Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Archives

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 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 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.

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
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 Conservatory Wedding Photography | Ashley + Tom

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

Ashley + Tom chose to work with me for their beautiful wedding day 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!)

Their day arrived with a bit of morning rain. It luckily halted right around the time we arrived at Como Park after their preparation at a nearby hotel. We started out with photos of Ashley + Tom’s first look, followed by portraits with family and wedding party. Then their gorgeous ceremony was held inside the Sunken Garden. Their son Rhyatt was so adorable and really hammed it up during their big event!

Como Ordway Garden Wedding Reception

After their ceremony, we captured a few photos of them inside the Sunken Garden before heading off to the Ordway Garden for their reception. They started with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner and toasts. Once their dinner was finished, they cut their (homemade) chocolate 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!

Ashley + Tom, 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 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, another autumn Conservatory wedding, and a North Garden elopement.

Be sure to check out Ashley + Tom’s slideshow too!

VENDORS
Venue: Como Conservatory
Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Wedding Rings: Elmquist Jewelers
Officiant: Terrell Ennis
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Lancer Catering
DJ: Terrell Ennis

Como Conservatory Engagement Proposal Photography | Sami + Cody

By Joanna Carina

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!

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 a spring Como proposal, a summer Como Park proposal, a winter Como Park proposal, and an autumn Conservatory proposal.

Como Conservatory Proposal Photography | Jack + Racine

By Joanna Carina

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 Conservatory proposal photos, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to check out some other proposals I photographed at Como Park too, including a summer Como Park proposal, a winter Como Park proposal, a spring 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!

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 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 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, 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
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!