyed participating as a Minneapolis wedding photographer.

Take a look at some real Landmark Center wedding photography here:
Katie + Brett
Chris + Antonio

Be sure to take a look at some of my other styled wedding photoshoots too!

Considering a Landmark Center wedding? Contact me soon to discuss your plans and see if we’re a good fit for your big day!

St Paul Wedding Invitation Wooden Table

St Paul Wedding Rings Diamond Titanium Marble

St Paul Wedding Landmark Center Bride Flowers Wood Panels Turret

St Paul Wedding Landmark Center Groom Fireplace Chair

St Paul Wedding Landmark Center Bride Groom Hugging

St Paul Wedding Landmark Center Bride Groom

St Paul Wedding Landmark Center Bride Groom Arches

St Paul Wedding Landmark Center Bride Groom Flowers Arches

St Paul Wedding Landmark Center Bride Groom Stairway

St Paul Wedding Reception Dining Room Table

St Paul Wedding Reception Dining Table Flowers Dishes

St Paul Wedding Reception Dining Table China Place Setting

St Paul Wedding Reception Dessert Table Cake Flowers

VENDORS
Models: Katie Lietz and Brandon Kaschmitter
Hair: Brooke Valley
Makeup: Laurie Charboneau at The Hair District
Rings: Commers Custom Jewelers
Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Florals: Paisley Garden Design
Desserts: Cocoa and Fig
Photo Stylist/Photographer: Carina Photographics
Invitations: Carina Creative
Venue: Landmark Center and private residence in St Paul, MN

Want to see more of my styled wedding photoshoots? Take a look at others here:
Paper Wedding Dress Styled Photoshoot
James J Hill Center Wedding Styled Photoshoot
Formal Garden Wedding Styled Photoshoot
Garden Wedding Styled Photoshoot

Centennial Lakes Park Engagement Photos | Amanda + Dan

By Joanna Carina 1 Comment

Centennial Lakes Park Engagement Photography

Amanda and Dan were engaged in December of 2013. They were excited to have their Centennial Lakes Park engagement photos taken at the same location and time of year that they were engaged.

Minneapolis Engagement Photography

We went to Centennial Lakes Park because that is where Dan proposed to Amanda. More specifically, he asked her right on the beautiful bridge overlooking the lakes! It was a pretty blustery January day for our visit. We couldn’t complain too much, as the two days prior to our session saw another polar vortex closing the schools in Minnesota. That was the third time this year! It was a “balmy” 24 degree day, but the wind really made it bitter. Amanda and Dan were champs though — they were great at throwing off their coats when the time was right to get our photos, they stood on the bridge amid the freezing wind, and they even laid on the ice, all in the name of capturing great photos! Here are just a few of their images to share.

Thank You!

Thanks for working with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer, Amanda and Dan. I loved creating your Centennial Lakes Park engagement photos. I’m so excited for your big day in August, and I’m pretty sure there will be no sign of a polar vortex!

If you’re planning for Centennial Lakes Park engagement photography or prewedding session, contact me soon!

ETA: Check out Amanda + Dan’s gorgeous Olympic Hills Golf Club wedding photos here!

Centennial Lakes Park Edina MN engagement photo

Garden Wedding Styled Photoshoot | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina 10 Comments

Garden Styled Wedding Photoshoot

I’ve been anxious to try my hand at a styled wedding photoshoot for some time, especially one that took place in a stunning garden. It took a whole summer of planning, finding and meeting a lot of people, pinning ideas on Pinterest, and a lot of running around and busywork, but we were finally able to create the styled wedding photoshoot at the end of September. It turned out better than I could have imagined, and I am so thankful to be the Minneapolis wedding photographer for the team of people that worked with me to make this amazing session happen! I had so much fun doing it, and I love the images so much, that I am tentatively starting to think about working on two more photoshoots next summer (including one more in a garden!)

St Paul Garden Wedding Invitation

St Paul Garden Wedding Bride Bouquet

St Paul Garden Wedding Bride Dress

St Paul Garden Wedding Groom Boutonniere

St Paul Garden Wedding Groom Programs

St Paul Garden Wedding Rings Succulents

St Paul Garden Wedding Bride Groom Walking Touching Foreheads

St Paul Garden Wedding Bride Groom Portrait Shrubs

St Paul Garden Wedding Bride Groom Portrait

St Paul Garden Wedding Bride Groom Portrait Bonsai

St Paul Garden Wedding Food Cake Table Bar

St Paul Garden Wedding Bar Food Table

St Paul Garden Wedding Cake Table Bird Topper

VENDORS
Hair/Makeup: Brooke Valley
Jewelry: Wendy Witherspoon @ Stella & Dot
Rings: Dolce Vita
Milliner: Anna Lee @ Ruby3
Florals: Nicole Chittenden Design Studio
Photo Stylist: Angie Hanson
Invitations: Carina Creative
Venue: Private residence in St Paul, MN

St Anthony Main Event Centre Wedding Photos | Stacy + Phil

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

St Anthony Main Event Centre Wedding Photography

Stacy and Phil met in Minneapolis several years ago, but since then, their lives, and their jobs, took them all over the country and the world (including Los Angeles, New York, London, and now Washington DC.) They still came back home to Minnesota for their wedding, and I was so honored to be chosen as their Minneapolis wedding photographer for their beautiful wedding day at St Anthony Main Event Centre. The day could not have been more perfect or beautiful, congratulations to Stacy and Phil!

Minneapolis St Anthony Main Event Centre Wedding Rings

Minneapolis St Anthony Main Park Bride Flowers

Minneapolis St Anthony Main Park Groom

Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge Wedding Bride Groom Kiss

Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge Wedding Bride Groom

Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge Wedding Party

Minneapolis St Anthony Main Event Centre Wedding Ceremony Kiss

Minneapolis St Anthony Main Wedding Carriage Ride

Minneapolis St Anthony Main Event Centre Wedding

Minneapolis St Anthony Main Event Centre Wedding Reception Table Setting Forks

Minneapolis St Anthony Main Event Centre Wedding Dance

Minneapolis Wedding St Anthony Main Event Centre Dance

Minneapolis St Anthony Main Event Centre Wedding Dance

Hudson WI Backyard Wedding Photos | Niki + Robert

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Back Yard Wedding Photography

We’ve had nothing but wacky weather this year. Freezing cold winter with piles of snow that went on all the way through April, then more cold throughout May, and it finally seemed to be warming up in June. However it was raining almost every day. We were hopeful that Niki + Rabert’s wedding would be spared any of the chaos, because they had planned a backyard ceremony at Robert’s family home in Hudson, WI. Unfortunately we got a little nip of the rain even then. Ironically, the rain only came as the ceremony was ending, and then stayed throughout their portrait time. Luckily, there were a lot of trees in the yard to shield us. Also luckily I brought lots of umbrellas! And it is true, it is good luck to get rain on your wedding day. More power to you, Niki + Robert!

Minneapolis Wedding Photography

Niki + Robert were married in Niki’s parent’s backyard in front of about 100 of their family and friends. I was lucky enough to be their Minneapolis wedding photographer. They even had their sweet little 8-month old son dressed in an adorable little matching onesie “suit” with argyle leggings and tweed hat. The backyard was a beautiful location for photos, with a lot of trees and even a lovely garden pond.

The sun did finally make its appearance right in the middle of dinner, so we had a chance to sneak in some more portraits before everyone was off to party the night away. Congratulations Niki + Robert!

Wedding Invitation Tree Green Rings

Wedding Rings Wooden Table

Wedding Ceremony Back Yard Benches Trees

Wedding Ceremony Chairs Pond

Wedding Reception Venue Outdoor Flowers Candles Burlap

Groom Tree Portrait Smile

Groom Boutonniere Bride Bouquet Flowers

Beautiful bride with bouquet flowers

Wedding Party Bride Groom Outdoor Precessional

Bride Groom Wedding Ceremony Outdoor Trees

Wedding Ceremony Hands Kiss Outdoor Trees

Bride Groom Wedding Ceremony Outdoor Trees Recessional

Bride Groom Flowers Outdoor Happy Wedding Day

Bride Groom Outdoor Hands Hug Trees

Bride Groom Bench Arm Touching Heads

Bride Groom Bench Touching Foreheads

Bride Groom Hugging Hands Outdoor Tree

Minneapolis Wedding + Portrait Photographer Packaging | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina 10 Comments

Today I just wanted to take some time to highlight my product packaging. The colors of my identity are pale blue, gold, and a dark brown. So using that as inspiration, I found packaging that matched the logo colors well. I used boxes to hold all my print sizes, as well as my flash drives. I use wrapping paper to wrap the larger canvases and albums. The flash drives are laser engraved with my logo and web address…they look amazing! And then I used bits and pieces here and there to tie it all together.

Carina Photographics Photography Packaging Print and USB Zip Drive Boxes Charm

Carina Photographics Photography Packaging Print Boxes Charm

Carina Photographics Photography Packaging Logo Closeup

Carina Photographics Photography Packaging Print Box Charm Closeup

Carina Photographics Photography Packaging Logo Closeup

Carina Photographics Photography Packaging Bags

Carina Photographics Photography Packaging

Carina Photographics Photography Packaging Logo Closeup

Carina Photographics Photography Packaging USB Zip Drive Box Charm Closeup

Carina Photographics Photography Packaging USB Zip Drive Box

Carina Photographics Photography Packaging Print Release

Carina Photographics Photography Packaging Print Release Sticker

Carina Photographics Photography Packaging Thank You Gift

Carina Photographics Photography Packaging USB Zip Drive Closeup

Flash Drives: Flash Bay
Boxes and Bags: H-B Packaging
Logo Stamps: Simon’s Stamps
Embossing Powder and Stamp Pads: Anchor Paper Express
Glassine Bags, Muslin Bags and Wood Excelsior: Nashville Wraps
Tags and Image Releases: Laser printed, handcut and punched out of watercolor paper
Grommits: Archiver’s
Wrapping Paper and Tissue Paper: Target
Wraphia: Morgan Chaney
Photo Charms: Ayliss
Lemon Candy Sticks: Bulk Foods
Twine, Jump Rings and Miscellaneous Supplies: Michael’s

New from 2017: Take a look at my updated branding and packaging too!

Mendakota Country Club Wedding Photos | Bobby + Susan

By Joanna Carina 2 Comments

Mendakota Country Club Wedding Photography

They met half a world away while stationed in Afghanistan. He is a dentist and she is a doctor. When they returned to the States, Bobby went home to Minnesota and Susan went to Washington DC to finish out her service. They maintained a long-distance relationship for several years, but once Susan’s service time was ending, they decided to get married and settle down in Minnesota.

Church of St Joseph Wedding Photography

Bobby + Susie worked with me for their Church of St Joseph and Mendakota Country Club wedding photos. Their guests hailed from all over the country, including some from Susan’s original home of Delaware. They also had many military friends, as well as guests from around the world. Susan’s father even found the beautiful saris that the bridesmaids wore on his frequent visits to India. And Susan wore beautiful Indian henna art on her hands.

Thank You!

Thank you Bobby and Susie for hiring me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I was so honored to be a part of your beautiful day!

If you are planning a Mendakota Country Club Wedding, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Mendakota Country Club Wedding Photo

Minneapolis Wedding + Portrait Photographer Blog Welcome

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Hello and welcome to the official blog of Carina Photographics! I’m Joanna Carina, curator of all page content, and I’m glad you’ve stopped by. I am a wedding, engagement and portrait photographer located in Minneapolis MN, and I’m glad to have finally gotten into the ’90’s by starting up my blog! LOL Come and visit me sometime at my studio!

Carina Photographics 550 Vandalia St Suite 214, St Paul, MN 55114

Fine Art Wedding + Portrait Photography | Custom Heirloom Artwork Design

Como Conservatory Maternity Photos | Angel + Aaron

Como Conservatory Maternity Photography

Minneapolis Maternity Photography

Mill City Museum + Mill Ruins Park Engagement Photos | Katie + Bob

Mill Ruins Park Engagement Photography

Mill City Museum Engagement Photography

Thank You!

Landmark Center Wedding Styled Photoshoot | Carina Photographics

St Paul MN Wedding Styled Photoshoot

Centennial Lakes Park Engagement Photos | Amanda + Dan

Centennial Lakes Park Engagement Photography

Minneapolis Engagement Photography

Thank You!

Garden Wedding Styled Photoshoot | Carina Photographics

Garden Styled Wedding Photoshoot

St Anthony Main Event Centre Wedding Photos | Stacy + Phil

St Anthony Main Event Centre Wedding Photography

Hudson WI Backyard Wedding Photos | Niki + Robert

Back Yard Wedding Photography

Minneapolis Wedding Photography

Minneapolis Wedding + Portrait Photographer Packaging | Carina Photographics

Mendakota Country Club Wedding Photos | Bobby + Susan

Mendakota Country Club Wedding Photography

Church of St Joseph Wedding Photography

Thank You!

Minneapolis Wedding + Portrait Photographer Blog Welcome

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MINNEAPOLIS MN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY