MN Wedding Photographer Archives | Carina Photographics

St Paul Hotel Wedding Photography | Katie + Jared

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photography

I was so excited to work with Katie + Jared for their big day last summer at the Saint Paul Hotel. It’s such a beautiful location, and one of my favorite hotels in the Twin Cities. Their day was picture perfect!

St Paul Hotel Wedding Day

The day came and the weather was just right – a touch of rain early in the day led to cooler temps and no burning sun. Katie + Jared prepped in the hotel, and then we were able to hold their first look in the beautiful garden in front of the hotel. Afterward, we captured their portraits together in Rice Park, and then captured photos of their wedding party and families.

Once the formal photography was finished, it was on to the big event. Their ceremony was in the St Paul Hotel ballroom, officiated by Katie’s uncle. The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour, and then the gorgeous reception, also in the ballroom. It was so stunning! They had an amazing dinner, toasts, cake cutting, and then danced the night away.

Thank You!

Katie + Jared, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! I had so much fun on your big day. I wish you every happiness in life!

Be sure to take a look at a few other weddings I photographed at the Saint Paul Hotel, including an Indian wedding reception, indoor wedding portraits, a James J Hill Room reception, and an in-suite wedding ceremony.

If you are considering a Saint Paul Hotel wedding, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to check out Katie + Jared’s beautiful Como Park engagement photography too!

Be sure to check out Katie + Jared’s slideshow too!

VENDORS
Venue: The Saint Paul Hotel
Wedding Dress: Luxe Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Louboutin
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Continental Diamond, Wedding Day Diamonds
Officiant: Derrick Skoglund
Hair/Makeup: Desiree Grayduck
Florist: Martha’s Gardens
Catering: The Saint Paul Hotel
Cake: Sweet Assurance Bakery
DJ: Midwest Sound
Invitations: Minted + The Knot

Profile Event Center Indian Reception Photography | Vishana + Brian

By Joanna Carina

Indian Wedding Reception

Vishana + Brian were planning for a spectacular Indian wedding celebration as they begin their new lives together. Their wedding ceremony was held at Vishnu Mandir, their family temple, the day before. They held their wedding reception the next day at the Profile Event Center. The second day was as gorgeous as the first!

Profile Event Center Wedding Reception

We began the day with preparation at the Profile. Once Vishana + Brian held their first look, we headed over to the Stone Arch Bridge for wedding party photos. We had an awesome time walking around the riverfront and capturing the two of them, as well as their wedding party together.

After we were finished, we headed back to the Profile for the cocktail hour and then grand march into the big event. Toasts were given and they cut their cake after dinner. Then there was tons of fun afterward with dancing, a bouquet toss and garter toss, and they partied well into the night.

Thank You!

Vishana + Brian, thank you so much for including me as your Indian wedding photographer for your beautiful event. I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at Vishana + Brian’s beautiful Vishnu Mandir wedding photos too!

BONUS 2: Also take a look at Vishana + Brian’s beautiful MN Landscape Arboretum engagement photos too!

BONUS 3: Also be sure to check out other Indian wedding receptions I have photographed, including Rachel + Nishant’s Mississippi Gardens wedding reception and Madina + Omkar’s St Paul Hotel wedding reception too!

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

VENDORS
Venue: Profile Event Center
Wedding Dress: Annika Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie.com
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Jared’s
Florist: Profile Event Center
Catering: Profile Event Center
Cake: Profile Event Center
Musicians: DJ Leon D
Invitations: Minted
Videography: Videography of MN

Vishnu Mandir Indian Wedding Photography | Vishana + Brian

By Joanna Carina

Indian Wedding Day

Vishana + Brian were planning for a spectacular Indian wedding celebration as they begin their new lives together. We began their day at Vishnu Mandir, their family temple, for their wedding ceremony. They both prepared beforehand, then were driven over by family members. The events begin right in the parking lot with music and welcoming Brian and his family into the temple by Vishana’s family.

We then headed indoors for some of Brian’s ceremonies. Then Vishana emerged with her family for the women’s ceremonies. When she was finished, she left to change, and then Brian came into the temple for his ceremonies.

Vishnu Mandir Hindu Wedding

Once Brian was finished, Vishana came out in her traditional red dress. They both completed their ceremonies together and with their families. Afterward, they were serenaded with a choreographed dance from their cousins. And then they had their beautiful couch and backdrop to have photos with family and friends. Once those were complete, they quickly ate their dinners before heading out to their cars and off to Brian’s home to bring Vishana in and end the day’s festivities.

Thank You!

Vishana + Brian, thank you so much for including me as your Indian wedding photographer for your beautiful event. I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at Vishana + Brian’s beautiful Profile Event Center wedding reception photos too!

BONUS 2: Also take a look at Vishana + Brian’s beautiful MN Landscape Arboretum engagement photos too!

BONUS 3: Check out other Indian weddings I have photographed, including Rachel + Nishant’s Hindu Temple of Minnesota wedding and Madina + Omkar’s home Indian wedding. Also take a peek at the Mohan family’s Upanayanam ceremony at Hindu Temple of MN too!

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

VENDORS
Venue: Vishnu Mandir
Wedding Dress: Annika Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie.com
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Jared’s
Officiant: Pandit Doobay
Florist: Profile Event Center
Catering: Vishnu Mandir
Cake: Profile Event Center
Musicians: DJ Leon D
Invitations: Minted
Videography: Videography of MN

Silverwood Park Wedding Photography | Katharine + Zach

By Joanna Carina

Silverwood Park, Church and Back Yard Wedding

Katharine was a native of Minnesota, although she and her fiancé Zachary moved to Iowa for work. They planned on coming back to MN for their wedding festivities in June 2020, and then the global Covid-19 pandemic hit. While many couples opted to move their celebrations to 2021, Katharine + Zach decided to go forward with a smaller church and Silverwood Park wedding for 2020, and then have a vow-renewal and reception on their first anniversary in 2021.

Silverwood Park Wedding

Their beautiful vow renewal was absolutely gorgeous. They prepared for the big event at a couple of nearby hotels. Once they were ready, we headed over to Silverwood Park in St Anthony MN for the pre-wedding photos. We created portraits of the two of them, and then captured photos of their wedding party and family too.

Silverwood Park Wedding Reception

Their ceremony was held on the beautiful cafe patio overlooking Silver Lake. Once their ceremony was complete, we headed inside for the reception, dinner and dancing. They kicked off dinner with heart-warmings toasts. Then guests enjoyed themselves with dancing and even patio games.

Thank You!

Katharine + Zach, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer for BOTH of your beautiful days. I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at Katharine + Zach’s beautiful Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement photos. Also check out Nazanin + Jack’s Hyland Hills Chalet wedding reception photos, another Three Rivers Park District venue.

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

VENDORS
Venue: Silverwood Park
Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom
Bridesmaids Dresses: JJ’s House
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Siebke Hoyt
Florist: Chenoweth Floral
Wedding Cake: Sugar & Spice Sweetery

Southern Theater Wedding Photography | Taylor + Matt

By Joanna Carina

Southern Theater Weddings

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

Once the Covid-19 pandemic hit, many weddings were shut down and unable to move forward. The trend of micro-weddings took off, and the Southern Theater collaborated with Positively Charmed to offer micro-wedding packages. Taylor and Matt jumped at the chance to have a gorgeous wedding in a smaller venue with their immediate family and friends.

The day arrived and it was as gorgeous as you could imagine. They had a quick first look, and then all the guests arrived for the big event. Their ceremony was brief and beautiful. They were so happy and filled with tears of joy. Afterward they held a champagne toast, a cake (and cake cutting), and a lovely reception for everyone. We finished off their day with family photos too.

Thank You!

Thank you, Taylor and Matt – I am honored to be included as your wedding photographer for this stunning day.

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

BONUS: Take a look at a Southern Theater wedding inspiration photoshoot I photographed too!

VENDORS
Venue & Coordination: Southern Theater Weddings
Décor, Styling + Rentals: Positively Charmed Boutique Wedding & Event Décor
Florist: Positively Charmed Boutique Wedding & Event Décor
Officiant: Ceremonies by Positively Charmed
Wedding Cake: Farina Baking Company
Lighting: Southern Theater

Southern Theater Wedding | Inspiration Photoshoot

By Joanna Carina

Southern Theater Wedding Inspiration

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!

BONUS: Take a look at a real Southern Theater wedding I photographed too!

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 Photography | Kristen + Jamie

By Joanna Carina

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 wedding and a riverside tented 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 Photography | Sarah + Aaron

By Joanna Carina

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 wedding and another backyard tented 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

By Joanna Carina

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 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 receive 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 Photography | Anna + Adam

By Joanna Carina

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 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!

EXTRA BONUS: Be sure to take a look at a few other mansion weddings I photographed too, such as this Van Dusen Mansion wedding, a Semple Mansion wedding, a St Paul College Club wedding, a Pillsbury Mansion wedding, and a Cedarhurst Mansion wedding.

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

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photography

St Paul Hotel Wedding Day

Thank You!

Indian Wedding Reception

Profile Event Center Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Indian Wedding Day

Vishnu Mandir Hindu Wedding

Thank You!

Silverwood Park, Church and Back Yard Wedding

Silverwood Park Wedding

Silverwood Park Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Southern Theater Weddings

Theater Wedding Photos

Thank You!

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!

Caring for Your Digital Photographs

Best Way to Care for Your Digital Photographs

Semple Mansion Wedding

Hamline Church Wedding Ceremony

Semple Mansion Wedding Reception

Thank You!

NAVIGATE

CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

FAMILY, SENIOR, ENGAGEMENT + WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY