Como Conservatory Archives | Portrait + Wedding Photographer Carina Photographics

Chinese Tea Ceremony Wedding Photos | Weiman + Spencer

Como Chinese Tea Ceremony Wedding Photos

Weiman + Spencer were living out-of-state while planning their wedding day Chinese Tea Ceremony. I was so happy they chose me for their wedding photography. Their wedding event was held in St Paul’s Como Conservatory Sunken Garden. (I even love the Conservatory so much, I got married there myself!) They planned their event based on a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony, and I was so excited!

Como Conservatory Wedding Photography

The day began with some photos of the two of them together around the grounds of Como Park. We then photographed them with their families prior to the ceremony. Once that was finished, we were able to head into the Sunken Garden for the big event.

Their wedding was officiated by one of their good friends. They incorporated the Tea Ceremony elements, honoring and thanking their families in the process. When all was finished, they had a few more minutes for Conservatory photos before heading off to their celebratory dinner, and then heading back to Washington to begin their new lives together.

Thank You!

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

If you are considering a Chinese Tea Ceremony or Como Conservatory wedding, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at another Chinese Tea Ceremony I photographed, as well as a few other Como Conservatory weddings I photographed, including rainy day Como Conservatory wedding photos, summertime Sunken Garden wedding photos, an evening Como Conservatory wedding, a Covered Porch wedding, an early autumn Conservatory wedding, another summer Conservatory wedding, another autumn Sunken Garden wedding, another summer Conservatory wedding, and a North Garden elopement.

Como Wedding + MN History Center Reception Photos | Nazanin + Jack

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Conservatory Wedding

Nazanin + Jack were busy grad school students living out of state. I was so delighted to be chosen to work with them for their two-day Minnesota wedding celebration in the spring, and worked closely with their families to plan for their event.

The first day began with Nazanin’s preparations in the L’Etoile Room at the Saint Paul Hotel while Jack was mingling with guests for the pre-ceremony cocktail hour at the Minnesota History Center nearby. Once everyone was ready, we all headed over to the Como Park Conservatory’s for their wedding ceremony in the Sunken Garden.

Nazanin + Jack’s ceremony was so beautiful! A string quartet serenaded them before they spoke their vows, and everyone was absolutely ecstatic for the two of them. They had their receiving line in the Palm Dome afterward, and then everyone headed back to the MN History Center for their dinner and celebration.

Minnesota History Center Reception

Once Nazanin + Jack arrived at the History Center, they had an amazing dinner followed by toasts and speeches, a few fun photos, and then their cake cutting. Afterward, guests enjoyed the dessert bar while dancing and sipping cocktails. The party really ramped up once the Persian dancing began, and everyone flooded the dance floor having a ball.

Thank You!

Nazanin + Jack, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding celebration! I had so much fun working with you and your families. Be sure to watch for the second day blog of their celebration, coming soon!

If you are considering a Como Conservatory wedding or MN History Center wedding, contact me!

BONUS: Take a look at another MN History Center wedding I photographed too!

VENDORS
Wedding Prep Venue: Saint Paul Hotel
Wedding Venue: Como Park Conservatory
Reception Venue: MN History Center
Catering: D’amico
HMUA: Warpaint
Rentals: Apres
Ceremony Music: Birchwood String Quartet
Videography: Harvest Film Co
Transportation: Renee’s Limousines
DJ: Generation NOW DJs

Como Conservatory Wedding Photography | Tara + Matt

By Joanna Carina

Como Sunken Garden Wedding Photos

Tara + Matt’s wedding day started out a bit drizzly. Luckily, it didn’t last long. Once they held their first look in the Sunken Garden, the rain was over so we could make it outside for pre-ceremony photos of them and their families and wedding party. Everything was so beautiful!

Their wedding ceremony was held in St Paul’s Como Conservatory Sunken Garden. (I love the Conservatory so much, I got married there myself!) By the time their ceremony was over, we were able to capture some photos of the two of them in the Sunken Garden alone during sunset – it was absolutely incredible! I don’t think I’ve ever seen the lighting as perfect as it was that night.

Ordway Garden Reception Photography

Following their sunset photos, we headed over to the Ordway Garden for their reception. They had so much fun! They had a cocktail hour followed by a buffet dinner, and then they all danced away into the night. There was non-stop laughter and everyone had a ball dancing away into the night!

Thank You!

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

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

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at a few other weddings I photographed at Como Park, including rainy day Como Conservatory wedding photos, summertime Sunken Garden wedding photos, an evening Como Conservatory wedding, a Covered Porch wedding, an early autumn Conservatory wedding, another summer Conservatory wedding, another autumn Sunken Garden wedding, another summer Conservatory wedding, and a North Garden elopement.

VENDORS
Venue: Como Conservatory
Hair/Makeup: Uptown Curl
Groom’s Attire: Banana Republic
Florist: Sonja Tosteson
Officiant: Deb Karulf
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Buttercream

Sunken Garden Wedding Photography | Kathleen + Jon

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

Kathleen + Jon were getting married at the Sunken Garden in St Paul’s Como Conservatory. (I love it so much, I got married there myself!) Their September day was so gorgeous, with perfect temps and stunningly blue skies.

We started with a first look right as they arrived at Como Park. They were so excited, and it was so fun to see how happy they were together! We followed up with photos with their wedding party as well as their families. After the photos, it was on to the big event.

Their ceremony took place in the Marjorie McNeeley Conservatory just before dusk. Everything was so gorgeous! Once their ceremony was done, the guests left for the reception while we remained behind to get a few photos of them inside the Sunken Garden. Afterward we headed outside to get some beautiful sunset photos before they were off to the Rainforest Room to celebrate the night away.

Thank You!

Kathleen + Jon, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful wedding photos! I had so much fun on your big day, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

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

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at a few other weddings I photographed at Como Park, including rainy day Como Conservatory wedding photos, summertime Sunken Garden wedding photos, an evening Como Conservatory wedding, a Covered Porch wedding, another summer Conservatory wedding, another autumn Sunken Garden wedding, another summer Conservatory wedding, another autumn Conservatory wedding, and a North Garden elopement.

VENDORS
Venue: Como Conservatory
Wedding Dress: BHLDN
Groom’s Attire: Milbern’s
Florist: Lexington Floral
Officiant: Willa Simmet
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Buttercream

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Proposal Photos | Kevin + Jeanna

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Conservatory Proposal Photography

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 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 Sunken Garden in St Paul’s Como Conservatory. (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 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: Be sure to take a look at a few other weddings I photographed at Como Park, including rainy day Como Conservatory wedding photos, summertime Sunken Garden wedding photos, an evening Como Conservatory wedding, an early autumn Conservatory wedding, another summer Conservatory wedding, another autumn Sunken Garden wedding, another summer Conservatory wedding, another autumn Conservatory wedding, and a North Garden elopement.

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 + 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

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 Sunken Garden in St Paul’s Como Conservatory. (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!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at a few other weddings I photographed at Como Park, including rainy day Como Conservatory wedding photos, summertime Sunken Garden wedding photos, an evening Como Conservatory wedding, a Covered Porch wedding, an early autumn Conservatory wedding, another summer Conservatory wedding, another autumn Sunken Garden wedding, another autumn Conservatory wedding, and a North Garden elopement.

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

Como Park Engagement Photography | Ferlyn + Neal

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Engagement Photos

Ferlyn called me one day and wanted to work together for her engagement portraits with her fiancé Neal. They were outdoorsy and wanted to photograph somewhere with beautiful, natural gardens and grounds. I was so excited that they settled on Como Park for their engagement portraits. It’s such a beautiful location, and one of my favorite parks in the Twin Cities!

Como Conservatory Engagement Portraits

The day came and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. It was just warming up and a number of beautiful spring flowers were in bloom. We had so much fun wandering around in front of the Conservatory, the Enchanted Garden, and the Frog Pond and pergola. Ferlyn’s sister came along for moral support as well as helping as my photo assistant lol!

Once their portraits were complete, they came out to my photo studio to review and choose their favorite photos, and then order their heirloom artwork. They settled on a beautiful Graphistudio portrait album and prints.

Thank You!

Ferlyn + Neal, thank you so much for working with me for your engagement photography! I had so much fun working with you two. And I am so excited to see your stunning portrait artwork in person!

If you are considering Como Park and/or Conservatory proposal or engagement photos, contact me soon!

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 spring engagement session, another winter engagement session, a summer engagement session, another summer engagement session, an anniversary portrait session, and even a Como Town Amusement Park engagement session!

Como Sunken Garden Proposal Photography | Sam + Robyn

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Conservatory Proposal Photography

I received a call one afternoon from Sam. He lived in North Carolina, and he and his girlfriend Robyn were planning to travel to Minnesota in December to visit with Sam’s extended family. While on their trip, he planned to propose to Robyn, and he loved the Como Conservatory Sunken Garden venue. I was so excited to work with them!

Sam decided to bring Robyn to the Conservatory before they headed out to dinner in Minneapolis. I was there early, and when they arrived, I pretended to be a random person photographing flowers. Sam walked Robyn to the end of the Sunken Garden and proposed at the top of the landing. Robyn was shocked! She stood with mouth agape for quite awhile, then reached over and gave Sam a big kiss! They were so adorable! They finally turned toward me and I yelled out “surprise!” and we all had a good laugh. We then had extra 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!

Sam + Robyn, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful proposal photography! 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 Como Conservatory proposal photography, contact me soon!

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

North Garden Elopement Photography | Catheryn + Ezekiel

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Conservatory Proposal Photography

Catheryn + Ezekiel were engaged and had been planning to have an outdoor backyard wedding during the Covid pandemic. They waited and watched to see how to pandemic would unfold. Finally they decided they were just too nervous to have a wedding with a number of traveling friends and relatives risking illness. So they decided to elope! They chose to work with Leslie of Charmed Petites Wedding to arrange the elopement as well as be their officiant. They chose Como Park due to its small size, the gorgeous venue, and their love of plants. (Ezekiel’s grandfather had owned a garden store – how cool is that?)

Catheryn + Ezekiel arrived at Como Park in a limousine one autumn afternoon. We headed indoors to the Como Conservatory North Garden for their ceremony. They first started by live-streaming their closest relatives so they could attend without being there in-person or needing to travel. Their ceremony was short and sweet, and they were married! Afterward, we captured more photos in the North Garden, especially near the Allspice plant as an homage to Ezekiel’s grandfather. We also had a little extra time for photos outside to capture the beautiful building before they headed off to their Davidson Hotel weekend celebration.

Thank You!

Catheryn + Ezekiel, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful elopement photography! 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 Como Conservatory wedding or elopement photography, contact me soon!