Photography Blog - Carina Photographics

I received a call one afternoon from Kevin. He and his girlfriend Jeanna, who currently lived in North Dakota, were planning to travel to Minnesota to attend a friend’s wedding. While on their trip, Kevin planned to propose to Jeanna. Kevin searched around online and discovered the Como Conservatory Sunken Garden as a venue for his proposal. I was so excited to work with them!

The two of them were planning to make a vacation of their time in the Twin Cities. Kevin planned to bring Jeanna to the Conservatory before they headed out to dinner in St Paul on a weekday evening. I was there early and when they arrived, I hid in the Palm Dome so neither would see me. Kevin walked Jeanna to the end of the Sunken Garden and proposed at the top of the landing. They were so happy! We had plenty of time afterward for more photos of them inside the Sunken Garden, and then headed outdoors for some photos along the grounds of Como Park before they headed off to their celebratory dinner.

Thank You!

Kevin + Jeanna, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful Como Conservatory proposal! I had so much fun working with you, and I wish you the best in your new life together!

If you would love to capture your own Como Conservatory proposal photography, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to check out some other proposals I photographed at Como Park too, including an autumn Como Conservatory proposal, a spring Como proposal, a winter Como Park proposal, another spring Como Park proposal, and an autumn Conservatory proposal.

Como Sunken Garden Covered Porch Wedding Photography | Patty + Andrew

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

Patty + Andrew worked with me for their beautiful wedding day photography at one of my favorite venues – the Como Conservatory Sunken Garden. (I love it so much, I got married there myself!)

We started their day with preparation at the Drury Hotel in downtown St Paul. Once they were both ready, we headed over to Como Park. We started with Patty + Andrew’s first look and a few portraits on the Como Park grounds. Once those were finished, we captured their wedding party group photos as well as family photos. Then it was on to the big event!

Patty + Andrew’s wedding ceremony was so beautiful, surrounded by the beautiful floral space of the Sunken Garden. After their ceremony, we spent some time with photos of them inside the Sunken Garden.

Como Covered Porch Wedding Reception

Patty + Andrew’s wedding reception was held in the Como Conservatory Covered Porch. They started with cocktail hour, then dinner and toasts. We had a little detour during the toasts when a severe storm hit and the Conservatory staff shuttled us into the basement. We discovered there was a nearby tornado! After the danger passed, they let us back out to finish the party. Everyone had a good laugh over the events, and then had fun dancing away into the night.

Thank You!

Patty + Andrew, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! I had so much fun on your big day. I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

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

BONUS: Take a look at some other weddings I photographed in the Sunken Garden too, including a summer Como Conservatory wedding, an autumn Como Park wedding, another summer Sunken Garden wedding, and even an evening Conservatory wedding.

VENDORS
Venue: Como Conservatory Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Como Park Conservatory Covered Porch
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair/Makeup: Nikki Fiesler
Groom’s Attire: Hannies
Wedding Rings: Arthur’s Jewelers
Florist: Richfield Flowers & Events
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Buttercream
DJ: Midwest Sound

Extended Family Portraits Como Park | Englestad Family

By Joanna Carina

Family Photographer St Paul MN

Vance gave me a call one day looking for extended family portraits of his immediate family – parents, siblings + spouse, and children. He knew his parents would really appreciate this amazing gift, especially since they hadn’t all seen each other since the start of the Covid pandemic! His sister and her family were finally able to visit from their home in France, so they were all excited!

Extended Family Photoshoot

We worked together at the gorgeous gardens of Como Park for their portraits. We captured the parents alone, as well as the siblings together, families together, and even all the girls + guys.

After their session, the family came out to my St Paul studio. I showed them the “best-of-the-best” from their portrait session so they could choose their favorite photos and select their favorite artwork. They loved their pictures and chose a number of favorites. They ended up ordering a couple of photo albums so the different families could enjoy the photos, as well as choosing wall art so the grandparents could enjoy the photos of their family on their walls each day.

Thank You!

Thank you, Englestad family, for working with me for your extended family portraits. I had so much fun working with you, and I am thrilled that you love your albums and wall art!

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

BONUS: Make sure to take a look at other outdoor extended family sessions I have photographed too, including a Como Park extended family session, an Apple Valley park extended family session, and a Centennial Lakes Park extended family session. Also take a look at an indoor studio extended family session, as well as these indoor studio extended family photos too.

Como Conservatory Wedding Photography | Brenda + Adam

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

Brenda + Adam worked with me for their beautiful wedding day photography at one of my favorite venues – the Como Conservatory Sunken Garden. (I love it so much, I got married there myself!)

We started their day with preparation at the Celeste Hotel in downtown St Paul. Once Brenda was ready, we headed over to Como Park for the big event!

Brenda + Adam’s wedding ceremony was so beautiful, surrounded by the gorgeous green space of the Sunken Garden. After their ceremony, we spent some time taking group photos as well as photos of the two of them alone both inside and outside the Como Conservatory.

Como Ordway Garden Wedding Reception

Brenda + Adam’s wedding reception started with cocktail hour, then toasts and dinner. Once their dinner was finished, they cut their cake and then it was off to dancing, and even a rousing version of the shoe game! They had a blast and danced away into the night.

Thank You!

Brenda + Adam, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful wedding photography! I had so much fun on your big day. I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

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

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Como Conservatory Sunken Garden
Wedding Reception: Como Conservatory Ordway Garden
Wedding Dress: Budget Bridal Outlet
Wedding Rings: Brilliant Earth / MSP Jewelers
Florist: Roger Beck Florist
Officiant: Terion Cooper
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Buttercream

Family Portrait Photography | Johnson Family

By Joanna Carina

Family Photography St Paul MN

Lauren contacted me looking for her young family’s first portrait session. Her kids were 4- and 2-years-old, and her and her family actually lived in Isanti. But she was very excited to find a photographer with the style she loved! She warned me before the photoshoot – her kiddos were busy little people! But I was prepared and worked fast to keep up with their two little munchkins!

Family and Child Photoshoot

I was so excited for their Como Park family portraits – one of my favorite locations for its manicured natural beauty. They all had had a blast during their early autumn photoshoot, including the kiddos, who were so excited to earn an ice cream cone once they cooperated for their photoshoot. (And they each earned a giant scoop!)

After their session, they headed over to my St Paul photo studio. I showed them the “best-of-the-best” from their portrait session so they could choose their favorite photos and heirloom artwork. They loved their photos, and ended up selecting a number of matted fine art prints to create a wall art collection.

Thank You!

Thank you, Johnson family, for working with me for your beautiful family photos. I had so much fun working with you, and I am thrilled that you love your portraits!

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

BONUS: Be sure to check out some other family portrait sessions I’ve photographed too, including another Como Park family portrait session, an additional Como Park family session, outdoor family session, additional Como Park family portraits, a Como Park extended family photo session, a home family portrait session, some studio family portraits, and another Como Park family session.

Landscape Arboretum Winter Lights Engagement Photography | Jackie + John

By Joanna Carina

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photography

Jackie + John were so excited for their 2023 MN Landscape Arboretum wedding. Their wedding concept includes stars and galaxies, so they wanted lights and stars included in their theme and decor. When they considered taking engagement photos, they loved the idea of the Winter Lights show at the Arboretum to reflect that beautiful stars and lights theme. I loved it too, so we made plans for an amazing session!

Winter Lights Arboretum Portraits

We made reservations for a beautiful mild winter evening at the Arb. The Winter Lights show was absolutely stunning! We walked through the maze of lights, and had tons of fun capturing the two of them enjoying their time as well. Luckily, the day was relatively warm, and the moon and stars were out – everything was so gorgeous. We walked the entire maze of lights and spent time with all of the beautiful sculptures and light artwork. We even went back to a few of them multiple times so we could make sure to capture several options for them. When the photos were ready, they were blown away and so excited by their photos.

Thank You!

Jackie + John, thank you so much for working with me for your engagement photography! I had so much fun enjoying the Arboretum’s gorgeous Winter Lights display with you. I am so excited for your big day coming up later this year!

If you are considering a MN Landscape Arboretum engagement session, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at additional engagement sessions I photographed at the MN Landscape Arboretum, including a summer engagement session, another summer engagement session, an autumn engagement session, a winter Landscape Arboretum engagement session, another autumn Arboretum engagement session, and even an Arboretum engagement session at the dog park!

Extended Family Portrait Photography | Meyer Family

By Joanna Carina

Family Photographer St Paul MN

Mary gave me a call looking to have a photoshoot of her and her immediate family. They had not done this before and were hoping to have photos in their home to enjoy of their family. They especially wanted to capture photos of their young granddaughters before they grew older.

Extended Family Photoshoot

I met up with the Meyer family one summer afternoon at the lakeside pavillion near Mary + Gordy’s home. We worked together very quickly and everyone, including their granddaughters, had a great time! The girls were very excited to show me the special jewelry grandma had lent them for the photoshoot, and they especially loved my “spinny” stools I used during their portrait session!

After their session, Mary + Gordy came out to my St Paul studio. I showed them the “best-of-the-best” from their portrait session so they could choose their favorite photos and select their favorite artwork. They loved their pictures! They ended up selecting a gorgeous handmade glass portrait box of their favorite matted fine art prints as well as a beautiful wall art collection so they could see their family portraits in their home every day.

Thank You!

Thank you, Meyer family, for working with me for your extended family photos. I had so much fun working with you, and I am thrilled that you love your portraits!

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

BONUS: Be sure to check out some other family portrait sessions I’ve photographed too, including Como Park family photos, other Como Park family photos, another outdoor family session, additional Como Park family portraits, another Como Park family portrait session, a home family portrait session, more studio family portraits, and another Como Park family session.

St Paul College Club Wedding Photography | Laura + Mitchal

By Joanna Carina

St Paul College Club Wedding Photography

Laura + Mitchal loved the beautiful vintage architecture and gorgeous gardens of the St Paul College Club, so it was a perfect fit for their big day. It was tough planning around the global Covid pandemic, but they were very careful and everyone had a wonderful time!

The two of them and their wedding party prepared in the bride and groom suites onsite at the St Paul College Club. Once they were ready, they had their first look in the back yard. We followed with couple photos, wedding party photos and family photos. Then it was time for the big event! There were tears of joy and laughter as they tied the knot.

St Paul College Club Wedding Reception

Once the ceremony was over, Laura + Mitchal enjoyed some time alone upstairs while the guests enjoyed drinks, hors d’oeuvres, music and games outside. They rejoined the party just in time to cut the cake and then head in for dinner. After toasts, everyone had a blast dancing and enjoying the night.

Thank You!

Laura + Mitchal, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! I had so much fun on your big day, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

If you are considering a St Paul College Club wedding, contact me soon!

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 Pillsbury Mansion wedding, and a Cedarhurst Mansion wedding.

BONUS: Take a look at some other gorgeous, vintage mansion weddings I photographed, including a Semple Mansion wedding, a Van Dusen Mansion wedding, a Cedarhurst Mansion wedding, and a Semple Mansion wedding reception too.

VENDORS
Venue: St Paul College Club
Catering: St Paul College Club
Desserts: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Senior Photography Waterfall Session | Margaret

By Joanna Carina

Senior Photo Waterfall Session

I was completely shocked the day that Margaret’s mom contacted me to photograph her senior photos. Why? Because I’ve known their family before Margaret was even born, and I couldn’t believe she was old enough to be a senior. Of course, I jumped at the chance to work with them!

River Waterfall Senior Portraits

Margaret had spent her school career excelling on the swim team, and she absolutely loved being in the water. We talked about options for locations in and around water, and they absolutely loved the idea of Willow River Falls in Hudson, Wisconsin. It’s one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the region!

We spent the afternoon around the beautiful waterfall, first beginning outside the water on the rocky shoreline. Afterward, Margaret got right into the water and had so much fun with her portraits. Once they saw them, they absolutely loved Margaret’s photos!

Thank You!

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

Make sure to take a look at some other senior portrait sessions I have photographed too, including a Hidden Falls Regional Park senior session, another Hidden Falls Park senior session, Long Lake Regional Park senior photos, best friends senior pictures, 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!

Extended Family Photos Como Park | Folken Family

By Joanna Carina

Family Photographer St Paul MN

Bruce + Debra are former Minnesota residents who relocated to Arizona when they retired. They return to Minnesota frequently to visit with their family and friends. On their 2022 summer trip, they decided to plan for an extended family portrait with their adult children and spouses, as well as their grandchildren. We settled on an outdoor photoshoot at Como Park – one of my favorite locations!

Extended Family Photoshoot

The day of their photoshoot arrived with perfectly warm, sunny, summer weather. Everyone was excited for their photoshoot and had fun and laughs during our time together. We photographed them quickly, creating several groupings and photos of everyone together in different configurations.

After their session, several members of their family came to my St Paul studio. I showed them the “best-of-the-best” from their portrait session so they could choose their favorite photos and select their favorite artwork. They loved their pictures! They ended up selecting a gorgeous handmade glass portrait box featuring their favorite matted fine art prints to share between the group.

Thank You!

Thank you, Folken family, for working with me for your extended family photoshoot. I had so much fun working with you, and I am thrilled that you love your portraits!

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

Thank You!

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

Como Covered Porch Wedding Reception

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Family Photographer St Paul MN

Extended Family Photoshoot

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Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

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Family Photography St Paul MN

Family and Child Photoshoot

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MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photography

Winter Lights Arboretum Portraits

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Family Photographer St Paul MN

Extended Family Photoshoot

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St Paul College Club Wedding Photography

St Paul College Club Wedding Reception

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Senior Photo Waterfall Session

River Waterfall Senior Portraits

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Family Photographer St Paul MN

Extended Family Photoshoot

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CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

FAMILY, SENIOR, ENGAGEMENT + WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY