Prewedding Photography Archives | Carina Photographics

Engagement Photo Ideas | Minneapolis Photographer Carina Photographics

Awesome Engagement Photo Ideas

One common question I receive from my couples is how to plan their engagement sessions. They are often unsure where to go or what to do. Today I’m going to talk more about engagement photo ideas. I’ve got options that will help spark ideas to plan your own engagement session.

Personalize Your Engagement Session

My biggest piece of advice is to select locations or activities that are meaningful to you. This will almost always result in better images. When considering options, think about how you like to spend time together. Also think about activities and locations you both enjoy. If you select something important to you both, then you are well on your way to creating a memorable experience. Engagement sessions last around 1-2 hours, depending on the location and activity. When outdoors, we generally work in the last two hours before sunset. When indoors, we can work almost any time.

Some location and activity ideas include:
> A favorite park
> A beer brewery or winery
> An art museum
> The college campus where you met
> Riding a rented trolley, canoe or boat
> A fair or carnival with rides
> A destination or public garden
> A picnic in a park or by a river
> A barn
> A bowling alley
> An antique store
> Ice or roller skating
> A playground
> A baseball field

How to Use Your Engagement Photos

An engagement session is your chance to practice in front of a camera. The photos we capture are perfect for Save-the-Date announcements, Guest Books, Engagement Albums or Gift Prints. They are often cherished by couples simply because they showcase the two of you spending time together. You are often enjoying an activity without wedding day formality. Couples can really have fun with their engagement photography!

As an engagement photographer, I am available to give advice for engagement sessions. Contact me if you have any questions, or if you’d like to work together for your engagement session.

Also, read on for more information about working with me for your Engagement Photography.

Como Town Amusement Park Engagement Photography | Liz + Zack

By Joanna Carina

Fun Como Town Amusement Park Photos

I was recently cleaning out some photo archives, and I happened upon these images from Liz + Zack’s Como Town Amusement Park engagement session. This was one of the first engagement sessions I ever photographed. We had such an awesome time! Liz + Zack’s wedding was designed to imitate a county fair, complete with midway games, cotton candy and other treats, etc. They wanted to use a similar theme for their engagement session. We thought of Como Town, with its rides, games and food booths. They also wanted to bring balloons and suckers and create some fun images. So that’s exactly what we did! This session happened before I had a website or even a blog, so I never had the chance to post these!

Como Town Engagement Session

We started out our session with a ride on the Como Town Carousel. Following that, we headed over to enjoy the Tilt-a-Whirl. We then stopped for some mini doughnuts and headed over to the giant swings. They ended up watching the swings while enjoying the doughnuts.

Once we finished having fun at the Como Town Amusement Park, we then headed over to Como Park itself with our balloons and suckers. We had some fun getting creative!

Liz + Zack, thanks so much for working with me for your awesome Como Town Amusement Park Engagement Session. It was so much fun using such unique themes, props and ideas! I was so honored that you hired me as your engagement photographer too. Best wishes for continued happiness in your lives together!

Contact me soon if you’d like to discuss working together for your engagement or wedding photography!

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, another summer engagement session, and an anniversary portrait session.

Como Park Conservatory Engagement Photography | Carissa + Ryan

By Joanna Carina

Beautiful Como Conservatory Engagement Photos

Carissa + Ryan were planning their James J Hill Center wedding in a few months. They wanted to take advantage of an engagement session when they were visiting town. (They live in Seattle.) While we could have considered outdoor winter photo options, they really loved the idea of trying an indoor tropical garden experience with a Como Conservatory engagement session. They had never been there, but loved the photos I showed, so they were excited to give it a try!

St Paul Engagement Session

The day we arrived was bitterly cold. Being indoors in the gorgeous Como Conservatory oasis is always so amazing! We started working in the beautiful Sunken Garden, filled with pink poinsettias and other beauties of the winter flower show. Carissa + Ryan were such naturals! They had such fun talking and laughing while I photographed them wandering around the beautiful scenery, sitting on the steps or benches, and just enjoying their time together.

From the Sunken Garden, we moved on to the North Garden. There we enjoyed a few glimpses of the gold fish in the fish pond, and wandering down the stone paths. Then lastly we headed over to the Fern Room to wrap up our session.

Final Engagement Photos

When the time came for their Viewing and Ordering Session, they were so happy with their final images. They ended up choosing an engagement guest book. That is an album of all their favorite images laid out with more white space around the images for guests to sign. Can’t wait to get the final book delivered back from Italy!

Carissa + Ryan, thank you so much for working with me for your awesome engagement session! I loved working with you as your engagement photographer, and I cannot wait for your big day!

If you’re planning for Como Conservatory engagement photography or prewedding photography, 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, a summer engagement session, another spring engagement session, another summer engagement session, an anniversary portrait session, and even a Como Town Amusement Park engagement session!

Take a look at more of Carissa + Ryan’s beautiful Como Park Conservatory engagement photos here too!

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Lindsey + Bernie

By Joanna Carina

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography

Lindsey + Bernie thought for awhile about having 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 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 theMinneapolis 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 Photography | Alyssa + Dave

By Joanna Carina

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 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 Photography | Chantel + Quinn

By Joanna Carina

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 engagement 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 photo 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 Photography | Kelly, Joe and Ayla

By Joanna Carina

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 + family photography! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. I’m so excited to work with you as your 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!

Engagement Photography Style Tips | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina

Engagement Photo Tips

As an 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.

You know the old saying “Practice Makes Perfect”? If you want to feel more comfortable in front of a camera on your wedding day, it would help to practice. Engagement photography and prewedding photography is the perfect opportunity!

Engagement Session Details

Typically, engagement sessions last around 1-2 hours. It really depends on the location and/or activity you’ve chosen. When outdoors, we generally work in the last two hours before sunset. When indoors, we can work almost any time of the day. I want to create a memorable experience that works best for you. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have suggestions or ideas in mind.

Your engagement photos are perfect for Save-the-Date Announcements, Guest Books, Engagement Albums or Gift Prints. They are often cherished by couples simply because they show you spending time together. They capture you during an activity you enjoy without wedding day formality.

Where to Go

Selecting locations or activities that are meaningful to you will almost always result in better engagement photos. Think about how you like to spend time together and activities you both enjoy.

Some location ideas include:
> A favorite park
> A beer brewery or winery
> An art museum
> The college campus where you met
> Riding a rented trolley, canoe or boat
> On rides at a fair or carnival
> A destination or public garden
> On a picnic
> Around a barn
> A bowling alley
> An antique store
> Skating at a rink (summer or winter)
> A playground
> A baseball field

Style Tips

~ Consider dressier options (sport coat, dress, etc.)
~ Be comfortable. Select clothing that compliments you well.
~ Avoid matching, but compliment and coordinate together in color, style and level of formality.
~ Choose solid colors (not white).
~ Avoid sleeveless tops, baggy clothing, large logos, clashing patterns, cargo shorts/pants, sweats or track suits, athletic shoes, flip-flops, crocs, and men’s sandals.
~ Bring multiple outfit options. I can give advice on which options work best together.
~ Layers and textures translate well.
~ Remember details! Accessories, nails, shoes, etc. The level of care on the little things add up. Choose neutral nail polish if using.
~ Brides: consider testing your hair/makeup during your photo session. Professional hair and makeup will add some glamour.
~ Don’t stress! Engagement photos will be fun if you let yourself enjoy the experience. Consider having a date night afterward to celebrate your engagement!

More Info

Feel free to check my Pinterest “What to Wear // Engagements” board for visual representations of wardrobes that work well together. And be sure to let me know if you have any other questions. I would love to help you achieve the engagement or prewedding photography of your dreams!

Need some ideas for what you can do or where you can go for your engagement photography or prewedding session? Take a look at my Engagement Photography Ideas blog post for more information too!

Hidden Falls Regional Park Engagement Photography | Karen + Harrison

By Joanna Carina

Minneapolis Engagement Photography

When Karen + Harrison were getting married, our first step was working on their engagement photos. They were so excited about doing engagement photography! They were new to the Twin Cities area, and loved hiking and spending time together in nature. I gave them a few location ideas, and they decided to try Hidden Falls Regional Park prewedding photography. I had never photographed a session there before, and I’ve always wanted to try it. Hidden Falls Park certainly did not disappoint. It was absolutely spectacular for our photo session!

Hidden Falls Park Engagement Session

We were lucky that the water was pretty high during this point of the year. Usually during a Minnesota fall, rivers are rather low and waterfalls can be pretty dried up. Our first stop at Hidden Falls itself was just perfect. The waterfall was bubbling and rushing and gorgeous! Karen + Harrison were happy to climb around anywhere I asked. They are so cute together! We also spent time on the amazing stone staircase before heading out to the next leg of our session.

Mississippi River Engagement Photography

After the waterfall, we headed closer to the river. We spent some time photographing them hiking through the woods and around the creek, as well as pausing on the quaint bridge. Then we headed down to the riverside to photograph them with the beach and some of the gorgeous trees. Again, we were lucky the water was high. The trees looked amazing surrounded by the river! And the sun was setting just as we were finishing up with our session. Spectacular!

Thank You!

Karen + Harrison, thank you so much for choosing to work with me for your engagement and wedding photography. I adored your prewedding photography and spending time together. Your engagement album will be so amazing. I am so excited for your wedding next year!

If you’d like to talk more about working at Hidden Falls Regional Park for your engagement prewedding photography, contact me soon!

Update: Take a look at the photography from Karen + Harrison’s beautiful Van Dusen Mansion wedding too!

Take a look at their highlight video here:

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Courtney + Blake

By Joanna Carina

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photos

Courtney + Blake live (and spend a lot of time) in downtown Minneapolis. They wanted quintessential engagement photography, so the Stone Arch Bridge fit the bill perfectly. I proposed Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement photos, as there are so many gorgeous locations which feature the Stone Arch Bridge in the background, and the addition of the river and trees would for such beautiful engagement photos. They agreed in a heartbeat!

Father Hennepin Park Engagement Photos

We visited Father Hennepin Bluff Park in the early fall. The leaves were changing and the sun was getting lower in the sky. The park was ablaze with the golden sun, cool river, and fall colors. It was absolutely gorgeous for our session! The crowds of people filling the park and bridge were evidence that many Minneapolis folks felt the same way. We had such a great time meandering through the beautiful park and creating amazing engagement portraits together. Courtney + Blake also wanted to include their sweet dog Jágr into the photos. She was so patient and cooperative for the session – a real trooper!

Thank You!

Courtney + Blake, thank you so much for choosing to work with me for your engagement photography. I loved your Stone Arch Bridge prewedding photography! I am so happy for the two of you, and so excited for your wedding next year. Courtney, your parent’s farm will be such a gorgeous backdrop as you both tie the knot. I am excited to see the barn in all it’s wedding day glory!

ETA: Make sure to check out Courtney + Blake’s gorgeous rustic farm wedding photography too!

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

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