Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Wedding Photos | Jing + Alex

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

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

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

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

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

Como Conservatory Wedding Photography | Naiyuan + Bryan

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Como Conservatory Wedding

Naiyuan + Bryan were married at the beautiful Como Conservatory in St Paul MN on a warm June day. They chose the venue because it was the location of their second date! They wanted to keep their celebration small and intimate, with about 30 of their closest friends and family in attendance.

We started their beautiful Como Conservatory wedding day shortly before the ceremony. We began by taking photos of the two of them alone, as well as a few with their parents. 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 a string quartet. It was late in the day so the sun was low in the sky, and the air was still and perfect.

Following their ceremony, Naiyuan changed out of her elegant white lace wedding gown. Meanwhile, the guests headed over to the Ordway Garden to begin the cocktail hour. Naiyuan emerged in a beautiful red lace reception dress. We had a few minutes to capture some images of them alone inside the Sunken Garden.

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

After their final couple portraits, they headed in to the reception to fanfare from family and friends. Before dinner began, they headed out for Naiyuan to toss her bouquet. (Her sister caught it – she was so excited!) Afterward, they held their cake cutting. They finished the evening with an amazing dinner amongst the bonsai trees of the Ordway Garden.

Thank You!

Naiyuan + Bryan, 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 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 more Sunken Garden wedding photos too!

Take a look at more of Naiyuan + Bryan’s beautiful Como Conservatory wedding photos here too!

VENDORS
Venue: Como Conservatory
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Buttercream
Officiant: Positively Charmed

Minnesota Boat Club Wedding Photography | Robyn + Jamie

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MN Boat Club Wedding

I met Robyn years ago when both of our daughters were newborns. We took a local ECFE class together and got to be friends. Even though we discontinued ECFE classes years ago, we remained in touch. Fast forward to last year when Robyn announced that she was getting married to her new beau, Jamie, and then they asked me to photograph their wedding! I was so happy for the two of them! (Not only was I excited for them, but also for Robyn’s daughter and Jamie’s three daughters.) I was also excited to have the honor of being their Minneapolis wedding photographer for their Minnesota Boat Club wedding on Raspberry Island in St Paul, MN. I couldn’t wait for the day to arrive!

St Paul Wedding Photography

Robyn + Jamie had chosen a weekend in May for their big day, hoping the weather would be cooperative before the heavy summer heat settled in. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans. We had a heat wave that weekend, with temps around 100 degrees! Whoa! Despite the heat, Robyn + Jamie were just happy their wedding day was finally here, and it was so awesome!

They began with preparations at the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown St Paul. From there, it was a quick walk with an amazing view over to the Minnesota Boat Club. Robyn + Jamie held their first look under the shade of the trees near the beach. We then spent some time together with couple portraits around the venue. We added in a number of large group portraits too before their ceremony time arrived.

For their ceremony, Jamie’s three daughters were flower girls and ring bearer, and Robyn walked down the aisle with her daughter Emma. It was so sweet how they included their daughters in such an important way! After the ceremony and wedding party photos, Robyn + Jamie had a few minutes to slip away for some portraits on the Minnesota Boat Club beach.

Next they headed into the reception including dinner, toasts, cake and dancing. The sweltering heat could not stop anyone from having an amazing time on their wedding day!

Thank You!

Robyn + Jamie, thank you so much for including me on one of the biggest days in your lives. I’m so happy for you and the girls as you begin your new lives together, and cannot wait to see you again soon!

Thinking about having a Minnesota Boat Club wedding? Contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Take a look at more of Robyn + Jamie’s beautiful Minnesota Boat Club wedding photos here!

VENDORS
Venue: Minnesota Boat Club
Preparations: Intercontinental Hotel
Wedding Dress Store: The Wedding Shoppe
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Jeweler: R.F.Moeller
Florist: Whole Foods
Catering: Mintahoe
Cake/Cupcakes: Buttercream
Band: The Riverside Allstars
Invitations/Stationery: Paper Source, Paperless Post

Fine Art Wedding + Portrait Photography | Custom Heirloom Artwork Design

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!

Como Conservatory Wedding

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

Thank You!

MN Boat Club Wedding

St Paul Wedding Photography

Thank You!

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CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

MINNEAPOLIS MN WEDDING + PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY