Vandalia Studio Senior Guy Portraits | Dayne

Senior Guy Gamer Portraits

I talked with Dayne’s mom one afternoon about working with her son and his senior portraits. As we were talking, she mentioned Dayne’s love of board games and D&D gaming. I thought it would be so cool to capture a photo of him with his D&D dice, so we made a plan to capture some outdoor photos as well as studio photos alone and with his dice. With a fun mixed bag of photos lined up, and we met up for Dayne’s senior portraits one summer afternoon at my studio.

Photo Studio Senior Portraits

Dayne and I worked both inside my studio as well as outdoors at the Vandalia Tower courtyard. Dayne was happy and easy-going and enjoyed the time we spent working together. Mom even cracked out some Monty Python songs to get some great laughs out of him!

Once Dayne’s portrait session was finished, he and his parents reviewed the “best-of-the-best” photos with me in my St Paul photo studio to choose their favorite photos and artwork. They narrowed down to their favorite photos, and then chose a handful of Graphistudio fine art prints to cherish Dayne’s senior photos forever.

Thank You!

Thank you, Dayne and family, for working with me for your senior portraits. I had so much fun working with you, and I am thrilled that you love your photos! And Dayne, best of luck with your future endeavors!

Make sure to take a look at some of the other senior guys I have photographed too, including baseball player senior photos, Como Park senior photos, Hidden Falls senior pictures, a college graduate photoshoot, trans senior boy photoshoot, senior soccer session, a Vandalia Tower senior session, garden senior portraits, a Mill Ruins Park senior portrait session, Como Park senior photos, and Hidden Falls Park senior photos.

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

Hindu Temple Indian Wedding Photographer | Kruthika + James

By Joanna Carina

Indian Wedding Photography

The Hindu Temple of Minnesota in Maple Grove offers a breathtaking setting for weddings, blending architectural beauty with spiritual tradition. Known for its intricately carved stonework, serene prayer spaces, and vibrant cultural symbolism, the temple provides a sacred backdrop that elevates every wedding ceremony held there. For couples honoring Hindu traditions, the temple’s peaceful atmosphere and timeless design create an unforgettable experience making it a truly extraordinary wedding venue in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.

Hindu Wedding Ceremony

Kruthika + James prepped for their big day at a rented home near the Hindu Temple. They each traveled separately to the Hindu Temple with their families, being sure not to see each other beforehand.

Once at the Hindu Temple, Kruthika began her bridal ceremonies with her family. Once she was finished and back in hiding, James held his groom’s ceremonies with his family. Once he was finished, Kruthika returned and the big reveal happened on stage when they saw each other for the first time. They continued on with their wedding ceremonies until their marriage was official (including a lot of playful tossing platters of rice on each other, and racing to find rings hidden in a bucket of water lol!) Afterward we had a few minutes for couple photos, and then they finished their big day with celebrations back at their rental home.

Thank You!

Thank you, Kruthika + James, for including me as your wedding photographer for your spectacular day! I am so honored to have worked with you, and I wish you every happiness in your new lives together!

Are you considering an Indian wedding? Contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at other Indian weddings I have photographed including Vishana + Brian’s beautiful Vishnu Mandir wedding photos, Madina + Omkar’s backyard Hindu wedding and Madina + Omakar’s spectacular St Paul Hotel wedding reception. Also take a peek at the Mohan family’s Upanayanam ceremony at Hindu Temple of MN too!

Midland Hills Country Club Wedding Photos | Wing + Mark

By Joanna Carina

Midland Hills Country Club Wedding Photos

Midland Hills Country Club, founded during the Roaring Twenties by University of Minnesota professors and local leaders, is a historic and visually stunning venue that adds timeless character to any Midland Hills Country Club wedding. Designed by renowned golf course architect Seth Raynor, the rolling hills and undulating greens were thoughtfully shaped using a topographical map created by a University of Minnesota professor. Following a meticulous 2020 restoration led by architect Jim Urbina, the course once again reflects classic golf course architecture, enhancing the natural beauty, elegance, and sense of history that make Midland Hills Country Club an exceptional and unforgettable wedding setting.

Saint Columba Church Wedding

Wing + Mark started their big day with prep time at Midland Hills. Once they were ready, we held their first look outside the main entrance of the historic building. Afterward, we worked on wedding party photos as well as group photos. Then it was on to St Columba Church in Saint Paul for the big event!

Once Wing + Mark tied the knot, they held a Lion Dance outside the church to celebrate! Next, a group of us jumped into the shuttle and we had time to travel around the Cities to some favorite spots to capture a few more photos, including MN Loons United stadium and Como Lake for a jaunt in a duck boat! After that we headed back to Midland Hills for the big party.

Wing + Mark had the gorgeous Midland Hills ballroom dressed to the nines. Along with their grand entrance, cocktail hour and toasts, Mark was surprised with a choreographed flash mob dance and they both held their traditional table visits dressed in Korean finery. We had time to run outside to the golf course for some beautiful sunset portraits before they danced and partied the night away.

Thank You!

Wing + Mark, thank you so much for working with me as your wedding photographer! I had so much fun working with you both, and I’m so happy for you as you begin your new lives together.

If you are considering a Midland Hills Country Club or Saint Columba Church wedding, contact me soon!

BONUS: Take a look at other golf club and country club weddings I’ve photographed too, including a Troy Burne Golf Club wedding, Bearpath Golf Club wedding, TPC Twin Cities wedding, Columbia Monor Golf Club wedding, an Olympic Hills Golf Club wedding and a Mendakota Country Club wedding.

VENDORS
Venue: Saint Columba Church (wedding ceremony), Midland Hills Country Club (prep time, portraits and reception)
Bridal Wardrobe: The Wedding Shoppe
Groom + Groomsment Attire: Milbern Clothing
Hair/Makeup: Emerald City Day Spa, Lindsay Dukes Artistry
Wedding Rings: Continental Diamond, Thomas Joseph & Sons
Wedding Coordinator: Ana’s On It
Florist: Roger Beck Florist
Catering: Midland Hills
Wedding Cake + Desserts: Buttercream
Band: Riverside All Stars
Invitations: The Knot
Videography: Redmond Digital Media
Transportation: Renee’s Transportation

Como Enchanted Garden Wedding Photos | Emily + Ryan

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Enchanted Garden Wedding Photos

For couples who dream of a wedding day immersed in greenery, warmth, and natural beauty, Como Park Conservatory offers some of the most breathtaking garden venues in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. Emily + Ryan’s wedding, set between the Enchanted Garden and the Bullard Rainforest Auditorium, was a perfect blend of beauty and timeless elegance.

As a Minneapolis–St. Paul wedding photographer, I love photographing celebrations at Como Park because every space feels alive. It’s a setting that allows couples to be fully present while creating photos that feel cinematic, organic, and meaningful.

Emily + Ryan began their big day with preparations at a nearby hotel. Afterward, we held their first look and couple portraits, wedding party and family portraits. Once complete, it was on to their spectacular wedding ceremony in the Enchanted Garden.

Como Bullard Rainforest Auditorium Reception

Following their stunning Enchanted Garden wedding ceremony, we headed upstairs to the Bullard Rainforest Auditorium for their reception. Cocktail hour was followed by dinner and toasts, and then their first dance. It was such a beautiful day!

Thank You!

Emily + Ryan, thank you so much for working with me as your wedding photographer! I had so much fun working with you both, and I’m so happy for you as you begin your new lives together.

If you are considering a Como Park Enchanted Garden wedding, contact me soon!

VENDORS
Venue: Como Park Enchanted Garden (wedding), Bullard Rainforest Auditorium (reception)
Bridal Wardrobe: The Wedding Shoppe
Groom + Groomsment Attire: Indochine, Men’s Wearhouse; The Wedding Shoppe (accessories)
Wedding Rings: Shane Co
Officiant: Unions by Anj
Florist: Tara McCarthy
Catering: Lancer Catering
Wedding Cake + Desserts: Buttercream, Taste of Scandinavia
Musicians: Birchwood String Quartet
DJ: Instant Request
Invitations: The Knot

Extended Family Group Photos Como Park | McKay Family

By Joanna Carina

Family Photographer St Paul MN

Kathy contacted me one day looking for a photographer to capture her extended family. We talked through her ideas and decided on a photoshoot at Como Park. The shoot included her and her husband, their two adult children and their spouses, as well as their three grandchildren. They had not had family photos done in quite a few years and were excited to update their photos and fill their home with portraits.

Extended Family Photography

We met up at Como Park for the photoshoot on a beautiful summer morning. The weather was perfect – sunny and warm and the kiddos were cracking jokes and hamming it up. I captured photos of the whole extended family together, as well as other various groupings of each individual family as well as the kids with their grandparents. They all had fun and were amazed at how quickly the entire process occurred.

After their session, several of them visited my nearby photo studio to choose their favorite photos and then select their favorite artwork. They loved their pictures! They ended up with a gorgeous heirloom Print Box filled with their favorite fine art prints from the session.

Thank You!

Thank you, McKay family, for working with me for your extended family photography. I had so much fun working with you, and I am thrilled that you love your photographs!

If you’d like to work together for your extended family group photography, give me a call or send me an email soon!

BONUS: Make sure to take a look at other extended family sessions I have photographed too, including studio extended family photos, Como Park extended family photos, another Como extended family session, an Apple Valley extended family photoshoot, Centennial Lakes extended family photoshoot, another studio extended family portrait session, and a Hmong extended family traditional dress portrait session.

Como Conservatory Ordway Garden Wedding Photos | Jessica + Matt

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photos

For couples planning a Minneapolis or Saint Paul wedding, Como Park Conservatory offers an ideal balance of accessibility and grandeur. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, the venue’s historic charm and natural elegance create a meaningful setting for beginning your marriage.

As a full-service Minneapolis–St. Paul wedding photographer, my approach goes beyond simply documenting the day. From timeline guidance to portrait planning and heirloom artwork design, I ensure your wedding photography experience feels calm, intentional, and beautifully guided—so you can focus on what matters most.

Jessica + Matt held their beautiful wedding day at Como Conservatory’s Sunken Garden and Ordway Garden. Every facet of their day was absolutely spectacular!

Como Ordway Garden Reception

Jessica + Matt began the day with preparations at the Four Seasons Hotel in Minneapolis. They held their first look right by the Frog Pond in front of the Como Park Conservatory. We just had enough time to capture some portraits of them followed by wedding party photos when the rain began. We finished just in the nick of time!

Once their ceremony, family photos and remaining couple photos were complete, we headed over to the Ordway Garden for their reception. They had a cocktail hour followed by dinner, and then their first dance as well as fun games for everyone to enjoy. It was such a beautiful day!

Thank You!

Jessica + Matt, thank you so much for working with me as your wedding photographer! I had so much fun working with you both, and I’m so happy for you as you begin your new lives together.

If you are considering a Como Park Conservatory wedding, contact me soon!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Como Park Conservatory Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Como Park Conservatory Covered Porch
Wedding Prep Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
Wedding Dress: Allure Bridals / Bella Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Millbern Clothing
Hair/Makeup: Design Affair Salon Studios
Wedding Rings: Continental Diamond / Susan Freda Studios
Florist: Sadie’s Couture Floral
Catering: Lancer
Wedding Cake: Buttercream
Videography: Redmond Digital Media
Musicians: Lake String Quartet

Como Conservatory Covered Porch Wedding Photos | Tosha + Jordan

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photos

There is something magical about getting married surrounded by lush greenery, historic architecture, and natural light. Como Park Conservatory offers all of that and more. Nestled in the heart of Saint Paul, this iconic venue is one of the most beloved wedding locations in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, especially for couples dreaming of a romantic, garden-inspired celebration.

As a Minneapolis–St. Paul wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of photographing weddings for years at the Como Park Conservatory that feel both elegant and deeply personal. Tosha + Jordan’s wedding, held in the Sunken Garden and followed with the reception in the Covered Porch, was a beautiful example of why this venue continues to captivate couples year after year.

Como Covered Porch Reception

Tosha + Jordan prepped at a nearby hotel, and then we held their first look and couple portraits on the Como Park grounds. Afterward we finished up with their couple portraits as well as wedding party and family photos, they tied the knot in the Sunken Garden. Their ceremony was followed with the reception at Como’s Covered Porch. After cocktails and dinner, they danced and partied the night away to celebrate their union.

Thank You!

Tosha + Jordan, thank you so much for working with me as your wedding photographer! I had so much fun working with you both, and I’m so happy for you as you begin your new lives together.

If you are considering a Como Park wedding, contact me soon!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Como Park Conservatory Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Como Park Conservatory Covered Porch
Catering: Lancer
Wedding Cake: Buttercream
Band: Riverside All Stars

Como Park Senior Graduate Photos | Kaelyn

By Joanna Carina

Saint Paul MN High School Senior Photos

Kaelyn’s mom contacted me one afternoon about senior portraits for her daughter. We discussed Kaelyn as well as thoughts about her senior photos. Como Park was the perfect choice, and once we settled on the best date, we were thrilled to find the plants and trees were beginning to bud and bloom for her session.

Como Park in Saint Paul is one of the best outdoor locations for high school senior photos. With its wide-open green spaces, winding walking paths, tall trees, and peaceful lake views, it offers a gorgeous variety of natural settings that make every portrait feel relaxed and genuine. The mix of grassy fields, shaded wooded areas, flowering plants and trees as well as scenic water backdrops creates a perfect environment to highlight each person’s personality and style.

Como Park Senior Photographer

Once we were finished with the portrait session, Kaelyn and her mom visited my Saint Paul studio to see the “best-of-the-best” photos from her session. They chose their favorite photos and then settled on a set of beautiful heirloom fine art prints to cherish Kaelyn’s photos forever.

Thank You!

