Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Archives

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography | Sarah + Eric

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!

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

Como Conservatory + Nicollet Island Inn Wedding Photography | Tara + Steve

By Joanna Carina

St Paul Wedding Photography

Tara + Steve wanted a small, intimate wedding. Celebrating with their closest family and friends was their ideal. They planned a Como Conservatory wedding. Their mid-winter event was filled with laughter and tears of joy.

Nicollet Island Inn Wedding Photos

We started their wedding day at the Nicollet Island Inn. The L’toile Suite was a gorgeous backdrop for their preparations. Once they were ready to go, we held their First Look in the hotel lobby. They were framed by the vintage doorways, stonework, and spectacular crystal chandalier.

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

Next, we headed over to capture their Como Conservatory wedding photos. This is a personal favorite venue of mine. My husband and I were married here too! As usual, the Sunken Garden was stunning with its winter floral display. Tara + Steve’s ceremony was full of love and tears of joy! Afterward we captured a few posed groupings. Then we had some time to photograph the two of them in the gorgeous Conservatory. I always love photographing here. It is simply breathtaking!

Nicollet Island Inn Reception

After Tara + Steve’s ceremony, we headed back to Nicollet Island Inn for their reception. They started with their cake-cutting, then champaign toast and cocktail hour. They capped the evening with a private dinner in the fireplace room. Their closest family and friends were celebrating with them. Such a spectacular, intimate wedding day!

Thank You!

Tara + Steve, thank you so much for including me on your beautiful Como Conservatory wedding day. I am so happy for the two of you as you begin your new lives together!

If you are planning a Como Conservatory or Nicollet Island Inn wedding, contact me soon. I would love to discuss working together!

Check out their highlight video for more:

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Como Conservatory Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Nicollet Island Inn
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Connection
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Jared Diamond
Officiant: Affordable I Do’s
Florist: Colleen’s Flower Cellar
Wedding Cake: Buttercream
Violinist: Shawn Vougest
Invitations: Shutterfly

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography | Katie + Brett

By Joanna Carina

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography

Katie + Brett were looking forward to having a green engagement photo session. Their wedding was set for the cold, snowy Minnesota winter of next January. As they were considering options, they decided on the Como Conservatory. Como Park had perfect locations both inside and outside the building.

As their day was approaching, we watched the weather forecast closely. It wasn’t looking favorable for us. Rain, cold and wind were on tap for the day. Because Katie + Brett would both be moving separately to different states due to school and work obligations, we had to go forward with their session rain or shine. Luckily, capturing Como Conservatory engagement photos provides awesome locations both indoors AND outdoors. It’s the perfect place in any weather!

St Paul Engagement Photos

The day of their session began rainy, windy and chilly. We started with some time outdoors by the frog pond. Then we decided to warm up and dry out in our cars until the Como Conservatory opened. Just before opening, about 20 school busses arrived with loads of school children for a field trip. We were set for another challenge! However, once we got inside, we worked quickly. We were able to move around to numerous locations that were relatively empty. Before we knew it, we had spent over an hour together and captured tons of amazing portraits. As an added bonus, the rain paused long enough for us to work by the frog pond again before their session was done.

Thank You!

Katie + Brett, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful Como Conservatory engagement photos. I am so excited for your big day!

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

BONUS: Check out Katie + Brett’s stunning St Stephen’s Catholic Church and Landmark Center wedding photos too!

EXTRA 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 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 Katie + Brett’s highlight video here:

Como Park, Boom Island and Ferrari Engagement Photography | Madina + Omkar

By Joanna Carina

Minneapolis Indian Engagement Photography

Madina + Omkar hired me as their wedding photographer for their amazing Indian wedding celebration to happen later this fall. I began working with them as their engagement photographer. They are so sweet, down-to-earth, and happy together. I cannot wait for their amazing celebration! When the weather warmed up this spring, we were finally able to start discussing engagement photos. They had not one, not two, but THREE amazing ideas for their photos. Not only that, but the ideas were so creative. I couldn’t wait!

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography

We started the day with Como Park Conservatory engagement photos. First we started outside, near the frog pond, waterfall and pergola. We then worked inside the beautiful glass pavilion among the gorgeous flowers, stonework and fish pond. The weather was completely gorgeous and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, so the light was amazing! We were able to start early in the morning so the throngs of visitors were not in our way. I always love working with couples at the Como Park Conservatory!

Boom Island Engagement Photography

From there we worked on Boom Island Park engagement photos. They had hired a horse and carriage for this part of the session. Their goal was to capture the two of them with the horse and carriage in a park in front of the Minneapolis city skyline. Everything was so picturesque, it worked perfectly!

Ferrari Engagement Photography

And then last-but-not-least, we headed out to create Ferrari engagement photos. We weren’t allowed to drive the Ferrari since it cost more than an average house! It was a bit challenging to work in an indoor location. But it actually worked really well. A little extra lighting and I think the photos looked amazing.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Madina + Omkar, for working with me on your spectacular engagement photos. I had such a great time working with you and all these fun ideas. I am so excited for your Indian wedding celebration later this year!

If you’re thinking of having a Como Park Conservatory engagement or prewedding photography session (or want to incorporate a horse and carriage or Ferrari), contact me soon. I’d love to discuss how we could work together!

ETA: Take a look at Madina + Omkar’s spectacular Indian wedding photos too!

Watch Madina + Omkar’s highlight video here:

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography | Dustin + Nicole

By Joanna Carina

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography

Living in Minnesota, I believe we are incredibly lucky to have a place like the Como Conservatory in St Paul. It’s an amazing place to visit during our long, cold Minnesota winters. Spending an hour or two amongst the beautiful trees, plants, flowers and HUMIDITY can really make you feel like you went on a mini tropical vacation. So whenever someone wants to consider photographing during our winter or very early spring, I always advocate paying a visit there. Luckily, when I mentioned it to Dustin and Nicole for their engagement photos, they were excited to try it out!

St Paul Engagement Photography

We visited on a blustery cold day in March. Dustin and Nicole were excited for their Como Conservatory engagement photos. They were so happy with how beautiful everything was. There are endless photo opportunities – tropical plants, blooming flowers, palm trees, ferns, pools and waterfalls. Dustin and Nicole were happy to go with the flow. We happened to visit at a point when there weren’t quite as many visitors as normal, so we had many of the ideal spots to ourselves. The two of them have so much fun together. It made for an awesome session!

Thank You!

Dustin and Nicole, I am so happy you chose to work with me on your Como Conservatory engagement photos. I cannot wait for your Bohemian Flats wedding in June! Best of luck with your wedding planning!

If you’re thinking of having a Como Conservatory engagement session, contact me soon. I’d love 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, a winter 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!

Como Conservatory Engagement Session

St Paul Engagement Photography

Thank You!

Como Conservatory Wedding

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Como Park Conservatory Wedding

Thank You!

Como Conservatory Wedding

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Beautiful Como Conservatory Engagement Session

St Paul Engagement Session

Thank You!

Beautiful Como Conservatory Engagement Photos

St Paul Engagement Session

Final Engagement Photos

St Paul Wedding Photography

Nicollet Island Inn Wedding Photos

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

Nicollet Island Inn Reception

Thank You!

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography

St Paul Engagement Photos

Thank You!

Minneapolis Indian Engagement Photography

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography

Boom Island Engagement Photography

Ferrari Engagement Photography

Thank You!

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography

St Paul Engagement Photography

Thank You!

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