Photography Blog - Carina Photographics

Trellis Wedding Stillwater Photography | Vicki + Xo

Trellis Weddings & Events Photos

The first time I walked into Trellis Weddings & Events, in Stillwater MN, I was in awe. I was meeting Vicki + Xo for their final walkthrough meeting before their wedding day. A stone trail through the mossy woods opened into a gorgeous garden filled with trees, shrubs, plants, benches, fountains, statues and more. Everything was so picturesque, it definitely didn’t feel as though we were in Minnesota anymore. I was even more excited to capture Vicki + Xo’s Trellis wedding photos!

Trellis Wedding Ceremony

The two of them prepared in separate rooms of the adorable cottage at Trellis. Their first look was held under the shade of the trees. They were so excited, they just beamed when they saw each other. Then we wandered around the beautiful Trellis gardens photographing the two of them. We then moved on to bridal party and family portraits until it was time to prepare for their ceremony.

Vicki + Xo’s ceremony was held under the beautiful white tent on the Trellis grounds. The highlights included vows they wrote to their three children. Several guests needed their tissues! The kids were so happy – they were full of laughs, hugs and tears of joy as well.

St Croix Riverboat Wedding Reception

Afterward, a trolly carried the entire wedding party over to the St Croix Boat Co. Their reception was held on the Majestic Star. Following dinner and toasts, the group danced the night away as the boat sailed the St Croix during a gorgeous June evening. A spectacular sunset was the perfect cap to the night.

Vicki + Xo, I am so happy for you as you begin your new lives joined as a beautiful family. I am so honored you chose to work with me as your wedding photographer. I wish you a beautiful life full of laughter and love.

If you’d like to talk about photography for your upcoming Trellis Wedding, contact me soon!

Take a look at another one of my Trellis weddings as well as some of my Stillwater engagement photography too!

Watch their highlight video to see more images from their big day:

Take a look at another of my Stillwater and Riverboat weddings too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Trellis Weddings & Events
Reception Venue: St Croix Boat & Packet Co, Majestic Star
Catering: The Grand Banquet Hall
Wedding Dress: Bella Bridal Boutique
Seamstress: Heather Baldridge
Bride’s Shoes: DSW
Bridesmaids Dresses: The Wedding Connection
Makeup/Hair: Fusion Salon
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank
Jeweler: Michael Hill / Arthur’s Jewelers / Ben Bridge
Videographer: Tig WD
Officiant: Pastor Tom Belt
Florist: Friend of the couple
Invitations: Ann’s Bridal Bargains
Desserts: Dorothy Ann Bakery & Cafe
DJ: Instant Request

Minneapolis Club Wedding Photography | Toni + Chris

By Joanna Carina

Minneapolis Club Wedding

“I remember the day she was born…the first time I got to hold her in my arms in the hospital…and I saw this day clearly in my mind. I could see myself up here, giving this speech to all of you, on the day my daughter would get married.”

Toni wiped away tears during her dad’s reception toast. She and Chris had just gotten married at the Minneapolis Club. I was busy capturing their Minneapolis Club wedding photos, including their tears of joy. Toni’s dad’s amazing toast encapsulated their day so beautifully. It was full of stories both hilarious and heartwarming. And Toni wasn’t the only one tearing up in the room.

Minneapolis Club Wedding Photos

Toni + Chris started their day by prepping at a nearby hotel. They headed to the Minneapolis Club to finish up. Shortly afterward they were able to have their First Look in the front garden. Tears were flowing by this point – they were both so happy! Afterward, we were able to spend time both outside and inside the Minneapolis Club for portraits. What an amazing venue!

Following the beautiful ceremony, Toni + Chris celebrated with an amazing dinner and toasts. Afterward they enjoyed cake and a well-packed dance floor as they partied the night away. There is even photographic evidence of this photographer busting a move out there somewhere!

Thank You!

Toni + Chris, I am so honored you chose to work with me as your wedding photographer on one of the biggest days of your life. I loved your fun Bauhaus Brew Labs engagement photos too. I am so incredibly happy for you both. Best wishes in your new life together!

Do you need photography for your upcoming Minneapolis Club wedding? Contact me soon to find out how we could work together!

Watch the highlight video to see more images from their big day:

VENDORS
Venue/Catering: Minneapolis Club
Wedding Dress: Posh Bridal Couture
Bride’s Shoes: Betsy Johnson
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Hair/Makeup: Creative Beaute Agency
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Macy’s
Rings: Wixon Jewelers
Planner: Jill Wicht at Celebration Stories
Florist: KMB Floral
Invitations: Designed by Bride
Desserts: Grandma’s Bakery
DJ: Adagio Djay Entertainment

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography | Katie + Brett

By Joanna Carina

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography

Katie + Brett were looking forward to having a green engagement photo session. Their wedding was set for the cold, snowy Minnesota winter of next January. As they were considering options, they decided on the Como Conservatory. Como Park had perfect locations both inside and outside the building.

As their day was approaching, we watched the weather forecast closely. It wasn’t looking favorable for us. Rain, cold and wind were on tap for the day. Because Katie + Brett would both be moving separately to different states due to school and work obligations, we had to go forward with their session rain or shine. Luckily, capturing Como Conservatory engagement photos provides awesome locations both indoors AND outdoors. It’s the perfect place in any weather!

St Paul Engagement Photos

The day of their session began rainy, windy and chilly. We started with some time outdoors by the frog pond. Then we decided to warm up and dry out in our cars until the Como Conservatory opened. Just before opening, about 20 school busses arrived with loads of school children for a field trip. We were set for another challenge! However, once we got inside, we worked quickly. We were able to move around to numerous locations that were relatively empty. Before we knew it, we had spent over an hour together and captured tons of amazing portraits. As an added bonus, the rain paused long enough for us to work by the frog pond again before their session was done.

Thank You!

Katie + Brett, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful Como Conservatory engagement photos. I am so excited for your big day!

If you’re planning for Como Conservatory engagement or prewedding photography, contact me soon!

BONUS: Check out Katie + Brett’s stunning St Stephen’s Catholic Church and Landmark Center wedding photos too!

EXTRA BONUS: Be sure to take a look at some other engagement sessions I photographed at Como Park, including a spring engagement session, a winter engagement session, another winter engagement session, a summer engagement session, another spring engagement session, another summer engagement session, an anniversary portrait session, and even a Como Town Amusement Park engagement session!

Take a look at Katie + Brett’s highlight video here:

Como Park, Boom Island and Ferrari Engagement Photography | Madina + Omkar

By Joanna Carina

Minneapolis Indian Engagement Photography

Madina + Omkar hired me as their wedding photographer for their amazing Indian wedding celebration to happen later this fall. I began working with them as their engagement photographer. They are so sweet, down-to-earth, and happy together. I cannot wait for their amazing celebration! When the weather warmed up this spring, we were finally able to start discussing engagement photos. They had not one, not two, but THREE amazing ideas for their photos. Not only that, but the ideas were so creative. I couldn’t wait!

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography

We started the day with Como Park Conservatory engagement photos. First we started outside, near the frog pond, waterfall and pergola. We then worked inside the beautiful glass pavilion among the gorgeous flowers, stonework and fish pond. The weather was completely gorgeous and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, so the light was amazing! We were able to start early in the morning so the throngs of visitors were not in our way. I always love working with couples at the Como Park Conservatory!

Boom Island Engagement Photography

From there we worked on Boom Island Park engagement photos. They had hired a horse and carriage for this part of the session. Their goal was to capture the two of them with the horse and carriage in a park in front of the Minneapolis city skyline. Everything was so picturesque, it worked perfectly!

Ferrari Engagement Photography

And then last-but-not-least, we headed out to create Ferrari engagement photos. We weren’t allowed to drive the Ferrari since it cost more than an average house! It was a bit challenging to work in an indoor location. But it actually worked really well. A little extra lighting and I think the photos looked amazing.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Madina + Omkar, for working with me on your spectacular engagement photos. I had such a great time working with you and all these fun ideas. I am so excited for your Indian wedding celebration later this year!

If you’re thinking of having a Como Park Conservatory engagement or prewedding photography session (or want to incorporate a horse and carriage or Ferrari), contact me soon. I’d love to discuss how we could work together!

ETA: Take a look at Madina + Omkar’s spectacular Indian wedding photos too!

Watch Madina + Omkar’s highlight video here:

Top 10 Things to Look for When Hiring a Wedding Photographer | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina

Top 10 Considerations When Hiring a Wedding Photographer

Welcome to the wild and sometimes crazy world of wedding planning! I would like to share a helpful roadmap full of some insider tips about what I consider to be the top 10 things to look for when you are looking to hire your wedding photographer:

1. PORTFOLIO

This first one is a given. You are drawn to photos that you like, of course. Make sure to really look through the wedding photographer’s images and try to describe, even just to yourself, what it is that attracts you to these images. Look at elements such as posing, expression, lighting, composition, color, exposure, etc.

2. PERSONALITY

When you meet with a wedding photographer, how well do you click? Is it easy to talk to him/her, or do things feel disconnected and awkward? Does their working style fit with what you envision? Do you like the ideas they propose for working together? Do you feel confident that they can do an excellent job with your wedding day? Plan to spend a few minutes chatting to get to know him/her and see how you mesh. Remember, your photographer will be the one vendor you are with the majority of your day, not to mention during other meetings, your engagement session, etc, so you should find someone you can connect with and trust that they will work well for you!

3. INSURANCE

Make sure to check that the wedding photographer is insured – both for liability as well as equipment. If a guest (or even you!) were to get hurt, who would cover medical bills? And if the photographer were to have gear broken or stolen during your event, would he/she request that you help with the cost? You want to make sure to be covered against anything imaginable, so always verify that a photographer is fully insured.

4. BACKUPS

Another form of “insurance” is having full backup equipment. Not just limited to an extra camera body, does the wedding photographer also have extra lenses, extra lighting, extra memory cards and batteries, etc? There isn’t one moment to be missed during a wedding, so photographers have to be able to grab new equipment at the drop of a hat if the need arises.

5. PRICE

There are as many pricing strategies as there are wedding photographers. Some photographers price in packages, and others price a la carte. Some include digital files or albums, some do not. Make sure to discuss with your fiancé(e) what you are hoping to receive from your wedding photographer. Also, make sure to discuss whether you have a set budget in mind, or if you want to compare value of various photographers. Lastly, make sure that the photographer’s price is not the only option you consider when you are shopping around. We have heard horror stories of what happened when people have hired purely on price. Just remember that your wedding photography will be the only keepsake left from your wedding day, so make sure all of these factors are weighted equally.

6. HOURS OF COVERAGE

Some wedding photographers price their coverage hourly. Some give “full day coverage”. And others give packages with a set number of hours. It helps to have a ballpark idea in mind of what you are hoping for, but make sure to request that your photographer help with planning out the timeline of your wedding day. Then you need to clarify how much of the day you actually want your photographer present. For example, do you need your photographer present during your visit to the hair salon in the morning? Or do you want your photographer present up until the very last dance is finished, lights are brought up and guests are leaving? In our experience, 8-10 hours of photography coverage will ensure you get the majority of the important details from your wedding day.

7. NUMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Unless your wedding is very small (max 50 guests), many weddings would do well to have two photographers present. From having more details and candid moments captured, to having both bride AND groom expressions captured during first looks and walking down the aisle, some images are only possible when there are two photographers present.

8. ALBUMS

A wedding album is the most important keepsake you can receive from your wedding day – don’t underestimate its importance as your first family heirloom. Make sure to review the quality of the albums of the photographer. Look at cover materials, paper finish and thickness, number of pages, the style/design of the layout, whether it includes a box or other protective case, binding quality, etc. There is a vast range of albums available, so make sure you will be getting great quality and value in your biggest family heirloom from your wedding day.

9. PRODUCT OPTIONS

Also make sure to review the full range of product options offered by the photographer. Do they offer both wedding AND engagement albums? Prints, canvas, metals or other wall art? Digital images or not? Parent albums, gift albums, greeting cards, or any other extras? Sometimes it’s hard to know what you might want to order from your wedding images, so make sure that you have a good variety of options that you are interested in considering when the time comes.

10. PROFESSIONAL

This last item might be the most important. Make sure that work with a professional wedding photographer. I know that the term can be widely interpreted. (Full-time? Part-time? Occasional? How many weddings have they photographed? etc.) Asking a friend or relative with a DSLR to be your photographer, if they have no experience photographing weddings, can potentially lead to disaster and you could end up with no or very few usable photos from your wedding day. For some people, photography may not be that important, so it may not matter if you have photos to look back on from your day. But if you do want to make sure you get beautiful, high-quality photos artistically capturing every facet of your wedding day, make sure that you can trust that your photographer is a professional and can work through any scenario or challenge that may be presented.

More Info

I hope this road map and tips will be helpful to you as you navigate your way through the world of wedding photographers. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about working together for your big day, contact me soon. Best of luck and happy wedding planning!

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
Should You Have an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?
Six Tips to Help Plan Your Wedding Day Timeline

Aria Minneapolis Wedding Photography | Kim + Lucas

By Joanna Carina

Aria Minneapolis Wedding Photography

Our 2016 wedding photography season kicked off with a bang for Kim + Lucas’ big day. Read on to see their beautiful Aria Minneapolis wedding photos!

Kim + Lucas were married on a cool, dry March day. We felt to be pretty lucky that we were not inundated with snow at the time. The day started off with the happy couple preparing in the separate Aria dressing rooms. Once they were ready to go, their first look occurred near the back of Aria. The look on Lucas’ face was priceless. He had the best mix of smiles and tears! Next we worked on their couple portraits, and then included their bridal party and families. We followed up with a little more portrait time in the Aria lounges.

Aria Minneapolis Wedding Ceremony

Kim + Lucas’ Aria ceremony was held as a “wedding-in-the-round”. This was a really cool configuration in which Kim + Lucas were in the center, and the guests were seated around them in a huge circle. The bonus was that being at Aria, we could get up to the catwalk to see the circle from above. It was so amazing!

After the ceremony, The Tangiers next door hosted a quick celebratory drink for the wedding party. We then headed back to greet guests during Aria’s lobby cocktail hour. Once the main room was set for dinner, guests were treated to a gorgeous display. Candles, glass, silver and wood filled the beautiful Aria dining room. Dinner was followed by toasts, and then dancing and photo booth fun!

Thank You!

Kim + Lucas, I am so honored you chose to work with me as your wedding photographer. Aria Minneapolis is such an amazing place for weddings. I also loved working with you for your Stone Arch Bridge + Father Hennepin Park engagement photos. Best wishes for every happiness in your new life together!

If you need photography for your Aria Mpls wedding, contact me soon. I’d love to discuss how we could work together!

Take a look at their highlight video here:

VENDORS
Venue: Aria Minneapolis
Wedding/Bridesmaids Dress: Angelique’s Bridal Salon
Makeup: Makeup by Mindie
Hair: Brittany Tallman
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Saavi
Rings: Wedding Day Diamonds
Rentals: Bella Amore Events
Florist: Serendipity Flowers
Ceremony Music: Ovation Strings
Catering: Deco Catering
Desserts: Buttercream
DJ: Northern Lights

Minneapolis Portrait Photography Studio | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina

St Paul Photography Studio

The 2014 year was very busy for me and my wedding and portrait photography business. As the year neared its close, I realized I could no longer go on holding client meetings in poorly-lit coffee shops and loud restaurants. I also never had a good indoor location for portrait sessions, image reveals or other meetings. It seemed that the time was right to begin looking for my own photography studio.

My first step was meeting and interviewing several studios around town who were looking for an additional photographer. I then also started looking into options for renting my own studio. The Vandalia Tower building, located on Vandalia Street at the 94 exit in St Paul, had an awesome option for me. The building was undergoing a major remodel. And they had great plans underway, including Lake Monster Brewing and the Paikka event space. I opted to lease my own studio there beginning in 2015. I know it’s been over a year, so I finally should blog about this major event!

St Paul Photo Studio

To say that I love my studio is an understatement. It’s an awesome space! A friend helped with the buildout so I could customize the space to suit me. Then the floors were polished and coated white. I added a small room in the center. It could be used for hair/makeup artists to work with my clients as well as a client changing room. And then my much-needed front room is my meeting space, product sample showroom. I love being able to have Image Reveal Sessions projected directly on my wall. All-in-all, it is truly awesome!

The back of my studio is the shooting area. I’ve got numerous backdrops, props and seating. Everything is set against the gorgeous light coming from a huge set of warehouse windows in the back wall. I’ve also got full studio lighting and blackout curtains in case I need to control the light in a more detailed way.

My studio is so awesome. I am so excited to share it with everyone. Please take a moment to contact me if you’d like to visit. I would love to meet with you (and photograph you) in my studio soon!

Learn more about Joanna Carina here. And learn more about my photo gear I use too.

Newborn Photography Minneapolis | The Troldahl Family

By Joanna Carina

Minneapolis Newborn Photography

Jeff Troldahl and I met way back in our college days. He was one of the warmest, happiest and nicest guys around. Oh, and did I mention one of the funniest too? He’ll have you laughing so hard you’ll be crying within about 5 minutes. So of course I jumped at the chance a few years ago to photograph his wedding to Katie. She was his girlfriend of several years, and such a sweet and wonderful person herself. They are such an awesome couple, and I love spending time with them.

Minneapolis Newborn Photographer

Fast forward to 2016, and Jeff + Katie’s son Thomas Jeffrey was born! They asked me to be their newborn photographer, so how could I refuse? I was SO excited to be able to photograph them as a family together. We spent several hours at their house for a lifestyle newborn/family photography session. This basically means we just hang out for a few hours together and follow Thomas’ lead on what we should do together. Want to eat? No problem, we’ll photograph you doing that. Need a change? NBD, we’re here for you, and will get a few shots of that too. Finally in the mood for a nap? Great! We’ll dress you up in a cute outfit and photograph you sleeping, or else hanging out with mom and dad. So many options, so little time!

Once we finished up their session, I had the three of them out to my studio a couple of weeks later for their Image Reveal and Ordering Session. They were thrilled with their images! And it’s always amazing to see how much their little guy has changed in just the few weeks since I’ve last seen him. Jeff + Katie settled on an album, birth announcements and a few gift prints from their session images.

Thank You!

Jeff + Katie, I am so honored that you worked with me as your newborn photographer. And I’m so lucky to know you. I love photographing you in these stages of your life together! I wish you a wonderful life together with your new little man Thomas!

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

BONUS: Make sure to take a peek at other outdoor and home newborn sessions I have photographed, including the Wilson family, Kelzer family, Ford family, Svendsen family, Gangl family, and Ranheim family.

Professional Headshot Photography | Sykora & Santini

By Joanna Carina

Minneapolis Professional Headshot Photography

Jayne Sykora, one half of the law firm Sykora & Santini, first contacted me several years ago. She and her partner, Jennifer Santini, needed some design projects created. With my upstart design business, we were a perfect fit! Once I switched over to full-time at my photography business, I started taking their headshots for use on their website. Jayne recently let me know that she was hoping to update their headshots soon. With my new studio, it was perfect timing! They needed images for their law firm website showing the two of them together on the home page, as well as showing each of them alone on their bio page.

Professional Headshots

We scheduled their session in my studio on a cold, wintery January day. I had previously coached them on bringing in a variety of wardrobe options that could work great together. They did not disappoint! They each brought a number of awesome outfits and combos, so we spent some time coordinating them and figuring out what worked best for each of them.

That morning, after they worked with my amazing hair and makeup artist, they were ready for their photos. We spent some time with both Jayne and Jen alone in a variety of backdrops, sets and outfits. We also made sure to photograph the two of them together. I always love working with Jayne and Jen. They are so fun to talk to, as well as easygoing and down-to-earth. We always have fun chatting up a storm!

Thank You

Thanks again for working with me on your professional headshots, Jayne and Jen – I always wish you the best of luck on your ever-growing business, and can’t wait to work with you again soon!

If you need headshot or branding photography, contact me soon to find out how we could work together!

Heirloom Print Boxes | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina

Heirloom Print Boxes

I am so excited to announce a new line of products that I will be adding this year – Heirloom Print Boxes!

My Heirloom Print Boxes start with a unique, exquisite, handmade glass box. The panes of glass are foiled together in copper using traditional stained glass techniques. There are several box sizes to choose from as well, depending upon the products you order – 4×6, 5×7 or 11×14. The boxes utilize a single piece of raw silk ribbon to retrieve your images. Then the boxes are filled with your photographs, which will vary depending upon the products you order.

Heirloom Portrait Boxes

The 11×14 Heirloom Portrait Boxes consist of 8×10 Canson FineArt paper prints finished with a UV-protective coating, and then mounted in acid-free, archival 11×14 mats. They come in either 5, 10, 15 or 20 images, and also include the corresponding digital files. They work great either switched out at your whim on a small easel as a keepsake, framed upon your wall, or given as gifts.

The 5×7 Heirloom Portrait Boxes consist of 5×7 Canson FineArt paper prints finished with a UV-protective coating and protected with acid-free tissues. They come as either 10, 20 or 30 images. Again, these are great as keepsakes, framed or given as gifts.

Proof Boxes

And lastly, the Proof Boxes consist of either 4×6 or 5×7 professional photographic print proofs. They come as either 100 or 250 proofs. These also work great as keepsakes or given as gifts.

Take a look at my other gorgeous heirloom artwork options too!
Signature Albums
Premium Albums
Engagement Albums
Wall Art

I’ve got these and other heirloom artwork to view as well, so please don’t hesitate to contact me to meet at my St Paul photo studio!

Trellis Weddings & Events Photos

Trellis Wedding Ceremony

St Croix Riverboat Wedding Reception

Minneapolis Club Wedding

Minneapolis Club Wedding Photos

Thank You!

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography

St Paul Engagement Photos

Thank You!

Minneapolis Indian Engagement Photography

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography

Boom Island Engagement Photography

Ferrari Engagement Photography

Thank You!

Top 10 Considerations When Hiring a Wedding Photographer

1. PORTFOLIO

2. PERSONALITY

3. INSURANCE

4. BACKUPS

5. PRICE

6. HOURS OF COVERAGE

7. NUMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHERS

8. ALBUMS

9. PRODUCT OPTIONS

10. PROFESSIONAL

More Info

Aria Minneapolis Wedding Photography

Aria Minneapolis Wedding Ceremony

Thank You!

St Paul Photo Studio

Minneapolis Newborn Photography

Minneapolis Newborn Photographer

Thank You!

Minneapolis Professional Headshot Photography

Professional Headshots

Thank You

Heirloom Print Boxes

Heirloom Portrait Boxes

Proof Boxes

NAVIGATE

CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

FAMILY, SENIOR, ENGAGEMENT + WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY