MN Wedding Photographer Archives | Carina Photographics

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?

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 as 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 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: Take a look at Anna + Adam’s Stillwater MN engagement photography session 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

Stillwater MN Engagement Photos | Anna + Adam

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Stillwater Engagement Photography

Anna + Adam were former residents of Minnesota before moving to their current home of Chicago. They planned to get married back in MN to be near family and friends. When they thought about where in MN they wanted to take their engagement photos, the beautiful Twin Cities suburb of Stillwater came to mind. It’s such a cute, quaint town set amongst the trees along the St Croix river. When they mentioned to me their interest in having Stillwater engagement photography, I was so excited! I love Stillwater too, and I would finally have the chance to work at a location I had always hoped to visit: the St Croix Boom Site.

St Croix River

We started their mid-fall prewedding session at Pioneer Park. The park is on a high bluff that has a spectacular view over the gorgeous river and architecture of Stillwater. It’s surrounded by beautiful old Victorian homes, quaint streets and brick buildings.

After we spent some time there, we headed over to the St Croix Boom Site for a walk below the bluffs, cliffs and caves down by the water’s edge. Our options for walking around there were slightly reduced as the river flooding had not yet fully subsided. It’s been a rainy summer and fall for us!

After the fun at the Boom Site, we headed in to downtown Stillwater to work around the river walk and vintage buildings. Again, the actual river walk was still under water, but we were still able to catch a few photos of them nearby.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Anna + Adam, for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer! I loved working with you for your beautiful Stillwater engagement photos. I am so excited for your winter Hamline Church and Semple Mansion wedding!

Make sure to take a look at my Stillwater wedding photography and Pioneer Park wedding photography too!

ETA: Check out Anna + Adam’s gorgeous Semple Mansion wedding photos too!

Considering a Stillwater wedding or engagement session? Contact me soon to see if we would be a great fit together!

Check out their slideshow for more fun images from Anna + Adam’s Stillwater engagement session!

Brewery + Farm Wedding Photos | Stacia + Tyler

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Brewery Wedding Ceremony

Stacia + Tyler had an amazing wedding day planned. They were going to have both a brewery AND Stacia’s family farm wedding. Coming from a family with a farm too, I had a special place in my heart for their big day. I was so incredibly excited when they decided to hire me as their MN wedding photographer!

Their day began down in Northridge Iowa. They prepared for their big day at both Worth Brewing Company as well as across the street at their friend’s store, Fringe & Lace. Once the two of them were ready, they decided they wanted to drive over to a beautiful vineyard near the edge of town for their first look. The area was small but stunning! From there, we headed over to the main park in town for a few more photos of them as well as photos with their wedding party. And finally we headed up to Worth Brewing for family photos before the ceremony.

After their beautiful ceremony, they had a cocktail hour in the main brewery. Then dinner and toasts were back upstairs in the party room. Once the brewery celebration was complete, we headed up to Hayward MN for their family farm reception.

Family Farm Wedding Reception

Stacia + Tyler’s reception was held at Stacia’s family farm in Hayward MN. The party and dancing was held in the large shed, and there was plenty of space to wander around and capture more photos of the two of them as well. After dancing had begun, they had the added bonus of candle-lit lanterns once it was dark. And then we followed with a sparkler exit as well.

Thank You!

Stacia + Tyler, thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer on one of the biggest days of your lives. I am so happy for you as you begin your new lives together!

If you are planning a brewery or farm wedding, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Take a look at another family farm wedding and MN barn wedding here too!

Check out more images from Stacia+Tyler’s day here!

VENDORS
Ceremony Venue: Worth Brewing Company
Reception Venue: Family Farm
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Bride’s Accessories: Fringe & Lace
Hair/Makeup: Expressions
Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A Banks
Wedding Rings: Jared’s
Catering: HyVee
Rentals: Western Rentals
DJ: Audioworks
Invitations: Shutterfly

Theodore Wirth Chalet Wedding Photos | Kelly + Joe

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Theodore Wirth Wedding

Kelly + Joe first began talking about their wedding almost a year ago. We then began working together when we photographed their engagement session (along with family photos featuring their daughter Ayla!) last spring. We had so much fun, and were seriously excited for their Theodore Wirth Chalet wedding taking place six months later.

Wedding Day Celebration

Their wedding day began at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis. Once both Kelly and Joe were ready to go, we held their first look in the grand hotel lobby. They then headed over to the Hewing Hotel for a quick cocktail in their lobby bar.

After their initial cocktail hour was complete, Kelly, Joe and the whole wedding party headed over to Theodore Wirth Park. We spent some time near the beautiful pond and willow trees taking full group portraits as well as photos of the two of them alone and together. We then headed over closer to the Theodore Wirth Chalet for more group photos and couple photos. And then finally we took their family group photos up on the beautiful stone and wood balcony of the Chalet.

Once the preparations were complete, Kelly + Joe held their beautiful wedding ceremony in the Theodore Wirth Chalet Fireplace Room. Their special bonus was that Joe also officially adopted Kelly’s daughter Ayla as his own. Tears were flowing during their beautiful celebration!

Afterward everyone was able to spend time chatting and wishing their best to Kelly + Joe (+ Ayla!) during the cocktail hour in the bar and on the balcony. Then once the Fireplace Room was changed over, everyone headed back inside for dinner. After toasts from the wedding party, family and friends, Kelly + Joe danced the night away.

Thank You!

Kelly + Joe, I am so honored that you chose to work with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I enjoyed getting to know you both (+ Ayla too!) I am so happy for you as you begin your new lives together!

If you are planning a Theodore Wirth Chalet Wedding, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

For more photos, take a look at Kelly + Joe’s slideshow here:

VENDORS
Venue: Theodore Wirth Chalet
Wedding Dress: Bride’s mother’s dress modified by Bride and Custom Sewing by Heather
Bride’s Shoes: Betsy Johnson
Hair: Blowdry Bar
Jewelry: Staghead Designs
Florist: Bride
Catering, Rentals: Chow Girls Killer Catering
Cake: Country Cake Cupboard
Invitations: Bride’s Sister
DJ: Jake Rudh
Transportation: Renee’s Royal Valet

Van Dusen Mansion Wedding Photos | Karen + Harrison

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Van Dusen Mansion Wedding

Karen + Harrison were new to the Twin Cities when they were planning their wedding. They toured several venues before deciding to have a Van Dusen Mansion wedding. Previously, it was a spectacular vintage home in Minneapolis. The Van Dusen Mansion was built in the late 1800’s for for a prosperous grain entrepreneur. A century later, the home was saved from demolition and turned into an event venue. Lucky for us! It was the perfect fit for Karen + Harrison’s wedding day. It was such a gorgeous backdrop for their Minneapolis wedding photography.

Van Dusen Mansion Wedding Photography

We began the day prepping for their wedding at the Van Dusen Mansion. Karen and her attendants were upstairs in the bride’s suite. Meanwhile, Harrison and his attendants were in the basement game room. We held their first look on the front lawn of the Van Dusen. Afterward, we spent time on their couple portraits. Then on to wedding party portraits and family portraits. There were so many amazing locations to use!

Their wedding ceremony was held in the back courtyard under the setting sun. Afterward, we headed to the front of the mansion for cocktail hour. We then headed into their new ballroom for dinner. After dinner and cake cutting, the party went to the carriage house for dancing the night away. Such an amazingly beautiful day!

Thank You!

Karen + Harrison, thank you so much for including me in your beautiful day! I am so happy for the two of you as you begin your new lives together. I am also extremely excited to see your beautiful Minneapolis wedding photography album!

If you are planning a Van Dusen Mansion wedding, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

BONUS: Take a look at Karen + Harrison’s Hidden Falls Regional Park engagement photography session.

See more photos from their beautiful day on their slideshow:

VENDORS
Venue: Van Dusen Mansion
Wedding Dress Designer/Store: Sottero and Midgley / Posh Bridal Couture
Hair/Makeup: Sarah Elizabeth Artistry
Bridesmaids Dress Designer/Store: Adrianna Papell & Amsale / Bella Bridesmaids
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Savii / Michael Kors
Jewelers: Laskers Jewelers
Invitations: Ollie Designs + Papeterie
Florist: Inspired Flower Studio
Catering: Mintahoe
Cake: Buttercream
DJ: Bellagala

Graduate Hotel + Gold Medal Park Wedding Photos | Alyssa + Dave

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Graduate Hotel and Gold Medal Park Wedding Photos

Alyssa + Dave had a busy day planned for their Minneapolis wedding photography! They incorporated several beautiful locations into their day. They included The Graduate Hotel, Gold Medal Park and the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. It came and went with barely a hitch, everything was so amazing!

Alyssa + Dave, along with their wedding party and close relatives, gathered to prepare for the big day at The Graduate Hotel. (It was formerly called The Commons Hotel). Once their preparations were complete, Alyssa held a special first look with her dad. Then Alyssa + Dave opened gifts and read letters to each other privately before their first look.

We then headed over to Gold Medal Park and held their first look. They were so happy! Afterward, we spent some time in the park taking portraits of the two of them. The wedding party joined in and we spent some time photographing them too. Gold Medal Park is such a lovely location for photos!

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Wedding Photos

Once the portraits were complete, it was time to head over to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in St Paul. We started with family portraits and then moved on to the wedding ceremony. As a special treat, Dave’s father is the Pastor of the church. He was able to preside over Alyssa + Dave’s ceremony. What an amazing honor for all of them! They even included a special tea ceremony to honor their families.

Graduate Hotel Wedding Reception

After their beautiful ceremony, we headed back to The Graduate Hotel for the reception. Cocktail hour was followed up by dinner (with lots of hilarious kissing games!) The desserts came out next. The night ended with the dance floor packed and the whole ballroom hopping with people.

Alyssa + Dave, thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis Wedding Photographer. I am so honored to have worked with you. I wish you every happiness in your new lives together!

If you are planning a Graduate Hotel, Gold Medal Park or Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Wedding wedding, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

Bonus: Take a look at Alyssa + Dave’s beautiful Father Hennepin Bluffs and Stone Arch Bridge Minneapolis engagement photography too!

Watch the slideshow for more images from their beautiful day!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
Reception Venue/Catering: The Graduate Minneapolis Hotel
Wedding Coordination: Mary Carlson, Pure Event Planning
Wedding Dress: Our Shoppe Too
Hair/Makeup: Lisa Reinhardt Makeup and Hair Artistry
Bridesmaids Dresses: The Wedding Connection
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse, Macy’s
Wedding Rings: Arthurs Jewelers
Officiant: Jim Erlandson
Florist: Bachman’s
Desserts: Original Hockey Mom Brownies, Groom’s Sister
DJ: DJ Beasey, Elite Wedding DJs
Invitations/Stationery: Vistaprint, Shutterfly
Photo Booth: Photo Booth Creations
Transportation: Total Luxury Limousine

Aria + Nazareth Chapel Wedding Photos | Taylor + Jordan

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Aria Wedding Photography

Taylor + Jordan hustled us outside the back door. “They should be here any minute!” We all ran through the kitchen and out onto the busy Minneapolis street. There they were! Their two sweet lovable doggies had been driven to Aria for a couple of quick photos of the four of them together. Being with their dogs on their wedding day was so important to them. How could we not photograph such cuteness???

Aria Mpls Wedding Day

Taylor + Jordan’s wedding day was so spectacular! We began at Loew’s Minneapolis, in two suites high above the downtown streets. After they were ready, and had both opened their gifts to each other, we headed over for first look and Aria wedding photos. So many tears of joy! After we spent time with them for their first look, we worked on individual and couple portraits. Those took place both in the Aria lobby as well as outside the building. Soon the rest of the wedding party arrived and we were able to capture their group portraits both in and around Aria.

Nazareth Chapel Wedding Ceremony

We then headed up to the Nazareth Chapel at Northwestern University in Arden Hills. What a gorgeous wedding venue! The vintage chapel with ornate columns, light fixtures and windows gave such dramatic lighting and photos.

After their ceremony, Taylor + Jordan headed over to Betty Danger’s Country Club in NE Minneapolis for a quick spin on the ferris wheel and a relaxing cocktail with their wedding party. Meanwhile, the guests ventured over to Aria to begin their cocktail party, and waited for Taylor + Jordan to arrive shortly afterward.

Aria Wedding Reception

For their reception, the Aria dining room was as spectacular as ever. The head table was gorgeously decorated with draping greenery, florals, and candles. The rest of the tables were draped in blush pink linens, candles, silver and flowers. Such a spectacular sight!

Following dinner, toasts and cake cutting were enjoyed. Then the after party of dancing, drinks and photo booths were enjoyed by all.

Thank You!

Taylor and Jordan, thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer on one of the most important events of your lives. I wish you a lifetime of happiness and joy together!

If you are planning an Aria Mpls wedding, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

ETA: Don’t forget to take a look at Taylor + Jordan’s engagement session at Mears Park in downtown St Paul, right across the street from where they used to live! Their sweet doggies were there too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Nazareth Chapel at Northwestern University
Reception Venue: Aria Minneapolis
Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige, Kleinfeld Bridal NYC
Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom
Hair/Makeup: Nay Danger Style
Bridesmaids Dresses: Dessy
Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse
Jewelry: Tiffany & Co
Wedding Coordinator: Studio Veil
Florist: Thistle & Blooms
Catering: Deco Catering
Rentals: Linen Effects
Cake: Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe
DJ: Studio Veil
Stationery: Minted
Videographer: First Dance Films
Photo Booth: Randy Kirihara

Paikka + Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church Wedding Photos | Chantel + Quinn

By Joanna Carina 1 Comment

Paikka Wedding Photos

Chantel + Quinn are natives of the Twin Cities area. They happened to be living in Kansas City while they were planning their wedding back here in Minnesota. I was so excited to be hired as their Minneapolis wedding photographer too. The wedding ceremony was planned for Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church. This is a beautiful, historical building looking out over the lake and greenery of the parks. They planned their reception for Paikka, a new event venue at the Vandalia Tower complex in St Paul. I also happen to have my photo studio there! Their out-of-town planning made for some challenges, but they were still able to visit Minneapolis quite a bit for coordinating.

Wedding Ceremony

The day started with Chantel prepping with her bridesmaids at the Doubletree by Hilton, while Quinn was with his groomsmen at Paikka. Once their preparations were complete, we all headed over to Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church for their first look and couple portraits, as well as wedding party and family portraits in front of the church. Their wedding ceremony was a beautiful event, even full of some surprise laughs.

Wedding Reception

After their wedding ceremony, the wedding party headed over to Como Park in St Paul for a few more wedding party portraits as well as a quick cocktail hour in a private room at Como Dockside. Meanwhile, the wedding guests were having fun at their own cocktail hour at Paikka in St Paul.

Afterward, Chantel, Quinn and the wedding party headed back to Paikka. Dinner, toasts and cake were enjoyed by all. The group partied it up and danced until the end of the night.

Thank You!

Chantel + Quinn, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I am so happy for you two as you begin your new lives together. I also cannot wait to see your gorgeous wedding album when it arrives from Italy!

If you are planning a Paikka or Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church wedding, contact me soon. I’d love to chat with you!

Be sure to check out Chantel + Quinn’s Stone Arch Bridge engagement session too!

Take a look at the full highlight video too!

VENDORS
Wedding Ceremony: Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church
Wedding Reception: Paikka
Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
Wedding Coordinator: Bre Ward, Bre is Fun
Bridal Dress/Accessories: Martina Liana, Bridal Accents Couture
Bridal Shoes: Nordstrom
Hair/Makeup: 139 Hair by Heidi
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: BHLDN
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Ralph Lauren
Wedding Rings: Blue Nile
Officiant: Rev Arden Haug
Florist: The Wild Orchid
Catering: CRAVE Catering
Rentals: Rudy’s Event Rentals, EDG Productions
Wedding Cake/Desserts: Buttercream, Milk Bar
DJ: MN Pro DJs
Invitations: Bride

Minneapolis Wedding Photography Album | Katie + Brett

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Luxury Wedding Photo Album

I’m excited to share my latest wedding photography album with you today! Katie + Brett were married on a warmish January day (well, warm for MN!) They held their wedding prep at the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown St Paul. Their wedding was at St Stephen’s Catholic Church in Anoka. The reception followed at the Landmark Center in St Paul. You can see images from their day in my recent blog post.

Graphistudio Wedding Photo Album

After the wedding, Katie + Brett knew they wanted a gorgeous, custom Graphistudio wedding photography album. These are handmade in Italy. Together, we designed a wedding photography album that perfectly reflected their beautiful day. Their wedding featured an elegant, winter black/white/silver theme. Starting with their album box, they chose the refined black Touch material on the outside. Inside was a metallic silver linen. I recreated the lace pattern from their wedding invitation on the box cover. The artwork and names were printed with a silver foil. The box was finished with a black satin ribbon.

The album cover features brushed silver metal overprinted with a beautiful photo of Katie + Brett in the Landmark Center. The album is bound with black Italian leather. The pages are printed on professional photo paper and bound into a patented lay-flat binding system. The pages are finished with a satin laminate to protect against oils and fingerprints.

Thank You!

Katie + Brett’s album was so perfect for them, and they were thrilled with it! It is such a wonderful heirloom for them to share with family and friends. They can enjoy it time and again over the years. Congratulations, Katie + Brett. It was such an honor and joy to work with you. I wish you the best in your lives together!

Take a look at some of my other gorgeous heirloom album options too:
Signature Albums
Premium Albums

I’ve got these and other wedding photo albums to view as well. I’d love to meet you at my Minneapolis wedding photography studio to show you these amazing albums. Contact me soon!

Minneapolis + St Paul wedding, engagement and portrait photography | Custom wedding albums + artwork design

Best Way to Care for Your Digital Photographs

Semple Mansion Wedding

Hamline Church Wedding Ceremony

Semple Mansion Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Stillwater Engagement Photography

St Croix River

Thank You!

Brewery Wedding Ceremony

Family Farm Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Theodore Wirth Wedding

Wedding Day Celebration

Thank You!

Van Dusen Mansion Wedding

Van Dusen Mansion Wedding Photography

Thank You!

Graduate Hotel and Gold Medal Park Wedding Photos

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Wedding Photos

Graduate Hotel Wedding Reception

Aria Wedding Photography

Aria Mpls Wedding Day

Nazareth Chapel Wedding Ceremony

Aria Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Paikka Wedding Photos

Wedding Ceremony

Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Luxury Wedding Photo Album

Graphistudio Wedding Photo Album

Thank You!

NAVIGATE

CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

MINNEAPOLIS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS