Como Conservatory Engagement Proposal Photos | 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 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!

Be sure to take a look at a few other sessions I photographed at Como Park, including a spring Como Conservatory engagement session, a winter Como Conservatory engagement session, another spring Como Conservatory engagement session, another winter Como Conservatory engagement session, and even a Como Town Amusement Park engagement session!

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

Como Conservatory Proposal Photos | Jack + Racine

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Como Park Surprise Proposal

Jack sent me a note one early spring day about wanting photos taken of his surprise engagement proposal to his girlfriend Racine in April at the Como Conservatory. It was tough keeping things secret from Racine, but we did the best we could with secret emails and phone calls.

Como Conservatory Engagement Portraits

The day came for their engagement proposal, and Racine was none-the-wiser. Jack and Racine were on their way to a special engagement dinner, and Jack mentioned he had booked a photographer for a few photos at the Como Conservatory on their way to dinner. They arrived during a short spring shower. We started with a few portraits, then they headed over to the main landing in the Conservatory, when Jack got down on one knee and proposed. Racine was in tears of joy as she nodded emphatically “YES!” to his proposal. They were so sweet together! We spent a bit more time around the Conservatory for photos, then walked down past the Frog Pond and gardens to capture a few more as the sun was making an appearance. We only had about half an hour before they rushed off for dinner and announcing their engagement to friends and family!

Thank You!

Jack + Racine, thank you so much for working with me for your engagement photography! I had so much fun working with you for your surprise proposal / engagement photos!

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

Como Park Conservatory Engagement Photos | Katie + Jared

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

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!

Be sure to take a look at a spring Como Conservatory engagement session, a winter Como Conservatory engagement session, another spring Como Conservatory engagement session, another winter Como Conservatory engagement session, and even a Como Town Amusement Park engagement session I photographed too!

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

Minneapolis Newborn Photographer | Wilson Family

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Fine Art Studio Newborn Photography

I met Jing + Alex when we worked together for their wedding photography last year. They were so much fun, and I loved working with them on their amazing wedding day (featuring not one, but TWO beautiful ceremonies – both a Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony at the St Paul Hotel and an American-style wedding ceremony at Como Park Conservatory.) Both events were absolutely spectacular! So naturally I was ecstatic when they contacted me to work together for their newborn baby photos. Things were a little different as the global pandemic was raging, but we opted to keep things safer by having their photoshoot at Como Park, and we had an amazing day!

MN Baby Photography

We met up on a beautiful early June morning at Como Park. We had so much fun working around the Frog Pond, near the Conservatory, for all of their photos. Little Ted was a champ at being our model, and we had lots of time for his portraits, as well as photos with mommy and daddy. Later on, we held their Cinematic Reveal and Design Presentation. Alex + Jing loved the photos and narrowed down to their favorite finalists. They opted for a beautiful photo album to capture their entire session. I cannot wait to see it when it arrives from Italy!

Thank You!

Thank you, Wilson family, for working with me as your newborn photographer. I had so much fun working with you three, and I am so excited to see your album in person!

Make sure to take a peek at other newborn sessions I have photographed: Kelzer Family, Ford Family, Svendsen Family, Troldahl Family, Gangl Family, Ranheim Family

If you’d like to work together for your newborn photography, contact me soon!

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

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

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 Photos | Jing + Alex

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

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

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

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

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

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

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

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

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

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!