Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photos | Lindsey + Mark

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photos

“Oooooooooooohhh!” All the girls oooh’ed and ahhh’ed when Lindsey had her dress buttoned up, pins and jewelry in place, and finally spun around. “Wow, Lindsey, you look so beautiful!” Several girls, as well as her mom, were tearing up too. It was then that Lindsey let us in on the secret that finally sealed the deal on choosing this dress – “It has pockets so I can hold my flask and traveling shot glass.” Haha!

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Ceremony

Lindsey + Mark were excited for their Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding photos. Their ceremony was held on a warm, late summer day. They chose the Ornamental Grass gardens for their ceremony site, and the tufted grass tops looked really spectacular in the breezes and late afternoon light. The garden had a huge oak tree at one end, and it was a perfectly gorgeous spot for their ceremony. They had chairs and blankets set around the site, and a friend had even climbed up the tree to fasten the sheer panels to create the perfect backdrop.

After their friends lead the ceremony and gave lively readings, Lindsey + Mark read their own hand-written vows. They then took a moment to pull out their custom engraved pocket flasks and shot glasses and toast a ceremonial shot to each other before sealing their vows with a kiss.

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Reception

After their ceremony and receiving line, we all headed back through the winding wooded road to the MacMillan Auditorium. Lindsey + Mark celebrated their wedding with dinner, toasts, cake, a photo booth, and dancing. Everyone had such a blast!

Lindsey + Mark, thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. Your Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding was so awesome. I loved spending the day with you, and it was so great to see the two of you so happy together. Best wishes in all your years ahead!

Planning a Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding? Contact me soon to find out how we could work together!

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photo

Watch the slideshow for more images from their beautiful day here:

Rum River Barn & Vineyard Wedding Photos | Lauren + Wes

By Joanna Carina 1 Comment

Rum River Barn and Vineyard Wedding Photos

“Look how handsome you are!” Those were the first words from Lauren when she saw Wes for the first time before their wedding ceremony. They were the cutest bundle of hugs, adoration and kisses during their Rum River Barn & Vineyard wedding photos. They were so cute too as we spent time wandering around taking portraits among the grapevines and hay bales prior to their beautiful wedding ceremony.

Rum River Barn and Vineyard Wedding

Wes + Lauren’s wedding took place on a crisp October day at the Rum River Barn & Vineyard in Hillman, MN. The barn and vineyard grounds were spectacularly gorgeous, especially with the fall color and light. The girls got ready in the cute bridal suite building while the guys were getting ready in the little house. Guests were able to meander around the barn and grounds, passing their time playing home-made, over-sized jenga and other lawn games.

The sun had just begun setting behind them as Wes + Lauren gave their vows in a clearing of trees in front of their friends and loved ones. Their ceremony site was set in a half-circle. The two of them stood under the adorable birch arbor while they were married by their newly-ordained friend (an awesome trend I have been seeing more and more!)

Rum River Barn and Vineyard Reception

Once their ceremony was over, guests were able to enjoy cocktails and snacks. Dinner and toasts were followed up by dancing away into the night. It was so fitting as we left for the evening to look up and see a gorgeous star-filled sky over the warm, glowing barn that echoed the sounds of music and laughter over the fields.

Thank You!

Wes + Lauren, I am so happy for the two of you as you begin your new life journey together. And I thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer for your Rum River Barn and Vineyard wedding photos on one of the biggest days of your life. I also loved your Bryant Lake Regional Park engagement photos so much. I wish you every happiness together!

If you’re planning a barn wedding, contact me soon to find out how we could work together! And don’t forget to read Top 10 Tips for Having a Barn Wedding from Rustic Elegance too!

Take a look at more of my Barn wedding photos too!

Rum River Barn & Vineyard MN Wedding Photo

View more of Wes + Lauren’s wedding images on their highlight video:

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Wedding Photos | Lisa + Josh

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Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Wedding Photos

“I’m so nervous….” These were almost the first words Josh said to us as we met up with him at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Our plan was to get him into the perfect location under the trellis for their “First Look” before their Minneapolis Sculpture Garden wedding photos. We just needed to wait a few more minutes for Lisa to arrive! So we chatted a bit, exchanged a few jokes and stories, and pretty soon he seemed much more at ease.

Before we knew it, Lisa practically floated down the sidewalk toward the trellis. She was such a stunner! As they turned and saw each other for the first time, they fought back tears and melted into each others arms. They are just simply so sweet together! It was amazing to be able to spend the hour with them as we created numerous portraits throughout the Sculpture Garden. They were obviously joyous to be there and so excited for what was to come. The hour flew by and we soon found ourselves at Calvary Church in South Minneapolis preparing for their wedding ceremony.

Sculpture Garden Wedding Ceremony

The tears of joy certainly didn’t stop after their portraits. They flowed freely during their wedding ceremony too! From the beautiful message of their Pastor, to the sweet readings and music from friends, to their hand-written vows I found myself choking back tears several times too. They had also included their dedication and love to their children Riley, Carter and Nia, into their ceremony. Such a spectacular ceremony!

Thank You!

Lisa + Josh, thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I loved your Minneapolis Sculpture Garden wedding photos so much. Your depth of heart and soul is so beautiful. You are so lucky to have each other as well as your adorable family. I am honored to have been able to share your day with you, and I wish you nothing but the best in your new life together!

If you are planning a Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Wedding, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Wedding Photography

Take a look at the highlight video for more images here:

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photos | Molly + Andy

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MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photos

Many people would find themselves at home in a lush, green, landscaped garden. So naturally, when I got the chance to work on Molly + Andy’s Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding photos, I was ecstatic! I always feel like I could spend a whole day at the Arboretum and never see everything I wanted.

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Ceremony

Molly + Andy held their wedding ceremony in the beautiful Wilson Rose Garden. The garden is near the main Visitor Center building. They had a perfectly sunny and warm July day. The Arboretum had special meaning for them because Molly grew up nearby and visited frequently. They were able to enjoy their ceremony right in between the roses and bubbling fountains. It was the perfect backdrop, and their families were absolutely overjoyed at their wedding.

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Reception

After their ceremony, we had some time to meander through the woodlands and Japanese garden for photos of them together. Afterward, we headed to the back of the Visitor Center for their reception dinner. The dinner was held on the patio that overlooked the green pond and lake. Molly + Andy enjoyed cutting their beautiful cake, and Molly’s dad gave a sweet toast to them to cap off the night. Their dinner ended as the sun set on the horizon.

Thank You!

Molly + Andy, thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I loved working with you to create your beautiful Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding photos! I wish you all the happiness in the world in your new lives together!

Planning a Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding? Contact me soon to find out how we could work together!

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photo

Watch their highlight video here:

VENDORS
Ceremony+Reception Venue: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Officiant: Tom Armstrong
Wedding Dress: Allure, The Wedding Shoppe
Hair/Makeup: Blowdry Bar
Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Catering: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Cake: Buttercream
Flowers: Richfield Flowers & Events

Cedarhurst Mansion Wedding Photos | Deb + Bryan

By Joanna Carina 1 Comment

Cedarhurst Mansion Wedding Photography

I worked with Deb + Bryan for their Cedarhurst Mansion wedding photos. The stately Cedarhurst Mansion, in Cottage Grove, was designed by Cass Gilbert, the architect who also designed the MN State Capital building. It is over one century old, and has hosted four US Presidents. It made for a perfect backdrop for Deb + Bryan to join their lives together.

After spending the day with Deb + Bryan, their infectious laughter set my cheeks were on fire! Abundant jokes and one-liners are the name of the game whenever they’re around. Their beautiful day was full of laughter, joking, love and yes, even a few tears.

Cedarhurst Mansion Wedding Ceremony

The two of them prepared for their day in various rooms of the building. They opted not to do a First Look, but to first see each other when walking down the aisle. They had their ceremony in the garden behind the building. When Deb started to tear up upon seeing Bryan, he only needed to break out in his infectious laughter and it was enough to get Deb laughing too. After the ceremony, a cocktail reception was held in the neighboring garden. Meanwhile, we took Deb + Bryan around the Cedarhurst Mansion grounds for couple portraits, as well as family and wedding party portraits.

Cedarhurst Mansion Wedding Reception

Their cocktail hour was followed by an amazing dinner and cake cutting. Looking through the photos, you will notice a small homage to the Star Wars movies. Their cake is topped by a set of bride and groom AT-ATs, complete with veil and tophat! They ended up with a night of dancing in the beautiful Cedarhurst ballroom. Deb + Bryan’s wedding day was so beautiful down to the last detail.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Deb + Bryan, for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer! I loved your Cedarhurst Mansion wedding photos, as well as your fun Lebanon Hills Regional Park engagement photos. And I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together!

Planning a Cedarhurst Mansion wedding? Contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Cedarhurst Mansion Minneapolis Wedding Photo

Cedarhurst Mansion MN Wedding Photo

Cedarhurst Mansion St Paul Wedding Photo

Watch Deb + Bryan’s highlight video with more images from their wedding day here:

VENDORS
Venue: Cedarhurst Mansion
Wedding/Bridesmaids Dress: a & bé bridal shop
Hair/Makeup: Mezzanine Salon
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Colleen’s Flower Cellar
Catering: Cedarhurst Mansion
Cake: Denny’s Fifth Avenue Bakery
DJ: PM Enterprises

Bohemian Flats + Gold Medal Park Wedding Photos | Dustin + Nicole

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Bohemian Flats Wedding Photography

I met Dustin + Nicole for the first time last summer at an Uptown Minneapolis coffee shop. They had just begun planning out their wedding day, and found me through some mutual friends. And just like our mutual friends, Dustin + Nicole were warm, cheerful and easy-to-get-to-know. I suppose the mutual friendships made it feel like we already knew each other? We talked about plans for their big day, photography ideas, and life in general. Later in the winter, we spent time at the Como Park Conservatory for their Minneapolis engagement photography.

Gold Medal Park Wedding Photos

We began their wedding day at the Minneapolis Marriott hotel for prep time and photos with a few close friends and siblings. We then traveled over to Gold Medal Park, right next to the Guthrie Theater and the riverfront, for Dustin + Nicole’s first look photos. I particularly love this portion of the day. Each couple’s emotions flow as the magnitude of the event truly sinks in. Dustin + Nicole were so cute together! From there we had plenty of time to wander around Gold Medal Park and photograph them together. They shared a few quiet moments before the whirlwind of their day was about to begin.

Mississippi Riverboat Cruise Wedding Reception

The wedding ceremony took place under the gazebo of Bohemian Flats Park, right along the riverfront. Afterward, we completed their family and wedding party photos. After all final portraits were finished, we boarded the Paradise Lady for a reception cruise on the Mississippi River. We were fortunate enough to be on the last boat they allowed through the lock right below downtown Minneapolis. Afterward they closed it forever to prevent the spread of Asian carp! It was a perfect night, and we were treated to a beautiful sunset while the band played and people partied away.

Thank You!

Dustin + Nicole, I am so happy for you both and wish you endless happiness as you join your lives together. Thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer for your big day!

Planning a Bohemian Flats or Gold Medal Park wedding? Contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Bohemian Flats Park Minneapolis MN Wedding Photo

Gold Medal Park Minneapolis MN Wedding Photo

Bohemian Flats Park Minneapolis MN Wedding Photo

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Bohemian Flats Park, Paradise Lady
Wedding and Bridesmaids Dresses: The Wedding Shoppe
Bridal Accessories: Bel Aire Bridal
Bridal Shoes: Dessy
Hair/Makeup: Blush Beauty Room
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Richfield Flowers and Events
Caterer: Deli Double Catering
Cake: Queen of Cakes
Band: The White Keys

Arneson Acres Park Wedding Photos | Kristen + Sam

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Arneson Acres Park Wedding Photography

“Whoa! I feel like I’m in Europe!” Those were the first words that left my mouth when Kristen + Sam and I met at Arneson Acres Park in Edina for their final wedding photography walk-through meeting. It was a gorgeous spring day, the sun was warm and bright in the cloudless sky, the temperature was perfect, and every tree and blade of grass was bright green. The cherry trees were bright pink, the flowers were beginning to bloom and the fountain was sprinkling away. We meandered through the park, and I was astonished that I had never heard of this beautiful location before. It was the most perfect location, and I was so excited to work on their Arneson Acres Park wedding photos!

Minneapolis Wedding Photography

Kristen + Sam held their wedding preparation at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott hotel. Afterward, we drove down to Arneson Acres well before the ceremony time so we could have their first look and wedding portrait photography at the park. Amazing. Gorgeous. Astounding. These are words I think of when I think of that garden. And Kristen + Sam were so happy and at-ease around each other. Most of my couples seem somewhat nervous during their wedding day, but not these two. All they could do was hold each other, kiss and laugh. They were so adorable! And completely relaxed and at-home in each others’ arms.

Their wedding went off without a hitch. We had been nervously watching the weather, feeling a sprinkle here or there. Luckily, the sky held out, and it wasn’t until on our way back to the Marriott that we got a bit of a shower. Just in time to be sheltered by the beautiful ballroom so everyone could enjoy cocktails, dinner and toasts, and then dance the night away.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Kristen + Sam, for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I loved capturing your Arneson Acres wedding photos. I wish you every happiness in your new lives together!

If you need photography for your Arneson Acres Park wedding day, contact me soon to find out how we could work together!

Arneson Acres Edina MN Wedding Photo

Minneapolis Airport Marriott Wedding Photo

Take a look at the highlight video showing more images from their day here:

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Arneson Acres
Reception Venue: Minneapolis Airport Marriott
Bride/Bridesmaids’ Dresses: The Wedding Shoppe
Bride’s Shoes: Macy’s
Hair/Makeup: Blush Beauty Room
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Macy’s
Florist: Bride
Rentals: Crown Rental
Cupcakes: Denny’s 5th Ave Bakery
DJ: Midwest Sound
Stationery: Bride

Aria Minneapolis Wedding Photos | Safiyyah + Rory

By Joanna Carina 1 Comment

Aria Minneapolis Wedding Photography

“You are my beloved, and you are my friend.” Tears welled up across the room as Safiyyah + Rory exchanged vows on a beautiful spring day during their Aria Minneapolis wedding photos. And I was so honored to be present to photograph their amazing day down to the very last detail.

I first got to meet Safiyyah + Rory over hot chocolate on a cold February night in Minneapolis. They are two of the sweetest, most down-to-earth people you will ever meet. I could spend hours talking with them and wonder where the time went! We had a blast during their Minneapolis engagement session last summer. Eden Prairie’s Round Lake Park is a beautiful hidden gem filled with fields, woods, flowers, a lake and plenty of picturesque spots.

Aria Mpls Wedding Photos

Working together on one of the biggest days of their lives was the icing on the cake. Aria is truly amazing. Safiyyah + Rory were very excited to spend plenty of time making sure to capture gorgeous portraits throughout the magnificent art and architecture of the building. From the old spiral staircase, to the elegant upstairs lounges. From the hidden alcoves, to the front lobby filled with spectacular crystal chandeliers. Every facet of Aria is a photographer’s dream. And the two of them were happy to spend as much time as possible creating amazing imagery to commemorate their big day!

Thank You!

Safiyyah + Rory, I am so incredibly happy for you both as you join your lives together. Thank you so much for hiring me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I’m so lucky to have gotten to know you and spend time with you on your gorgeous Aria Minneapolis wedding photos. So excited to keep in touch and see you guys again in the future!

Planning an Aria Mpls wedding? Contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Aria Mpls Wedding Photo

Take a look at the highlight slideshow to see more images of their wedding day here:

VENDORS
Venue: Aria Minneapolis
Event Planning: Blush & Whim Wedding Planning + Event Design
Wedding Dress: Brides of France
Hair/Makeup: Julie Swenson Beauty
Florals: Ashley Fox Designs
Rentals: On Solid Ground Vintage Rentals
Catering: Chowgirls Killer Catering
S’Mores Bar: Campfire Desserts
DJ: PM Enterprises
Lighting: Phos Events

Garden Wedding Styled Photoshoot | Mary + Lisa

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Garden Wedding Styled Photoshoot

Mary + Lisa were originally married in Canada in 2006. It was a time when laws would not allow them to be married in the United States. Their best option was to cross the nearest border. They visited a Justice of the Peace and then had a few snapshots taken together before a small celebration, and that was that.

Fast-forward eight years to 2014 when a group of Minneapolis wedding professionals decided to put together a styled wedding photoshoot. We had access to an amazing English formal garden located in Stockholm WI. The garden had been lovingly built from the ground up over the past 25 years by owners Tim and Bruce, who created their perfect European getaway in small-town Wisconsin. They loved spending weekends here after a short drive from their home in Minneapolis. Their spectacular garden and original 1700’s farmhouse had garnered some attention in the past from national magazines as well as the town’s locals. They even occasionally rent it out for wedding celebrations. So naturally we were enamored with the property and thought it would be perfect for our photoshoot!

MN Wedding Styled Photoshoot

Mary + Lisa were so excited to work with us for our formal garden wedding styled photoshoot. They said they felt they were given a chance to have the wedding they never had. It was as if they were married all over again! I was so honored to be the Minneapolis Wedding Photographer for their photoshoot. Congratulations again, and thank you for working with us Mary + Lisa! We are so happy for you and your adorable family.

Formal Garden Wedding Minneapolis MN Photo

formal_garden_wedding_minneapolis_mn_photo_30

Formal Garden Wedding Minneapolis MN Photo

VENDORS
Models: Mary + Lisa
Event Planner, Rentals: Belle Noelle Events & Design
Makeup: Creative Beaute Agency
Hair: Sarah Drews
Florals: Foxglove Market & Studio
Desserts: Ganache Desserts and Confections
Dresses: J Crew
Headpieces: Ruby 3
Invitations: Olive Juice Stationery
Wedding Rings: Commers Custom Jewelers

Want to see more of my styled wedding photoshoots? Take a look at others here:
Paper Wedding Dress Styled Photoshoot
James J Hill Center Wedding Styled Photoshoot
Landmark Center Wedding Styled Photoshoot
St Paul Garden Wedding Styled Photoshoot

Minneapolis Infrared Wedding Photography | Carina Photographics

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Minneapolis Infrared Photography

Today I’d like to highlight something that I’ve been doing for awhile now but haven’t talked about too much on my website. I offer something special to my clients that is really fun and unique – infrared photography. What is infrared photography?

Infrared photography is a special type of photography. A camera must be altered to be sensitive to only the infrared wavelengths of light. In layman’s terms, it means that the images you see are altered color-wise. When you are using infrared photography in natural scenes with a lot of greenery – such as grass, plants and trees – the green shows up as white. This give them images a dreamy, storybook, otherworldly feeling. I process the photos into black and white, but the white grass, plants and trees really makes them pop out and feel unique. My clients often gasp at the sight of them. Once we turn them into a canvas, metal print or framed art, they are truly a sight to behold.

Infrared Photographer

If you would like to work together with me in a natural setting for your wedding or engagement photos, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Minneapolis MN Infrared Wedding Photography

Fine Art Wedding + Portrait Photography | Custom Heirloom Artwork Design

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photos

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Ceremony

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Reception

Rum River Barn and Vineyard Wedding Photos

Rum River Barn and Vineyard Wedding

Rum River Barn and Vineyard Reception

Thank You!

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Wedding Photos

Sculpture Garden Wedding Ceremony

Thank You!

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photos

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Ceremony

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Cedarhurst Mansion Wedding Photography

Cedarhurst Mansion Wedding Ceremony

Cedarhurst Mansion Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Gold Medal Park Wedding Photos

Mississippi Riverboat Cruise Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Arneson Acres Park Wedding Photography

Minneapolis Wedding Photography

Thank You!

Aria Minneapolis Wedding Photography

Aria Mpls Wedding Photos

Thank You!

Garden Wedding Styled Photoshoot

MN Wedding Styled Photoshoot

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CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

MINNEAPOLIS MN WEDDING + PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY