Silverwood Park Wedding Photos | Katharine + Zach

Silverwood Park, Church and Back Yard Wedding

Katharine was a native of Minnesota, although she and her fiancé Zachary moved to Iowa for work. They planned on coming back to MN for their wedding festivities in June 2020, and then the global Covid-19 pandemic hit. While many couples opted to move their celebrations to 2021, Katharine + Zach decided to go forward with a smaller church and Silverwood Park wedding for 2020, and then have a vow-renewal and reception on their first anniversary in 2021.

Silverwood Park Wedding

Their beautiful vow renewal was absolutely gorgeous. They prepared for the big event at a couple of nearby hotels. Once they were ready, we headed over to Silverwood Park in St Anthony MN for the pre-wedding photos. We created portraits of the two of them, and then captured photos of their wedding party and family too.

Silverwood Park Wedding Reception

Their ceremony was held on the beautiful cafe patio overlooking Silver Lake. Once their ceremony was complete, we headed inside for the reception, dinner and dancing. They kicked off dinner with heart-warmings toasts. Then guests enjoyed themselves with dancing and even patio games.

Thank You!

Katharine + Zach, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer for BOTH of your beautiful days. I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together!

BONUS: Also be sure to take a look at Katharine + Zach’s beautiful Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement photos too!

Be sure to take a peek at Katharine + Zach’s slideshow for more photos too!

VENDORS
Venue: Silverwood Park
Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom
Bridesmaids Dresses: JJ’s House
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Siebke Hoyt
Florist: Chenoweth Floral
Wedding Cake: Sugar & Spice Sweetery

Southern Theater Wedding Photos | Taylor + Matt

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Southern Theater Weddings

The Southern Theater opened in 1910 near the Seven Corners Neighborhood of Minneapolis. It served as a theater for a number of years before going through a few changes, including time spent as a restaurant and even an automotive repair shop. In the 1970’s, the Guthrie Theater leased the space before releasing it again to becoming an independent home for non-traditional and engaging theater and live art.

Theater Wedding Photos

Once the Covid-19 pandemic hit, many weddings were shut down and unable to move forward. The trend of micro-weddings took off, and the Southern Theater collaborated with Positively Charmed to offer micro-wedding packages. Taylor and Matt jumped at the chance to have a gorgeous wedding in a smaller venue with their immediate family and friends.

The day arrived and it was as gorgeous as you could imagine. They had a quick first look, and then all the guests arrived for the big event. Their ceremony was brief and beautiful. They were so happy and filled with tears of joy. Afterward they held a champagne toast, a cake (and cake cutting), and a lovely reception for everyone. We finished off their day with family photos too.

Thank You!

Thank you, Taylor and Matt – I am honored to be included as your wedding photographer for this stunning day.

If you are considering a Southern Theater wedding, contact me soon!

VENDORS
Venue & Coordination: Southern Theater Weddings
Décor, Styling + Rentals: Positively Charmed Boutique Wedding & Event Décor
Florist: Positively Charmed Boutique Wedding & Event Décor
Officiant: Ceremonies by Positively Charmed
Wedding Cake: Farina Baking Company
Lighting: Southern Theater

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Wedding Photos | Jing + Alex

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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.

Be sure to take a look at an early summer Como Conservatory wedding, a late summer Como Conservatory wedding, and a fall Como Conservatory wedding I photographed too!

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 Minneapolis | Jing + Alex

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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 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

St Thomas More + Harriet Island Pavilion Wedding Photos | Hansol + Chris

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St Paul MN Wedding

Hansol + Chris met while Chris was living in South Korea. They connected over their love of travel, eating amazing foods, and seeing the world! They were married last fall in a spectacular South Korean celebration, and then they began planning for their US wedding. It was a bit tough planning while they are living in China, but they had local planners and family to help out. When their big day arrived, it was as perfect as they had hoped!

The day began with preparations at a few of Chris’ family’s homes. Hansol prepared at Chris’ parent’s home, Chris at his grandmother’s house. They held their first look, then stopped by Chris’ aunt’s home, a place of family legacy. We then stopped at the top of the High Bridge in St Paul for some beautiful photos of them with the St Paul skyline in the background. From there, we stopped at Mears Park in downtown for a few more portraits, and then on the ceremony.

St Thomas More Wedding Photos

Hansol + Chris’ wedding ceremony took place at St Thomas More Catholic Church in St Paul. The church and it’s surrounding gardens are so gorgeous! Their ceremony was so beautiful in the grand church. After their ceremony, they held a large group portrait on the front steps of the church. Then it was on to the reception and celebration!

Harriet Island Pavilion Wedding Reception

Hansol + Chris’ reception was held at the Harriet Island Pavilion. The venue was decked out with highlights from their world travels. After Hansol changed over into her beautiful red reception gown, they made their appearance during their grand entrance. After toasts and speeches, dinner was served, followed by their cupcake toast. From there, it was on to an amazing choreographed first dance and their simultaneous parent dances. And then a large group photo on the dance floor and dancing was enjoyed by all!

Thank You!

Hansol + Chris, thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer on your beautiful day! I am so happy for you both as you enjoy your new lives together.

Be sure to take a look at Hansol + Chris’ wedding slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: St Thomas More Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Harriet Island Pavilion
Wedding Coordinator: Ask for the Moon Events
Wedding Dress: Mysoo Dress
Hair/Makeup: D’Anna Ashcroft
Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein
Wedding Rings: Zhou Da Fu
Catering: Aesop’s Table
Rentals: Avant Decor
Desserts: Sweet Retreat
DJ: Instant Request
Videography: Pinnacle Film + Photo

How to Care for Your Digital Photographs | Carina Photographics

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Caring for Your Digital Photographs

Today I want to discuss something that is an extremely important part of your wedding or portrait session: how to properly store your digital photographs! As a Minnesota wedding and portrait photographer, when I deliver heirloom artwork to my clients, I give instructions for caring for their artwork to withstand the test of time. Digital photographs also need proper storage handling in order to ensure their long life.

There are several options to consider for storing your digital photographs. Ideally you want to create several copies of your images in multiple locations. Here are a few options:
– USB flash drive
– Online cloud storage (ie: Dropbox, Google Drive, Flickr, etc)
– On your laptop or desktop computer
– In an off-site location, in addition to your on-site location (ex: on another USB flash drive, laptop or desktop)

Best Way to Care for Your Digital Photographs

In a perfect world, you should consider creating a copy of your digital photographs that meets each of the criteria above. So for example, you would recieve one copy from me on a USB flash drive. Then you would make a copy on your laptop or desktop computer. Then you would make another copy on your cloud online storage. And then you would make a final copy (either on another USB flash drive, or else directly onto another laptop or desktop computer) to store at your job or a close relative’s house. In this way, you would have at least 3-4 copies of your digital photographs. This would greatly reduce the chances of having your images permanently lost or destroyed. And of course, if any of these copies become lost or destroyed, you would then need to create a new copy to replace those lost backups. That way you will always maintain 3-4 copies of your photographs.

I hope this article helps you safely store your beautiful digital photographs for generations to come! If you have any questions about this or other advice, feel free to contact me soon.

Looking for More Advice and Opinions? Check out some of my other help articles:
Top 10 Things to Look for When Hiring a Wedding Photographer
Wedding Day Photography Tips
To Look or Not to Look? Having a First Look on Your Wedding Day
Should You Have an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?

Como Conservatory Wedding Photos | Elizabeth + David

By Joanna Carina 4 Comments

Como Conservatory Wedding

Elizabeth + David were married at the beautiful Como Conservatory in St Paul MN on clear mid-November day. They wanted to keep their celebration small and intimate, with only their closest friends and family in attendance.

We started their beautiful Como Conservatory wedding day in the late afternoon. We began with their First Look in the Sunken Garden itself. It was so sweet to see David tearing up when he saw Elizabeth for the first time! We then spent some time taking photos of the two of them alone in the Sunken Garden and Palm Dome. We then followed up with family photos as the sun was setting. Once we finished, it was time for them to prepare for their ceremony.

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony itself was stunning. It took place in the Sunken surrounded by a pond and numerous blooming flowers and greenery. The sun had set by then so the Conservatory was dramatically lit by the beautiful star lanterns. They were serenaded with singing and piano by their friends, and the officiant was a friend of theirs as well, so the ceremony was perfectly personal for them.

Following their ceremony, the guests headed over to the Ordway Garden to begin the cocktail hour. Elizabeth + David had a few minutes for photos of them alone inside the Sunken Garden. It’s such a stunning venue!

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

After their final few portraits, they headed in to the reception to mingle with family and friends. They held their cake cutting right away, thanked their guests for attending, and finished the night with an amazing buffet from Lancer.

Thank You!

Elizabeth + David, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I loved getting to know you and seeing your cute family together. I wish you the best in your new lives!

Are you considering a Como Park Conservatory wedding? Contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit together!

Be sure to take a look at some of my Como Conservatory fall wedding photos, Como Conservatory winter wedding photos, Como Conservatory summer wedding photos and Sunken Garden wedding photos too!

ETA: Make sure to take a look at Elizabeth + David’s gorgeous custom-designed wedding photo album too!

Also take a look at the slideshow of images from Elizabeth + David’s big day:

VENDORS
Venue: Como Park Conservatory
Wedding Dress: Brides of France
Hair/Makeup: 139 Hair by Heidi
Wedding Rings: Wayzata Jewelers and Family Heirloom
Officiant: Tresca Allsman
Florist: Florea Floral
Catering: Lancer
Cake: Buttercream

MN Brewery Wedding Photos | Audrey + Gerardo

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Brewery Wedding Day

Audrey + Gerardo were from different parts of the world. She grew up in New York and he was from El Salvador. They met while working together here in the Twin Cities, and knew they were destined to be together. They held their beautiful Ascension Church and Urban Growler brewery wedding on a cool, mid-fall day.

Ascension Church Wedding

The wedding began with their first look in the garden of the church they attend in Minneapolis. Gerardo had the most infectious excitement when he saw Audrey for the first time that day! After the spent a few quiet moments alone, they were ready to greet their guests as they began arriving for the ceremony.

The moment was beautiful, and their own pastor presided over their ceremony. They were even able to incorporate a traditional Salvadoran ritual – the lasso ceremony – which symbolizes their unity for life. Once their ceremony was complete, they received their guests in a receiving line.

Urban Growler Brewery Reception

After they finished their wedding ceremony, they were off to the Urban Growler Brewery in St Paul for their reception. They had so much fun at their reception! They enjoyed cocktails with guests, ate from the fabulous taco bar from the Urban Growler, and cut their cake in front of family and friends. The room was hopping once the dancing was underway! And they even enjoyed a visit from their dog Rocky to take a few quick photos together. After their reception, they even headed out to a show with some family so they could party the night away.

Thank You!

Audrey + Gerardo, thank you so much for working with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer! It was so much fun seeing your happiness together! Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness!

If you are considering a MN beer brewery wedding and/or reception, contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit!

Take a look at a beer brewery engagement session I photographed too!

Take a look at their full slideshow too:

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Ascension Church
Reception Venue: Urban Growler
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair/Makeup: Juut Salon
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Helzberg
Catering: Urban Growler

Como Conservatory Wedding Photography | Kelly + Andy

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Como Conservatory Wedding

Kelly + Andy were married at the beautiful Como Conservatory in St Paul MN on a perfect September day. They wanted to keep their celebration small and intimate, with their closest friends and family in attendance.

We started their beautiful Como Conservatory wedding day in the late afternoon. We began with their First Look, then spent some time taking photos of the two of them alone. It’s always so much fun wandering the Como Park grounds and photographing among the beautiful landscape! We followed that up with family photos. Once we finished, it was time for them to prepare for their ceremony.

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony itself was so beautiful. It took place in the gorgeous glass conservatory surrounded by a fountain, pond and numerous blooming flowers and green shrubs. They were serenaded by Kelly’s violinist brother-in-law. It was late in the day so the sun was low in the sky, and the air was warm and perfect.

Following their ceremony, the guests headed over to the Ordway Garden to begin the cocktail hour. Kelly + Andy had a few minutes for photos of them alone inside the Sunken Garden. It’s such a gorgeous venue! (I may be a bit biased – this is where I got married too!)

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

After their final few portraits, they headed in to the reception to fanfare from family and friends. A surprise guest was brought out – Chloe the sloth! Afterward, they held their cake cutting. They finished the evening with cocktails and heavy apps amongst the bonsai trees of the Ordway Garden.

Thank You!

Kelly + Andy, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I loved getting to know you and seeing how cute you guys are together. I wish you the best in your new lives!

Are you considering a Como Park Conservatory wedding? Contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit together!

Be sure to take a look at some of my Como Conservatory winter wedding photos, Como Conservatory summer wedding photos and Sunken Garden wedding photos too!

Take a look at more of Kelly + Andy’s images in their slideshow too!

VENDORS
Venue: Como Conservatory
Wedding Dress, Accessories + Shoes: David’s Bridal
Hair/Makeup: The Blushing Room
Wedding Rings: Wixon/Shane Co
Officiant: Judge Tom Armstrong
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Buttercream
Musician: Family Member of Bride
Invitations: Vistaprint

Basilica + Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photography | Daniel + Divya

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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 and Saint 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

Fine Art Wedding + Portrait Photography | Custom Heirloom Artwork Design

Silverwood Park, Church and Back Yard Wedding

Silverwood Park Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Southern Theater Weddings

Theater Wedding Photos

Thank You!

Como Park Wedding Day

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Wedding Ceremony

Como Park Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Chinese Tea Ceremony Wedding

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Day

Stay Tuned!

St Paul MN Wedding

Harriet Island Pavilion Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Best Way to Care for Your Digital Photographs

Como Conservatory Wedding

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Brewery Wedding Day

Ascension Church Wedding

Urban Growler Brewery Reception

Thank You!

Como Conservatory Wedding

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Basilica + Saint Paul Hotel Wedding

Basilica of Saint Mary Wedding

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Reception

Thank You!

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CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

MINNEAPOLIS MN WEDDING + PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY