Cottage Winery and Vineyard Wedding Photos | Katie + Bob

Cottage Winery and Vineyard Wedding Photography

When Katie + Bob mentioned that they wanted Cottage Winery and Vineyard wedding photos, I wasn’t totally sure what to expect. Being a wine-lover myself, I had been to many wineries, from Minnesota to Napa Valley and even to the Loire Valley in France. However, I’d never been to a Wisconsin winery before! I was happy to discover it very impressive, with rolling hills, amazing landscaping, even a waterfall. Such a spectacular place! Coupled with a perfectly warm, sunny day and beautiful early fall color, everything was as picturesque as Katie and Bob could have hoped!

We started working together on their Mill City Museum engagement photos, and had so much fun doing a winter engagement session. We started their day at Mill Ruins Park, and quickly froze during the January chill. Luckily, the Mill City Museum was nearby for us to warm up!

Thank You!

Congratulations Katie + Bob, and thank you so much for working with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer! I loved working on your Cottage Winery and Vineyard wedding photos. I am so happy for you and honored to have been given the opportunity to capture your beautiful day. Best wishes for a life filled with joy and happiness!

Planning a Cottage Winery and Vineyard, or other winery or vineyard, wedding? Contact me soon to learn more about how we could work together!

Minnesota Vineyard Winery Wedding Photo

Take a look at the highlight video for more images here:

VENDORS
Venue: Cottage Winery and Vineyard
Wedding Dress: Jasmine Bridal, Our Shop
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff, The Wedding Shoppe
Hair/Makeup: Shaina Rae
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: The Wedding Shoppe
Florist: Tying the Knot Floral Design
Caterer: Mama Maria’s
Dessert: Linda John
Music: Interactive DJ
Invitations: JubeeleeArt (Etsy) + Bride

Barns of Old Glory Wedding Photos | Shane + Mandy

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Barns of Old Glory Wedding Photography

I’ve known Shane for many years, being one of my husband’s good friends. When he and his girlfriend Mandy got engaged, I was SO happy for them! And then, of course, when they asked me to be their Minneapolis wedding photographer I was even happier! I was excited to work with them on their Barns of Old Glory wedding photos.

Barn Wedding Photography

Their wedding ceremony took place at the cabin of Shane’s parents outside of Chatfield, MN. The ceremony was held beside a quaint little stream on an amazing summer’s day. We then headed over to the Barns of Old Glory in St Charles, MN. The venue is a lovingly and impeccably restored farm with several barns including a bridal suite “villa”, a large reception barn, petting zoo, hayrides and more! It was an amazing location for a wedding as there was much to do for everyone. The petting zoo with baby animals were a particular favorite. There was plenty of space for a lot of wedding guests.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Shane + Mandy, for choosing to work with me on your Barns of Old Glory wedding photos. I am ridiculously happy for you guys, and I wish you the happiest life together!

If you’re planning a barn wedding, contact me soon to find out how we could work together! And don’t forget to read Top 10 Tips for Having a Barn Wedding from Rustic Elegance too!

Take a look at more of my MN farm weddings and MN barn weddings too!

Minneapolis Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Woods Trees River Photo

Minneapolis barn farm wedding photo

Lyndale Peace Garden Engagement Photos | Jaime + Jordon

By Joanna Carina 2 Comments

Lyndale Peace Garden Engagement Photography

“Plans have changed. We won’t be getting married in Minnesota after all. We’re moving!”

A few weeks prior I had received an initial inquiry from Jaime asking more about my wedding and engagement photography. When I did not hear back from her for a few weeks, I figured she must have moved on, but then the email several weeks later from her explained the silence. They were moving very suddenly out of state for a job transfer, so we went from discussing wedding photography to engagement photography, and how fast could we get it done!

Minneapolis Engagement Photography

We decided to work on Lyndale Peace Garden engagement photos, which is always a spectacular location. Since they lived very nearby, and got engaged right in the park, it was the perfect spot! We spiced it up a bit by photographing first thing in the morning. With a fresh rain and low clouds giving way to a bright morning sun and perfect late summer temps, the park was even more amazing!

Thank You!

Congratulations on your engagement, Jaime and Jordon! I had so much fun working at the Lyndale Peace Garden as your Minneapolis engagement photographer. I wish you the best of luck settling into your new home and starting your new life together!

If you’re planning for Lyndale Peace Garden engagement or prewedding photography, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

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

Lyndale Park Peace (Rock) Garden Engagement Photo

Pioneer Park + Rivertown Inn Wedding Photos | Brian + Liz

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Pioneer Park Wedding Photography

Brian and Liz worked with me as their Minneapolis wedding photographer for their Pioneer Park and Rivertown Inn wedding photos in Stillwater MN. Pioneer Park is a spectacular location that overlooks the St Croix River and town of Stillwater.

Rivertown Inn Wedding Photography

They began their day with preparations at the Agatha Christie Room at the Rivertown Inn. Rivertown Inn is a gorgeous B&B on a hill in Stillwater, and the rooms are amazing in their detail and display. We held many of their portraits on the grounds of the Inn, as well as some family portraits. We then headed over to Pioneer Park for their wedding ceremony. Such perfect weather and gorgeous view overlooking Stillwater and the St Croix River.

After their wedding ceremony, we headed down to the St Croix Riverboats for a paddleboat dinner and reception cruise that traveled along the St Croix River. The cruise gave beautiful scenery to their guests, including a spectacular sunset over the river.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Brian and Liz, for allowing me to be a part of one of the biggest days of your lives. I loved working on your Pioneer Park + Rivertown Inn wedding photos. I am so happy for you both, and wish you an amazing and adventurous life together!

If you are planning a Stillwater or Riverboat Wedding, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Take a look at another of my Stillwater weddings! And take a look at my Stillwater engagement photography too!

Stillwater MN Rivertown Inn Wedding Photo

Stillwater MN Pioneer Park Wedding Photo

Stillwater MN Paddleboat Cruise Wedding Photo

Olympic Hills Golf Club Wedding Photos | Amanda + Dan

By Joanna Carina 2 Comments

Olympic Hills Golf Club Wedding Photography

Amanda + Dan hired me to create their Olympic Hills Golf Club wedding photos in Eden Prairie MN. The day couldn’t have had more perfect weather. The Golf Club held their outdoor ceremony in front of a small pond near the clubhouse surrounded by amazing gardens, trees and scenery. We were also able to take some time to travel over to the nearby Staring Lake Park to take some of the bridal party photos there too. Such a fun day!

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Amanda + Dan, for working with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I also loved working with you as your Minneapolis engagement photographer. I wish you a long and happy life together!

If you are planning an Olympic Hills Golf Club wedding, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Olympic Hills Golf Club Wedding Eden Prairie MN Photo

Watch their highlight video for more images here:

Big Wood Brewery Engagement Photos | Alice + Chris

By Joanna Carina 1 Comment

Big Wood Brewery Engagement Photography

“We’d like to take our engagement photos at a brewery.”

“A brewery???? How AWESOME!!!!”

So went the exchange between myself and Alice + Chris when I asked if they had any location ideas for their engagement photos. I was so excited. Big Wood Brewery engagement photos? What a dream! Chris is a beer distributor, so it definitely fit them and their love of beer.

Minneapolis Engagement Photography

We had an amazing time photographing at the Big Wood Brewery in White Bear Lake MN. The people there were so kind, and the location itself was beautifully crafted. The name Big Wood was taken from the fact that they used a wide variety of different reclaimed woods to build up their space. The bar was from a fallen tree, all tables were slices of wood, the walls were reclaimed barn wood, and the doors were absolute works of wooden art (you can see a few in the photos below.)

Thank You!

Thanks again, Alice + Chris, for hiring me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer. It was a joy to spend time with you for your Big Wood Brewery engagement photos. I loved getting to know you more and seeing your deep connection to each other. I am so excited to photograph your wedding in October!

If you’re planning for a Big Wood Brewery (or other brewery) engagement or prewedding session, contact me soon!

ETA: Check out Alice + Chris’ beautiful Kellermans Event Center wedding photos too!

Beer Engagement Session Photo from Big Wood Brewery in White Bear Lake, MN

Round Lake Eden Prairie Engagement Photos | Safiyyah + Rory

By Joanna Carina 2 Comments

Minneapolis Engagement Photography

What a gorgeous day for an engagement photo session! Safiyyah and Rory recently moved into the neighborhood and live only a few blocks from Round Lake in Eden Prairie. It seemed to be a natural fit to spend our time in some during their Minneapolis engagement session in one of their favorite spots. They even recently got a new puppy, so they’ll probably be getting to know the park much better in the near future.

Thank You!

Safiyyah and Rory, I’m so happy for you both. Your warmth, laughter and obvious love for each other was so charming. I can’t wait to see your wedding day. Thanks so much for including me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer!

If you’re planning for local park engagement photography or prewedding session, contact me soon!

ETA: Take a look at Safiyyah + Rory’s gorgeous Aria Minneapolis wedding photos too!

Round Lake Park Eden Prairie MN Engagement Session Photography

Our Lady of Victory Chapel at St Catherine University Wedding Photos | John + Annie

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Our Lady of Victory Chapel Wedding Photography

I’m particularly happy about this wedding from earlier in July, because it features my brother-in-law John and his long-time girlfriend, Annie! I was SO happy when I found out they were engaged, and then when they asked me to be their Minneapolis wedding photographer it was like icing on the cake. John and Annie moved to Seattle several years ago, so we miss seeing them often, but it was great that they still decided to come back to Minneapolis to get married. Annie is an alumnus of St Catherine University, so they were allowed to use the gorgeous Our Lady of Victory Chapel for the ceremony – a stunning 90-year-old chapel modeled after a similar location in Provence, France. We were able to spend a lot of time together before the ceremony in a beautiful garden, as well as by the lake right outside the front of the church, before getting in a few photos at the chapel itself right before the ceremony.

Congratulations John + Annie! We are so happy for you!

If you need photography for your Our Lady of Victory Chapel wedding, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Wedding at Our Lady of Victory Chapel, St Paul MN, at St Catherine University

Lyndale Peace Garden Engagement Photos | Stacy + Alex

By Joanna Carina 1 Comment

Lyndale Peace Garden Engagement Photography

Stacy + Alex had decided that the perfect location for their engagement photos was near Lake Harriet, because they both grew up nearby. We had several ideas and dates to try, but each time something was working against us! First there was a huge storm which cancelled our plans for the Lake Harriet Trolley. Then President Obama made a last-minute visit, which not only closed the Trolley again, but blocked off the entire area around Lake Harriet too! Argh!

Minneapolis Engagement Photography

We eventually decided to meet for Lyndale Peace Garden engagement photos. It’s one of the most beautiful parks in Minneapolis! The Lyndale Peace Garden is a spectacular Japanese-style garden. It has a bridge and waterfall, trees and pathways, and so much more. Even while we were taking their engagement photos, we were praying that the clouds floating overhead would not rain. Our early summer MN weather has been crazy this year, but we were determined to make it work!

Thank You!

Stacy + Alex, thank you so much for working with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer. Did I mention you are SO cute together. I always love spending time laughing up a storm! It was so fun working at the Lyndale Peace Garden with you! And I’m so happy to be your Minneapolis wedding photographer for your Columbia Manor wedding in October!

If you’re planning for Lyndale Peace Garden engagement or prewedding session, contact me too!

ETA: Take a look at Stacy + Alex’s Columbia Manor wedding photos here!

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

Lyndale Park Peace Garden Minneapolis MN Engagement Photo

Six Tips to Help Plan Your Wedding Day Timeline | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina 1 Comment

Wedding Day Timeline Planning Tips

It seems like something so complicated: plan the timeline of your entire wedding day, even though you’ve never planned a wedding before in your life! Thankfully, there are some tips that you can keep in mind to help you plan out and organize the time needed for the events on your big day. Here are a few:

1. Allocate more time than you think you need for all events

The makeup artist took longer than expected. The dress had wrinkles and needed to be steamed prior to wearing. The limo was delayed by road construction. The florist didn’t arrive on time with the bouquets. The dinner took an hour longer than the catering company anticipated. If something were ever to be delayed, chances are it would happen on your wedding day. So make sure to plan in more time than you think you need to accomplish everything. That way, you can probably accomplish all of your events without adding additional stress.

2. Delegate, delegate, delegate!

Prior to your big day, make sure to delegate any tasks that must happen on the day itself. Things like paying any vendors, organizing posed photo subjects, and announcements, can be delegated to members of your wedding party or family. This will help things run much more smoothly and quickly.

3. Leave plenty of time for your first look or couple portraits

Many times people don’t give much thought to these photos, as they are more concerned with figuring out the family portraits. However, the portraits of the bride and groom alone often end up being the most cherished photos of the day. These are the ones you gift to parents, relatives and friends, as well as hang on your own wall. Make sure to plan at least half an hour for your portraits, and more if you are able.

4. Be at the ceremony location a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the ceremony

You’ll want to be finished with all hair, makeup, photos and travel well before the ceremony starts. It is safest to plan on being ready at the location 30 minutes, and sometimes one hour, prior to the ceremony. This way you are prepared in case something runs too long. At the very least you have time to breathe and relax before the big moment!

5. Plan 3-4 minutes per photo grouping

When planning out how much time you will need to take formal photos, a good rule of thumb is to add 3-4 minutes per photo. That is assuming all participants in the photos are ready when needed! And don’t forget to make sure everyone needed for the photos is aware of where they need to be prior to your day. (I’m personally guilty of that one – sorry Laura!)

6. Arrange for most reception activities to happen early

Make sure to plan the cake cutting, first dance, parent dances, bouquet toss, and any other special events early in the evening. Often times, many relatives and friends won’t want to stay too long after dinner. This way you will ensure that most people are still available to watch the fun!

Wedding Day Timeline Planning Tips

If you can keep these six wedding day timeline planning tips in mind while organizing your day, you will be much more likely to keep your day running smoothly – helping to alleviate any unneeded stress on one of the biggest days of your life.

If you’re looking for a Minneapolis wedding photographer for your big day, contact me soon to discuss how we would work together!

Looking for More Advice and Opinions? Check out my other help articles:
To Look or Not to Look? Having a First Look on Your Wedding Day
Wedding Day Photography Tips
Engagement Photography Tips
Top 10 Things to Look for When Hiring a Wedding Photographer
Should You Have an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?
How to Care for Your Digital Photographs

Fine Art Wedding + Portrait Photography | Custom Heirloom Artwork Design

Cottage Winery and Vineyard Wedding Photography

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Barns of Old Glory Wedding Photography

Barn Wedding Photography

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Lyndale Peace Garden Engagement Photography

Minneapolis Engagement Photography

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Pioneer Park Wedding Photography

Rivertown Inn Wedding Photography

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Olympic Hills Golf Club Wedding Photography

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Big Wood Brewery Engagement Photography

Minneapolis Engagement Photography

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Minneapolis Engagement Photography

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Lyndale Peace Garden Engagement Photography

Minneapolis Engagement Photography

Thank You!

Wedding Day Timeline Planning Tips

1. Allocate more time than you think you need for all events

2. Delegate, delegate, delegate!

3. Leave plenty of time for your first look or couple portraits

4. Be at the ceremony location a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the ceremony

5. Plan 3-4 minutes per photo grouping

6. Arrange for most reception activities to happen early

Wedding Day Timeline Planning Tips

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