Mill Ruins Park Engagement Photos | Jordan + Elliot

Mill Ruins Park Engagement Session

Jordan + Elliot were so excited to have fall engagement photos. Thankfully, even though we were in a full-fledged pandemic, we could still work safely outdoors. They considered a few location options for their session, including beautiful Stillwater MN and Mill Ruins Park. After paying a few visits around town, they opted for Mill Ruins Park. I absolutely love that location! It is filled with old ironwork and stone down by the historic riverfront of Minneapolis. We were so lucky to have a beautifully spectacular day for their fall engagement session!

Mill Ruins Engagement Photos

The day arrived, and Mill Ruins Park was busier than I’ve ever seen! We had plenty of time to wait things out and just hang around and talk, so the time seemed to fly. The two of them had such a great time – joking, laughing and having a blast, almost as if I wasn’t even around. We wandered around the park enjoying the beautiful river scenery while photographing away. The time was up before we even knew it! And Jordan + Elliot loved their photos!

Thank You!

Jordan + Elliot, thank you so much for working with me as your engagement photographer! I had so much fun working with you for your beautiful photos. And I am so excited for your big day next year!

Be sure to take a look at an additional Mill Ruins Park engagement session as well as another Stone Arch Bridge engagement session. Also check out Jordan + Elliot’s beautiful Capitol Room wedding too!

If you are considering Mill Ruins Park engagement photos, I would love to work with you! Contact me soon!

Take a look at Jordan + Elliot’s slideshow too!

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Teanna + Michael

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Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photos

Michael + Teanna were an item for several years before they finally decided to tie the knot. I was so excited when they hired me as their engagement photographer. They wanted their photos near the Stone Arch Bridge since that was where they were engaged – and I was so excited to work with them!

Father Hennepin Bluff Park Engagement Session

We met up at Father Hennepin Bluff Park, right near the Stone Arch Bridge, on a beautifully warm fall day. The two of them were so bubbly and excited – I loved how happy and carefree they were together. We wandered around the bridges, trails and paths near the bridge and Mississippi River, through the woods, and throughout the park. They were a barrel of non-stop laughs, and we all had so much fun! We even took the extra-rickety wooden stairway down to the river below the bridge – it was scary but amazingly beautiful, especially at sunset. We all had so much fun that the time seemed to blow by – and they were blown away by their photos at their Cinematic Presentation + Design Consultation a few days later.

Thank You!

Teanna + Michael, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your engagement photographer. I am so happy for you both as you join your lives together!

If you’re planning for Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography or prewedding photography, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

Take a look at more of my Stone Arch Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement sessions too!
Courtney + Blake
Chantel + Quinn
Alyssa + Dave
Stephanie + Travis
Kim + Lucas

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos | Vishana + Brian

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MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Session

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

Arboretum Engagement Portraits

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

Thank You!

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

Be sure to take a look at an additional MN Landscape Arboretum engagement session, another MN Landscape Arboretum engagement session, a winter Landscape Arboretum engagement session, another Arboretum engagement session, and even an Arboretum engagement session featuring a couple’s dog too!

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

Take a look at their slideshow too!

Como Park Conservatory Engagement Photos | Katie + Jared

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Como Park Engagement Session

Jared + Katie were excited to have an engagement photo session the summer before their big day in 2021. They wanted photos to treasure as well as photos for their Save-the-Date cards. We talked over options, and they loved the idea of Como Park and Conservatory for its gorgeous green space as well as being the site of one of their first dates. I will admit I am biased toward Como Park, as I got married there myself! 🙂

Como Conservatory Engagement Portraits

The day came for their engagement session, and lucky for us, the closure of the Conservatory (due to the pandemic) meant that we had most of the park to ourselves. We spent lots of time around the Conservatory, Frog Pond, pergola, gardens, benches and green space all around. We even had time to visit Como Park’s new Lily Pond feature with its bridges, flowers, pergola, pond and fountains. It is such a beautiful park. We worked together for about 1-1/2 hours and had an awesome time!

Thank You!

Katie + Jared, thank you so much for working with me as your engagement photographer! I had so much fun working with you for your beautiful engagement photos. And I am so excited for your big day next year!

Be sure to take a look at a spring Como Conservatory engagement session, a winter Como Conservatory engagement session, another spring Como Conservatory engagement session, another winter Como Conservatory engagement session, and even a Como Town Amusement Park engagement session I photographed too!

If you are considering Como Park and/or Conservatory engagement photos, contact me soon!

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photos | Lindsey + Bernie

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Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography

Lindsey + Bernie thought for awhile about having Minneapolis engagement photography. When we discussed ideas, they spoke about how much they loved the Stone Arch Bridge area. I showed them some images from my previous sessions on the Stone Arch Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park, and they loved it! So they decided to have a Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement session. They were excited for the beautiful views both above and below the Stone Arch Bridge. They were so excited to walk over on bridge and see the grand view of downtown Minneapolis too.

Father Hennepin Bluff Park Engagement Photos

The day of their Minneapolis engagement photography was beautiful. Even the mosquitoes were dwindling in numbers as the summer had been coming to an end. There were so many beautiful areas to choose from. It is always so fun to work there. Complete with river views, Stone Arch Bridge views, quaint wooden bridges, a rustic stone stairway, pathways through the trees and vintage buildings peeking out from above the treetops. I’m not sure which spot is my favorite. I don’t think I could pick just one!

Lindsey + Bernie also loved the look of my infrared photography. I included my infrared camera frequently in their session. I love the unique, dreamy quality that infrared photos have. (It causes all green, natural elements to appear white. So no, that’s not snow, it’s just the way infrared photography looks!)

Thank You!

Lindsey + Bernie, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer as well as your wedding photographer. I am so happy for you both as you join your lives together! I’m glad that you enjoyed your prewedding photography, and I am so excited for your big day!

If you are planning a Stone Arch Bridge or Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement session, contact me soon! I’d love to discuss how we could work together.

UPDATE: Take a look at the blog post about Lindsey + Bernie’s beautiful wedding day at The Depot and Basilica!

Take a look at more of my Stone Arch Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement sessions too!
Courtney + Blake
Chantel + Quinn
Alyssa + Dave
Stephanie + Travis
Kim + Lucas

If you’re planning for Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography or prewedding photography, contact me soon!

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photos | Alyssa + Dave

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Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Session

Alyssa + Dave are natives of the Twin Cities. They met at college in southern Minnesota, and lived down there for several years. They were engaged last year and then moved back to the Twin Cities. Once we started working together, they decided to try an engagement photo session. They weren’t too sure about their ideal location. I was happy to help them with ideas. They let me know that they loved nature and interesting architecture. We all agreed Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement photography was ideal for them. The park is a tranquil oasis hidden in the urban heart of Minneapolis. What more could they ask for in their prewedding photography?

Minneapolis Engagement Photo Location

During the week, the forecast threatened rain. Thankfully the weather during their engagement session was warm, sunny and clear! We wandered through the greenery and vegetation of Father Hennepin Bluff Park. The riverfront below the Stone Arch Bridge was particularly amazing. We also lingered on the adorable wooden bridges scattered throughout the park. Alyssa + Dave braved the early-season mosquitoes and were naturals in front of the camera!

We eventually worked our way closer to the Stone Arch Bridge. The vintage stonework of the area gave us stunning backdrops. We used a mix of vintage buildings, bridges and stonework among the lush greenery of Father Hennepin Bluffs Park. Everything looked so beautiful! And Alyssa + Dave were so happy to be together.

Thank You!

Alyssa + Dave, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer. I loved your prewedding photography, and I am so excited for your wedding day!

Take a look at more of my Stone Arch Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement sessions too!
Courtney + Blake
Chantel + Quinn
Lindsey + Bernie
Stephanie + Travis
Kim + Lucas

Are you considering a Stone Arch Bridge or Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement session? Contact me soon to find out if I’d be a great fit for your engagement photos!

Update: Take a look at Alyssa + Dave’s beautiful Minneapolis wedding photography from The Graduate Hotel, Gold Medal Park and Lutheran Church of the Redeemer!

Take a look at their highlight video too:

St Anthony Main + Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photos | Chantel + Quinn

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Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Session

Chantel + Quinn are natives of the Twin Cities area. They grew up here, met here, and fell in love here. But they moved to Kansas City recently for job opportunities. They still wanted to hold their wedding here in the Cities too, and chose to work with me as their Minneapolis wedding photographer too. I’m so glad they did, they are so much fun!

St Anthony Main Engagement Session

Chantel + Quinn wanted to take advantage of a St Anthony Main and Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography session. Because the Minneapolis area is their “homeland”, they decided to have their prewedding photography taken at the quintessential Stone Arch Bridge and St Anthony Main area. We had to plan their session in advance for a weekend they could make the return five hour drive. Low and behold, the weather on their session date in May was absolutely perfect. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and the flowers were in full bloom. It was an ideal spring day!

Father Hennepin Park Engagement Session

We started their engagement photography session among the gorgeous flowering trees of Father Hennepin Bluff Park. We then wandered up and down St Anthony Main, lingering among the architecture of the vintage mills and buildings. They made such a stunning, vintage-urban backdrop. We eventually worked our way back down St Anthony Main, through Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, and out to the Stone Arch Bridge for a sunset view. Chantel + Quinn really wanted those city views from the Bridge, and they were not disappointed. From the city views, to the flowering trees, to the vintage buildings, to the sunset over the river, everything looked so perfect. And the two of them were happy as could be – joy and laughter abound!

Thank You!

Chantel + Quinn, thank you so much for choosing to work with me for your beautiful Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography. I loved your prewedding photography, and I am so excited for your big day!’

Take a look at more of my Stone Arch Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement sessions too!
Courtney + Blake
Alyssa + Dave
Lindsey + Bernie
Stephanie + Travis
Kim + Lucas

If you’re planning for Stone Arch Bridge engagement photography or prewedding photography, contact me soon!

ETA: Make sure to check out Chantel + Quinn’s beautiful Paikka and Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church wedding day too!

Take a look at their highlight video too:

St Paul Public Library Engagement + Family Photos | Kelly, Joe and Ayla

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St Paul Public Library Engagement Photos

Kelly and Joe might hold a record among all of my wedding couples. Most amount of years together prior to getting married. They finally decided to make it official. Their big day will be in the fall of this year. Instead of a simple engagement session, they wanted to incorporate their daughter Ayla and make it a hybrid engagement session AND family session. Such a great idea!

They decided on a Downtown St Paul Public Library Engagement and Family Session. (It’s also called the George Latimer Central Library.) Kelly chose it for her love of books, and Joe chose it for his love of classic architecture. It was the perfect spot! And even though it had been a rainy day, the rain stopped long enough for us to get a few images of them outside the library.

St Paul Engagement Photography

We spent time photographing Kelly + Joe alone, Ayla alone, and the three of them together. It was so fun being immersed in the stacks and rows of thousands of books. The structure of the historic building itself was stunning. There were so many rooms and areas to work in! We were unable to make it everywhere before the library closed for the day.

Image Viewing and Ordering

Once they reviewed their images, they chose to order an heirloom canvas wall art tryptic of some favorites: one image of Ayla, one image of Kelly + Joe, and one of all three of them together. I cannot wait to see the final artwork!

Thank You!

Kelly, Joe and Ayla, it was so much fun working on your St Paul Public Library Engagement + Minneapolis Family Photography! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. I’m so excited to work with you as your Minneapolis engagement photographer. Best of luck with your wedding planning!

If you’re planning for library engagement or prewedding photography or family photography, contact me soon. I’d love to talk about working together!

ETA: Take a look at Kelly + Joe’s Theodore Wirth Chalet Wedding Photos too!

Downtown St Paul Public Library Photo Session

Downtown St Paul Public Library Family Photo

Downtown St Paul Public Library Engagement Photo

Downtown St Paul Public Library Family Photo

Downtown St Paul Public Library Engagement Photo

Downtown St Paul Public Library Family Photo

Downtown St Paul Public Library Engagement Photo

Downtown St Paul Public Library Family Photo

Downtown St Paul Public Library Engagement Photo

Downtown St Paul Public Library Family Photo

Downtown St Paul Public Library Engagement Photo

Engagement Photography Style Tips | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Engagement Photo Tips

As a Minneapolis engagement photographer, my couples ask me a lot of questions about their engagement photography and prewedding sessions. Today I thought I would answer some of those questions.