Saint Paul Hotel Photography Archives

Como Wedding + MN History Center Reception Photos | Nazanin + Jack

Como Park Conservatory Wedding

Nazanin + Jack were busy grad school students living out of state. I was so delighted to be chosen to work with them for their two-day Minnesota wedding celebration in the spring, and worked closely with their families to plan for their event.

The first day began with Nazanin’s preparations in the L’Etoile Room at the Saint Paul Hotel while Jack was mingling with guests for the pre-ceremony cocktail hour at the Minnesota History Center nearby. Once everyone was ready, we all headed over to the Como Park Conservatory’s for their wedding ceremony in the Sunken Garden.

Nazanin + Jack’s ceremony was so beautiful! A string quartet serenaded them before they spoke their vows, and everyone was absolutely ecstatic for the two of them. They had their receiving line in the Palm Dome afterward, and then everyone headed back to the MN History Center for their dinner and celebration.

Minnesota History Center Reception

Once Nazanin + Jack arrived at the History Center, they had an amazing dinner followed by toasts and speeches, a few fun photos, and then their cake cutting. Afterward, guests enjoyed the dessert bar while dancing and sipping cocktails. The party really ramped up once the Persian dancing began, and everyone flooded the dance floor having a ball.

Thank You!

Nazanin + Jack, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding celebration! I had so much fun working with you and your families. Be sure to watch for the second day blog of their celebration, coming soon!

If you are considering a Como Conservatory wedding or MN History Center wedding, contact me!

BONUS: Take a look at another MN History Center wedding I photographed too!

VENDORS
Wedding Prep Venue: Saint Paul Hotel
Wedding Venue: Como Park Conservatory
Reception Venue: MN History Center
Catering: D’amico
HMUA: Warpaint
Rentals: Apres
Ceremony Music: Birchwood String Quartet
Videography: Harvest Film Co
Transportation: Renee’s Limousines
DJ: Generation NOW DJs

St Paul Hotel Wedding Photography | Katie + Jared

By Joanna Carina

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, and a James J Hill Room reception.

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

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Wedding Photography | Jing + Alex

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Wedding Day

Today’s blog post features part two of Jing + Alex’s amazing wedding day. Take a look at the first part – their beautiful Chinese Tea Ceremony wedding that happened earlier in their day.

After Jing + Alex’s Tea Ceremony, they headed back up to their Saint Paul Hotel suite to prepare for their American-style wedding ceremony. Jing prepared first, then hid as Alex completed his preparations.

They first headed down to read cards they had written for each other. Then we headed out to the Saint Paul Hotel gardens to hold their first look. They were so sweet and filled with tears of joy! We all then packed up in our cars and headed to Como Park for the remainder of their day.

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Wedding Ceremony

We began their Como Park wedding day with portraits of Jing + Alex together. This was followed by photos with their wedding party. After these were finished, we prepared for their Sunken Garden wedding ceremony.

Their ceremony was so beautiful! They were married amongst the summer flower show in the Sunken Garden of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory – stunning! Once their ceremony was finished, we had time for a few more portraits among the flowers before heading upstairs to their wedding reception.

Como Park Wedding Reception

Jing + Alex’s Como Park wedding reception began with a cocktail hour featuring Chloe the sloth! Chloe was a big hit, and was so cute as she slowly munched her snacks. Dinner was followed with several toasts and then finally dancing until the late hours of the night.

Thank You!

Jing + Alex, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer on your beautiful day! I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together.

If you are considering having a Como Park Conservatory wedding, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at another Como Conservatory Chinese Tea Ceremony, as well as a few other weddings I photographed at Como Park, including rainy day Como Conservatory wedding photos, an evening Como Conservatory wedding, a Covered Porch wedding, an early autumn Conservatory wedding, another summer Conservatory wedding, another autumn Sunken Garden wedding, another summer Conservatory wedding, another autumn Conservatory wedding, and a North Garden elopement.

Be sure to take a look at Jing + Alex’s wedding slideshow too!

VENDORS
Prep Venue: The Saint Paul Hotel
Wedding Venue: Como Park Conservatory
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair/Makeup: A-List Bridal Hair and Makeup
Wedding Rings: Etsy
Officiant: Tom Armstrong
Catering: Lancer Catering
Wedding Cake: Buttercream
Stationery: Mixbook, Paper Source

Wedding Tea Ceremony Photography | Jing + Alex

By Joanna Carina

Chinese Tea Ceremony Wedding

Today’s blog is a two-part story. Jing + Alex had a busy day planned for their wedding. Their big day featured not one but TWO wedding ceremonies! They planned for a Chinese Tea Ceremony for the first half of the day, followed by a more traditional American-style wedding for the second part. Today’s blog post features their amazing Chinese Tea Ceremony!

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Day

We began their day with preparations for their Chinese Tea Ceremony. Jing used their suite at the Saint Paul Hotel, while Alex prepared at their home in New Brighton. Once everyone was ready to go, the guys traveled down and arrived at the suite’s door. They began an hour of fun and games to encourage Jing’s family and friends to “agree” to let Alex marry her! They asked Alex tons of questions about Jing, including her favorite movie stars, favorite color, birthdate and more. They hid her shoes and made Alex find them. They even had the groomsmen working on “feats of strength” including doing squats, lifting each other up, passing chopsticks without using hands, balloon-popping, and eating interesting and unusual Chinese foods!

Once the fun was over and Jing was given the “OK” to marry Alex, they held their Chinese Tea Ceremony right in the suite. Their wedding party and families were both witnesses to their fun event. Once their ceremony was complete, we had a chance to capture a few photos of them together as well as with their families. Afterward, they headed back to the suite to prepare for the second half of their day, their American-style wedding ceremony.

Stay Tuned!

Jing + Alex, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer for your amazing Tea Ceremony!

Be sure to take a look at Jing + Alex’s beautiful Como Conservatory Sunken Garden wedding that happened afterward! Also, be sure to take a look at another Como Conservatory Chinese Tea Ceremony wedding, as well as another wedding that included a Chinese Tea Ceremony I photographed too!

Be sure to take a look at Jing + Alex’s Tea Ceremony wedding slideshow too!

VENDORS
Venue: The Saint Paul Hotel
Hair/Makeup: A-List Bridal Hair and Makeup
Wedding Rings: Etsy
Stationery: Mixbook, Paper Source

Basilica + Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photography | Daniel + Divya

By Joanna Carina

Basilica + Saint Paul Hotel Wedding

Daniel + Divya met when they were at college in Atlanta. Once they were engaged, they decided they would like to settle down in Daniel’s hometown of the Minneapolis area. While Daniel moved back to the Cities, Divya was still located down South all while planning their wedding. It made things a little tough, but they were able to organize a beautiful Basilica of St Mary wedding and Saint Paul Hotel wedding reception, nonetheless!

Basilica of Saint Mary Wedding

Their day started at the Basilica of St Mary in Minneapolis. Even though it was raining, the church gave just enough cover for a great First Look location right out the gorgeous front doors! We then headed indoors for Basilica wedding family portraits on the stunning altar.

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Reception

After their beautiful ceremony, we headed over to the Saint Paul Hotel for Daniel + Divya’s wedding reception. While the guests mingled in the James J Hill Room during cocktail hour, Daniel + Divya spent a few minutes with me taking couple portraits on the regal Saint Paul Hotel staircase, underneath the stunning crystal chandelier.

Following their portraits, the two of them headed into the James J Hill Room to applause from family and friends. Their cocktail hour was followed by dinner and a warm toast from Daniel’s father. They enjoyed a fun cake cutting too.

Thank You!

Daniel + Divya, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. It was so great meeting you and seeing your happiness on your big day. I wish you the best in your new lives together!

Are you considering a Basilica of St Mary wedding? Or planning a Saint Paul Hotel wedding? Contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit together!

Be sure to take a look at some of my other Basilica of Saint Mary wedding photos, Saint Paul Hotel prep photos, and St Paul Hotel wedding photos too!

Take a look at more of Daniel + Divya’s beautiful Basilica of St Mary and Saint Paul Hotel wedding photos here too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Basilica of St Mary
Reception Venue: The Saint Paul Hotel
Catering: The Saint Paul Hotel
Wedding Cake: Buttercream
Florist: Martha’s Gardens

St Paul Hotel Indian Wedding Photography | Madina + Omkar

By Joanna Carina

Minneapolis Indian Wedding Photography

Today is part three of my blog series on Madina + Omkar’s spectacular Indian wedding photography celebration. Make sure to take a look at the other blogs posts. Part one features their Muslim wedding ceremony. And part two shows their Hindu wedding ceremony.

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photography

Madina + Omkar held their Indian wedding reception at the St Paul Hotel. Madina prepped in the L’Etoile Suite and Omkar in another room of the beautiful hotel. Omkar wore a sharp black and white tux, while Madina wore a magnificent custom gown with lace and crystals throughout.

Once the two of them were ready, we took them across the street to Rice Park for their first look and portraits, followed by group photos. Then we were able to head back to the St Paul Hotel for their gorgeous reception. And really, the word “gorgeous” is such an understatement. It was truly a jaw-dropping, opulent event!

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Reception

Madina + Omkar’s reception was held in the St Paul Hotel ballroom. Walking into the room, I think my eyes popped right out of my head! The center of the room featured their stunning, gold-adorned, six-tiered wedding cake. The tables were set so elegantly with custom menu cards, gold chargers, and floral centerpieces. The lighting featured ornate gobos on the ceiling as well as a custom gobo with their names and monogram. They included six different color changes throughout the evening. And the pinnacle of the room was the custom-built pergola over Madina + Omkar’s sweetheart table. It was draped in gold fabric and topped with live flowers. Inside was a gorgeous crystal chandalier. Simply spectacular!

After dinner, Madina + Omkar received numerous toasts, love and blessings from their guests. The two of them gave thanks for everyones’ support and love through the years. So many tears of joy! The toasts were followed by Madina + Omkar’s first dance, then their parent dances as well as an anniversary dance. Then they were able to dance the night away.

Thank You!

Such a fun day with Madina + Omkar as their Indian wedding photographer! Stay tuned to my next blog post which features their beautiful Como Park wedding portraits.

Will you be having an Indian wedding? Or a reception at The Saint Paul Hotel? Contact me to talk about how we could work together!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at some other Indian wedding receptions I have photographed including Rachel + Nishant’s Mississippi Gardens wedding reception and Vishana + Brian’s Profile Event Center wedding reception. Also take a peek at the Mohan family’s Upanayanam ceremony at Hindu Temple of MN too!

Check out the video showing their entire stunning wedding extravaganza:

VENDORS
Venue/Catering: The Saint Paul Hotel
Wedding Coordinator: Mani Mela
Bride’s Wedding Gowns: Custom Designed
Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Hair/Makeup: Nicole Fae Makeup Studio
Wedding Rings: Shane Company
Wedding Invitation: Custom Designed by Bride and Indian Invitation Designer
Florist: Richfield Floral
Rentals: Midway Party Rental, Cici Events
Cake: Queen of Cakes
Videography: B&M Video Productions
Lighting: Instant Request
DJ: Safraz

Saint Paul Hotel, Church of the Assumption + Minnesota History Center Wedding Photos | Jamie + Tim

By Joanna Carina

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photos

Rain. Rain, rain, and more rain. Jamie + Tim’s wedding day was full of rain. Fortunately, rain on a wedding day symbolizes good luck. Also, fortunately, they had three gorgeous venues for their day. We were able to capture beautiful St Paul Hotel, Church of the Assumption, and Minnesota History Center wedding photos despite the rain!

We started the day at The Saint Paul Hotel. Following their wedding prep, we held Jamie + Tim’s first look in the grand hotel lobby. The lobby is filled with chandeliers, flowers, a sweeping staircase and gorgeous golden mirror and other accents. We were also able to photograph the wedding party in front of the stunning marble fireplace.

Church of the Assumption Wedding Ceremony

Next was Jamie + Tim’s beautiful wedding ceremony held at the Church of the Assumption in St Paul. Such a spectacular, traditional church built in the 1800s. The ceremony was complete with elegant singing, an enormous, regal pipe organ and even a trumpeter.

Minnesota History Center Wedding Reception

Lastly, Jamie + Tim’s wedding reception was held at the Minnesota History Center. The gorgeous venue was the perfect backdrop for their celebratory bash. Floor-to-ceiling windows, marble and granite, blush pink and gold accents, and even fun history aesthetics including an enormous vintage airplane and postcard decor. Cocktail hour was followed by dinner, complete with toasting full of laughter and tears of joy. Afterward, everyone danced the night away.

Jamie + Tim, you are such a picture of happiness and I wish you the best as you begin your new lives together. I am so happy for you both, and also thankful to you for hiring me as your wedding photographer on your amazing day!

If you need photography for your Saint Paul Hotel, Church of the Assumption or Minnesota History Center wedding, contact me soon! I’d love to talk more about how we could work together.

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at other museum weddings I’ve photographed, including another MN History Center wedding, a Mill City Museum wedding, a Bell Museum wedding, and also another St Paul Hotel wedding too!

Check out the highlight video for more images:

VENDORS
Venues: The Saint Paul Hotel, The Minnesota History Center
Wedding Venue: Church of the Assumption
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Bridesmaids Dresses: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair: Callan Jensen Hair Styling
Makeup: Julie Swenson, Primped
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Savvi Formalwear
Wedding Rings: Kirchner
Catering: D’Amico
Florals: Rison Design
Wedding Cake: Buttercream
DJ: Adagio Djay Entertainment
Invitations: Minted

Como Wedding + MN History Center Reception Photos | Nazanin + Jack

Como Park Conservatory Wedding

Minnesota History Center Reception

Thank You!

St Paul Hotel Wedding Photography | Katie + Jared

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photography

St Paul Hotel Wedding Day

Thank You!

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Wedding Photography | Jing + Alex

Como Park Wedding Day

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Wedding Ceremony

Como Park Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Wedding Tea Ceremony Photography | Jing + Alex

Chinese Tea Ceremony Wedding

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Day

Stay Tuned!

Basilica + Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photography | Daniel + Divya

Basilica + Saint Paul Hotel Wedding

Basilica of Saint Mary Wedding

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Reception

Thank You!

St Paul Hotel Indian Wedding Photography | Madina + Omkar

Minneapolis Indian Wedding Photography

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photography

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Saint Paul Hotel, Church of the Assumption + Minnesota History Center Wedding Photos | Jamie + Tim

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photos

Church of the Assumption Wedding Ceremony

Minnesota History Center Wedding Reception

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CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

joanna@carinaphotographics.com

FAMILY, SENIOR, ENGAGEMENT + WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY