WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY ARCHIVES

Wedding Tea Ceremony Minneapolis | Jing + Alex

Chinese Tea Ceremony Wedding

Today’s blog is a two-part story. Jing + Alex had a busy day planned for their wedding. Their big day featured not one but TWO wedding ceremonies! They planned for a Chinese Tea Ceremony for the first half of the day, followed by a more traditional American-style wedding for the second part. Today’s blog post features their amazing Chinese Tea Ceremony!

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Day

We began their day with preparations for their Chinese Tea Ceremony. Jing used their suite at the Saint Paul Hotel, while Alex prepared at their home in New Brighton. Once everyone was ready to go, the guys traveled down and arrived at the suite’s door. They began an hour of fun and games to encourage Jing’s family and friends to “agree” to let Alex marry her! They asked Alex tons of questions about Jing, including her favorite movie stars, favorite color, birthdate and more. They hid her shoes and made Alex find them. They even had the groomsmen working on “feats of strength” including doing squats, lifting each other up, passing chopsticks without using hands, balloon-popping, and eating interesting and unusual Chinese foods!

Once the fun was over and Jing was given the “OK” to marry Alex, they held their Chinese Tea Ceremony right in the suite. Their wedding party and families were both witnesses to their fun event. Once their ceremony was complete, we had a chance to capture a few photos of them together as well as with their families. Afterward, they headed back to the suite to prepare for the second half of their day, their American-style wedding ceremony.

Stay Tuned!

Jing + Alex, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer for your amazing Tea Ceremony! The second part of their wedding day will be continued in the next blog post – stay tuned!

Also, be sure to take a look at another wedding that included a Chinese Tea Ceremony I photographed too!

Be sure to take a look at Jing + Alex’s Tea Ceremony wedding slideshow too!

VENDORS
Venue: The Saint Paul Hotel
Hair/Makeup: A-List Bridal Hair and Makeup
Wedding Rings: Etsy
Stationery: Mixbook, Paper Source

St Thomas More + Harriet Island Pavilion Wedding Photos | Hansol + Chris

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St Paul MN Wedding

Hansol + Chris met while Chris was living in South Korea. They connected over their love of travel, eating amazing foods, and seeing the world! They were married last fall in a spectacular South Korean celebration, and then they began planning for their US wedding. It was a bit tough planning while they are living in China, but they had local planners and family to help out. When their big day arrived, it was as perfect as they had hoped!

The day began with preparations at a few of Chris’ family’s homes. Hansol prepared at Chris’ parent’s home, Chris at his grandmother’s house. They held their first look, then stopped by Chris’ aunt’s home, a place of family legacy. We then stopped at the top of the High Bridge in St Paul for some beautiful photos of them with the St Paul skyline in the background. From there, we stopped at Mears Park in downtown for a few more portraits, and then on the ceremony.

St Thomas More Wedding Photos

Hansol + Chris’ wedding ceremony took place at St Thomas More Catholic Church in St Paul. The church and it’s surrounding gardens are so gorgeous! Their ceremony was so beautiful in the grand church. After their ceremony, they held a large group portrait on the front steps of the church. Then it was on to the reception and celebration!

Harriet Island Pavilion Wedding Reception

Hansol + Chris’ reception was held at the Harriet Island Pavilion. The venue was decked out with highlights from their world travels. After Hansol changed over into her beautiful red reception gown, they made their appearance during their grand entrance. After toasts and speeches, dinner was served, followed by their cupcake toast. From there, it was on to an amazing choreographed first dance and their simultaneous parent dances. And then a large group photo on the dance floor and dancing was enjoyed by all!

Thank You!

Hansol + Chris, thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer on your beautiful day! I am so happy for you both as you enjoy your new lives together.

Be sure to take a look at Hansol + Chris’ wedding slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: St Thomas More Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Harriet Island Pavilion
Wedding Coordinator: Ask for the Moon Events
Wedding Dress: Mysoo Dress
Hair/Makeup: D’Anna Ashcroft
Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein
Wedding Rings: Zhou Da Fu
Catering: Aesop’s Table
Rentals: Avant Decor
Desserts: Sweet Retreat
DJ: Instant Request
Videography: Pinnacle Film + Photo

Lyndale Peace Garden Wedding Photos | Allison + Sam

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Lyndale Peace Park Wedding

Allison + Sam were engaged to be married while living in Baltimore MD. With Sam being a MN native, they planned for their wedding to take place in Minneapolis. They decided to get married in a beautiful garden setting and loved the Lyndale Peace Garden.

Their day dawned with some rain but it quickly made way for the sun as they were preparing for their event. They arrived at the Peace Park and held their first look amidst laughter and tears of joy. We spent some time photographing them together as well as with their family and friends, and then it was on to the ceremony.

Allison + Sam’s wedding ceremony was quiet and simple, and again full of laughter and tears of joy. Allison’s brother provided the music and their friend officiated. They were so happy and joyful!

Stone Arch Bridge Wedding

Once their ceremony was complete, they headed off to the reception and made a quick side trip to the Stone Arch Bridge. They walked across the beautiful Bridge in front of the city skyline and heard numerous well-wishes from passers-by.

Alma Wedding Reception

Once they finished their quick side trip, we all headed to Alma for their dinner reception. The rooms were set for family and friends, and began with their cocktail hour prior to dinner. They had a wonderful evening celebrating with their closest family and friends.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Allison + Sam, for working with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I enjoyed meeting you, and am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together.

BONUS: Take a look at a fall Peace Garden engagement session, as well as a summer Peace Garden engagement session that I photographed too!

Be sure to take a look at their slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Lyndale Peace Garden
Reception Venue: Alma
Dress Vendor: Mori Lee, Azazie
Suit Vendor: Suit Supply, Indochino
Wedding Rings: Jade Moran Jewelry
Officiant: Aniello Alioto
Florist: Acanthus Floral Arts
Catering: Alma
Musician: Jeff Demas
Stationery: Paperless Post

Trellis Wedding + Profile Event Center Photos | LaShay + Jarid

By Joanna Carina 2 Comments

Trellis Outdoor Wedding

LaShay + Jarid grew up at opposite ends of the country. They both joined the Navy and met while stationed in Hawaii. The rest, as they say, is history! When they decided to get married, they planned to head back to LaShay’s home in Minnesota for the festivities. It made for some long-distance planning, but nothing they couldn’t handle with LaShay’s family still living in the area. They planned for a beautiful springtime Trellis Event Center wedding in Stillwater MN, followed by a Profile Event Center reception. Minnesota decided to show these Hawaiian residents how unpredictable a May wedding could be and showered them with snow! While it made for a bit of a chilly day, it was still beautiful – and definitely memorable!

The day began with preparations in the adorable cottage on the Trellis grounds. LaShay was in the bridal suite and Jarid in the upstairs guys’ lounge. Once their prepping was complete, we photographed LaShay + Jarid together for their first look. We did a quick stroll through the grounds and photographed them laughing through the snow. They were so cute! After their couple photos, we captured their family photos right before the ceremony was about to begin.

Vandalia Tower Wedding Photos

Once their ceremony was complete, we ditched our plans to visit the Stone Arch Bridge because of the snow and cold. We headed to my studio building, Vandalia Tower, and photographed LaShay + Jarid along with their bridal party in the lobby of the building. I’m so lucky to have this option available to me – the building has such beautiful light!

Profile Event Center Reception

After their bridal party photos, we all headed over to the Profile Event Center for their wedding reception. The cocktail hour started and LaShay + Jarid held their fun grand entrance. Dinner and toasts followed, and finally their cake cutting.

Once these were complete, they held their first dance, bouquet toss and garter toss. They then danced the night away and had a blast with all their family and friends!

Thank You!

LaShay + Jarid, thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer for your beautiful day! I am so honored to have worked with you, and so happy for the two of you (and sweet little Lily!) as you spend your lives together.

Make sure to a look at another Trellis Event Center wedding I photographed too! If you are planning a Trellis Event Center wedding, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

Be sure to take a look at LaShay + Jarid’s slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Trellis Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies
Reception Venue: Profile Event Center
Dress Vendor: Raffine Bridal
Suit Vendor: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Jared Diamond
Officiant: Johnny Hunter
Florist: Chilonda Medlock + Profile Event Center
Catering + Wedding Cake: Profile Event Center
DJ: Profile Event Center
Stationery: Adori Designs
Videography: Storyteller Videography

Semple Mansion Wedding Photos | Anna + Adam

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Semple Mansion Wedding

Anna + Adam grew up in Minnesota and eventually moved to Chicago. When they decided to get married, they knew they wanted to go back home to MN for the festivities. It made for some long-distance planning, but nothing they couldn’t handle with their families still living in the area. They planned for a winter wedding, and their Semple Mansion wedding was a gorgeous end-of-the-year festivity!

The day began with preparations at the Semple Mansion. Anna was in the gorgeous bridal suite and Adam in the elegant basement lounge. Once their prepping was complete, we photographed Anna + Adam together for their first look and portraits. Next up were wedding party and family portraits. We then headed off to Hamline Church in St Paul for the big event!

Hamline Church Wedding Ceremony

Their wedding ceremony was held at Hamline Church, a gorgeous vintage church in St Paul. It is filled with beautiful stained glass windows, stonework and lighting. Their ceremony was filled with laughter and tears of joy as they joined their lives together.

Semple Mansion Wedding Reception

After their ceremony, we all headed back to the Semple Mansion for their wedding reception. First up was the cocktail hour held on the main floor of the beautiful Semple Mansion. Guests enjoyed music and appetizers until Anna + Adam made their grand entrance. They then heralded everyone upstairs to the ballroom for dinner.

After dinner, Anna + Adam kicked off the festivities with a waltz and swing dance. After dancing with their parents, everyone flooded the dance floor and had a blast. Later in the evening, Anna + Adam were ushered away with a wild streamer popper send-off.

Thank You!

Anna + Adam, thank you so much for including me in your beautiful day as your Minneapolis wedding photographer! I am so honored to be able to work with you, and so happy for the two of you as you begin your new lives together.

If you are planning a Semple Mansion wedding, or any other mansion wedding, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

BONUS: Take a look at Anna + Adam’s Stillwater MN engagement photography session too!

Check out Anna + Adam’s slideshow for more!

VENDORS
Ceremony Venue: Hamline Church
Reception Venue: Semple Mansion
Wedding Dress: Macy’s
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Hair Stylist: TriBeCa Salon
Makeup: Your Look by Cathy Mylan
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank
Wedding Rings: James Allen
Officiant: Paul Calvin
Florist: Donato’s Direct
Catering: Brie Cater
Wedding Cake/Desserts: Cakes by Nancy
DJ: Instant Request
Stationery: Minted

Como Conservatory Wedding Photos | Elizabeth + David

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Como Conservatory Wedding

Elizabeth + David were married at the beautiful Como Conservatory in St Paul MN on clear mid-November day. They wanted to keep their celebration small and intimate, with only their closest friends and family in attendance.

We started their beautiful Como Conservatory wedding day in the late afternoon. We began with their First Look in the Sunken Garden itself. It was so sweet to see David tearing up when he saw Elizabeth for the first time! We then spent some time taking photos of the two of them alone in the Sunken Garden and Palm Dome. We then followed up with family photos as the sun was setting. Once we finished, it was time for them to prepare for their ceremony.

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony itself was stunning. It took place in the Sunken surrounded by a pond and numerous blooming flowers and greenery. The sun had set by then so the Conservatory was dramatically lit by the beautiful star lanterns. They were serenaded with singing and piano by their friends, and the officiant was a friend of theirs as well, so the ceremony was perfectly personal for them.

Following their ceremony, the guests headed over to the Ordway Garden to begin the cocktail hour. Elizabeth + David had a few minutes for photos of them alone inside the Sunken Garden. It’s such a stunning venue!

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

After their final few portraits, they headed in to the reception to mingle with family and friends. They held their cake cutting right away, thanked their guests for attending, and finished the night with an amazing buffet from Lancer.

Thank You!

Elizabeth + David, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I loved getting to know you and seeing your cute family together. I wish you the best in your new lives!

Are you considering a Como Park Conservatory wedding? Contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit together!

Be sure to take a look at some of my Como Conservatory fall wedding photos, Como Conservatory winter wedding photos and Como Conservatory summer wedding photos too!

ETA: Make sure to take a look at Elizabeth + David’s gorgeous custom-designed wedding photo album too!

Also take a look at the slideshow of images from Elizabeth + David’s big day:

VENDORS
Venue: Como Park Conservatory
Wedding Dress: Brides of France
Hair/Makeup: 139 Hair by Heidi
Wedding Rings: Wayzata Jewelers and Family Heirloom
Officiant: Tresca Allsman
Florist: Florea Floral
Catering: Lancer
Cake: Buttercream

MN Brewery Wedding Photos | Audrey + Gerardo

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Brewery Wedding Day

Audrey + Gerardo were from different parts of the world. She grew up in New York and he was from El Salvador. They met while working together here in the Twin Cities, and knew they were destined to be together. They held their beautiful Ascension Church and Urban Growler brewery wedding on a cool, mid-fall day.

Ascension Church Wedding

The wedding began with their first look in the garden of the church they attend in Minneapolis. Gerardo had the most infectious excitement when he saw Audrey for the first time that day! After the spent a few quiet moments alone, they were ready to greet their guests as they began arriving for the ceremony.

The moment was beautiful, and their own pastor presided over their ceremony. They were even able to incorporate a traditional Salvadoran ritual – the lasso ceremony – which symbolizes their unity for life. Once their ceremony was complete, they received their guests in a receiving line.

Urban Growler Brewery Reception

After they finished their wedding ceremony, they were off to the Urban Growler Brewery in St Paul for their reception. They had so much fun at their reception! They enjoyed cocktails with guests, ate from the fabulous taco bar from the Urban Growler, and cut their cake in front of family and friends. The room was hopping once the dancing was underway! And they even enjoyed a visit from their dog Rocky to take a few quick photos together. After their reception, they even headed out to a show with some family so they could party the night away.

Thank You!

Audrey + Gerardo, thank you so much for working with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer! It was so much fun seeing your happiness together! Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness!

If you are considering a MN beer brewery wedding and/or reception, contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit!

Take a look at a beer brewery engagement session I photographed too!

Take a look at their full slideshow too:

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Ascension Church
Reception Venue: Urban Growler
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair/Makeup: Juut Salon
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Helzberg
Catering: Urban Growler

Como Conservatory Wedding Photography | Kelly + Andy

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Como Conservatory Wedding

Kelly + Andy were married at the beautiful Como Conservatory in St Paul MN on a perfect September day. They wanted to keep their celebration small and intimate, with their closest friends and family in attendance.

We started their beautiful Como Conservatory wedding day in the late afternoon. We began with their First Look, then spent some time taking photos of the two of them alone. It’s always so much fun wandering the Como Park grounds and photographing among the beautiful landscape! We followed that up with family photos. Once we finished, it was time for them to prepare for their ceremony.

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony itself was so beautiful. It took place in the gorgeous glass conservatory surrounded by a fountain, pond and numerous blooming flowers and green shrubs. They were serenaded by Kelly’s violinist brother-in-law. It was late in the day so the sun was low in the sky, and the air was warm and perfect.

Following their ceremony, the guests headed over to the Ordway Garden to begin the cocktail hour. Kelly + Andy had a few minutes for photos of them alone inside the Sunken Garden. It’s such a gorgeous venue! (I may be a bit biased – this is where I got married too!)

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

After their final few portraits, they headed in to the reception to fanfare from family and friends. A surprise guest was brought out – Chloe the sloth! Afterward, they held their cake cutting. They finished the evening with cocktails and heavy apps amongst the bonsai trees of the Ordway Garden.

Thank You!

Kelly + Andy, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I loved getting to know you and seeing how cute you guys are together. I wish you the best in your new lives!

Are you considering a Como Park Conservatory wedding? Contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit together!

Be sure to take a look at some of my Como Conservatory winter wedding photos and my Como Conservatory summer wedding photos too!

Take a look at more of Kelly + Andy’s images in their slideshow too!

VENDORS
Venue: Como Conservatory
Wedding Dress, Accessories + Shoes: David’s Bridal
Hair/Makeup: The Blushing Room
Wedding Rings: Wixon/Shane Co
Officiant: Judge Tom Armstrong
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Buttercream
Musician: Family Member of Bride
Invitations: Vistaprint

Hope Glen Farm Wedding Photography | Ben + Marissa

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Hope Glen Farm Wedding

Ben + Marissa had a picture-perfect wedding day at Hope Glen Farm in Cottage Grove MN. The sky had only a few fluffy clouds and the grounds were perfect. I was so excited to be their Minneapolis wedding photographer!

They began prepping for their big day at the farm. When they were finished with their preparations, we held their first look under a shady tree near the back of the large barn. We spent some time with the two of them taking portraits together. Once their portraits were complete, we held their wedding party photos as well as their family photos. Then it was time to gather in the Corn Crib to prepare for their wedding ceremony.

MN Farm Wedding Ceremony

Ben + Marissa’s wedding ceremony was held outdoors on the grounds of Hope Glen Farm, near the new vineyard and looking to their new vine pergola with crystal chandelier. Marissa’s cousin Anton was their officiant, ensuring a very personalized ceremony. Once their ceremony was complete, they headed back to the Corn Crib to toast with their wedding party and sign the marriage license.

MN Farm Wedding Reception

Ben + Marissa headed out to join their cocktail hour and share drinks, stories and hugs with their guests. Guests especially enjoyed the bean bag and Jenga games. After their grand entrance, they began dinner and toasts. Ben’s dad brought laughter and tears by surprising them with a guitar song.

After their dinner, Ben + Marissa held their first dance along with dances with both of their mothers. Fun continued into the night with dancing, desserts and an addictive game of Minnow Racing.

Thank You!

Ben + Marissa, thank you so much for working with me as your wedding photographer. I had such an awesome time on your wedding day, and I wish you both the best in your life together!

Are you considering a Hope Glen Farm wedding? Contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit to work together!

Take a look here if you would like to see more MN farm weddings, MN barn weddings or rustic MN weddings too!

Take a look at more of their images in their slideshow too:

VENDORS
Venue: Hope Glen Farm
Catering: This Little Piggy Catering
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Bridesmaids Attire: Venus
Hair/Makeup: BB Makeup + Patrick Walker
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Helzberg
Stationery: Lovepop Cards
Florist: Custom Floral Design
Desserts: Kowalskis
DJ: Adagio DJ

Brewery + Farm Wedding Photos | Stacia + Tyler

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Brewery Wedding Ceremony

Stacia + Tyler had an amazing wedding day planned. They were going to have both a brewery AND Stacia’s family farm wedding. Coming from a family with a farm too, I had a special place in my heart for their big day. I was so incredibly excited when they decided to hire me as their MN wedding photographer!

Their day began down in Northridge Iowa. They prepared for their big day at both Worth Brewing Company as well as across the street at their friend’s store, Fringe & Lace. Once the two of them were ready, they decided they wanted to drive over to a beautiful vineyard near the edge of town for their first look. The area was small but stunning! From there, we headed over to the main park in town for a few more photos of them as well as photos with their wedding party. And finally we headed up to Worth Brewing for family photos before the ceremony.

After their beautiful ceremony, they had a cocktail hour in the main brewery. Then dinner and toasts were back upstairs in the party room. Once the brewery celebration was complete, we headed up to Hayward MN for their family farm reception.

Family Farm Wedding Reception

Stacia + Tyler’s reception was held at Stacia’s family farm in Hayward MN. The party and dancing was held in the large shed, and there was plenty of space to wander around and capture more photos of the two of them as well. After dancing had begun, they had the added bonus of candle-lit lanterns once it was dark. And then we followed with a sparkler exit as well.

Thank You!

Stacia + Tyler, thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer on one of the biggest days of your lives. I am so happy for you as you begin your new lives together!

If you are planning a brewery or farm wedding, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Take a look at another family farm wedding and MN barn wedding here too!

Check out more images from Stacia+Tyler’s day here!

VENDORS
Ceremony Venue: Worth Brewing Company
Reception Venue: Family Farm
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Bride’s Accessories: Fringe & Lace
Hair/Makeup: Expressions
Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A Banks
Wedding Rings: Jared’s
Catering: HyVee
Rentals: Western Rentals
DJ: Audioworks
Invitations: Shutterfly

Fine Art Wedding + Portrait Photography | Custom Heirloom Artwork Design

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY ARCHIVES

Chinese Tea Ceremony Wedding

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Day

Stay Tuned!

St Paul MN Wedding

Harriet Island Pavilion Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Lyndale Peace Park Wedding

Stone Arch Bridge Wedding

Alma Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Trellis Outdoor Wedding

Vandalia Tower Wedding Photos

Profile Event Center Reception

Thank You!

Semple Mansion Wedding

Hamline Church Wedding Ceremony

Semple Mansion Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Como Conservatory Wedding

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Brewery Wedding Day

Ascension Church Wedding

Urban Growler Brewery Reception

Thank You!

Como Conservatory Wedding

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

Thank You!

MN Farm Wedding Ceremony

MN Farm Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Brewery Wedding Ceremony

Family Farm Wedding Reception

Thank You!

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MINNEAPOLIS MN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY