St Paul Wedding Photography Archives

Como Park Conservatory Wedding Photography | Ashley + Tom

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

Ashley + Tom chose to work with me for their beautiful wedding day at one of my favorite venues – the Sunken Garden in St Paul’s Como Conservatory. (I love it so much, I got married there myself!)

Their day arrived with a bit of morning rain. It luckily halted right around the time we arrived at Como Park after their preparation at a nearby hotel. We started out with photos of Ashley + Tom’s first look, followed by portraits with family and wedding party. Then their gorgeous ceremony was held inside the Sunken Garden. Their son Rhyatt was so adorable and really hammed it up during their big event!

Como Ordway Garden Wedding Reception

After their ceremony, we captured a few photos of them inside the Sunken Garden before heading off to the Ordway Garden for their reception. They started with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner and toasts. Once their dinner was finished, they cut their (homemade) chocolate cake and then it was off to dancing, and even a rousing version of the shoe game! They had a blast and danced away into the night.

Thank You!

Ashley + Tom, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful wedding photography! I had so much fun on your big day. I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

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

Be sure to check out Ashley + Tom’s slideshow too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Como Conservatory Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Como Conservatory Ordway Garden
Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Wedding Rings: Elmquist Jewelers
Officiant: Terrell Ennis
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Lancer Catering
DJ: Terrell Ennis

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, a James J Hill Room reception, and an in-suite wedding ceremony.

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

Silverwood Park Wedding Photos | Katharine + Zach

By Joanna Carina

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: Be sure to take a look at Katharine + Zach’s beautiful Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement photos. Also check out Nazanin + Jack’s Hyland Hills Chalet wedding reception photos, another Three Rivers Park District venue.

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 Photography | Taylor + Matt

By Joanna Carina

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!

BONUS: Take a look at a Southern Theater wedding inspiration photoshoot I photographed too!

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 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 in the Bullard Rainforest Auditorium 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 Como Japanese Garden wedding photography, Sunken Garden wedding photographs, 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, a winter Como Sunken Garden 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 Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Como Park Conservatory Bullard Rainforest Auditorium
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 too! Also, be sure to take a peek at another Como Conservatory Chinese Tea Ceremony wedding, as well as another wedding that included Chinese Tea Ceremony photos too. And lastly, take a peek at another St Paul Hotel in-suite wedding 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 Photography | Hansol + Chris

By Joanna Carina

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/h3>
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 wedding photographer on your beautiful day! I am so happy for you both as you enjoy your new lives together.

BONUS: Take a look at a Raspberry Island MN Boat Club wedding I photographed too!

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

Como Conservatory MN Wedding Photography | Elizabeth + David

By Joanna Carina

Como Conservatory Wedding

Elizabeth + David held a beautiful Como Conservatory Sunken Garden wedding 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 wedding 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 Garden 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 gorgeous venue!

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

After their final few portraits, they headed to their Como Conservatory Ordway Garden 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 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!

BONUS: 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
Wedding Venue: Como Conservatory Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Como Conservatory Ordway Garden
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

Urban Growler Brewery Wedding Photography | Audrey + Gerardo

By Joanna Carina

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 Brewing Company 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 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 Bauhaus brewery engagement session and a Big Wood 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

Sunken Garden Wedding Photography | Kelly + Andy

By Joanna Carina

Como Park 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.

Sunken Garden 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!)

Ordway Garden 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 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!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at a few other weddings I photographed at Como Park, including Como Japanese Garden wedding photography, Sunken Garden wedding photographs, a winter Sunken Garden wedding, rainy day Como Conservatory wedding photos, summertime Sunken Garden wedding photos, an evening Como Conservatory wedding, a Covered Porch wedding, an early autumn Conservatory wedding, another summer Conservatory wedding, another summer Conservatory wedding, another autumn Conservatory wedding, and a North Garden elopement.

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

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Como Conservatory Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Como Conservatory Ordway Garden
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

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

Como Ordway Garden Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photography

St Paul Hotel Wedding Day

Thank You!

Silverwood Park, Church and Back Yard Wedding

Silverwood Park 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!

Como Conservatory Wedding

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Brewery Wedding Day

Ascension Church Wedding

Urban Growler Brewing Company reception

Thank You!

Como Park Conservatory Wedding

Thank You!

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