Como Park Conservatory Archives | Carina Photographics

Como Conservatory Engagement Proposal Photography | Sami + Cody

Como Park Engagement Proposal

Samantha contacted me one day looking for engagement and proposal photos for her and her love, Cody. They were planning for a Como Conservatory engagement proposal and Como Park proposal portraits. I was so excited – it’s one of my favorite venues!

Como Conservatory Engagement Portraits

The day came for their engagement proposal, and it was a bit chilly and rainy. They arrived and we started with a few portraits. Then, when the two of them arrived at the stairway landing, Cody got down on one knee and proposed! Sami was so excited, and had tears of joy! We spent a bit more time around the Conservatory to capture more photos of the two of them. Then the skies cleared up, and we walked down past the Frog Pond and gardens to capture a few more portraits of them together and their happiness. We only had about another half an hour before they were finished and rushed off to announce their engagement to family and friends!

Thank You!

Sami + Cody, thank you so much for working with me for your engagement photography! I had so much fun working with you for your engagement photos. I am also so excited to see your beautiful new engagement photo album in person!

If you are considering Como Conservatory proposal photos, 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 summer Como Park proposal, a winter Como Park proposal, and an autumn Conservatory proposal.

Como Park Conservatory Engagement Photography | Katie + Jared

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Engagement Session

Jared + Katie were excited to have an engagement photo session the summer before their big day in 2021. They wanted photos to treasure as well as photos for their Save-the-Date cards. We talked over options, and they loved the idea of Como Park and Conservatory for its gorgeous green space as well as being the site of one of their first dates. I will admit I am biased toward Como Park, as I got married there myself! 🙂

Como Conservatory Engagement Portraits

The day came for their engagement session, and lucky for us, the closure of the Conservatory (due to the pandemic) meant that we had most of the park to ourselves. We spent lots of time around the Conservatory, Frog Pond, pergola, gardens, benches and green space all around. We even had time to visit Como Park’s new Lily Pond feature with its bridges, flowers, pergola, pond and fountains. It is such a beautiful park. We worked together for about 1-1/2 hours and had an awesome time!

Thank You!

Katie + Jared, thank you so much for working with me as your engagement photographer! I had so much fun working with you for your beautiful engagement photos. And I am so excited for your big day next year!

If you are considering Conservatory 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, another spring engagement session, a summer engagement session, an anniversary portrait session, and even a Como Town Amusement Park engagement session!

EXTRA BONUS: Be sure to check out Katie + Jared’s slideshow of their engagement photos too!

Graduate Hotel, Hamline Church + Como Conservatory Wedding Photography | Alison + Steve

By Joanna Carina

Graduate Hotel, Hamline Church and Como Conservatory Wedding Day

Alison + Stephen were married on a mild, early November day. We began their big day with preparations at the Graduate Hotel, in Dinkytown by the U of M, in Minneapolis MN. Once preparations were complete, we headed over to Como Park for their First Look and wedding portraits.

Como Conservatory Wedding Photos

Alison + Steve had their First Look in the Palm Dome of the Como Park Conservatory – they were so cute! They were so excited to see each other, and so relieved and happy too. Once they held their First Look, we headed over to the North Garden for more portraits. Then we even had time to work in the Sunken Garden for more portraits. The fall flower show was so beautiful and made an amazing backdrop for their portraits. After that and a few quick shots in the Fern Room, we headed outdoors for wedding party portraits too.

We held their wedding party portraits outdoors in the newer formal garden outside the front entrance of the Conservatory – they were all so cute together, and so happy to be together and support Alison + Steve on their big day! Afterward, we finally headed over to Hamline Church in St Paul for the big event!

Hamline United Methodist Church Wedding

Alison + Steve were married at Hamline United Methodist Church in St Paul – a gorgeous vintage-style stonework church. We had plenty of time for wedding party and family photos beforehand, as well as some big group photos afterward. Then it was on to the party at the Graduate Hotel in Minneapolis!

Graduate Hotel Wedding Reception

Once they returned to the Graduate Hotel in Minneapolis, it was time to party it up! They had a fun cocktail hour, then dinner and toasts. Then Alison + Steve danced the night away with their family and friends.

Thank You!

Alison + Steve, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer for your beautiful day. I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at Alison + Steve’s beautiful Mill City Museum engagement photos too!

BONUS 2: Take a look at another Graduate Hotel wedding, Como Conservatory wedding and Hamline Church wedding that I’ve photographed too!

Take a look at Alison + Steve’s slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Hamline United Methodist Church
Reception Venue: Graduate Hotel Minneapolis
Portrait Venue: Como Conservatory
Wedding Planner: Maddie Huntwork, Ask for the Moon Events
Wedding + Bridesmaids Dresses: JenMar Creations
Hair/Makeup: Onsite Muse
Florist: Studio B Floral
Wedding Cake: Buttercream
Rentals: Festivities
Welcome Favors: Miss Sara’s Cakery
Thank You Favors: Sara’s Tipsy Pies
DJ: Instant Request
Photo Booth: The Traveling Photo Booth
Transportation: 10,000 Lakes Transportation

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Wedding Photography | Jing + Alex

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Wedding Day

Today’s blog post features part two of Jing + Alex’s amazing wedding day. Take a look at the first part – their beautiful Chinese Tea Ceremony wedding that happened earlier in their day.

After Jing + Alex’s Tea Ceremony, they headed back up to their Saint Paul Hotel suite to prepare for their American-style wedding ceremony. Jing prepared first, then hid as Alex completed his preparations.

They first headed down to read cards they had written for each other. Then we headed out to the Saint Paul Hotel gardens to hold their first look. They were so sweet and filled with tears of joy! We all then packed up in our cars and headed to Como Park for the remainder of their day.

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Wedding Ceremony

We began their Como Park wedding day with portraits of Jing + Alex together. This was followed by photos with their wedding party. After these were finished, we prepared for their Sunken Garden wedding ceremony.

Their ceremony was so beautiful! They were married amongst the summer flower show in the Sunken Garden of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory – stunning! Once their ceremony was finished, we had time for a few more portraits among the flowers before heading upstairs to their wedding reception.

Como Park Wedding Reception

Jing + Alex’s Como Park wedding reception in the Bullard Rainforest Auditorium began with a cocktail hour featuring Chloe the sloth! Chloe was a big hit, and was so cute as she slowly munched her snacks. Dinner was followed with several toasts and then finally dancing until the late hours of the night.

Thank You!

Jing + Alex, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer on your beautiful day! I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together.

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

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at another Como Conservatory Chinese Tea Ceremony, as well as a few other weddings I photographed at Como Park, including Como Japanese Garden wedding photography, Sunken Garden wedding photographs, rainy day Como Conservatory 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, a winter Como Sunken Garden wedding, another autumn Conservatory wedding, and a North Garden elopement.

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

VENDORS
Prep Venue: The Saint Paul Hotel
Wedding Venue: Como Park Conservatory Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Como Park Conservatory Bullard Rainforest Auditorium
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair/Makeup: A-List Bridal Hair and Makeup
Wedding Rings: Etsy
Officiant: Tom Armstrong
Catering: Lancer Catering
Wedding Cake: Buttercream
Stationery: Mixbook, Paper Source

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography | Sarah + Eric

By Joanna Carina

Como Conservatory Engagement Session

Sarah + Eric live in Chicago. They are planning for their Mill City Museum in Minneapolis later this summer, and were in town to work on planning and details for their big day. So we made time for their engagement photography while they were here too. Since it was winter, and a bitterly cold time of year at that, they loved the idea of having Como Conservatory engagement photos.

St Paul Engagement Photography

We started first thing on a busy weekday morning. Sarah + Eric wanted a few photos with their puppy Sage, so we started off outdoors. Sage was so adorable, and was a perfect model, especially considering it was below zero that morning!

After Sage headed home with Sarah’s dad, the three of us ran indoors to the warm, humid Conservatory. The Sunken Garden featured the bright, fun colors of the spring flower show. Bonus: the light that morning was amazing! The filtered sun was perfect – not too harsh or dull. The gorgeous water, greenery, bright flowers and wonderfully humid air really made us feel like we were in the tropics. We worked in the Sunken Garden, Palm Dome and North Garden before our hour was up. When we were finished, we had a short turnaround until Sarah + Eric came to my studio to see their final photos as they were only in town for a couple of days. They loved their photos!

Thank You!

Thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your engagement photographer, Sarah + Eric. I loved working with you both (and Sage too!) I can’t wait to photograph your wedding later this summer!

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

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at some other engagement sessions I photographed at Como Park, including a spring engagement session, another spring 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 more of Sarah + Eric’s beautiful Como Park Conservatory engagement photos here too!

Como Conservatory MN Wedding Photography | Elizabeth + David

By Joanna Carina

Como Conservatory Wedding

Elizabeth + David held a beautiful Como Conservatory Sunken Garden wedding 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 wedding 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 Garden 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 gorgeous venue!

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

After their final few portraits, they headed to their Como Conservatory Ordway Garden 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 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!

BONUS: 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
Wedding Venue: Como Conservatory Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Como Conservatory Ordway Garden
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

Sunken Garden Wedding Photography | Kelly + Andy

By Joanna Carina

Como Park 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.

Sunken Garden 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!)

Ordway Garden 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 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!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at a few other weddings I photographed at Como Park, including Como Japanese Garden wedding photography, Sunken Garden wedding photographs, a winter Sunken Garden wedding, 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 summer Conservatory wedding, another autumn Conservatory wedding, and a North Garden elopement.

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

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Como Conservatory Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Como Conservatory Ordway Garden
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

Como Conservatory Wedding Photography | Naiyuan + Bryan

By Joanna Carina

Como Conservatory Wedding

Naiyuan + Bryan held a beautiful Como Conservatory wedding in St Paul MN on a warm June day. They chose the venue because it was the location of their second date! They wanted to keep their celebration small and intimate, with about 30 of their closest friends and family in attendance.

We started their beautiful Como Conservatory wedding day shortly before the ceremony. We began by taking photos of the two of them alone, as well as a few with their parents. 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 a string quartet. It was late in the day so the sun was low in the sky, and the air was still and perfect.

Following their ceremony, Naiyuan changed out of her elegant white lace wedding gown. Meanwhile, the guests headed over to the Ordway Garden to begin the cocktail hour. Naiyuan emerged in a beautiful red lace reception dress. We had a few minutes to capture some images of them alone inside the Sunken Garden.

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

After their final couple portraits, they headed in to the reception to fanfare from family and friends. Before dinner began, they headed out for Naiyuan to toss her bouquet. (Her sister caught it – she was so excited!) Afterward, they held their cake cutting. They finished the evening with an amazing dinner amongst the bonsai trees of the Ordway Garden.

Thank You!

Naiyuan + Bryan, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your wedding photographer. It was so great meeting you and seeing your happiness on your big day. I wish you the best in your new lives together!

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

Take a look at more of Naiyuan + Bryan’s beautiful Como Conservatory wedding photos here too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Como Conservatory Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Como Conservatory Ordway Garden
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Buttercream
Officiant: Positively Charmed

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography | Brittany + Danny

By Joanna Carina

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 engagement photography. Since it was winter, they loved the idea of having Como Conservatory prewedding photos.

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 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!

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

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at some other engagement sessions I photographed at Como Park, including a winter engagement session, a spring 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 more of Brittany + Danny’s beautiful Como Park Conservatory engagement photos here too!

Como Park Conservatory Engagement Photography | Carissa + Ryan

By Joanna Carina

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 for beautiful Como Conservatory prewedding photos 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 engagement photographer, and I cannot wait for your big day!

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