ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY ARCHIVES

St Olaf College Engagement Photos | Sarah + Ezra

St Olaf College

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

St Olaf Engagement Session

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

Thank You!

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

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

BONUS 1: Check out Sarah + Ezra’s gorgeous Semple Mansion wedding photos too!

BONUS 2: Take a look at a beautiful St Olaf College wedding I photographed too!

Take a look at their awesome slide show too!

Stillwater MN Engagement Photos | Anna + Adam

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Stillwater Engagement Photography

Anna + Adam were former residents of Minnesota before moving to their current home of Chicago. They planned to get married back in MN to be near family and friends. When they thought about where in MN they wanted to take their engagement photos, the beautiful Twin Cities suburb of Stillwater came to mind. It’s such a cute, quaint town set amongst the trees along the St Croix river. When they mentioned to me their interest in having Stillwater engagement photography, I was so excited! I love Stillwater too, and I would finally have the chance to work at a location I had always hoped to visit: the St Croix Boom Site.

St Croix River

We started their mid-fall prewedding session at Pioneer Park. The park is on a high bluff that has a spectacular view over the gorgeous river and architecture of Stillwater. It’s surrounded by beautiful old Victorian homes, quaint streets and brick buildings.

After we spent some time there, we headed over to the St Croix Boom Site for a walk below the bluffs, cliffs and caves down by the water’s edge. Our options for walking around there were slightly reduced as the river flooding had not yet fully subsided. It’s been a rainy summer and fall for us!

After the fun at the Boom Site, we headed in to downtown Stillwater to work around the river walk and vintage buildings. Again, the actual river walk was still under water, but we were still able to catch a few photos of them nearby.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Anna + Adam, for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer! I loved working with you for your beautiful Stillwater engagement photos. I am so excited for your winter Hamline Church and Semple Mansion wedding!

Make sure to take a look at my Stillwater wedding photography and Pioneer Park wedding photography too!

ETA: Check out Anna + Adam’s gorgeous Semple Mansion wedding photos too!

Considering a Stillwater wedding or engagement session? Contact me soon to see if we would be a great fit together!

Check out their slideshow for more fun images from Anna + Adam’s Stillwater engagement session!

Mill City Museum Engagement Photography | Danielle + Emmanuel

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Beautiful Mill City Museum Engagement Photos

Danielle + Emmanuel wanted a Mill City Museum engagement photography session to capture some beautiful images of the two of them to celebrate their engagement. Their wedding will be held in the Dominican Republic, so it was perfect to have their engagement photos held in Minneapolis, where they live. Being that it was winter, they were hoping for a nice (and warm!) indoor space. They loved the idea of the modern, rustic elegance of the Mill City Museum.

Minneapolis Engagement Session

We visited the Mill City Museum on a quiet weekday afternoon. A few spots in the museum were closed for the winter (such as the beautiful rustic courtyard and train depot), but the rest of the museum was open to us. Danielle + Emmanuel quickly got into the groove of having a photographer direct them around and capture their every move. While the museum is small, there are a ton of nooks, angles and views that make for great photo backdrops. Even though it was winter, the weather was a bit warm that day. We not only got to spend a fair amount of time working throughout the museum, but we also were able to head outdoors to the back side of the museum. Even though it was a little chilly, the two of them were easily able to spend time together without coats.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Danielle + Emmanuel, for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer. I had a great time getting to know you and seeing your love for one another. I wish you the best of luck on your amazing Dominican Republic wedding! (And best of luck with finishing school too Danielle!)

BONUS 1: Take a look at Alison + Steve’s Mill City Museum engagement photos, Wittne + Scott’s Mill City + Gold Medal Park engagement photos, and Katie + Bob’s Mill City Museum engagement session too! If you are interested in having a Mill City Museum engagement session, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

BONUS 2: Check out a beautiful Mill City Museum wedding with Guthrie Theater portraits that I captured too!