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

Make sure to take a look at some other senior portrait sessions I have photographed too, including Stillwater Cave senior photos, Saint Croix Boom Site senior pictures, additional Como Park senior photography, Stillwater senior pictures, best friends senior photos, Minnehaha Falls waterfall senior photos, Hidden Falls senior pictures, more Hidden Falls Park senior portraits, Long Lake Regional Park senior photos, best friends senior pictures, Willow River Falls senior photos, Stillwater senior portraits, Como Park senior session, Guthrie Theater senior photos, Mill Ruins Park senior pictures, Maple Grove Arboretum senior photos, Cathedral Hill senior portraits, Lyndale Peace Park senior pictures, Silver Lake senior pics, Father Hennepin Bluffs Park senior portraits, North Loop senior session, Cathedral Hill senior photos, Loring Park senior session, Long Lake Regional Park senior pictures, Loring Park senior photos, Stone Arch Bridge senior pictures, and Mill City Museum senior photos.

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

LGBTQ Wedding Como Conservatory | Steve + Manuel

By Joanna Carina

Saint Paul Gay Wedding Photography

Tucked inside the lush, historic Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul, MN, the Sunken Garden offered a breathtaking backdrop for this intimate LGBTQ+ wedding ceremony. Surrounded by vibrant seasonal blooms, Steve + Manuel exchanged heartfelt vows beneath the soaring glass dome, with the sweet sounds of a violin quartet setting a serene, romantic tone.

The Como Conservatory is one of Minnesota’s most beloved gay-friendly wedding venues, and the Sunken Garden provides an elegant, nature-filled escape that’s ideal for a small, meaningful celebration. Steve + Manuel’s wedding embraced simplicity, love, and authenticity—proof that unforgettable moments don’t need a large guest list to be deeply powerful.

Sunken Garden Wedding Photographer

Every detail, from the Steve + Manuel’s attire to their hand-written vows shared during the ceremony, reflected their unique love story. As natural light flooded the greenhouse, it highlighted the joy in their eyes and the stunning array of florals surrounding them.

Thank You!

Steve + Manuel, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! I had so much fun working with you both, and I’m so happy for you as you begin your new lives together.

If you are considering a Como Conservatory wedding, contact me soon!

VENDORS
Venue: Como Park Conservatory Sunken Garden

Stillwater Cave Senior Photos | Hanna

By Joanna Carina

Stillwater MN Senior Pictures

Hanna was excited for her senior photo session. She already knew that she wanted her session to take place at the Saint Croix Boom Site, which has been very popular this year for my Minneapolis senior photography! We met there on an autumn afternoon and worked together for an hour or two. Hanna especially loved the Stillwater Cave and the beach trail!

MN Senior Photographer

Once we were finished with the portrait session, Hanna and her parents visited my St Paul studio to see the “best-of-the-best” photos from her session. They chose their favorites and then settled with a beautiful heirloom photo album and fine art prints to cherish Hanna’s photos forever.

Thank You!

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

Make sure to take a look at some other senior portrait sessions I have photographed too, including Como senior photos, more Saint Croix Boom Site senior pictures,other Hidden Falls Park senior portraits, Long Lake Regional Park senior photos, best friends senior pictures, Willow River Falls senior photos, Stillwater senior portraits, Como Park senior session, Guthrie Theater senior photos, Mill Ruins Park senior pictures, Maple Grove Arboretum senior photos, Cathedral Hill senior portraits, Lyndale Peace Park senior pictures, Silver Lake senior pics, Father Hennepin Bluffs Park senior portraits, North Loop senior session, Cathedral Hill senior photos, Loring Park senior session, Long Lake Regional Park senior pictures, Loring Park senior photos, Stone Arch Bridge senior pictures, and Mill City Museum senior photos.

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

Senior Guy Gamer Portraits

Photo Studio Senior Portraits

Thank You!

Indian Wedding Photography

Hindu Wedding Ceremony

Thank You!

Midland Hills Country Club Wedding Photos

Saint Columba Church Wedding

Thank You!

Como Park Enchanted Garden Wedding Photos

Como Bullard Rainforest Auditorium Reception

Thank You!

Family Photographer St Paul MN

Extended Family Photography

Thank You!

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photos

Como Ordway Garden Reception

Thank You!

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photos

Como Covered Porch Reception

Thank You!

Saint Paul MN High School Senior Photos

Como Park Senior Photographer

Thank You!

Saint Paul Gay Wedding Photography

Sunken Garden Wedding Photographer

Thank You!

Stillwater MN Senior Pictures

MN Senior Photographer

Thank You!

NAVIGATE

CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

FAMILY, SENIOR, ENGAGEMENT + WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY