Prewedding Photography Archives | Carina Photographics

Rogers Lake Park Engagement Photos | James + Sam

Rogers Lake Park Engagement Photography

James + Sam had chosen to work with me for their wedding photography, coming up in 2024. They were also really excited to include engagement photos beforehand. They chose to work at Rogers Lake Park in Mendota Heights MN. The park is where James had proposed to Samantha the year before. James even told me the story of his proposal, saying he was so nervous to ask Sam, and had bagged out of a few proposal options prior to finally asking her at this park. They especially wanted to photograph around the willow tree in the park, as that was where James finally proposed.

The day arrived with perfect weather. We opted for a morning photoshoot, so the park was totally empty. We were able to wander around, enjoying the trails, dock and water’s edge. We even photographed them on the skate park ramps and benches scattered around the park. They had so much fun, and agreed (as most clients do) that it really does get easier to be photographed once you try it out. They loved their photos, and now feel much more comfortable going into the photography on their big day. I’d call that a success!

Thank You!

James + Sam, thank you so much for working with me for your engagement photography! I had so much fun working with you two. And I’m so excited for your big day in 2024!

If you are considering Minneapolis engagement, proposal or anniversary photos, contact me soon!

BONUS: Take a look at some other park engagement sessions I photographed too!

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Proposal Photos | Kevin + Jeanna

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Conservatory Proposal Photography

I received a call one afternoon from Kevin. He and his girlfriend Jeanna, who currently lived in North Dakota, were planning to travel to Minnesota to attend a friend’s wedding. While on their trip, Kevin planned to propose to Jeanna. Kevin searched around online and discovered the Como Conservatory Sunken Garden as a venue for his proposal. I was so excited to work with them!

The two of them were planning to make a vacation of their time in the Twin Cities. Kevin planned to bring Jeanna to the Conservatory before they headed out to dinner in St Paul on a weekday evening. I was there early and when they arrived, I hid in the Palm Dome so neither would see me. Kevin walked Jeanna to the end of the Sunken Garden and proposed at the top of the landing. They were so happy! We had plenty of time afterward for more photos of them inside the Sunken Garden, and then headed outdoors for some photos along the grounds of Como Park before they headed off to their celebratory dinner.

Thank You!

Kevin + Jeanna, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful Como Conservatory proposal! I had so much fun working with you, and I wish you the best in your new life together!

If you would love to capture your own Como Conservatory proposal photography, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to check out some other proposals I photographed at Como Park too, including a spring Como proposal, a winter Como Park proposal, another spring Como Park proposal, and an autumn Conservatory proposal.

Landscape Arboretum Winter Lights Engagement Photography | Jackie + John

By Joanna Carina

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photography

Jackie + John were so excited for their 2023 MN Landscape Arboretum wedding. Their wedding concept includes stars and galaxies, so they wanted lights and stars included in their theme and decor. When they considered taking engagement photos, they loved the idea of the Winter Lights show at the Arboretum to reflect that beautiful stars and lights theme. I loved it too, so we made plans for an amazing session!

Winter Lights Arboretum Portraits

We made reservations for a beautiful mild winter evening at the Arb. The Winter Lights show was absolutely stunning! We walked through the maze of lights, and had tons of fun capturing the two of them enjoying their time as well. Luckily, the day was relatively warm, and the moon and stars were out – everything was so gorgeous. We walked the entire maze of lights and spent time with all of the beautiful sculptures and light artwork. We even went back to a few of them multiple times so we could make sure to capture several options for them. When the photos were ready, they were blown away and so excited by their photos.

Thank You!

Jackie + John, thank you so much for working with me for your engagement photography! I had so much fun enjoying the Arboretum’s gorgeous Winter Lights display with you. I am so excited for your big day coming up later this year!

If you are considering a MN Landscape Arboretum engagement session, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at additional engagement sessions I photographed at the MN Landscape Arboretum, including a summer engagement session, another summer engagement session, an autumn engagement session, a winter Landscape Arboretum engagement session, another autumn Arboretum engagement session, and even an Arboretum engagement session at the dog park!

Como Park Engagement Photography | Ferlyn + Neal

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Engagement Photos

Ferlyn called me one day and wanted to work together for her engagement portraits with her fiancé Neal. They were outdoorsy and wanted to photograph somewhere with beautiful, natural gardens and grounds. I was so excited that they settled on Como Park for their engagement portraits. It’s such a beautiful location, and one of my favorite parks in the Twin Cities!

Como Conservatory Engagement Portraits

The day came and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. It was just warming up and a number of beautiful spring flowers were in bloom. We had so much fun wandering around in front of the Conservatory, the Enchanted Garden, and the Frog Pond and pergola. Ferlyn’s sister came along for moral support as well as helping as my photo assistant lol!

Once their portraits were complete, they came out to my photo studio to review and choose their favorite photos, and then order their heirloom artwork. They settled on a beautiful Graphistudio portrait album and prints.

Thank You!

Ferlyn + Neal, thank you so much for working with me for your engagement photography! I had so much fun working with you two. And I am so excited to see your stunning portrait artwork in person!

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

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at some other engagement sessions I photographed at Como Park, including a spring engagement session, a winter engagement session, another spring engagement session, another winter engagement session, a summer engagement session, another summer engagement session, an anniversary portrait session, and even a Como Town Amusement Park engagement session!

Waterfall Engagement Photography | Katie + Tom

By Joanna Carina

Waterfall Minneapolis Engagement Photography

Katie + Tom were engaged and decided they wanted engagement photos. We talked about ideas on the phone for a bit, and I learned more about their love of nature and all things outdoors. We decided to head over to Willow River, just outside of Minneapolis, to capture them hiking in nature as well as spending time in the gorgeous waterfall. They loved the idea!

After a few rescheduling dates due to crazy Minnesota weather (as well as smog from wildfires) we were finally able to meet for their session on a perfect late summer day. The crowds had died down since the busy summer months, and they were able to spend time doing what they loved best – hiking and spending time together! We worked together for about an hour or so until the sun gave us a spectacular sunset.

After their session, they visited my St Paul studio to review their photos and choose their favorites. They settled on a photo album of their favorite portraits, along with a stunning matted print. Everything was so beautiful, and they were so excited when they saw the final artwork in real life! As usual, all of my artwork is crafted in Italy by Graphistudio, and it was just spectacular.

Thank You!

Katie + Tom, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful engagement photography! I had so much fun working with you, and I hope you love your album and artwork!

If you would love engagement photography featuring hiking, rivers, lakes or waterfalls, contact me soon!

Como Conservatory Engagement Photography | Angela + Ryland

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Engagement Photos

Angela + Ryland hired me to capture their beautiful wedding day. They also wanted to work with me for engagement photos too. I was so excited that they settled on Como Park engagement portraits. It’s such a beautiful location, and one of my favorite parks in the Cities!

Como Conservatory Engagement Portraits

The day came and the weather was perfect. We had so much fun wandering around the beautiful gardens, ponds and trees, and finding fun spots to photograph them. We were able to spend time in front of the Conservatory, as well as both the Frog Pond as well as the new Lily Pond, both featuring beautiful waterfalls. Even the cloud cover was perfect that day (instead of the bright full sun) so I was able to capture the Conservatory sitting stately in the background behind them in many of their photos.

Thank You!

Angela + Ryland, thank you so much for working with me for your engagement photography! I had so much fun working with you for your engagement photos. And I am so excited for your big day, coming up soon!

If you are considering Conservatory engagement photos, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to check out Angela + Ryland’s St Paul Cathedral and Como Park wedding photos too!

EXTRA BONUS: Be sure to take a look at some other engagement sessions I photographed at Como Park, including a spring engagement session, a winter engagement session, another spring engagement session, another winter engagement session, a summer engagement session, another spring engagement session, an anniversary portrait session, and even a Como Town Amusement Park engagement session!

Be sure to check out Angela + Ryland’s slideshow too!

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Olivia + Mi

By Joanna Carina

Mill Ruins Park Engagement Session

Olivia contacted me looking for beautiful engagement photos with her fiancé Mi. She mentioned loving the riverfront by the Stone Arch Bridge as well as old iron and stonework, so 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, not to mention the beautiful Stone Arch Bridge itself. We were so lucky to have a beautifully spectacular day for their summer engagement session!

Mill Ruins Engagement Photos

The day arrived, and we had perfect weather and light traffic. 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! We visited my studio after their session so they could choose from the “best-of-the-best” from their session. They ended up choosing a number of beautiful heirloom matted prints for framing and gifts.

Thank You!

Olivia + Mi, thank you so much for working with me as your Stone Arch Bridge engagement photographer! I had so much fun working with you to create your beautiful photos. I hope you enjoy your gorgeous Graphistudio fine art prints. Best wishes on your Dominican Republic wedding next year!

Be sure to take a look at another Mill Ruins Park engagement session, as well as a same-sex engagement session, I photographed too!

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

Mill Ruins Park Engagement Photography | Jordan + Elliot

By Joanna Carina

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

By Joanna Carina

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 Photography | Vishana + Brian

By Joanna Carina

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!

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

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at additional engagement sessions I photographed at the MN Landscape Arboretum, including a summer engagement session, a winter light sculpture engagement session, an autumn engagement session, a winter Landscape Arboretum engagement session, another autumn Arboretum engagement session, and even an Arboretum engagement session at the dog park!