ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY ARCHIVES

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

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 engagement 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 photo 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!

Take a look at their highlight video too:

St Paul Public Library Engagement + Family Photography | Kelly, Joe and Ayla

By Joanna Carina

St Paul Public Library Engagement Photos

Kelly and Joe might hold a record among all of my wedding couples. Most amount of years together prior to getting married. They finally decided to make it official. Their big day will be in the fall of this year. Instead of a simple engagement session, they wanted to incorporate their daughter Ayla and make it a hybrid engagement session AND family session. Such a great idea!

They decided on a Downtown St Paul Public Library Engagement and Family Session. (It’s also called the George Latimer Central Library.) Kelly chose it for her love of books, and Joe chose it for his love of classic architecture. It was the perfect spot! And even though it had been a rainy day, the rain stopped long enough for us to get a few images of them outside the library.

St Paul Engagement Photography

We spent time photographing Kelly + Joe alone, Ayla alone, and the three of them together. It was so fun being immersed in the stacks and rows of thousands of books. The structure of the historic building itself was stunning. There were so many rooms and areas to work in! We were unable to make it everywhere before the library closed for the day.

Image Viewing and Ordering

Once they reviewed their images, they chose to order an heirloom canvas wall art tryptic of some favorites: one image of Ayla, one image of Kelly + Joe, and one of all three of them together. I cannot wait to see the final artwork!

Thank You!

Kelly, Joe and Ayla, it was so much fun working on your St Paul Public Library engagement + family photography! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. I’m so excited to work with you as your engagement photographer. Best of luck with your wedding planning!

If you’re planning for library engagement or prewedding photography or family photography, contact me soon. I’d love to talk about working together!

ETA: Take a look at Kelly + Joe’s Theodore Wirth Chalet Wedding Photos too!

Engagement Photography Style Tips | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina

Engagement Photo Tips

As an engagement photographer, my couples ask me a lot of questions about their engagement photography and prewedding sessions. Today I thought I would answer some of those questions.

You know the old saying “Practice Makes Perfect”? If you want to feel more comfortable in front of a camera on your wedding day, it would help to practice. Engagement photography and prewedding photography is the perfect opportunity!

Engagement Session Details

Typically, engagement sessions last around 1-2 hours. It really depends on the location and/or activity you’ve chosen. When outdoors, we generally work in the last two hours before sunset. When indoors, we can work almost any time of the day. I want to create a memorable experience that works best for you. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have suggestions or ideas in mind.

Your engagement photos are perfect for Save-the-Date Announcements, Guest Books, Engagement Albums or Gift Prints. They are often cherished by couples simply because they show you spending time together. They capture you during an activity you enjoy without wedding day formality.

Where to Go

Selecting locations or activities that are meaningful to you will almost always result in better engagement photos. Think about how you like to spend time together and activities you both enjoy.

Some location 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
> On rides at a fair or carnival
> A destination or public garden
> On a picnic
> Around a barn
> A bowling alley
> An antique store
> Skating at a rink (summer or winter)
> A playground
> A baseball field

Style Tips

~ Consider dressier options (sport coat, dress, etc.)
~ Be comfortable. Select clothing that compliments you well.
~ Avoid matching, but compliment and coordinate together in color, style and level of formality.
~ Choose solid colors (not white).
~ Avoid sleeveless tops, baggy clothing, large logos, clashing patterns, cargo shorts/pants, sweats or track suits, athletic shoes, flip-flops, crocs, and men’s sandals.
~ Bring multiple outfit options. I can give advice on which options work best together.
~ Layers and textures translate well.
~ Remember details! Accessories, nails, shoes, etc. The level of care on the little things add up. Choose neutral nail polish if using.
~ Brides: consider testing your hair/makeup during your photo session. Professional hair and makeup will add some glamour.
~ Don’t stress! Engagement photos will be fun if you let yourself enjoy the experience. Consider having a date night afterward to celebrate your engagement!

More Info

Feel free to check my Pinterest “What to Wear // Engagements” board for visual representations of wardrobes that work well together. And be sure to let me know if you have any other questions. I would love to help you achieve the engagement or prewedding photography of your dreams!

Need some ideas for what you can do or where you can go for your engagement photography or prewedding session? Take a look at my Engagement Photography Ideas blog post for more information too!

Hidden Falls Regional Park Engagement Photography | Karen + Harrison

By Joanna Carina

Minneapolis Engagement Photography

When Karen + Harrison were getting married, our first step was working on their engagement photos. They were so excited about doing engagement photography! They were new to the Twin Cities area, and loved hiking and spending time together in nature. I gave them a few location ideas, and they decided to try Hidden Falls Regional Park prewedding photography. I had never photographed a session there before, and I’ve always wanted to try it. Hidden Falls Park certainly did not disappoint. It was absolutely spectacular for our photo session!

Hidden Falls Park Engagement Session

We were lucky that the water was pretty high during this point of the year. Usually during a Minnesota fall, rivers are rather low and waterfalls can be pretty dried up. Our first stop at Hidden Falls itself was just perfect. The waterfall was bubbling and rushing and gorgeous! Karen + Harrison were happy to climb around anywhere I asked. They are so cute together! We also spent time on the amazing stone staircase before heading out to the next leg of our session.

Mississippi River Engagement Photography

After the waterfall, we headed closer to the river. We spent some time photographing them hiking through the woods and around the creek, as well as pausing on the quaint bridge. Then we headed down to the riverside to photograph them with the beach and some of the gorgeous trees. Again, we were lucky the water was high. The trees looked amazing surrounded by the river! And the sun was setting just as we were finishing up with our session. Spectacular!

Thank You!

Karen + Harrison, thank you so much for choosing to work with me for your engagement and wedding photography. I adored your prewedding photography and spending time together. Your engagement album will be so amazing. I am so excited for your wedding next year!

If you’d like to talk more about working at Hidden Falls Regional Park for your engagement prewedding photography, contact me soon!

Update: Take a look at the photography from Karen + Harrison’s beautiful Van Dusen Mansion wedding too!

Take a look at their highlight video here:

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Courtney + Blake

By Joanna Carina

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photos

Courtney + Blake live (and spend a lot of time) in downtown Minneapolis. They wanted quintessential engagement photography, so the Stone Arch Bridge fit the bill perfectly. I proposed Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement photos, as there are so many gorgeous locations which feature the Stone Arch Bridge in the background, and the addition of the river and trees would for such beautiful engagement photos. They agreed in a heartbeat!

Father Hennepin Park Engagement Photos

We visited Father Hennepin Bluff Park in the early fall. The leaves were changing and the sun was getting lower in the sky. The park was ablaze with the golden sun, cool river, and fall colors. It was absolutely gorgeous for our session! The crowds of people filling the park and bridge were evidence that many Minneapolis folks felt the same way. We had such a great time meandering through the beautiful park and creating amazing engagement portraits together. Courtney + Blake also wanted to include their sweet dog Jágr into the photos. She was so patient and cooperative for the session – a real trooper!

Thank You!

Courtney + Blake, thank you so much for choosing to work with me for your engagement photography. I loved your Stone Arch Bridge prewedding photography! I am so happy for the two of you, and so excited for your wedding next year. Courtney, your parent’s farm will be such a gorgeous backdrop as you both tie the knot. I am excited to see the barn in all it’s wedding day glory!

ETA: Make sure to check out Courtney + Blake’s gorgeous rustic farm wedding photography too!

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

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

Take a look at their engagement session highlights here:

Mears Park Engagement Photography | Taylor + Jordan

By Joanna Carina

Mears Park Engagement Photography

Taylor + Jordan came to me with tons of ideas for their engagement photography. They live directly across the street from Mears Park in St Paul, and knew immediately they wanted their engagement photos there. Mears Park fits them perfectly. They loved living in their cute apartment with amazing rooftop deck and great views of downtown St Paul. The Mears Park creek, boulders, waterfalls, gardens, and landscaping throughout made for an awesome backdrop. The park is surrounded by glowing city lights and sidewalks too. Mears Park always delights with amazing images that can be captured there, with such perfect lighting and beautiful scenery. And as an extra bonus, the infrared images I like to capture are truly spectacular with the birch tree scenery.

Mears Park Engagement Session

As much as we wanted to linger, we had to move quickly so the mosquitoes wouldn’t have us for dinner. We spent time around the birch tree-lined creek, and also on the tree-covered sidewalks and in a few nearby rustic brick alleys. We were even able to capture our final images as the sun set and the clouds looked wild from their spectacular rooftop terrace. As we were talking, we even discovered that we had some friends in common and have probably run into each other in the past – such a small world!

Thank You!

Taylor + Jordan, thank you so much for choosing to work with me for your engagement and wedding photography. I am so excited for your wedding next year, which will be held at one of my favorite locations – Aria! And of course, I am so happy for the two of you as you start your new lives together!

Want to talk about engagement or prewedding photography at Mears Park? Contact me soon!

Update: Take a look at Taylor + Jordan’s beautiful Aria Minneapolis wedding photography!

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Stephanie + Travis

By Joanna Carina

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photos

Stephanie + Travis had been hoping to have their engagement photography session for quite awhile now. However, their schedule was filled with wedding planning, several international trips and even a new home purchase. Their prewedding photography session was pushed back until barely a month before the big day! The wedding would be at the Minneapolis Club in downtown Minneapolis. Since the city vibe is important to them and their day, they decided a Stone Arch Bridge engagement session was a perfect fit for them.

Father Hennepin Park Engagement Photos

We met up at Father Hennepin Bluff Park so we could have the Stone Arch Bridge, city and beautiful natural scenery around us. And as expected, the park did not disappoint. The quaint trails, wooden bridges, river’s edge, and views of the Stone Arch Bridge gave the feel that we were miles out of the city. However, we were really in the midst of it all.

As a bonus, I recently decided to dust off my film camera and work to create some beautiful, timeless black and white film images during our session. I’m so happy to say that it felt like I just picked up where I left off all those years ago. I LOVE these film images! I’ve worked exclusively digital for about 12 years now. While there is a place in my heart for the pure color achieved with my digital images, there are some significant structural differences with film that I was missing all these years. I’m happy to be back!

Thank You!

Stephanie + Travis, I am so thankful to you for choosing to work with me for your engagement photography. And I am so happy you enjoyed your prewedding photography! 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
Alyssa + Dave
Lindsey + Bernie
Kim + Lucas

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

ETA: Be sure to take a look at Steph + Travis’ gorgeous Minneapolis Club wedding photos too!

Check out their highlight video for more images:

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photography | Allison + Joseph

By Joanna Carina

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos

“Yikes, there’s one!” ~Whack~

“OK, you guys, let’s walk over this way.”

“Hold on, there’s another one!” ~Whack~

So went Allison + Joseph’s Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement session. Allison + Joseph have been planning their wedding date for a mid-winter day at the MN Landscape Arboretum. Naturally they chose an engagement session that contrasted with gorgeous scenery of the Landscape Arboretum in the summertime. We forgot, however, that Minnesota in late summer is pretty much a full-on mosquito party. Nothing a little swatting couldn’t handle, of course!

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Session

We started their session at the Arboretum Dog Walking Park. It’s an awesome trail through the woods and the beautiful landscape. It’s a great nature hike for humans and canines to enjoy together. Nothing like the plain chain-link fenced plots of grass or dirt that make up most dog parks in the area. Allison, Joseph and their two fur-babies had such fun together! Once their doggies left with “grandma,” the rest of us continued on. We photographed in some of the other gorgeous parts of the park, including the Japanese Garden, waterfall, and near an amazing tree out in the Prairie area.

At their Image Viewing and Ordering Session, Allison + Joseph chose to order a 10×10 Engagement Album, Save the Date cards, and a few gift prints. I can’t wait to show them their final items in a few weeks. They will be so beautiful!

Thank You!

Allison + Joseph, thank you so much for working with me as your engagement photographer. I’ve had such a great time getting to know you. I am so excited for your big day in January!

If you’re planning for MN Landscape Arboretum engagement or prewedding photography, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to check out Allison + Joseph’s MN Landscape Arboretum wedding photos!

EXTRA BONUS: Be sure to take a look at additional engagement sessions I photographed at the MN Landscape Arboretum, including a summer engagement session, a winter light sculpture engagement session, another summer engagement session, an autumn engagement session, a winter Landscape Arboretum engagement session, and another autumn Arboretum engagement session.

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 the Como Conservatory had 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!