Como Conservatory Engagement Photos | Sarah + Eric

Como Conservatory Engagement Session

Sarah + Eric live in Chicago. They are planning for their Mill City Museum in Minneapolis later this summer, and were in town to work on planning and details for their big day. So we made time for their Minneapolis engagement photography while they were here too. Since it was winter, and a bitterly cold time of year at that, they loved the idea of working at the Como Conservatory.

St Paul Engagement Photography

We started first thing on a busy weekday morning. Sarah + Eric wanted a few photos with their puppy Sage, so we started off outdoors. Sage was so adorable, and was a perfect model, especially considering it was below zero that morning!

After Sage headed home with Sarah’s dad, the three of us ran indoors to the warm, humid Conservatory. The Sunken Garden featured the bright, fun colors of the spring flower show. Bonus: the light that morning was amazing! The filtered sun was perfect – not too harsh or dull. The gorgeous water, greenery, bright flowers and wonderfully humid air really made us feel like we were in the tropics. We worked in the Sunken Garden, Palm Dome and North Garden before our hour was up. When we were finished, we had a short turnaround until Sarah + Eric came to my studio to see their final photos as they were only in town for a couple of days. They loved their photos!

Thank You!

Thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer, Sarah + Eric. I loved working with you both (and Sage too!) I can’t wait to photograph your wedding later this summer!

Be sure to take a look at some of my other spring Como Conservatory engagement photos, winter Como Conservatory engagement photos, and even Como Town engagement photos too!

If you are interested in having a Como Conservatory engagement session, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Take a look at more of Sarah + Eric’s beautiful Como Park Conservatory engagement photos here too!

How to Care for Your Digital Photographs | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Caring for Your Digital Photographs

Today I want to discuss something that is an extremely important part of your wedding or portrait session: how to properly store your digital photographs! As a Minnesota wedding and portrait photographer, when I deliver heirloom artwork to my clients, I give instructions for caring for their artwork to withstand the test of time. Digital photographs also need proper storage handling in order to ensure their long life.

There are several options to consider for storing your digital photographs. Ideally you want to create several copies of your images in multiple locations. Here are a few options:
– USB flash drive
– Online cloud storage (ie: Dropbox, Google Drive, Flickr, etc)
– On your laptop or desktop computer
– In an off-site location, in addition to your on-site location (ex: on another USB flash drive, laptop or desktop)

Best Way to Care for Your Digital Photographs

In a perfect world, you should consider creating a copy of your digital photographs that meets each of the criteria above. So for example, you would recieve one copy from me on a USB flash drive. Then you would make a copy on your laptop or desktop computer. Then you would make another copy on your cloud online storage. And then you would make a final copy (either on another USB flash drive, or else directly onto another laptop or desktop computer) to store at your job or a close relative’s house. In this way, you would have at least 3-4 copies of your digital photographs. This would greatly reduce the chances of having your images permanently lost or destroyed. And of course, if any of these copies become lost or destroyed, you would then need to create a new copy to replace those lost backups. That way you will always maintain 3-4 copies of your photographs.

I hope this article helps you safely store your beautiful digital photographs for generations to come! If you have any questions about this or other advice, feel free to contact me soon.

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

Dog Wedding, Engagement + Portrait Ideas | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Dog Wedding Ideas

Getting married is one of the biggest events of your life. It would only be natural that you’d want to include the most important members of your family. That can mean including your beloved dog(s) too! Of course, some of our sweet pups might be a bit of a handful and such an event may be too overwhelming for them. However, there is definitely a way to include your sweet doggies if you so desire. Today I’m going to give a few dog wedding ideas, as well as some dog engagement and portrait session ideas too!

Dog Engagement Sessions

Your dog(s) can easily be included right off the bat, beginning with your engagement session. I’ve worked with clients at dog parks and even stopped by their home to snap a few quick photos with their sweet doggies before or after our main session. I usually include a few dog squeaky toys in my gear bag to ensure their utmost attention to the camera when needed. We often just grab a few photos of you together, then move on to couple photos while your pup(s) heads off with family or a friend.

Dog Wedding Ceremonies

Some people want to involve their doggies in their actual wedding ceremony. It can be so sweet to see your canine(s) dressed up in their best bowties and flowers while being led down the aisle by a friend or relative. Another alternative (if you don’t want them in the actual ceremony) is to have someone stop by the reception for a quick few photos of you together. We can make anything work!

Dog Portrait Sessions

And of course, we can always include your doggo(s) in any type of portrait session you may want as well. You can bring your pup to your maternity session or portrait session. Or if we are photographing in your home (for example, in a newborn session) we will be sure to capture a few photographs of all of you together in your full family photos.

I hope these tips were helpful in your plans to include your dog wedding or portrait photography! If you’d like to talk more about working together for portraits with your doggies, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

Mill City Museum + Guthrie Theater Engagement Photos | Alison + Steve

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Mill City Museum Engagement Session

Alison + Steve are in the midst of planning for their upcoming fall 2019 wedding. Because it’s the middle of our chilly Minnesota winter, they wanted to have an engagement session in a location with both indoor and outdoor options, so opted for the gorgeous Mill City Museum. I had so much fun with their Mill City Museum engagement photos!

As is pretty normal for most couples, getting in front of the camera for the first time is never easy. They were a bit nervous starting out, but once they got the hang of it, they were having fun during their session too! We met up during a weekday afternoon while the Mill City Museum was pretty quiet. We had lots of time to wander around, hanging out in the museum’s nooks and crannies and beautiful lobby setting. I particularly love the beautiful light near the back of the museum, the courtyard views, and the light around the stairway and basement. The Mill City Museum has such beautiful architecture and history from Minneapolis’ beginnings. After we spent plenty of time indoors, we opted to head outside for a few photos outside the museum, facing the Mississippi River. It was definitely a typical chilly Minnesota winter day!

Guthrie Theater Engagement Photos

Once we got a bit too cold for more outdoor fun, we headed over to the Guthrie Theater. We started out in the yellow room near the top of the Guthrie. Such a spectacular view of Minneapolis! Once we were done warming up, we headed outside to the back of the theater for a few photos by the beautiful blue siding and green shrubs. Another building with spectacular architecture!

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Alison + Steve, for working with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer. I am so happy for the two of you, and so excited for your wedding day coming up this fall!

BONUS: Take a look at another spring Mill City Museum engagement session, a spring Mill City Museum + Gold Medal Park engagement session, and another winter Mill City Museum engagement photos too!

Take a look at their slideshow too!

Semple Mansion Wedding Photos | Anna + Adam

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Semple Mansion Wedding

Anna + Adam grew up in Minnesota and eventually moved to Chicago. When they decided to get married, they knew they wanted to go back home to MN for the festivities. It made for some long-distance planning, but nothing they couldn’t handle with their families still living in the area. They planned for a winter wedding, and their Semple Mansion wedding was a gorgeous end-of-the-year festivity!

The day began with preparations at the Semple Mansion. Anna was in the gorgeous bridal suite and Adam in the elegant basement lounge. Once their prepping was complete, we photographed Anna + Adam together for their first look and portraits. Next up were wedding party and family portraits. We then headed off to Hamline Church in St Paul for the big event!

Hamline Church Wedding Ceremony

Their wedding ceremony was held at Hamline Church, a gorgeous vintage church in St Paul. It is filled with beautiful stained glass windows, stonework and lighting. Their ceremony was filled with laughter and tears of joy as they joined their lives together.

Semple Mansion Wedding Reception

After their ceremony, we all headed back to the Semple Mansion for their wedding reception. First up was the cocktail hour held on the main floor of the beautiful Semple Mansion. Guests enjoyed music and appetizers until Anna + Adam made their grand entrance. They then heralded everyone upstairs to the ballroom for dinner.

After dinner, Anna + Adam kicked off the festivities with a waltz and swing dance. After dancing with their parents, everyone flooded the dance floor and had a blast. Later in the evening, Anna + Adam were ushered away with a wild streamer popper send-off.

Thank You!

Anna + Adam, thank you so much for including me in your beautiful day as your Minneapolis wedding photographer! I am so honored to be able to work with you, and so happy for the two of you as you begin your new lives together.

If you are planning a Semple Mansion wedding, or any other mansion wedding, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

BONUS: Take a look at Anna + Adam’s Stillwater MN engagement photography session too!

Check out Anna + Adam’s slideshow for more!

VENDORS
Ceremony Venue: Hamline Church
Reception Venue: Semple Mansion
Wedding Dress: Macy’s
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Hair Stylist: TriBeCa Salon
Makeup: Your Look by Cathy Mylan
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank
Wedding Rings: James Allen
Officiant: Paul Calvin
Florist: Donato’s Direct
Catering: Brie Cater
Wedding Cake/Desserts: Cakes by Nancy
DJ: Instant Request
Stationery: Minted

MN Wedding Photo Album | Karen + Harrison

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Luxury Wedding Photo Album

Today I’m excited to share my latest wedding photo album! Karen + Harrison were married on a beautiful August day in 2017. Their wedding was held in the gorgeous, vintage Van Dusen Mansion in Minneapolis. Take a look at their beautiful wedding photos too.

Premium Wedding Photo Album

After the wedding, Karen + Harrison wanted a custom Graphistudio wedding album. These gorgeous albums are handmade in Italy. Together, we designed a wedding photo album that perfectly reflected their day.

We started with their album box. They chose a crisp white silky, wood-patterned Maple material. Their names and date were foiled on the top in elegant rose gold. Inside, the box features a photo of their invitations and rings from their wedding day. The box was finished with a silvery satin ribbon.

The album features an elegant crystal-clear cover with an evening photo of Karen + Harrison in front of the warmly-lit Van Dusen Mansion. The album is bound with dark blue Italian leather to reflect the color of the evening sky. The pages are printed on professional photo paper and bound into a patented lay-flat binding system. The pages are then finished with a satin coating to protect against fingerprints, dirt and oils.

Thank You!

Karen + Harrison loved their album! It is such a wonderful heirloom for them to share with family and friends. They can enjoy it time and again over the years, and pass it down for generations. Congratulations, Karen + Harrison. I loved working with the two of you as your Minneapolis wedding photographer, and I wish you the best in your lives together!

Take a look at some of my other heirloom album options too:
Signature Albums
Premium Albums

I’ve got these and other wedding photo album samples to view. I’d love to meet you at my Minneapolis wedding photography studio to show you them to you. Contact me soon!

Como Conservatory Wedding Photos | Elizabeth + David

By Joanna Carina 4 Comments

Como Conservatory Wedding

Elizabeth + David were married at the beautiful Como Conservatory in St Paul MN on clear mid-November day. They wanted to keep their celebration small and intimate, with only their closest friends and family in attendance.

We started their beautiful Como Conservatory wedding day in the late afternoon. We began with their First Look in the Sunken Garden itself. It was so sweet to see David tearing up when he saw Elizabeth for the first time! We then spent some time taking photos of the two of them alone in the Sunken Garden and Palm Dome. We then followed up with family photos as the sun was setting. Once we finished, it was time for them to prepare for their ceremony.

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony itself was stunning. It took place in the Sunken surrounded by a pond and numerous blooming flowers and greenery. The sun had set by then so the Conservatory was dramatically lit by the beautiful star lanterns. They were serenaded with singing and piano by their friends, and the officiant was a friend of theirs as well, so the ceremony was perfectly personal for them.

Following their ceremony, the guests headed over to the Ordway Garden to begin the cocktail hour. Elizabeth + David had a few minutes for photos of them alone inside the Sunken Garden. It’s such a stunning venue!

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

After their final few portraits, they headed in to the reception to mingle with family and friends. They held their cake cutting right away, thanked their guests for attending, and finished the night with an amazing buffet from Lancer.

Thank You!

Elizabeth + David, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I loved getting to know you and seeing your cute family together. I wish you the best in your new lives!

Are you considering a Como Park Conservatory wedding? Contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit together!

Be sure to take a look at some of my Como Conservatory fall wedding photos, Como Conservatory winter wedding photos, Como Conservatory summer wedding photos and Sunken Garden wedding photos too!

ETA: Make sure to take a look at Elizabeth + David’s gorgeous custom-designed wedding photo album too!

Also take a look at the slideshow of images from Elizabeth + David’s big day:

VENDORS
Venue: Como Park Conservatory
Wedding Dress: Brides of France
Hair/Makeup: 139 Hair by Heidi
Wedding Rings: Wayzata Jewelers and Family Heirloom
Officiant: Tresca Allsman
Florist: Florea Floral
Catering: Lancer
Cake: Buttercream

MN Landscape Arboretum Family Photography | Ford Family

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Minneapolis Family Photographer

As a Minneapolis family photographer, I love getting a chance to work with my clients again after their big day. Whether headshots, portraits, or even their growing family, I’m open for most anything. In 2017, Safiyyah + Rory asked me to photograph their maternity session and their newborn session once their son Remy made his debut. (I had previously worked with them on their 2014 Aria Mpls wedding photography.)

Safiyyah + Rory contacted me this summer to schedule Remy’s first birthday photo session. When deciding upon locations, they gravitated toward the natural beauty of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. Anytime I can work at this beautiful location, I jump at the chance. So I was naturally super excited not only to work with my awesome friends and clients, see how big Remy had gotten (wow!!!) and also to see how things were looking at the beautiful Arboretum.

Family Photo Session

Our family session was so much fun! In the year since I had seen him, Remy had grown into a running, laughing, babbling little munchkin! It was a warm and humid day, perfect for him to explore every place he could reach. We meandered through several of the gardens and photographed Remy taking it all in with mom and dad.

Viewing and Ordering Session

Holding our Viewing/Ordering session, it was a tough choice to narrow down the images to Safiyyah + Rory’s “best-of-the-best”. They selected an Heirloom Portrait Box – a handmade copper-foiled glass box filled with gorgeous heirloom matted 8×10 prints. Their final box was absolutely stunning!

Safiyyah + Rory, thank you so much for choosing to work with me for your MN Landscape Arboretum family session. I always love working with you guys. It was a joy to see little Remy growing so fast, and I wish you every happiness as you grow together as a family!

If you would like more information about working with me for your children and family portraits, contact me soon!

St Olaf College Engagement Photos | Sarah + Ezra

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

St Olaf College

Sarah + Ezra met several years ago while attending St Olaf College in Northfield MN. They now live half a country apart for jobs and school, and won’t be moving back to Minnesota until next summer. While they were in town visiting family and planning their wedding, they were excited for the opportunity to photograph their engagement session. Naturally, they gravitated toward the alma mater where they met. Luckily, the rainy fall weather held off long enough for us to have their beautiful St Olaf College engagement session!

St Olaf Engagement Session

We headed down to Northfield on a day with patchy rain. Since they were only in town together very rarely, we had to work no matter what the weather. Luckily, we timed it just right and photographed the two of them in some of their favorite spots on campus between rain clouds. We visited the running fields, a quiet bench overlooking a pond, a few of the gorgeous old buildings, the quad between buildings, a few walking paths, gardens and trails, and even on a spot overlooking downtown Northfield. The umbrellas came out at one point during a slight drizzle, but the rain left as soon as it had appeared. Sarah + Ezra loved visiting their old stomping grounds. A perfect fit while they are in the midst of planning for their big day. We had so much fun!

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Sarah + Ezra, for working with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer! I had so much fun working with you for your beautiful St Olaf engagement photos, and I am so excited for your wedding next year!

If you are considering St Olaf College engagement photos, contact me soon to see if we’d be a good fit together!

Take a look at their awesome slide show too!

MN Brewery Wedding Photos | Audrey + Gerardo

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Brewery Wedding Day

Audrey + Gerardo were from different parts of the world. She grew up in New York and he was from El Salvador. They met while working together here in the Twin Cities, and knew they were destined to be together. They held their beautiful Ascension Church and Urban Growler brewery wedding on a cool, mid-fall day.

Ascension Church Wedding

The wedding began with their first look in the garden of the church they attend in Minneapolis. Gerardo had the most infectious excitement when he saw Audrey for the first time that day! After the spent a few quiet moments alone, they were ready to greet their guests as they began arriving for the ceremony.

The moment was beautiful, and their own pastor presided over their ceremony. They were even able to incorporate a traditional Salvadoran ritual – the lasso ceremony – which symbolizes their unity for life. Once their ceremony was complete, they received their guests in a receiving line.

Urban Growler Brewery Reception

After they finished their wedding ceremony, they were off to the Urban Growler Brewery in St Paul for their reception. They had so much fun at their reception! They enjoyed cocktails with guests, ate from the fabulous taco bar from the Urban Growler, and cut their cake in front of family and friends. The room was hopping once the dancing was underway! And they even enjoyed a visit from their dog Rocky to take a few quick photos together. After their reception, they even headed out to a show with some family so they could party the night away.

Thank You!

Audrey + Gerardo, thank you so much for working with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer! It was so much fun seeing your happiness together! Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness!

If you are considering a MN beer brewery wedding and/or reception, contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit!

Take a look at a beer brewery engagement session I photographed too!

Take a look at their full slideshow too:

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Ascension Church
Reception Venue: Urban Growler
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair/Makeup: Juut Salon
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Helzberg
Catering: Urban Growler

Fine Art Wedding + Portrait Photography | Custom Heirloom Artwork Design

Como Conservatory Engagement Session

St Paul Engagement Photography

Thank You!

Best Way to Care for Your Digital Photographs

Dog Wedding Ideas

Dog Engagement Sessions

Dog Wedding Ceremonies

Dog Portrait Sessions

Mill City Museum Engagement Session

Guthrie Theater Engagement Photos

Thank You!

Semple Mansion Wedding

Hamline Church Wedding Ceremony

Semple Mansion Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Luxury Wedding Photo Album

Premium Wedding Photo Album

Thank You!

Como Conservatory Wedding

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Minneapolis Family Photographer

Family Photo Session

Viewing and Ordering Session

St Olaf College

St Olaf Engagement Session

Thank You!

Brewery Wedding Day

Ascension Church Wedding

Urban Growler Brewery Reception

Thank You!

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CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

MINNEAPOLIS MN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY