Minneapolis Engagement Photography Archives

Engagement Photo Ideas | Minneapolis Photographer Carina Photographics

Awesome Engagement Photo Ideas

One common question I receive from my couples is how to plan their engagement sessions. They are often unsure where to go or what to do. Today I’m going to talk more about engagement photo ideas. I’ve got options that will help spark ideas to plan your own engagement session.

Personalize Your Engagement Session

My biggest piece of advice is to select locations or activities that are meaningful to you. This will almost always result in better images. When considering options, think about how you like to spend time together. Also think about activities and locations you both enjoy. If you select something important to you both, then you are well on your way to creating a memorable experience. Engagement sessions last around 1-2 hours, depending on the location and activity. When outdoors, we generally work in the last two hours before sunset. When indoors, we can work almost any time.

Some location and activity ideas include:
> A favorite park
> A beer brewery or winery
> An art museum
> The college campus where you met
> Riding a rented trolley, canoe or boat
> A fair or carnival with rides
> A destination or public garden
> A picnic in a park or by a river
> A barn
> A bowling alley
> An antique store
> Ice or roller skating
> A playground
> A baseball field

How to Use Your Engagement Photos

An engagement session is your chance to practice in front of a camera. The photos we capture are perfect for Save-the-Date announcements, Guest Books, Engagement Albums or Gift Prints. They are often cherished by couples simply because they showcase the two of you spending time together. You are often enjoying an activity without wedding day formality. Couples can really have fun with their engagement photography!

As an engagement photographer, I am available to give advice for engagement sessions. Contact me if you have any questions, or if you’d like to work together for your engagement session.

Also, read on for more information about working with me for your Engagement Photography.

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Lindsey + Bernie

By Joanna Carina

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography

Lindsey + Bernie thought for awhile about having engagement photography. When we discussed ideas, they spoke about how much they loved the Stone Arch Bridge area. I showed them some images from my previous sessions on the Stone Arch Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park, and they loved it! So they decided to have a Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement session. They were excited for the beautiful views both above and below the Stone Arch Bridge. They were so excited to walk over on bridge and see the grand view of downtown Minneapolis too.

Father Hennepin Bluff Park Engagement Photos

The day of their Minneapolis engagement photography was beautiful. Even the mosquitoes were dwindling in numbers as the summer had been coming to an end. There were so many beautiful areas to choose from. It is always so fun to work there. Complete with river views, Stone Arch Bridge views, quaint wooden bridges, a rustic stone stairway, pathways through the trees and vintage buildings peeking out from above the treetops. I’m not sure which spot is my favorite. I don’t think I could pick just one!

Lindsey + Bernie also loved the look of my infrared photography. I included my infrared camera frequently in their session. I love the unique, dreamy quality that infrared photos have. (It causes all green, natural elements to appear white. So no, that’s not snow, it’s just the way infrared photography looks!)

Thank You!

Lindsey + Bernie, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your engagement photographer as well as your wedding photographer. I am so happy for you both as you join your lives together! I’m glad that you enjoyed your prewedding photography, and I am so excited for your big day!

If you are planning a Stone Arch Bridge or Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement session, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

UPDATE: Take a look at the blog post about Lindsey + Bernie’s beautiful wedding day at theMinneapolis Depot and Basilica!

BONUS: Take a look at other engagement sessions I’ve photographed too, including Stone Arch Bridge engagement photos, Mill Ruins Park engagement photos, Father Hennepin Bluffs engagement photos, another Mill Ruins Park engagement session, a waterfall engagement session, a Rogers Lake Park engagement session, Saint Anthony Main engagement pictures, Stone Arch Bridge engagement photos, another Stone Arch Bridge engagement session, and a Father Hennepin Bluffs engagement session.

If you’re planning for Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography or prewedding photography, contact me soon!

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Alyssa + Dave

By Joanna Carina

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Session

Alyssa + Dave are natives of the Twin Cities. They met at college in southern Minnesota, and lived down there for several years. They were engaged last year and then moved back to the Twin Cities. Once we started working together, they decided to try an engagement photo session. They weren’t too sure about their ideal location. I was happy to help them with ideas. They let me know that they loved nature and interesting architecture. We all agreed Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement photography was ideal for them. The park is a tranquil oasis hidden in the urban heart of Minneapolis. What more could they ask for in their prewedding photography?

Minneapolis Engagement Photo Location

During the week, the forecast threatened rain. Thankfully the weather during their engagement session was warm, sunny and clear! We wandered through the greenery and vegetation of Father Hennepin Bluff Park. The riverfront below the Stone Arch Bridge was particularly amazing. We also lingered on the adorable wooden bridges scattered throughout the park. Alyssa + Dave braved the early-season mosquitoes and were naturals in front of the camera!

We eventually worked our way closer to the Stone Arch Bridge. The vintage stonework of the area gave us stunning backdrops. We used a mix of vintage buildings, bridges and stonework among the lush greenery of Father Hennepin Bluffs Park. Everything looked so beautiful! And Alyssa + Dave were so happy to be together.

Thank You!

Alyssa + Dave, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your engagement photographer. I loved your prewedding photography, and I am so excited for your wedding day!

BONUS: Take a look at other engagement sessions I’ve photographed too, including Stone Arch Bridge engagement photos, Mill Ruins Park engagement photos, Father Hennepin Bluffs engagement photos, another Mill Ruins Park engagement session, a waterfall engagement session, a Rogers Lake Park engagement session, Saint Anthony Main engagement pictures, another Stone Arch Bridge engagement session, a Father Hennepin Bluffs engagement session and another Father Hennepin Bluffs Park engagement photo session.

Are you considering a Stone Arch Bridge or Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement session? Contact me soon to find out if I’d be a great fit for your engagement photos!

Update: Take a look at Alyssa + Dave’s beautiful Minneapolis wedding photography from The Graduate Hotel, Gold Medal Park and Lutheran Church of the Redeemer!

Take a look at their highlight video too:

St Anthony Main + Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Chantel + Quinn

By Joanna Carina

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Session

Chantel + Quinn are natives of the Twin Cities area. They grew up here, met here, and fell in love here. But they moved to Kansas City recently for job opportunities. They still wanted to hold their wedding here in the Cities too, and chose to work with me as their engagement photographer too. I’m so glad they did, they are so much fun!

St Anthony Main Engagement Session

Chantel + Quinn wanted to take advantage of a St Anthony Main and Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography session. Because the Minneapolis area is their “homeland”, they decided to have their prewedding photography taken at the quintessential Stone Arch Bridge and St Anthony Main area. We had to plan their session in advance for a weekend they could make the return five hour drive. Low and behold, the weather on their session date in May was absolutely perfect. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and the flowers were in full bloom. It was an ideal spring day!

Father Hennepin Park Engagement Session

We started their engagement photo session among the gorgeous flowering trees of Father Hennepin Bluff Park. We then wandered up and down St Anthony Main, lingering among the architecture of the vintage mills and buildings. They made such a stunning, vintage-urban backdrop. We eventually worked our way back down St Anthony Main, through Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, and out to the Stone Arch Bridge for a sunset view. Chantel + Quinn really wanted those city views from the Bridge, and they were not disappointed. From the city views, to the flowering trees, to the vintage buildings, to the sunset over the river, everything looked so perfect. And the two of them were happy as could be – joy and laughter abound!

Thank You!

Chantel + Quinn, thank you so much for choosing to work with me for your beautiful Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography. I loved your prewedding photography, and I am so excited for your big day!

BONUS: Take a look at other engagement sessions I’ve photographed too, including Stone Arch Bridge engagement photos, Mill Ruins Park engagement photos, another Mill Ruins Park engagement session, Father Hennepin Bluffs engagement photos, a waterfall engagement session, a Rogers Lake Park engagement session, Stone Arch Bridge engagement photos, another Stone Arch Bridge engagement session, a Father Hennepin Bluffs engagement session and another Father Hennepin Bluffs Park engagement photo session.

If you’re planning for Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography or prewedding photography, contact me soon!

ETA: Make sure to check out Chantel + Quinn’s beautiful Paikka and Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church wedding day too!

Take a look at their highlight video too:

Engagement Photography Style Tips | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina

Engagement Photo Tips

As an engagement photographer, my couples ask me a lot of questions about their engagement photography and prewedding sessions. Today I thought I would answer some of those questions.

You know the old saying “Practice Makes Perfect”? If you want to feel more comfortable in front of a camera on your wedding day, it would help to practice. Engagement photography and prewedding photography is the perfect opportunity!

Engagement Session Details

Typically, engagement sessions last around 1-2 hours. It really depends on the location and/or activity you’ve chosen. When outdoors, we generally work in the last two hours before sunset. When indoors, we can work almost any time of the day. I want to create a memorable experience that works best for you. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have suggestions or ideas in mind.

Your engagement photos are perfect for Save-the-Date Announcements, Guest Books, Engagement Albums or Gift Prints. They are often cherished by couples simply because they show you spending time together. They capture you during an activity you enjoy without wedding day formality.

Where to Go

Selecting locations or activities that are meaningful to you will almost always result in better engagement photos. Think about how you like to spend time together and activities you both enjoy.

Some location ideas include:
> A favorite park
> A beer brewery or winery
> An art museum
> The college campus where you met
> Riding a rented trolley, canoe or boat
> On rides at a fair or carnival
> A destination or public garden
> On a picnic
> Around a barn
> A bowling alley
> An antique store
> Skating at a rink (summer or winter)
> A playground
> A baseball field

Style Tips

~ Consider dressier options (sport coat, dress, etc.)
~ Be comfortable. Select clothing that compliments you well.
~ Avoid matching, but compliment and coordinate together in color, style and level of formality.
~ Choose solid colors (not white).
~ Avoid sleeveless tops, baggy clothing, large logos, clashing patterns, cargo shorts/pants, sweats or track suits, athletic shoes, flip-flops, crocs, and men’s sandals.
~ Bring multiple outfit options. I can give advice on which options work best together.
~ Layers and textures translate well.
~ Remember details! Accessories, nails, shoes, etc. The level of care on the little things add up. Choose neutral nail polish if using.
~ Brides: consider testing your hair/makeup during your photo session. Professional hair and makeup will add some glamour.
~ Don’t stress! Engagement photos will be fun if you let yourself enjoy the experience. Consider having a date night afterward to celebrate your engagement!

More Info

Feel free to check my Pinterest “What to Wear // Engagements” board for visual representations of wardrobes that work well together. And be sure to let me know if you have any other questions. I would love to help you achieve the engagement or prewedding photography of your dreams!

Need some ideas for what you can do or where you can go for your engagement photography or prewedding session? Take a look at my Engagement Photography Ideas blog post for more information too!

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Courtney + Blake

By Joanna Carina

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photos

Courtney + Blake live (and spend a lot of time) in downtown Minneapolis. They wanted quintessential engagement photography, so the Stone Arch Bridge fit the bill perfectly. I proposed Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement photos, as there are so many gorgeous locations which feature the Stone Arch Bridge in the background, and the addition of the river and trees would for such beautiful engagement photos. They agreed in a heartbeat!

Father Hennepin Park Engagement Photos

We visited Father Hennepin Bluff Park in the early fall. The leaves were changing and the sun was getting lower in the sky. The park was ablaze with the golden sun, cool river, and fall colors. It was absolutely gorgeous for our session! The crowds of people filling the park and bridge were evidence that many Minneapolis folks felt the same way. We had such a great time meandering through the beautiful park and creating amazing engagement portraits together. Courtney + Blake also wanted to include their sweet dog Jágr into the photos. She was so patient and cooperative for the session – a real trooper!

Thank You!

Courtney + Blake, thank you so much for choosing to work with me – I loved your Stone Arch Bridge prewedding photography! I am so happy for the two of you, and so excited for your wedding next year. Courtney, your parent’s farm will be such a gorgeous backdrop as you both tie the knot. I am excited to see the barn in all it’s wedding day glory!

BONUS: Make sure to check out Courtney + Blake’s gorgeous rustic farm wedding photography too!

BONUS 2: Take a look at other engagement sessions I’ve photographed too, including Stone Arch Bridge engagement photos, Mill Ruins Park engagement photos, another Mill Ruins Park engagement session, a waterfall engagement session, a Rogers Lake Park engagement session, Saint Anthony Main engagement pictures, Stone Arch Bridge engagement photos, another Stone Arch Bridge engagement session, a Father Hennepin Bluffs engagement session and another Father Hennepin Bluffs Park engagement photo session.

If you’re planning for Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography, contact me soon!

Take a look at their engagement session highlights here:

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Stephanie + Travis

By Joanna Carina

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photos

Stephanie + Travis had been hoping to have their engagement photography session for quite awhile now. However, their schedule was filled with wedding planning, several international trips and even a new home purchase. Their prewedding photography session was pushed back until barely a month before the big day! The wedding would be at the Minneapolis Club in downtown Minneapolis. Since the city vibe is important to them and their day, they decided a Stone Arch Bridge engagement session was a perfect fit for them.

Father Hennepin Park Engagement Photos

We met up at Father Hennepin Bluff Park so we could have the Stone Arch Bridge, city and beautiful natural scenery around us. And as expected, the park did not disappoint. The quaint trails, wooden bridges, river’s edge, and views of the Stone Arch Bridge gave the feel that we were miles out of the city. However, we were really in the midst of it all.

As a bonus, I recently decided to dust off my film camera and work to create some beautiful, timeless black and white film images during our session. I’m so happy to say that it felt like I just picked up where I left off all those years ago. I LOVE these film images! I’ve worked exclusively digital for about 12 years now. While there is a place in my heart for the pure color achieved with my digital images, there are some significant structural differences with film that I was missing all these years. I’m happy to be back!

Thank You!

Stephanie + Travis, I am so thankful to you for choosing to work with me for your engagement photography. And I am so happy you enjoyed your prewedding photography! I am so excited for your wedding day!

BONUS: Take a look at other engagement sessions I’ve photographed too, including Stone Arch Bridge engagement photos, Mill Ruins Park engagement photos, Father Hennepin Bluffs engagement photos, another Mill Ruins Park engagement session, a waterfall engagement session, a Rogers Lake Park engagement session, Saint Anthony Main engagement pictures, Stone Arch Bridge engagement photos, a Father Hennepin Bluffs engagement session and another Father Hennepin Bluffs Park engagement photo session.

If you’re planning for Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography, contact me soon!

ETA: Be sure to take a look at Steph + Travis’ gorgeous Minneapolis Club wedding photos too!

Check out their highlight video for more images:

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photography | Allison + Joseph

By Joanna Carina

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos

“Yikes, there’s one!” ~Whack~

“OK, you guys, let’s walk over this way.”

“Hold on, there’s another one!” ~Whack~

So went Allison + Joseph’s Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement session. Allison + Joseph have been planning their wedding date for a mid-winter day at the MN Landscape Arboretum. Naturally they chose an engagement session that contrasted with gorgeous scenery of the Landscape Arboretum in the summertime. We forgot, however, that Minnesota in late summer is pretty much a full-on mosquito party. Nothing a little swatting couldn’t handle, of course!

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Session

We started their session at the Arboretum Dog Walking Park. It’s an awesome trail through the woods and the beautiful landscape. It’s a great nature hike for humans and canines to enjoy together. Nothing like the plain chain-link fenced plots of grass or dirt that make up most dog parks in the area. Allison, Joseph and their two fur-babies had such fun together! Once their doggies left with “grandma,” the rest of us continued on. We photographed in some of the other gorgeous parts of the park, including the Japanese Garden, waterfall, and near an amazing tree out in the Prairie area.

At their Image Viewing and Ordering Session, Allison + Joseph chose to order a 10×10 Engagement Album, Save the Date cards, and a few gift prints. I can’t wait to show them their final items in a few weeks. They will be so beautiful!

Thank You!

Allison + Joseph, thank you so much for working with me as your engagement photographer. I’ve had such a great time getting to know you. I am so excited for your big day in January!

If you’re planning for MN Landscape Arboretum engagement or prewedding photography, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to check out Allison + Joseph’s MN Landscape Arboretum wedding photos!

EXTRA BONUS: Be sure to take a look at additional engagement sessions I photographed at the MN Landscape Arboretum, including a summer engagement session, a winter light sculpture engagement session, another summer engagement session, an autumn engagement session, a winter Landscape Arboretum engagement session, and another autumn Arboretum engagement session.

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:

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photography | Robin + Paul

By Joanna Carina

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos

The day was upon us. We could *finally* go through with Robin + Paul’s winter Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement session after continually delaying it for almost a month. Why the delays? Because even though we live in the mega-snowy state of Minnesota, we had NO snow! Zip. Zilch. Not a flake! We were hoping to get some beautiful snowy engagement photos at the ever-amazing MN Landscape Arboretum. So when we finally had a couple of snow days (I believe it was only a mere 4-5 inches or so) we jumped at the chance!

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Session

Robin + Paul were so much fun to work with. From Paul’s cute one-liners and jokes, to Robin’s infectious laughter, we had such an awesome time together! They brought in some great props and some of their own fun ideas to the mix as well. We ended up spending almost two hours together! The two ways we knew our session was coming to an end: first, the sun was setting (treating us to an awesome sunset) so we were losing light fast; and second, we all started to notice that, as the sun was going down, we were getting reeeeealllly cold.

Robin + Paul, thank you so much for working with me as your engagement photographer! The Arboretum under a fresh snowfall was such a beautiful backdrop. And of course, you guys are SO adorable together. I am so excited to be working with you, and can’t wait for your big day later this summer!

If you’re planning for a Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement session, contact me soon to find out how we could work together!

BONUS: Take a look at Robin + Paul’s gorgeous summer Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding photos too!

EXTRA BONUS: Be sure to take a look at additional engagement sessions I photographed at the MN Landscape Arboretum, including a summer engagement session, a winter light sculpture engagement session, another summer engagement session, an autumn engagement session, another autumn Arboretum engagement session, and even an Arboretum engagement session at the dog park!