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

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!

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 Photos | Jing + Alex

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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 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.

Be sure to take a look at an early summer Como Conservatory wedding, a late summer Como Conservatory wedding, and a fall Como Conservatory wedding I photographed too!

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
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 Photos | Sarah + Eric

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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 Minneapolis 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 working at the Como Conservatory.

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 Minneapolis engagement photographer, Sarah + Eric. I loved working with you both (and Sage too!) I can’t wait to photograph your wedding later this summer!

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

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

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

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, Como Conservatory summer wedding photos and Sunken Garden 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

Como Conservatory Wedding Photography | Naiyuan + Bryan

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Como Conservatory Wedding

Naiyuan + Bryan were married at the beautiful Como Conservatory 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 Minneapolis 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!

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

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

VENDORS
Venue: Como Conservatory
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Buttercream
Officiant: Positively Charmed

Como Town Amusement Park Engagement Photos | Liz + Zack

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Fun Como Town Amusement Park Photos

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

Como Town Engagement Session

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

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

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

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

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

Como Park Maternity Photos | Safiyyah + Rory

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Minneapolis Maternity Photography

As a Minneapolis maternity photographer, it’s fun to catch up with my clients after their wedding day. It’s a big treat is when they contact me to photograph them as their family grows. I was SO excited when Safiyyah + Rory wanted me to photograph both their Minneapolis maternity session AND their newborn session. (I photographed their 2014 Aria wedding photography!)

For their maternity session, Safiyyah + Rory wanted to work in a natural setting. We all felt that a Como Park maternity session would be a great choice. There were a lot of beautiful location options. Also, being a nice big park, Como would be open enough so we wouldn’t be crowded. The added bonus was they could bring their dog, Maddox, to the session for a few photos too.

Como Park Maternity Session

We visited Como Park on a beautiful mid-July afternoon. We were able to spend some time photographing by the waterfall outside of the Lakeside Pavilion. We then headed closer to the Frog Pond right outside Como Park Conservatory. And we finished our session by the new walking bridge and fountain. Each place was so beautiful! The sun and its late-afternoon light was perfect. The mid-summer trees were perfect. The waterfall and pond/fountain was perfect. We had such an amazing time!

Thank You!

Safiyyah + Rory, thank you so much for choosing to work with me on your Como Park maternity photography. I always love working with you guys. And I am so happy for your new family, you will be such awesome parents!

Update: Take a look at the following blog post highlighting Safiyyah + Rory’s Minneapolis newborn photography too!

Take a look at another of my blog posts featuring a Como Park maternity session!

If you are planning for Minneapolis maternity photos, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Paikka + Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church Wedding Photos | Chantel + Quinn

By Joanna Carina 1 Comment

Paikka Wedding Photos

Chantel + Quinn are natives of the Twin Cities area. They happened to be living in Kansas City while they were planning their wedding back here in Minnesota. I was so excited to be hired as their Minneapolis wedding photographer too. The wedding ceremony was planned for Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church. This is a beautiful, historical building looking out over the lake and greenery of the parks. They planned their reception for Paikka, a new event venue at the Vandalia Tower complex in St Paul. I also happen to have my photo studio there! Their out-of-town planning made for some challenges, but they were still able to visit Minneapolis quite a bit for coordinating.

Wedding Ceremony

The day started with Chantel prepping with her bridesmaids at the Doubletree by Hilton, while Quinn was with his groomsmen at Paikka. Once their preparations were complete, we all headed over to Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church for their first look and couple portraits, as well as wedding party and family portraits in front of the church. Their wedding ceremony was a beautiful event, even full of some surprise laughs.

Wedding Reception

After their wedding ceremony, the wedding party headed over to Como Park in St Paul for a few more wedding party portraits as well as a quick cocktail hour in a private room at Como Dockside. Meanwhile, the wedding guests were having fun at their own cocktail hour at Paikka in St Paul.

Afterward, Chantel, Quinn and the wedding party headed back to Paikka. Dinner, toasts and cake were enjoyed by all. The group partied it up and danced until the end of the night.

Thank You!

Chantel + Quinn, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I am so happy for you two as you begin your new lives together. I also cannot wait to see your gorgeous wedding album when it arrives from Italy!

If you are planning a Paikka or Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church wedding, contact me soon. I’d love to chat with you!

Be sure to check out Chantel + Quinn’s Stone Arch Bridge engagement session too!

Take a look at the full highlight video too!

VENDORS
Wedding Ceremony: Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church
Wedding Reception: Paikka
Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
Wedding Coordinator: Bre Ward, Bre is Fun
Bridal Dress/Accessories: Martina Liana, Bridal Accents Couture
Bridal Shoes: Nordstrom
Hair/Makeup: 139 Hair by Heidi
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: BHLDN
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Ralph Lauren
Wedding Rings: Blue Nile
Officiant: Rev Arden Haug
Florist: The Wild Orchid
Catering: CRAVE Catering
Rentals: Rudy’s Event Rentals, EDG Productions
Wedding Cake/Desserts: Buttercream, Milk Bar
DJ: MN Pro DJs
Invitations: Bride

Como Park Indian Wedding Photos | Madina + Omkar

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Minneapolis Indian Wedding Photography

Today is part four in my blog series about Madina + Omkar’s spectacular Indian wedding celebration. Take a look at their Muslim wedding photography, Indian wedding photography and St Paul Hotel wedding reception photography!

Como Park Indian Wedding Photography

Madina + Omkar did not have enough time during their Indian wedding celebration for us to capture their couple portraits. They were originally hoping to sneak some time in between other activities. Unfortunately, it was just not possible. We decided to have one more portrait session of them together in their stunning Indian wedding attire.

Minneapolis Indian Wedding Photography

Both Madina + Omkar were adorned in magnificent, custom-designed garments. The garments were made with materials from six different countries, and produced in India. Madina + Omkar were so happy and relaxed during our session. So happy after their wedding festivities and being newly married. They still had so much to do. Madina was moving in with Omkar, and they were planning their Hawaiian-Californian honeymoon. They were excited to be able to capture their portraits together in a more relaxed session.

Como Park was perfect that day. The sky had a bit of cloud cover to create dramatic lighting. We spent time near the beautiful waterfall, fountain, bridge, and trees. We had so much fun creating beautiful images of them together.

Thank You!

Madina + Omkar, I want to thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer in your magnificent Indian wedding celebration. I am so honored to have met you and your families, and for having witnessed the love shared by all of you. I am so grateful to be included in your beautiful wedding ceremonies, and happy for the two of you as you begin your new lives together. Best wishes for every happiness in life!

If you’d like to talk more about working with me at Como Park for your wedding photography, or you are having an Indian wedding, contact me soon!

Minneapolis Indian Wedding Photographer