Photography Blog - Carina Photographics

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Wedding Photography | Lisa + Josh

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Wedding Photos

“I’m so nervous….” These were almost the first words Josh said to us as we met up with him at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Our plan was to get him into the perfect location under the trellis for their “First Look” before their Minneapolis Sculpture Garden wedding photos. We just needed to wait a few more minutes for Lisa to arrive! So we chatted a bit, exchanged a few jokes and stories, and pretty soon he seemed much more at ease.

Before we knew it, Lisa practically floated down the sidewalk toward the trellis. She was such a stunner! As they turned and saw each other for the first time, they fought back tears and melted into each others arms. They are just simply so sweet together! It was amazing to be able to spend the hour with them as we created numerous portraits throughout the Sculpture Garden. They were obviously joyous to be there and so excited for what was to come. The hour flew by and we soon found ourselves at Calvary Church in South Minneapolis preparing for their wedding ceremony.

Sculpture Garden Wedding Ceremony

The tears of joy certainly didn’t stop after their portraits. They flowed freely during their wedding ceremony too! From the beautiful message of their Pastor, to the sweet readings and music from friends, to their hand-written vows I found myself choking back tears several times too. They had also included their dedication and love to their children Riley, Carter and Nia, into their ceremony. Such a spectacular ceremony!

Thank You!

Lisa + Josh, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer. I loved your Minneapolis Sculpture Garden wedding photos so much. Your depth of heart and soul is so beautiful. You are so lucky to have each other as well as your adorable family. I am honored to have been able to share your day with you, and I wish you nothing but the best in your new life together!

If you are planning a Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Wedding, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

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

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photography | Molly + Andy

By Joanna Carina

Landscape Arboretum Minnesota Wedding Photos

Many people would find themselves at home in a lush, green, landscaped garden. So naturally, when I got the chance to work on Molly + Andy’s Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding photos, I was ecstatic! I always feel like I could spend a whole day at the Arboretum and never see everything I wanted.

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Ceremony

Molly + Andy held their wedding ceremony in the beautiful Wilson Rose Garden. The garden is near the main Visitor Center building. They had a perfectly sunny and warm July day. The Arboretum had special meaning for them because Molly grew up nearby and visited frequently. They were able to enjoy their ceremony right in between the roses and bubbling fountains. It was the perfect backdrop, and their families were absolutely overjoyed at their wedding.

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Reception

After their ceremony, we had some time to meander through the woodlands and Japanese garden for photos of them together. Afterward, we headed to the back of the Visitor Center for their reception dinner. The dinner was held on the patio that overlooked the green pond and lake. Molly + Andy enjoyed cutting their beautiful cake, and Molly’s dad gave a sweet toast to them to cap off the night. Their dinner ended as the sun set on the horizon.

Thank You!

Molly + Andy, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer. I loved working with you to create your beautiful Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding photos! I wish you all the happiness in the world in your new lives together!

Planning a Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding? Contact me soon to find out how we could work together!

BONUS: Take a look at some other MN Landscape Arboretum weddings I photographed too, including an autumn Arboretum wedding, another autumn Arboretum wedding, a summer Landscape Arboretum reception, another autumn Landscape Arboretum wedding, an indoor Landscape Arboretum wedding, and a winter Arboretum wedding.

Watch their highlight video here:

VENDORS
Ceremony+Reception Venue: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Officiant: Tom Armstrong
Wedding Dress: Allure, The Wedding Shoppe
Hair/Makeup: Blowdry Bar
Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Catering: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Cake: Buttercream
Flowers: Richfield Flowers & Events

Cedarhurst Mansion Wedding Photography | Deb + Bryan

By Joanna Carina

Cedarhurst Mansion Wedding Photography

I worked with Deb + Bryan for their Cedarhurst Mansion wedding photos. The stately Cedarhurst Mansion, in Cottage Grove, was designed by Cass Gilbert, the architect who also designed the MN State Capital building. It is over one century old, and has hosted four US Presidents. It made for a perfect backdrop for Deb + Bryan to join their lives together.

After spending the day with Deb + Bryan, their infectious laughter set my cheeks were on fire! Abundant jokes and one-liners are the name of the game whenever they’re around. Their beautiful day was full of laughter, joking, love and yes, even a few tears.

Cedarhurst Mansion Wedding Ceremony

The two of them prepared for their day in various rooms of the building. They opted not to do a First Look, but to first see each other when walking down the aisle. They had their ceremony in the garden behind the building. When Deb started to tear up upon seeing Bryan, he only needed to break out in his infectious laughter and it was enough to get Deb laughing too. After the ceremony, a cocktail reception was held in the neighboring garden. Meanwhile, we took Deb + Bryan around the Cedarhurst Mansion grounds for couple portraits, as well as family and wedding party portraits.

Cedarhurst Mansion Wedding Reception

Their cocktail hour was followed by an amazing dinner and cake cutting. Looking through the photos, you will notice a small homage to the Star Wars movies. Their cake is topped by a set of bride and groom AT-ATs, complete with veil and tophat! They ended up with a night of dancing in the beautiful Cedarhurst ballroom. Deb + Bryan’s wedding day was so beautiful down to the last detail.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Deb + Bryan, for including me as your wedding photographer! I loved your Cedarhurst Mansion wedding photos, as well as your fun Lebanon Hills Regional Park engagement photos. And I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together!

Planning a Cedarhurst Mansion wedding? Contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at a few other mansion weddings I photographed too, such as this Van Dusen Mansion wedding, a Semple Mansion wedding, another Semple Mansion wedding, a St Paul College Club wedding, and a Pillsbury Mansion wedding.

Watch Deb + Bryan’s highlight video with more images from their wedding day here:

VENDORS
Venue: Cedarhurst Mansion
Wedding/Bridesmaids Dress: a & bé bridal shop
Hair/Makeup: Mezzanine Salon
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Colleen’s Flower Cellar
Catering: Cedarhurst Mansion
Cake: Denny’s Fifth Avenue Bakery
DJ: PM Enterprises

Bohemian Flats + Gold Medal Park Wedding Photography | Dustin + Nicole

By Joanna Carina

Bohemian Flats Wedding Photography

I met Dustin + Nicole for the first time last summer at an Uptown Minneapolis coffee shop. They had just begun planning out their wedding day, and found me through some mutual friends. And just like our mutual friends, Dustin + Nicole were warm, cheerful and easy-to-get-to-know. I suppose the mutual friendships made it feel like we already knew each other? We talked about plans for their big day, photography ideas, and life in general. Later in the winter, we spent time at the Como Park Conservatory for their engagement photography.

Gold Medal Park Wedding Photos

We began their wedding day at the Minneapolis Marriott hotel for prep time and photos with a few close friends and siblings. We then traveled over to Gold Medal Park, right next to the Guthrie Theater and the riverfront, for Dustin + Nicole’s first look photos. I particularly love this portion of the day. Each couple’s emotions flow as the magnitude of the event truly sinks in. Dustin + Nicole were so cute together! From there we had plenty of time to wander around Gold Medal Park and photograph them together. They shared a few quiet moments before the whirlwind of their day was about to begin.

Mississippi Riverboat Cruise Wedding Reception

The wedding ceremony took place under the gazebo of Bohemian Flats Park, right along the riverfront. Afterward, we completed their family and wedding party photos. After all final portraits were finished, we boarded the Paradise Lady for a reception cruise on the Mississippi River. We were fortunate enough to be on the last boat they allowed through the lock right below downtown Minneapolis. Afterward they closed it forever to prevent the spread of Asian carp! It was a perfect night, and we were treated to a beautiful sunset while the band played and people partied away.

Thank You!

Dustin + Nicole, I am so happy for you both and wish you endless happiness as you join your lives together. Thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer for your big day!

Planning a Bohemian Flats or Gold Medal Park wedding? Contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Bohemian Flats Park, Paradise Lady
Wedding and Bridesmaids Dresses: The Wedding Shoppe
Bridal Accessories: Bel Aire Bridal
Bridal Shoes: Dessy
Hair/Makeup: Blush Beauty Room
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Richfield Flowers and Events
Caterer: Deli Double Catering
Cake: Queen of Cakes
Band: The White Keys

James J Hill Center Wedding Styled Photoshoot | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina

James J Hill Center Wedding Styled Photoshoot

Last winter, our wedding season was slowing down and most Minnesotans were hibernating to stay away from the cold. A group of wedding vendors was itching to collaborate on a fun wedding project together. I met with Maddie at Ask for the Moon Events to talk about ideas. Soon afterward, she had whipped together an amazing team of wedding vendors to collaborate for a James J Hill Center wedding styled photoshoot. Our concept was, naturally, a literary-themed event. We were inspired by imagery of classic romance novels such as Gone With the Wind, Wuthering Heights, and many others. I was lucky enough to know the most perfect real-life couple who were excited for the chance to model for us.

St Paul Wedding Styled Photoshoot

A perfectly warm, early spring day in April framed the amazing classic architecture at the downtown St Paul landmark. Our host, Dawn of the James J Hill Center, was more than gracious and allowed us the freedom to design their venue as we saw fit. We’ve got our photos set to be published in several online publications soon, so watch my Facebook and Instagram pages for notifications of full articles.

What an amazing day, I had so much fun as your wedding photographer. Thank you so much team!

ETA: Take a look at some real James J Hill Center wedding photos too!

VENDORS
Event Planning and Design: Ask for the Moon Events
Venue: James J Hill Center
Rentals: We’ve Got It Covered, Positively Charmed Custom Ceremonies & Boutique Decor
Stationery: Paper Thick Ink
Wedding Dress: JenMar Creations
Suit: Provided by Groom
Florist: Uy-Lennon Floral & Events
Cake: Ganache: Desserts and Confections
Hair/Makeup: Onsite Muse
Models: Alexia Olson & Jeremy Pryes
Jewelry: Commers Custom Jewelers

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

Arneson Acres Park Wedding Photography | Kristen + Sam

By Joanna Carina

Arneson Acres Park Wedding Photography

“Whoa! I feel like I’m in Europe!” Those were the first words that left my mouth when Kristen + Sam and I met at Arneson Acres Park in Edina for their final wedding photography walk-through meeting. It was a gorgeous spring day, the sun was warm and bright in the cloudless sky, the temperature was perfect, and every tree and blade of grass was bright green. The cherry trees were bright pink, the flowers were beginning to bloom and the fountain was sprinkling away. We meandered through the park, and I was astonished that I had never heard of this beautiful location before. It was the most perfect location, and I was so excited to work on their Arneson Acres Park wedding photos!

Minneapolis Wedding Photography

Kristen + Sam held their wedding preparation at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott hotel. Afterward, we drove down to Arneson Acres well before the ceremony time so we could have their first look and wedding portrait photography at the park. Amazing. Gorgeous. Astounding. These are words I think of when I think of that garden. And Kristen + Sam were so happy and at-ease around each other. Most of my couples seem somewhat nervous during their wedding day, but not these two. All they could do was hold each other, kiss and laugh. They were so adorable! And completely relaxed and at-home in each others’ arms.

Their wedding went off without a hitch. We had been nervously watching the weather, feeling a sprinkle here or there. Luckily, the sky held out, and it wasn’t until on our way back to the Marriott that we got a bit of a shower. Just in time to be sheltered by the beautiful ballroom so everyone could enjoy cocktails, dinner and toasts, and then dance the night away.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Kristen + Sam, for including me as your wedding photographer. I loved capturing your Arneson Acres wedding photos. I wish you every happiness in your new lives together!

If you need photography for your Arneson Acres Park wedding day, contact me soon to find out how we could work together!

Take a look at the highlight video showing more images from their day here:

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Arneson Acres
Reception Venue: Minneapolis Airport Marriott
Bride/Bridesmaids’ Dresses: The Wedding Shoppe
Bride’s Shoes: Macy’s
Hair/Makeup: Blush Beauty Room
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Macy’s
Florist: Bride
Rentals: Crown Rental
Cupcakes: Denny’s 5th Ave Bakery
DJ: Midwest Sound
Stationery: Bride

Bauhaus Brew Labs Engagement Photography | Toni + Chris

By Joanna Carina

Bauhaus Brew Labs Engagement Photography

Toni + Chris love spending time together at local beer breweries. They particularly loved the design of the Bauhaus Brew Labs building in NE Minneapolis. It seemed an obvious choice to work with them to create Bauhaus Brew Labs engagement photos. They were excited to spend their session here.

Bauhaus Brew Labs opened in the former Crown Iron Works building in NE Minneapolis. Crown produced iron equipment for the US during WWII. The brewery was named after the Bauhaus School which, from the brewery’s website, “was among the world’s most famous art and design schools. A crucible of modernism, the impact of the Bauhaus can still be felt today. The Bauhaus was inspiring not just because of the extraordinary group of brilliant, visionary people involved. But [also] because it was fueled by a commitment to creativity and experimentation with the underlying tenet that work, play and celebration should be intertwined.” Being a former graphic design student, I was very aware of the importance of the Bauhaus School. It was a treat for me to be able to work at a brewery that was so inspired by modern design!

Minneapolis Engagement Photography

We spent their engagement session at Bauhaus sipping beer and hanging out, both inside and outside. Toni + Chris enjoyed some quiet moments and even a few cuddles. They had a chance to play a few rounds of beanbag toss on the shaded patio. After their Bauhaus session, we hopped over to Boom Island Park to capture a few photos with the Minneapolis skyline in the background. It was such a gorgeous spring day with the perfect breeze. We had an amazing time!

Thank You!

Toni + Chris, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your engagement photographer. I am also so excited for your wedding next summer! Congratulations!

If you’re planning for a Bauhaus Brew Labs (or other brewery) engagement or prewedding photography session, contact me soon!

BONUS 1: Take a look at Toni + Chris’ beautiful Minneapolis Club wedding photos as well!

BONUS 2: Also take a look at a beer brewery engagement session and a brewery wedding reception I photographed, too!

Aria Minneapolis Wedding Photography | Safiyyah + Rory

By Joanna Carina

Aria Minneapolis Wedding Photography

“You are my beloved, and you are my friend.” Tears welled up across the room as Safiyyah + Rory exchanged vows on a beautiful spring day during their Aria Minneapolis wedding photos. And I was so honored to be present to photograph their amazing day down to the very last detail.

I first got to meet Safiyyah + Rory over hot chocolate on a cold February night in Minneapolis. They are two of the sweetest, most down-to-earth people you will ever meet. I could spend hours talking with them and wonder where the time went! We had a blast during their engagement session last summer. Eden Prairie’s Round Lake Park is a beautiful hidden gem filled with fields, woods, flowers, a lake and plenty of picturesque spots.

Aria Mpls Wedding Photos

Working together on one of the biggest days of their lives was the icing on the cake. Aria is truly amazing. Safiyyah + Rory were very excited to spend plenty of time making sure to capture gorgeous portraits throughout the magnificent art and architecture of the building. From the old spiral staircase, to the elegant upstairs lounges. From the hidden alcoves, to the front lobby filled with spectacular crystal chandeliers. Every facet of Aria is a photographer’s dream. And the two of them were happy to spend as much time as possible creating amazing imagery to commemorate their big day!

Thank You!

Safiyyah + Rory, I am so incredibly happy for you both as you join your lives together. Thank you so much for hiring me as your wedding photographer. I’m so lucky to have gotten to know you and spend time with you on your gorgeous Aria Minneapolis wedding photos. So excited to keep in touch and see you guys again in the future!

Planning an Aria Mpls wedding? Contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Take a look at the highlight slideshow to see more images of their wedding day here:

VENDORS
Venue: Aria Minneapolis
Event Planning: Blush & Whim Wedding Planning + Event Design
Wedding Dress: Brides of France
Hair/Makeup: Julie Swenson Beauty
Florals: Ashley Fox Designs
Rentals: On Solid Ground Vintage Rentals
Catering: Chowgirls Killer Catering
S’Mores Bar: Campfire Desserts
DJ: PM Enterprises
Lighting: Phos Events

Garden Wedding Styled Photoshoot | Mary + Lisa

By Joanna Carina

Garden Wedding Styled Photoshoot

Mary + Lisa were originally married in Canada in 2006. It was a time when laws would not allow them to be married in the United States. Their best option was to cross the nearest border. They visited a Justice of the Peace and then had a few snapshots taken together before a small celebration, and that was that.

Fast-forward eight years to 2014 when a group of Minneapolis wedding professionals decided to put together a styled wedding photoshoot. We had access to an amazing English formal garden located in Stockholm WI. The garden had been lovingly built from the ground up over the past 25 years by owners Tim and Bruce, who created their perfect European getaway in small-town Wisconsin. They loved spending weekends here after a short drive from their home in Minneapolis. Their spectacular garden and original 1700’s farmhouse had garnered some attention in the past from national magazines as well as the town’s locals. They even occasionally rent it out for wedding celebrations. So naturally we were enamored with the property and thought it would be perfect for our photoshoot!

MN Wedding Styled Photoshoot

Mary + Lisa were so excited to work with us for our formal garden wedding styled photoshoot. They said they felt they were given a chance to have the wedding they never had. It was as if they were married all over again! I was so honored to be the wedding photographer for their photoshoot. Congratulations again, and thank you for working with us Mary + Lisa! We are so happy for you and your adorable family.

VENDORS
Models: Mary + Lisa
Event Planner, Rentals: Belle Noelle Events & Design
Makeup: Creative Beaute Agency
Hair: Sarah Drews
Florals: Foxglove Market & Studio
Desserts: Ganache Desserts and Confections
Dresses: J Crew
Headpieces: Ruby 3
Invitations: Olive Juice Stationery
Wedding Rings: Commers Custom Jewelers

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

Bryant Lake Park Engagement Photography | Lauren + Wes

By Joanna Carina

Bryant Lake Regional Park Engagement Photography

I can honestly say I’d never done an outdoor early spring engagement photography session before working with Lauren + Wes. Either the land was too brown and muddy, or they chose a different time of year. So when Lauren + Wes decided on Bryant Lake Regional Park prewedding photography in early April, I had no idea what to expect. Bryant Lake Park is one of the Three Rivers Parks District parks. I live very close to another Three Rivers Park, Silverwood. I have photographed there numerous times and I love it soooooo much. So it was awesome to find that Bryant Lake Park felt pretty similar. I was not disappointed!

Three Rivers Parks District Engagement Photography

From the beautiful sunset, to the loons calling on the lake, we had such an amazing time! The light snow over the winter meant the grasses were still rich, gold, and abundant. Even the lack of leaves on the trees did not disappoint. They made for amazing structure and texture in many of our images. And the sky cooperated as well. A misty sun and touches of blue peeked through textured clouds. Very moody and dramatic light! The park had a very renowned disc golf course, and since Lauren + Wes were avid disc golfers, we even spent some time taking photos of them with one of their favorite pastimes, too.

Thank You!

Thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your engagement photographer, Lauren + Wes! I had so much fun with your Bryant Lake Regional Park engagement photography. I am so happy for you both, and so excited for your big day!

If you are thinking about a Bryant Lake Regional Park engagement photography, contact me to discuss how we could work together!

ETA: Take a look at Lauren + Wes’ beautiful Rum River Barn & Vineyard wedding photos too!

Check out the highlight video showing more images from their Bryant Lake Regional Park engagement session:

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Wedding Photos

Sculpture Garden Wedding Ceremony

Thank You!

Landscape Arboretum Minnesota Wedding Photos

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Ceremony

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Cedarhurst Mansion Wedding Photography

Cedarhurst Mansion Wedding Ceremony

Cedarhurst Mansion Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Bohemian Flats Wedding Photography

Gold Medal Park Wedding Photos

Mississippi Riverboat Cruise Wedding Reception

Thank You!

James J Hill Center Wedding Styled Photoshoot

St Paul Wedding Styled Photoshoot

Arneson Acres Park Wedding Photography

Minneapolis Wedding Photography

Thank You!

Bauhaus Brew Labs Engagement Photography

Minneapolis Engagement Photography

Thank You!

Aria Minneapolis Wedding Photography

Aria Mpls Wedding Photos

Thank You!

Garden Wedding Styled Photoshoot

MN Wedding Styled Photoshoot

Bryant Lake Regional Park Engagement Photography

Three Rivers Parks District Engagement Photography

Thank You!

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CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

FAMILY, SENIOR, ENGAGEMENT + WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY