Southern Theater Wedding | Inspiration Photoshoot

Southern Theater Wedding Inspiration

The Southern Theater opened in 1910 near the Seven Corners Neighborhood of Minneapolis. It served as a theater for a number of years before going through a few changes, including time spent as a restaurant and even an automotive repair shop. In the 1970’s, the Guthrie Theater leased the space before releasing it again to becoming an independent home for non-traditional and engaging theater and live art.

Theater Wedding Photos

The Southern Theater is now offering their beautiful venue to couples getting married. A team of wedding vendors was assembled to craft a “wedding inspiration” photoshoot. We included numerous vendors and elements that would be included in a traditional wedding day, including floral, decor, wedding cake, invitations, etc. These photos will help couples to envision how their own big day could look. I was so honored to photograph the gorgeous event. It was such an amazing day!

Thank You!

A special thank you to all the members of our wedding photoshoot team. I am honored to be included as your photographer for this stunning photoshoot.

If you are considering a Southern Theater wedding, contact me soon!

VENDORS
Venue & Coordination: Southern Theater Weddings
Décor & Styling: Positively Charmed Boutique Wedding & Event Décor
Florist: Wilderland Floral
Rentals & Rugs: Rudy’s Event Rentals
Wedding Cake: Farina Baking Company
Invitation Suite & Calligraphy: Epitome Papers
Wedding Gown & Accessories: Brides of France
Make Up Artist: Taylor Marie Beauty
Hair Stylist: Karla’s Beauty
Bespoke Tailoring & Men’s Grooming: Carraway Club
Bridal Model: Kelly Nelson
Groom Model: Derek Reed
Officiant Model: Christopher Hernandez
Lighting: Southern Theater

Backyard Lakeside Wedding Photos | Kristen + Jamie

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Backyard Lakeside Wedding

“Something good should come out of this pandemic. Hey – let’s get married!” So began Kristen + Jamie’s wedding planning. They had been together for nine years so they wanted to finally tie the knot, pandemic or not. Luckily, they had some amazing family friends who had a beautiful lakeside backyard, so that was the perfect place to gather for their big day.

Back Yard Lakeside Wedding

Their October wedding day was a bit chilly, but they had some warmed tents and lots of layers at the ready. We started with their first look and portraits at beautiful Lac Lavon park across the street. They were even able to include their sweet doggy Pickerel in their photos! Afterward, we headed back to the lakeside yard, where we had a short pontoon ride around the lake for a few more photos. Even with the chilly cloudy October day, the wind was still and the filtered sunlight through the clouds was stunning.

Back at the private lake property, they held their beautiful wedding ceremony with their closest family and friends. So much laughter and so many tears of joy! Their ceremony was followed with toasts, cake cutting, dinner and a wonderful evening of fun.

Thank You!

Kristen + Jamie, 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: Check out another backyard lakeside wedding I photographed too!

If you are considering a backyard and/or lakeside wedding, contact me soon!

Be sure to take a peek at Kristen + Jamie’s slideshow for more photos too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Private Residence
Wedding Dress: BHLDN
Hair/Makeup: Cole’s Salon
Groom’s Attire: Macy’s
Wedding Rings: Family Heirlooms
Officient: Paul Hillmer
Florist: Lindskoog
Catering: Pizza Luce
Wedding Cake: Gray Duck Bake Shop + Bride’s Grandmother

Lakeside Backyard Wedding Photos | Sarah + Aaron

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Lakeside Backyard Wedding

Sarah and Aaron faced a tough choice as the 2020 pandemic spread. Postpone their wedding or change their venue. Neither one was a great option. Luckily, they had friends who owned a gorgeous lakeside property and were able to move their wedding reception venue instead. They changed the date to accommodate the alternative venue, and their 2020 wedding was back on!

Excelsior Covenant Church Wedding

The big day started at the gorgeous lakeside property in Maple Plain. The weather was perfect without a cloud in the sky, with beautiful calm waters on the lake. Everyone was busy preparing during the morning. Once they were ready, Sarah + Aaron held their first look near the beautiful, woodsy yard. After we spent some time capturing photos, we headed over to Excelsior Covenant Church for the ceremony.

After their beautiful wedding ceremony, we headed back to the beautiful lakeside backyard for their reception.

Back Yard Wedding Reception

The reception was so beautiful! They had a fun cocktail hour with yard games, followed by an amazing dinner. Once toasts and cake cutting were complete, Sarah + Aaron were able to dance the night away, and finish up with a fun sparkler exit.

Thank You!

Sarah + Aaron, 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: Check out another lakeside backyard wedding I photographed too!

Be sure to take a peek at Sarah + Aaron’s slideshow for more photos too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Excelsior Covenant Church
Reception Venue: Private Residence
Wedding Dress: Essence of Australia, Raffine Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Kennedy Blue
Hair/Makeup: Palindrome and Friends
Groom/Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Wedding Day Diamonds
Wedding Planner: Rosewood Weddings
Florist: Christina Marie Floral
Caterer: L&L Catering
Rentals: Ultimate Events
Cake/Desserts: Lunds & Byerlys
DJ: Freddy Fresh
Videography: High Shine Media
Photo Booth: Brey Mafi-Mafi Photo Booths
Invitations: Shutterfly

How to Care for Your Digital Photographs | Carina Photographics

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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?

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

Stillwater MN Engagement Photos | Anna + Adam

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

BONUS 2: Be sure to check out Karen + Harrison’s gorgeous custom-designed wedding photo album too!

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

Fine Art Wedding + Portrait Photography | Custom Heirloom Artwork Design

Southern Theater Wedding Inspiration

Theater Wedding Photos

Thank You!

Backyard Lakeside Wedding

Back Yard Lakeside Wedding

Thank You!

Lakeside Backyard Wedding

Excelsior Covenant Church Wedding

Back Yard Wedding Reception

Thank You!

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

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CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

MINNEAPOLIS MN WEDDING + PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY