Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos | Sydney + Elena

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photography

An engagement session at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is the perfect way to celebrate your love story in one of the most breathtaking natural settings in the Twin Cities. As a Minneapolis–St Paul engagement photographer who loves working with LGBTQ couples, I create a refined, joy-filled experience that honors your relationship with authenticity, artistry, and beauty.

LGBTQ Arboretum Engagement Portraits

Sydney was secretly planning to pop the question to her girlfriend Elena, and hired me to be there to capture the big event. I was there not just to capture the big event, but also capture photos of the two of them throughout the Landscape Arboretum afterward. Sydney planned out everything to a ‘T’, and even brought both their parents along to hide and watch the event too. It was a busy autumn afternoon at the Arb, but we all arrived and hid just in time according to plan.

Sydney + Elena arrived and took a seat on a boulder near the Japanese Garden waterfall. Once Sydney knew we were all in place, she got down on one knee and popped the question. Elena gave a resounding YES with a huge kiss! Then their parents came out of hiding celebrating and cheering them, along with a bottle of champagne for everyone to toast the special day. Once they were finished with their quick celebrations, we headed out to a number of gardens throughout the Arb to capture the two of them in the beautiful landscape together. A sweet little frog even jumped out and sat by them at another waterfall as we were capturing their photos together too.

Thank You!

After their photoshoot, Sydney + Elena came back to my photo studio to choose their favorite portraits as well as design a custom photo album to be used as their engagement guest book. It was absolutely stunning!

Sydney + Elena, thank you so much for working with me for your engagement photography! I had so much fun on your amazing day, and I enjoyed seeing the Arboretum’s gorgeous gardens with you. I wish you the best in your new life together!

If you are considering a MN Landscape Arboretum engagement session, contact me soon!

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

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photographer | Jackie + John

By Joanna Carina

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photographer

I’m always excited for a chance to work at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and Jackie + John’s wedding day was just as beautiful as ever. They chose the Pine Collection for their garden wedding backdrop. The weather was sunny and clear for their early autumn event, and everything looked perfect!

Jackie + John prepared at the Oswald Visitor Center classrooms, and instead of a first look, they opted to hold hands around a corner and exchanged gifts before the big event. Once they were finished, we ventured out to the Pines for the big event!

Their ceremony was stunning, and complete with a game dice pouring in their wedding colors during the event. Afterward, we had plenty of time for family photos before wandering the grounds for couple photos of the two of them. We had so much fun! Afterward, we headed back to the MacMillan Auditorium for the big party.

MacMillan Auditorium Wedding Reception

Jackie + John had a blast during their wedding reception. They started with cocktails and moved into dinner. Speeches were followed by cake, dancing and photobooth fun, and everyone partied long into the night.

Thank You!

Jackie + John, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! I had so much fun working with you!

If you are looking for a MN Landscape Arboretum wedding photographer, contact me soon!

BONUS: Take a look at Jackie + John’s Arboretum Winter Lights engagement photos too!

BONUS: Take a look at other Arboretum wedding photos I’ve captured, including an autumn MN Landscape Arboretum wedding, a summer Landscape Arboretum reception, another summer Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding, a winter Landscape Arboretum wedding, and another autumn Landscape Arboretum wedding too.

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: MN Landscape Arboretum, Pines Collection
Reception Venue: MacMillan Auditorium, Oswald Visitor Center, MN Landscape Arboretum
Wedding Coordinator: Revel & Flourish
Catering: Sky Lakes Catering
Hair: Hairstyles by Jess
Rentals: Apres
Wedding Cake: Cream of the Cakes
DJ: Instant Request DJ Entertainment

Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photography | Libby + Abe

By Joanna Carina

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photos

Libby + Abe were planning to get married at the MN Landscape Arboretum, and I was so excited to be back at one of my favorite venues. They planned a small ceremony at the Prairie Garden pergola for immediate family, and then a larger reception at the Snyder Auditorium.

After they were ready, we spent some time capturing their portraits around the Arboretum grounds. Then we headed out to the big event on Three Mile Drive. A little drizzle graced their event, but nothing we couldn’t handle! Once their ceremony was over, we captured a few more photos of the two of them alone, and then headed to the Snyder Auditorium for the big party!

Snyder Auditorium Wedding Reception

Their reception started with a cocktail hour, then dinner, desserts, and finally a wild dance party capped off the night. The dance floor was packed, and everyone had a blast and they partied well into the night!

Thank You!

Libby + Abe, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! I had so much fun on your big day. I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

If you are considering a MN Landscape Arboretum wedding, contact me soon!

BONUS: Take a look at other Arboretum wedding photos I’ve captured, including a summer Landscape Arboretum reception, another autumn MN Landscape Arboretum wedding, another summer Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding, a winter Landscape Arboretum wedding, and another autumn Landscape Arboretum wedding too.

VENDORS
Venue: MN Landscape Arboretum
Wedding Dress: Budget Bridal Outlet
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Hair/Makeup: Hair by Katrina
Groom’s Attire: Indochino
Wedding Coordinator: Rosewood Events and Weddings, Alexis Johnson
Wedding Rings: Clean Origin + Shane Co
Officiant: Jes Bakken-Busch
Catering: MN Landscape Arboretum
Desserts: Crumbl
DJ: DJ Gregory Ellis, Neckwerk Entertainment

Landscape Arboretum Winter Lights Engagement Photography | Jackie + John

By Joanna Carina

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photography

Jackie + John were so excited for their 2023 MN Landscape Arboretum wedding. Their wedding concept includes stars and galaxies, so they wanted lights and stars included in their theme and decor. When they considered taking engagement photos, they loved the idea of the Winter Lights show at the Arboretum to reflect that beautiful stars and lights theme. I loved it too, so we made plans for an amazing session!

Winter Lights Arboretum Portraits

We made reservations for a beautiful mild winter evening at the Arb. The Winter Lights show was absolutely stunning! We walked through the maze of lights, and had tons of fun capturing the two of them enjoying their time as well. Luckily, the day was relatively warm, and the moon and stars were out – everything was so gorgeous. We walked the entire maze of lights and spent time with all of the beautiful sculptures and light artwork. We even went back to a few of them multiple times so we could make sure to capture several options for them. When the photos were ready, they were blown away and so excited by their photos.

Thank You!

Jackie + John, thank you so much for working with me for your engagement photography! I had so much fun enjoying the Arboretum’s gorgeous Winter Lights display with you. I am so excited for your big day coming up later this year!

If you are considering a MN Landscape Arboretum engagement session, contact me soon!

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

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photography | Marcie + David

By Joanna Carina

Landscape Arboretum MN Wedding Photography

Marcie + David were another of my wedding couples who had a delay due to the Covid pandemic. Autumn 2021 ended up being their moment, and their MN Landscape Arboretum wedding day was absolutely beautiful! They began their day by prepping in different rooms in the Snyder building. Once they were ready, they held their first look near the waterfall behind the building. Afterward we drove down the Three Mile Drive, capturing portraits of the two of them together, until we ended up at the Grass Garden where they would have their ceremony.

Snyder Auditorium Wedding Reception

Once their ceremony and group portraits were complete, we headed back to the Snyder building for cocktail hour. Marcie + Dave began dinner with an amazing choreographed dance! Then everyone enjoyed dinner and toasts, and then followed up with a hilarious shoe game. After the laughs, they then danced the night away with family and friends.

Thank You!

Marcie + Dave, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful wedding photography! It was so wonderful working with you on your big day. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!

If you are considering a MN Landscape Arboretum wedding, contact me soon!

BONUS: Take a look at Marcie + David’s stunning MN Landscape Arboretum engagement photography too!

BONUS 2: Take a look at other Arboretum wedding photos I’ve captured, including an autumn MN Landscape Arboretum wedding, a summer Landscape Arboretum reception, another autumn MN Landscape Arboretum wedding, another summer Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding, a winter Landscape Arboretum wedding, and another autumn Landscape Arboretum wedding too.

Be sure to check out Marcie + David’s slideshow too!

VENDORS:
Venue: MN Landscape Arboretum
Wedding Dress: Bella Boutique Bridal, Allure
Bridesmaid Dress: The Wedding Shoppe, Bell Levkoff
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Savvi Formalwear
Hair: Corabella Studio
Wedding Rings: Gold’n Treasures
Officiant: Ceremonies by Positively Charmed
Florist: Lakeside Floral
Catering: MN Landscape Arboretum
Wedding Desserts: Sara’s Tipsy Pies
Band: Bluewater Kings
Invitations/Stationery: Minted

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photography | Leiry + Greg

By Joanna Carina

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photography

Leiry + Greg rescheduled their wedding to summer 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. It was a bit touch-and-go for their big day up until the end, but they finally decided to go through with it. I was so excited to work with them for their Pax Christi Catholic Church and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding. The Arb is one of my favorite venues in the Twin Cities. Their day was so gorgeous!

Pax Christi Catholic Church Wedding Ceremony

The day came and the weather was absolutely perfect. Leiry + Greg prepped at the church, then had their beautiful ceremony. They even live-streamed the wedding so relatives and friends who could not attend were included. Following their ceremony, we headed over to the Landscape Arboretum for their reception.

Landscape Arboretum Reception

Their Arboretum reception began with a cocktail hour. We were able to sneak away for a short time to capture some beautiful portraits of Leiry + Greg together in the Arb’s gorgeous grounds. Afterward, their reception featured an amazing buffet dinner, tear-jerking toasts, cake cutting, and dancing the night away.

Thank You!

Leiry + Greg, 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 MN Landscape Arboretum wedding, contact me soon!

BONUS: Take a look at other Arboretum wedding photos I’ve captured, including an autumn MN Landscape Arboretum wedding, a summer Landscape Arboretum reception, another autumn MN Landscape Arboretum wedding, another summer Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding, a winter Landscape Arboretum wedding, and another autumn Landscape Arboretum wedding too.

Be sure to check out Leiry + Greg’s slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Pax Christi Catholic Church
Reception Venue: MN Landscape Arboretum Snyder Auditorium
Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal
Wedding Planner: Bella Mystique
Florist: Green Goddess Floral
Catering: MN Landscape Arboretum
Cake: Millie’s Bakery
DJ: Adagio DJ
Invitations: Zola

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photography | Vishana + Brian

By Joanna Carina

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Session

Vishana + Brian were excited to have engagement photos taken. They hadn’t done anything like this before, so were a bit nervous too. They settled on the MN Landscape Arboretum for their ideal location because it is so full of natural beauty, and it seemed like the perfect spot for their portraits. They certainly chose one of the most beautiful locations in the Twin Cities! And of course, the Arb is one of my favorite locations to work too, so naturally I was so excited too!

Arboretum Engagement Portraits

The weather during our Arb photo session was absolutely perfect – a warm, sunny, late summer day. Most plants and trees were still looking gorgeous, so we had plenty of ideal locations to visit. Even the mosquitoes and humidity were pretty light that day! Vishana + Brian especially loved the waterfalls and ponds. As most people often are, they were a bit nervous at first, but quickly got the “hang” of it, and had an awesome time! Vishana even got to model her beautiful custom “Mrs Parsaud” jacket, complete with beautiful pearl detail.

Thank You!

Vishana + Brian, thank you so much for working with me as your engagement photographer! I had so much fun working with you for your beautiful photos. And I am so excited for your big event next summer!

If you are considering Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement photos, contact me soon!

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, an autumn engagement session, a winter Landscape Arboretum engagement session, another autumn Arboretum engagement session, and even an Arboretum engagement session at the dog park!

Take a look at their slideshow too!

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photography | Marcie + Dave

By Joanna Carina

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos

Marcie + Dave are planning their wedding at the MN Landscape Arboretum next fall. They decided they also wanted to enjoy an engagement photo session in the gorgeous gardens too. We were lucky enough to find a beautiful autumn day with stunning colors with perfect weather for their session!

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Session

We started their photo session in the Arboretum woodland gardens and shared lots of fun and laughs. We wandered around the stone trails, benches and beautiful pond. Then we moved on to the gardens, ponds, waterfalls and trails behind the Visitor’s Center. We found so many beautiful scenes and spectacular fall color, and even crossed paths with a pack of wild turkeys. A bonus feature during sunset was Patrick Dougherty’s giant willow building sculpture that is currently featured at the Arb. It is so spectacular, and we were excited to have the chance to photograph with it. It was such a beautiful autumn day and an amazing photo session!

Thank You!

Marcie + Dave, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your engagement photographer. I’ve had such a great time getting to know you, and I am so excited for your big day next fall!

If you are considering MN Landscape Arboretum engagement photography, contact me soon!

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, another winter Landscape Arboretum engagement session, an autumn Arboretum engagement session, and even an Arboretum engagement session at the dog park!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at Marcie + Dave’s slideshow too!

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photography | Katharine + Zach

By Joanna Carina

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos

Katharine + Zach’s Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement session was so perfect. The two of them love to spend time together in the beautiful outdoors, going hiking, visiting National Parks, etc. In fact, they were engaged right in Zion National Park! So when we began to plan for their engagement session, they really wanted a place with beautiful outdoor landscapes. The Landscape Arboretum was the perfect choice!

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Session

We started their session at the Arboretum near the waterfalls. Since Zach is an architect, he is drawn to bridges and other interesting architectural features, so the bridged waterfall gardens were a great choice. We started with a more hidden waterfall, then moved on to the woodlands garden and the frog pond with waterfall too. A bonus feature was Patrick Dougherty’s giant willow sculpture that is currently featured on the grounds. It is so spectacular, and we were excited to have the chance to photograph with it! Once we finished with the gardens near the Visitor Center, we headed out to the Three Mile Drive to take in the wildflower fields and the grass garden just as the sun was setting for the day. Everything was just picture-perfect!

Thank You!

Katharine + Zach, thank you so much for working with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer. I’ve had such a great time getting to know you. I am so excited for your big day next summer!

If you are considering Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement photography, contact me soon!

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

Bonus: Take a look at Katharine + Zach’s slideshow too!

MN Landscape Arboretum Family Photography | Ford Family

By Joanna Carina

Minneapolis Family Photographer

As a family photographer, I love getting a chance to work with my clients again after their big day. Whether headshots, portraits, or even their growing family, I’m open for most anything. In 2017, Safiyyah + Rory asked me to photograph their maternity session and their newborn session once their son Remy made his debut. (I had previously worked with them on their 2014 Aria Mpls wedding photography.)

Safiyyah + Rory contacted me this summer to schedule Remy’s first birthday photo session. When deciding upon locations, they gravitated toward the natural beauty of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. Anytime I can work at this beautiful location, I jump at the chance. So I was naturally super excited not only to work with my awesome friends and clients, see how big Remy had gotten (wow!!!) and also to see how things were looking at the beautiful Arboretum.

Family Photo Session

Our family session was so much fun! In the year since I had seen him, Remy had grown into a running, laughing, babbling little munchkin! It was a warm and humid day, perfect for him to explore every place he could reach. We meandered through several of the gardens and photographed Remy taking it all in with mom and dad.

Viewing and Ordering Session

Holding our Viewing/Ordering session, it was a tough choice to narrow down the images to Safiyyah + Rory’s “best-of-the-best”. They selected an Heirloom Portrait Box – a handmade copper-foiled glass box filled with gorgeous heirloom matted 8×10 prints. Their final box was absolutely stunning!

Safiyyah + Rory, thank you so much for choosing to work with me for your MN Landscape Arboretum family session. I always love working with you guys. It was a joy to see little Remy growing so fast, and I wish you every happiness as you grow together as a family!

If you would like more information about working with me for your children and family portraits, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to check out some other family portrait sessions I’ve photographed too, including other Como Park St Paul family photography, more Como Park Twin Cities family photos, even more Como Park MN family photos, additional Minnesota family portraits, more Minneapolis family photography, a blended family portrait session, other Como Park family photos, a Como Park family session, a Minneapolis family picture session, a Minneapolis studio family photoshoot, another studio family picture session, a mother-son portrait session, a family with teens photoshoot, a family and toddler session, another studio family session, an LGBTQ family photoshoot, and a studio mother-daughter session.