Take a look at more of Danielle + Emmanuel’s beautiful Mill City Museum engagement photos here too!

Como Conservatory Engagement Photos | Brittany + Danny

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Beautiful Como Conservatory Engagement Session

Brittany + Danny are engaged and planning for their wedding next year. The only tough part about their situation? Danny lives in Minneapolis, while Brittany lives in Seattle! Brittany is planning to move here with Danny this summer. Brittany was in town recently for a few job interviews. So we made time for their Minneapolis engagement photography. Since it was winter, they loved the idea of working at Como Conservatory.

St Paul Engagement Session

We started first thing on a busy weekend morning. The light was pretty cooperative that day. I love diffused clouds and filtered sun. The beautiful water features, flowers and trees under the glass conservatory are so stunning when we have such beautiful light! The gorgeous water, greenery, and wonderfully humid air really makes you feel like you are in the tropics. It seems to be the furthest thing from Minnesota. That makes it even more awesome, especially with our cold winters!

By the time we were finished, the two of them were pros at acting naturally in front of the camera. I know it’s a challenge when starting any photo session. Once they got in their groove, I could have spent all day with them! When we were finished, we had a short turnaround until they came to see their final photos. (Brittany had to leave town to go back home in just a few days.) They decided to order an engagement photo album. I can’t wait to see it in person when it’s delivered from Graphistudio in Italy!

Thank You!

Thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer, Brittany + Danny. I loved getting to work with you both (and Gloria too!) I wish you the best on your wedding – whichever location you decide upon. And congrats on your new job here in Minneapolis, Brittany!

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

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

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

Engagement Photo Ideas | Minneapolis Photographer Carina Photographics

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Awesome Engagement Photo Ideas

One common question I receive from my couples is how to plan their engagement sessions. They are often unsure where to go or what to do. Today I’m going to talk more about engagement photo ideas. I’ve got options that will help spark ideas to plan your own engagement session.

Personalize Your Engagement Session

My biggest piece of advice is to select locations or activities that are meaningful to you. This will almost always result in better images. When considering options, think about how you like to spend time together. Also think about activities and locations you both enjoy. If you select something important to you both, then you are well on your way to creating a memorable experience. Engagement sessions last around 1-2 hours, depending on the location and activity. When outdoors, we generally work in the last two hours before sunset. When indoors, we can work almost any time.

Some location and activity ideas include:
> A favorite park
> A beer brewery or winery
> An art museum
> The college campus where you met
> Riding a rented trolley, canoe or boat
> A fair or carnival with rides
> A destination or public garden
> A picnic in a park or by a river
> A barn
> A bowling alley
> An antique store
> Ice or roller skating
> A playground
> A baseball field

How to Use Your Engagement Photos

An engagement session is your chance to practice in front of a camera. The photos we capture are perfect for Save-the-Date announcements, Guest Books, Engagement Albums or Gift Prints. They are often cherished by couples simply because they showcase the two of you spending time together. You are often enjoying an activity without wedding day formality. Couples can really have fun with their engagement photography!

As a Minneapolis engagement photographer, I am available to give advice for engagement sessions. Contact me if you have any questions, or if you’d like to work together for your engagement session.

Also, read on for more information about working with me for your Engagement Photography.

Como Town Amusement Park Engagement Photos | Liz + Zack

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Fun Como Town Amusement Park Photos

I was recently cleaning out some photo archives, and I happened upon these images from Liz + Zack’s Como Town Amusement Park engagement session. This was one of the first engagement sessions I ever photographed. We had such an awesome time! Liz + Zack’s wedding was designed to imitate a county fair, complete with midway games, cotton candy and other treats, etc. They wanted to use a similar theme for their engagement session. We thought of Como Town, with its rides, games and food booths. They also wanted to bring balloons and suckers and create some fun images. So that’s exactly what we did! This session happened before I had a website or even a blog, so I never had the chance to post these!

Como Town Engagement Session

We started out our session with a ride on the Como Town Carousel. Following that, we headed over to enjoy the Tilt-a-Whirl. We then stopped for some mini doughnuts and headed over to the giant swings. They ended up watching the swings while enjoying the doughnuts.

Once we finished having fun at the Como Town Amusement Park, we then headed over to Como Park itself with our balloons and suckers. We had some fun getting creative!

Liz + Zack, thanks so much for working with me for your awesome Como Town Amusement Park Engagement Session. It was so much fun using such unique themes, props and ideas! I was so honored that you hired me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer too. Best wishes for continued happiness in your lives together!

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

Contact me soon if you’d like to discuss working together for your engagement or wedding photography!

Como Park Conservatory Engagement Photography | Carissa + Ryan

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Beautiful Como Conservatory Engagement Photos

Carissa + Ryan were planning their James J Hill Center wedding in a few months. They wanted to take advantage of an engagement session when they were visiting town. (They live in Seattle.) While we could have considered outdoor winter photo options, they really loved the idea of trying an indoor tropical garden experience with a Como Conservatory engagement session. They had never been there, but loved the photos I showed, so they were excited to give it a try!

St Paul Engagement Session

The day we arrived was bitterly cold. Being indoors in the gorgeous Como Conservatory oasis is always so amazing! We started working in the beautiful Sunken Garden, filled with pink poinsettias and other beauties of the winter flower show. Carissa + Ryan were such naturals! They had such fun talking and laughing while I photographed them wandering around the beautiful scenery, sitting on the steps or benches, and just enjoying their time together.

From the Sunken Garden, we moved on to the North Garden. There we enjoyed a few glimpses of the gold fish in the fish pond, and wandering down the stone paths. Then lastly we headed over to the Fern Room to wrap up our session.

Final Engagement Photos

When the time came for their Viewing and Ordering Session, they were so happy with their final images. They ended up choosing an engagement guest book. That is an album of all their favorite images laid out with more white space around the images for guests to sign. Can’t wait to get the final book delivered back from Italy!

Carissa + Ryan, thank you so much for working with me for your awesome engagement session! I loved working with you as your Minneapolis engagement photographer, and I cannot wait for your big day!

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

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

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

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photos | Lindsey + Bernie

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Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography

Lindsey + Bernie thought for awhile about having Minneapolis engagement photography. When we discussed ideas, they spoke about how much they loved the Stone Arch Bridge area. I showed them some images from my previous sessions on the Stone Arch Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park, and they loved it! So they decided to have a Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement session. They were excited for the beautiful views both above and below the Stone Arch Bridge. They were so excited to walk over on bridge and see the grand view of downtown Minneapolis too.

Father Hennepin Bluff Park Engagement Photos

The day of their Minneapolis engagement photography was beautiful. Even the mosquitoes were dwindling in numbers as the summer had been coming to an end. There were so many beautiful areas to choose from. It is always so fun to work there. Complete with river views, Stone Arch Bridge views, quaint wooden bridges, a rustic stone stairway, pathways through the trees and vintage buildings peeking out from above the treetops. I’m not sure which spot is my favorite. I don’t think I could pick just one!

Lindsey + Bernie also loved the look of my infrared photography. I included my infrared camera frequently in their session. I love the unique, dreamy quality that infrared photos have. (It causes all green, natural elements to appear white. So no, that’s not snow, it’s just the way infrared photography looks!)

Thank You!

Lindsey + Bernie, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer as well as your wedding photographer. I am so happy for you both as you join your lives together! I’m glad that you enjoyed your prewedding photography, and I am so excited for your big day!

If you are planning a Stone Arch Bridge or Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement session, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

UPDATE: Take a look at the blog post about Lindsey + Bernie’s beautiful wedding day at The Depot and Basilica!

Take a look at more of my Stone Arch Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement sessions too!
Courtney + Blake
Chantel + Quinn
Alyssa + Dave
Stephanie + Travis
Kim + Lucas

If you’re planning for Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography or prewedding photography, contact me soon!

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photos | Alyssa + Dave

By Joanna Carina 1 Comment

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Session

Alyssa + Dave are natives of the Twin Cities. They met at college in southern Minnesota, and lived down there for several years. They were engaged last year and then moved back to the Twin Cities. Once we started working together, they decided to try an engagement photo session. They weren’t too sure about their ideal location. I was happy to help them with ideas. They let me know that they loved nature and interesting architecture. We all agreed Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement photography was ideal for them. The park is a tranquil oasis hidden in the urban heart of Minneapolis. What more could they ask for in their prewedding photography?

Minneapolis Engagement Photo Location

During the week, the forecast threatened rain. Thankfully the weather during their engagement session was warm, sunny and clear! We wandered through the greenery and vegetation of Father Hennepin Bluff Park. The riverfront below the Stone Arch Bridge was particularly amazing. We also lingered on the adorable wooden bridges scattered throughout the park. Alyssa + Dave braved the early-season mosquitoes and were naturals in front of the camera!

We eventually worked our way closer to the Stone Arch Bridge. The vintage stonework of the area gave us stunning backdrops. We used a mix of vintage buildings, bridges and stonework among the lush greenery of Father Hennepin Bluffs Park. Everything looked so beautiful! And Alyssa + Dave were so happy to be together.

Thank You!

Alyssa + Dave, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer. I loved your prewedding photography, and I am so excited for your wedding day!

Take a look at more of my Stone Arch Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement sessions too!
Courtney + Blake
Chantel + Quinn
Lindsey + Bernie
Stephanie + Travis
Kim + Lucas

Are you considering a Stone Arch Bridge or Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement session? Contact me soon to find out if I’d be a great fit for your engagement photos!

Update: Take a look at Alyssa + Dave’s beautiful Minneapolis wedding photography from The Graduate Hotel, Gold Medal Park and Lutheran Church of the Redeemer!

Take a look at their highlight video too:

St Anthony Main + Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photos | Chantel + Quinn

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Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Session

Chantel + Quinn are natives of the Twin Cities area. They grew up here, met here, and fell in love here. But they moved to Kansas City recently for job opportunities. They still wanted to hold their wedding here in the Cities too, and chose to work with me as their Minneapolis wedding photographer too. I’m so glad they did, they are so much fun!

St Anthony Main Engagement Session

Chantel + Quinn wanted to take advantage of a St Anthony Main and Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography session. Because the Minneapolis area is their “homeland”, they decided to have their prewedding photography taken at the quintessential Stone Arch Bridge and St Anthony Main area. We had to plan their session in advance for a weekend they could make the return five hour drive. Low and behold, the weather on their session date in May was absolutely perfect. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and the flowers were in full bloom. It was an ideal spring day!

Father Hennepin Park Engagement Session

We started their engagement photography session among the gorgeous flowering trees of Father Hennepin Bluff Park. We then wandered up and down St Anthony Main, lingering among the architecture of the vintage mills and buildings. They made such a stunning, vintage-urban backdrop. We eventually worked our way back down St Anthony Main, through Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, and out to the Stone Arch Bridge for a sunset view. Chantel + Quinn really wanted those city views from the Bridge, and they were not disappointed. From the city views, to the flowering trees, to the vintage buildings, to the sunset over the river, everything looked so perfect. And the two of them were happy as could be – joy and laughter abound!

Thank You!

Chantel + Quinn, thank you so much for choosing to work with me for your beautiful Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography. I loved your prewedding photography, and I am so excited for your big day!’

Take a look at more of my Stone Arch Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement sessions too!
Courtney + Blake
Alyssa + Dave
Lindsey + Bernie
Stephanie + Travis
Kim + Lucas

If you’re planning for Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography or prewedding photography, contact me soon!

ETA: Make sure to check out Chantel + Quinn’s beautiful Paikka and Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church wedding day too!