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!

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

Noerenberg Gardens + St George Church Wedding Photos | Wittne + Scott

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Church of St George and Noerenberg Gardens Wedding Day

Wittne + Scott met at the Church of St George, where her parents worked. Once they were engaged, they planned for a beautiful autumn wedding. Lo and behold, their big day dawned with snow! Happily, it was pretty light and melted away. It did make for chilly temps which altered our outdoor photo plans a bit. They were their tough Minnesota selves and agreed they still wanted to take some photos at Noerenberg Gardens.

Wittne + Scott began their day with preparations at Church of St George. They had help in creating their dream day with a number of friends and relatives, including their wedding cake, flowers, hair/makeup, DJing, and other prep work.

Noerenberg Gardens Wedding Photos

After Wittne + Scott were prepared, we headed over to Noerenberg Gardens. Regardless of the snow, the fall color at the Gardens was beautiful. We held their First Look, and then spent a bit of time wandering the grounds to take couple photos. Even though it was cold, they were so joyful and happy to be together.

Church of St George Wedding and Reception

Once photos at the Garden were finished, we headed back to the church for wedding party and family photos. Then it was on to the big event!

Following their wedding ceremony, Wittne + Scott headed over to the fellowship hall for cocktail hour. After their grand entrance, they enjoyed dinner and toasts. Then they partied it up and danced the night away with family and friends.

Thank You!

Wittne + Scott, 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 Wittne + Scott’s beautiful Mill City Museum engagement photos too!

Take a look at Wittne + Scott’s slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Church of St George
Wedding Photo Venue: Noerenberg Gardens
Wedding Dress: Posh Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom
Bridesmaids Dresses: The Social Room
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Wedding Day Diamonds
Catering: Chuck Wagon Catering
Florist: Aunt of the Bride
Officient: Father Mark Juettner
Wedding Cake: Friend of the Couple
DJ: Friend of the Groom
Invitations: Friend of the Bride

Semple Mansion + Hamline Church Wedding Photos | Sarah + Ezra

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Semple Mansion Wedding Day

Sarah and Ezra were not only living out of the state when they began planning their wedding, but they also lived in separate states from each other! It was a bit tough planning from afar, but having their family in town helped. The weather for their big day was a bit chilly and rainy, so we were lucky to have such beautiful indoor locations to spend their day.

Their big day began with preparations at the beautiful Semple Mansion – Sarah in the Bridal Suite and Ezra in the game room. Once they were ready to go, we held their first look on the beautiful Semple stairway. Afterward we had photos with their wedding party in the Library, and by the stairway and fireplace. We then headed over to Hamline Church for more photos and their wedding ceremony.

Hamline Church Wedding

We began Sarah + Ezra’s Hamline Church wedding with wedding party and family photos. We even had time for a few photos of the two of them alone. It was then time for the big event! After their beautiful ceremony, everyone headed back to the Semple Mansion to celebrate.

Semple Mansion Wedding Reception

Sarah + Ezra held a grand entrance onto the Semple Mansion stairway to begin their reception. They first had a cocktail hour and then moved up to the spectacular ballroom for dinner with lots of laughter and toasts. Once their cake cutting was finished, they moved back down to the main floor to dance the night away.

Thank You!

Sarah + Ezra, 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 1: Take a look at Sarah + Ezra’s amazing St Olaf College engagement photos from their session last fall!

BONUS 2: Be sure to take a look at my other beautiful Semple Mansion wedding photos too!

Take a look at Sarah + Ezra’s slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Hamline Church
Reception Venue: Semple Mansion
Hair: Kim Gracey, Salon 27
Wedding Dress Designer: Rosa Clara
Bride’s Shoes: Bella Belle
Bridesmaids Dresses: Kennedy Blue, The Wedding Shoppe
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Savvi
Catering: Atlas Catering
Florist: Lexington Floral
Officient: Harold Babcock
Wedding Cake: Wuollet Bakery
DJ: Michael Wegter, DJ Synfinity

Mill City Museum, Guthrie Theater and Gold Medal Park Wedding Photos | Sarah + Eric

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Mill City Museum Wedding Day

Sarah and Eric were living in Chicago while planning for their big day. They enlisted the help of Rachelle and Style Architects Weddings & Events, and then also hired me as their photographer. They were such a sweet, wonderful couple, I was so excited to work with them!

Guthrie Theater First Look and Gold Medal Park Portraits

Their day started with them each preparing at separate hotels. Once they were ready, we headed over to the Guthrie Theater, on top of the Endless Bridge, for their first look. The weather during their big day, and the view of the Stone Arch Bridge and Mississippi River during their first look, were absolutely spectacular!

Once their Guthrie Theater portraits were finished, we headed over to the top of the hill in Gold Medal Park, complete with more breathtaking views of the riverfront. Their wedding party met us there for portraits too. Then we headed over to the beautiful Mill City Museum for more portraits and the big event!

Mill City Museum Wedding

Sarah + Eric’s wedding ceremony was absolutely beautiful. They were married in the Mill City Museum courtyard, and followed with cocktail hour in the train depot. Sarah + Eric snuck upstairs to the Crow’s Nest for a final, top-floor, unbelievable view of the riverfront, along with a little time to themselves. Afterward they headed down to their cocktail hour to celebrate with family and friends. Then we all headed inside the lobby of the Mill City Museum for dinner, dancing, cake cutting, toasts and celebrating!

Thank You!

Sarah + Eric, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer for your amazing day! I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at my other beautiful Mill City Museum wedding photos, as well as a Mill City Museum and Guthrie Theater engagement session I photographed too!

Take a look at Sarah + Eric’s slideshow too!

VENDORS:
Wedding Venue: Mill City Museum
Photo Venues: Guthrie Theater, Gold Medal Park
Wedding Planner: Rachelle Mazumdar, Style Architects Weddings & Events
Hair/Makeup: Kelly Ginges; Andrea Holton
Wedding Dress: Haute & Co Bridal Boutique
Catering: D’Amico Catering
Florist: Lilia Flower Boutique
Wedding Rings: Takohl Fine Jewelry
Officient: Brian Immerman
Wedding Cake: D’Amico Catering
Desserts: Farina Baking Company
Rentals: Apres, Sadie’s, Nalia’s
Musicians and DJ: Lake Minnetonka String Quartet; Josh Taylor, Super Good DJs
Videographer: Peterson Productions

St Olaf College Boe Chapel Wedding Photos | Sarah + Abhi

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St Olaf College Northfield Wedding

Sarah + Abhi had one of the most unique “how-we-met” stories that I had ever heard. Years ago, they met on an airplane! They remained friends for many years until it grew to the point of them falling in love. They had an amazing Indian wedding earlier this year, and now they were celebrating their wedding in Minnesota where they live. They had their St Olaf College wedding where Sarah (as well as many members of her family) attended, at the Boe Memorial Chapel. It was such an amazing day!

Boe Memorial Chapel Wedding Ceremony

The day began with preparations at Sarah’s parent’s Northfield home, as well as a nearby hotel. Sarah + Abhi held their first look on the riverfront in downtown Northfield. Afterward, we headed off to St Olaf College.

Once at St Olaf, we began with couple portraits, then captured their wedding party and finally family portraits. Their wedding ceremony was so beautiful and joyful! After their receiving line, we all headed off to Northfield’s Armory Event Center for their reception and fun.

Armory Square Event Center Wedding Reception

Their celebration continued at the Armory in downtown Northfield. After cocktail hour was an amazing dinner by the Holy Land (new to the catering world!) They then began their dancing with not just their First Dance and father/daughter dance, but they then broke into an amazing choreographed Bollywood-style dance routine! That really got the crowd going with a night full of non-stop dancing and fun!

Thank You!

Sarah + Abhi, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer for your amazing day! I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together.

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at a beautiful St Olaf College engagement session I photographed too!

Be sure to take a look at Sarah + Abhi’s wedding slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Boe Memorial Chapel, St Olaf College, Northfield MN
Reception Venue: Armory Square Event Center
Wedding Planner: J’aime Events
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair/Makeup: Cole’s Salon
Florist: The Cutting Garden
Catering: The Holy Land
Wedding Cake: Sugar and Spice Custom Cakery
DJ: Harmony DJ Entertainment
Videography: Two Hearts Film & Video
Photo Booth: Mirror Me Photo Booth

Lyndale Peace Garden Wedding Photos | Allison + Sam

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Lyndale Peace Park Wedding

Allison + Sam were engaged to be married while living in Baltimore MD. With Sam being a MN native, they planned for their wedding to take place in Minneapolis. They decided to get married in a beautiful garden setting and loved the Lyndale Peace Garden.

Their day dawned with some rain but it quickly made way for the sun as they were preparing for their event. They arrived at the Peace Park and held their first look amidst laughter and tears of joy. We spent some time photographing them together as well as with their family and friends, and then it was on to the ceremony.

Allison + Sam’s wedding ceremony was quiet and simple, and again full of laughter and tears of joy. Allison’s brother provided the music and their friend officiated. They were so happy and joyful!

Stone Arch Bridge Wedding

Once their ceremony was complete, they headed off to the reception and made a quick side trip to the Stone Arch Bridge. They walked across the beautiful Bridge in front of the city skyline and heard numerous well-wishes from passers-by.

Alma Wedding Reception

Once they finished their quick side trip, we all headed to Alma for their dinner reception. The rooms were set for family and friends, and began with their cocktail hour prior to dinner. They had a wonderful evening celebrating with their closest family and friends.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Allison + Sam, for working with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I enjoyed meeting you, and am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together.

BONUS: Take a look at a fall Peace Garden engagement session, as well as a summer Peace Garden engagement session that I photographed too!

Be sure to take a look at their slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Lyndale Peace Garden
Reception Venue: Alma
Dress Vendor: Mori Lee, Azazie
Suit Vendor: Suit Supply, Indochino
Wedding Rings: Jade Moran Jewelry
Officiant: Aniello Alioto
Florist: Acanthus Floral Arts
Catering: Alma
Musician: Jeff Demas
Stationery: Paperless Post

Trellis Wedding + Profile Event Center Photos | LaShay + Jarid

By Joanna Carina 2 Comments

Trellis Outdoor Wedding

LaShay + Jarid grew up at opposite ends of the country. They both joined the Navy and met while stationed in Hawaii. The rest, as they say, is history! When they decided to get married, they planned to head back to LaShay’s home in Minnesota for the festivities. It made for some long-distance planning, but nothing they couldn’t handle with LaShay’s family still living in the area. They planned for a beautiful springtime Trellis Event Center wedding in Stillwater MN, followed by a Profile Event Center reception. Minnesota decided to show these Hawaiian residents how unpredictable a May wedding could be and showered them with snow! While it made for a bit of a chilly day, it was still beautiful – and definitely memorable!

The day began with preparations in the adorable cottage on the Trellis grounds. LaShay was in the bridal suite and Jarid in the upstairs guys’ lounge. Once their prepping was complete, we photographed LaShay + Jarid together for their first look. We did a quick stroll through the grounds and photographed them laughing through the snow. They were so cute! After their couple photos, we captured their family photos right before the ceremony was about to begin.

Vandalia Tower Wedding Photos

Once their ceremony was complete, we ditched our plans to visit the Stone Arch Bridge because of the snow and cold. We headed to my studio building, Vandalia Tower, and photographed LaShay + Jarid along with their bridal party in the lobby of the building. I’m so lucky to have this option available to me – the building has such beautiful light!

Profile Event Center Reception

After their bridal party photos, we all headed over to the Profile Event Center for their wedding reception. The cocktail hour started and LaShay + Jarid held their fun grand entrance. Dinner and toasts followed, and finally their cake cutting.

Once these were complete, they held their first dance, bouquet toss and garter toss. They then danced the night away and had a blast with all their family and friends!

Thank You!

LaShay + Jarid, thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer for your beautiful day! I am so honored to have worked with you, and so happy for the two of you (and sweet little Lily!) as you spend your lives together.

Make sure to a look at another Trellis Event Center wedding I photographed too! If you are planning a Trellis Event Center wedding, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

Be sure to take a look at LaShay + Jarid’s slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Trellis Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies
Reception Venue: Profile Event Center
Dress Vendor: Raffine Bridal
Suit Vendor: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Jared Diamond
Officiant: Johnny Hunter
Florist: Chilonda Medlock + Profile Event Center
Catering + Wedding Cake: Profile Event Center
DJ: Profile Event Center
Stationery: Adori Designs
Videography: Storyteller Videography

How to Care for Your Digital Photographs | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Caring for Your Digital Photographs

Today I want to discuss something that is an extremely important part of your wedding or portrait session: how to properly store your digital photographs! As a Minnesota wedding and portrait photographer, when I deliver heirloom artwork to my clients, I give instructions for caring for their artwork to withstand the test of time. Digital photographs also need proper storage handling in order to ensure their long life.

There are several options to consider for storing your digital photographs. Ideally you want to create several copies of your images in multiple locations. Here are a few options:
– USB flash drive
– Online cloud storage (ie: Dropbox, Google Drive, Flickr, etc)
– On your laptop or desktop computer
– In an off-site location, in addition to your on-site location (ex: on another USB flash drive, laptop or desktop)

Best Way to Care for Your Digital Photographs

In a perfect world, you should consider creating a copy of your digital photographs that meets each of the criteria above. So for example, you would recieve one copy from me on a USB flash drive. Then you would make a copy on your laptop or desktop computer. Then you would make another copy on your cloud online storage. And then you would make a final copy (either on another USB flash drive, or else directly onto another laptop or desktop computer) to store at your job or a close relative’s house. In this way, you would have at least 3-4 copies of your digital photographs. This would greatly reduce the chances of having your images permanently lost or destroyed. And of course, if any of these copies become lost or destroyed, you would then need to create a new copy to replace those lost backups. That way you will always maintain 3-4 copies of your photographs.

I hope this article helps you safely store your beautiful digital photographs for generations to come! If you have any questions about this or other advice, feel free to contact me soon.

Looking for More Advice and Opinions? Check out some of my other help articles:
Top 10 Things to Look for When Hiring a Wedding Photographer
Wedding Day Photography Tips
To Look or Not to Look? Having a First Look on Your Wedding Day
Should You Have an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?

Dog Wedding, Engagement + Portrait Ideas | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Dog Wedding Ideas

Getting married is one of the biggest events of your life. It would only be natural that you’d want to include the most important members of your family. That can mean including your beloved dog(s) too! Of course, some of our sweet pups might be a bit of a handful and such an event may be too overwhelming for them. However, there is definitely a way to include your sweet doggies if you so desire. Today I’m going to give a few dog wedding ideas, as well as some dog engagement and portrait session ideas too!

Dog Engagement Sessions

Your dog(s) can easily be included right off the bat, beginning with your engagement session. I’ve worked with clients at dog parks and even stopped by their home to snap a few quick photos with their sweet doggies before or after our main session. I usually include a few dog squeaky toys in my gear bag to ensure their utmost attention to the camera when needed. We often just grab a few photos of you together, then move on to couple photos while your pup(s) heads off with family or a friend.

Dog Wedding Ceremonies

Some people want to involve their doggies in their actual wedding ceremony. It can be so sweet to see your canine(s) dressed up in their best bowties and flowers while being led down the aisle by a friend or relative. Another alternative (if you don’t want them in the actual ceremony) is to have someone stop by the reception for a quick few photos of you together. We can make anything work!

Dog Portrait Sessions

And of course, we can always include your doggo(s) in any type of portrait session you may want as well. You can bring your pup to your maternity session or portrait session. Or if we are photographing in your home (for example, in a newborn session) we will be sure to capture a few photographs of all of you together in your full family photos.

I hope these tips were helpful in your plans to include your dog wedding or portrait photography! If you’d like to talk more about working together for portraits with your doggies, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

Semple Mansion Wedding Photos | Anna + Adam

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Semple Mansion Wedding

Anna + Adam grew up in Minnesota and eventually moved to Chicago. When they decided to get married, they knew they wanted to go back home to MN for the festivities. It made for some long-distance planning, but nothing they couldn’t handle with their families still living in the area. They planned for a winter wedding, and their Semple Mansion wedding was a gorgeous end-of-the-year festivity!

The day began with preparations at the Semple Mansion. Anna was in the gorgeous bridal suite and Adam in the elegant basement lounge. Once their prepping was complete, we photographed Anna + Adam together for their first look and portraits. Next up were wedding party and family portraits. We then headed off to Hamline Church in St Paul for the big event!

Hamline Church Wedding Ceremony

Their wedding ceremony was held at Hamline Church, a gorgeous vintage church in St Paul. It is filled with beautiful stained glass windows, stonework and lighting. Their ceremony was filled with laughter and tears of joy as they joined their lives together.

Semple Mansion Wedding Reception

After their ceremony, we all headed back to the Semple Mansion for their wedding reception. First up was the cocktail hour held on the main floor of the beautiful Semple Mansion. Guests enjoyed music and appetizers until Anna + Adam made their grand entrance. They then heralded everyone upstairs to the ballroom for dinner.

After dinner, Anna + Adam kicked off the festivities with a waltz and swing dance. After dancing with their parents, everyone flooded the dance floor and had a blast. Later in the evening, Anna + Adam were ushered away with a wild streamer popper send-off.

Thank You!

Anna + Adam, thank you so much for including me in your beautiful day as your Minneapolis wedding photographer! I am so honored to be able to work with you, and so happy for the two of you as you begin your new lives together.

If you are planning a Semple Mansion wedding, or any other mansion wedding, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

BONUS 1: Take a look at Anna + Adam’s Stillwater MN engagement photography session too!

Bonus 2: Be sure to check out another wedding at Semple Mansion and Hamline Church that I photographed too!

Check out Anna + Adam’s slideshow for more!

VENDORS
Ceremony Venue: Hamline Church
Reception Venue: Semple Mansion
Wedding Dress: Macy’s
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Hair Stylist: TriBeCa Salon
Makeup: Your Look by Cathy Mylan
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank
Wedding Rings: James Allen
Officiant: Paul Calvin
Florist: Donato’s Direct
Catering: Brie Cater
Wedding Cake/Desserts: Cakes by Nancy
DJ: Instant Request
Stationery: Minted

Fine Art Wedding + Portrait Photography | Custom Heirloom Artwork Design

Graduate Hotel, Hamline Church and Como Conservatory Wedding Day

Como Conservatory Wedding Photos

Hamline United Methodist Church Wedding

Graduate Hotel Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Church of St George and Noerenberg Gardens Wedding Day

Church of St George Wedding and Reception

Thank You!

Semple Mansion Wedding Day

Hamline Church Wedding

Semple Mansion Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Mill City Museum Wedding Day

Guthrie Theater First Look and Gold Medal Park Portraits

Mill City Museum Wedding

Thank You!

St Olaf College Northfield Wedding

Boe Memorial Chapel Wedding Ceremony

Armory Square Event Center Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Lyndale Peace Park Wedding

Stone Arch Bridge Wedding

Alma Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Trellis Outdoor Wedding

Vandalia Tower Wedding Photos

Profile Event Center Reception

Thank You!

Best Way to Care for Your Digital Photographs

Dog Wedding Ideas

Dog Engagement Sessions

Dog Wedding Ceremonies

Dog Portrait Sessions

Semple Mansion Wedding

Hamline Church Wedding Ceremony

Semple Mansion Wedding Reception

Thank You!

NAVIGATE

CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

MINNEAPOLIS MN WEDDING + PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY