Sunken Garden Archives | Portrait + Wedding Photographer Carina Photographics

Sunken Garden Covered Porch Wedding Photos | Kaitlan + Tristan

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photos

Kaitlan + Tristan were big Harry Potter fans. While they didn’t want a “theme” wedding, they still wanted to include touches of the Harry Potter universe in their big day. Everything went off without a hitch, and they had a spectacular wedding day!

We began with wedding preparation at a nearby hotel. They even brought their sweet kitties to the hotel with them, and were excited to have the cats dressed in Harry Potter house sweaters while they held their “cat first look” photos inside the hotel. Once they were ready, it was on to Como Park.

Kaitlan + Tristan’s first look was held in the Como Park Exedra. We followed up with couple portraits around the Frog Pond. Afterward, they had wedding party and family photos before it was on to the big event! They spoke their vows in front of their closest family and friends, and then it was on to the reception right over in the Como Covered Porch.

Como Covered Porch Reception

Kaitlan + Tristan had so much fun at their reception. The event began with cocktail hour, and then followed with a buffet dinner. After the toasts were given, they held their first dance, and then everyone danced their way into the night.

Thank You!

Kaitlan + Tristan, thank you so much for working with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer! I had so much fun working with you both, and I’m so happy for you as you begin your new lives together.

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

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Como Park Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Como Park Covered Porch
Wedding Dress: Essence of Australia
Hair/Makeup: Gypsy Hair Guru
Groom Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Catering: Lancer
Wedding Cake: Buttercream

Sunken Garden Como Park Wedding Photos | Sam + James

By Joanna Carina

Sunken Garden Wedding Photographer

I worked with James + Sam to capture their beautiful wedding day at the Como Park Conservatory Sunken Garden in St Paul MN. (We had worked together last year for their engagement photography too, so be sure to check out their engagement photos too!)

Sunken Garden Como Park

James + Sam’s wedding was so gorgeous (as is the case with every wedding at the Conservatory!) We began their big day by capturing their first look photos at their house in W St Paul. After the fun, we headed over to Como Park for some couple photos before the big event.

They spoke their vows as the sun was lowering and dusk was setting in. After hugs and family photos, we finished their event with more couple photos in the beautiful Sunken Garden. Once we were finished, they headed off to their reception dinner with family and friends.

Thank You!

James + Sam, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! I had so much fun working with you both, and I’m so happy for you as you begin your new lives together.

If you are considering a Como Park Sunken Garden wedding, contact me soon!

Como Sunken Garden Wedding Photographer | Laura + Travis

By Joanna Carina

Sunken Garden Wedding Photographers

Laura + Travis hired me to capture their wedding day at the Como Conservatory Sunken Garden in St Paul MN. They chose a winter wedding, and their day arrived with a small dusting of snow beforehand. (Apparently we were lucky as most of the winter had been very dry for us up until then.)

We started Laura + Travis’ big day with first look photos of them by the Excedra (the pergola above the Frog Pond). We then captured a few photos of them around the Como Park grounds. Then it was on to the big event!

Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

Laura + Travis’ wedding was so gorgeous (as is every wedding at the Conservatory!) They spoke their vows as the sun was lowering and dusk was setting in. After hugs and family photos, we finished their event with more couple photos in the beautiful Conservatory itself, including both the Sunken Garden as well as the Palm Dome. Once we were finished, they headed off to their reception dinner with family and friends.

Thank You!

Laura + Travis, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! I had so much fun working with you both, and I’m so happy for you as you begin your new lives together.

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

VENDORS
Venue: Como Park Conservatory Sunken Garden
Officiant: Tom Arnold

Como Conservatory Proposal Photos | Sully + Allison

By Joanna Carina

Como Conservatory Proposal Photography

I received a call one afternoon from Sully. He wanted to propose to his girlfriend Allison at the Como Park Conservatory, in the Sunken Garden, and had rented it out in the near future. The two of them had a strong connection to the Como Conservatory, with Allison’s grandmother being a long-time volunteer, so he knew it would be a special place for her. Once Sully and I confirmed date and time, and made plans to be as sneaky as possible so Allison didn’t suspect anything, it was on to the big event!

Once Sully brought Allison to the Conservatory’s Sunken Garden, I was able to sneak a few photos of the actual proposal before Allison knew what was going on. I loved Sully’s triumphant “whoop” (photo below) when Allison discovered our plan and saw me capturing their photos! She was a great sport and excited for couple photos too. We spent some time in the gorgeous Sunken Garden before heading outdoors for a few last minute photos of them in front of the building. They headed out for a celebratory dinner afterward.

Thank You!

Sully + Allison, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful Como Conservatory Sunken Garden proposal! I had so much fun working with you, and I wish you the best in your new life together!

If you would love to capture your own Como Conservatory proposal photography, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to check out some other proposals I photographed at Como Park too, including an autumn Como Sunken Garden proposal, a spring Como proposal, a winter Como Park proposal, another spring Como Park proposal, and another autumn Conservatory proposal.

Chinese Tea Ceremony Wedding Photos | Weiman + Spencer

By Joanna Carina

Como Chinese Tea Ceremony Wedding Photos

Weiman + Spencer were living out-of-state while planning their wedding day Chinese Tea Ceremony. I was so happy they chose me for their wedding photography. Their wedding event was held in St Paul’s Como Conservatory Sunken Garden. (I even love the Conservatory so much, I got married there myself!) They planned their event based on a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony, and I was so excited!

Como Conservatory Wedding Photography

The day began with some photos of the two of them together around the grounds of Como Park. We then photographed them with their families prior to the ceremony. Once that was finished, we were able to head into the Sunken Garden for the big event.

Their wedding was officiated by one of their good friends. They incorporated the Tea Ceremony elements, honoring and thanking their families in the process. When all was finished, they had a few more minutes for Conservatory photos before heading off to their celebratory dinner, and then heading back to Washington to begin their new lives together.

Thank You!

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

If you are considering a Chinese Tea Ceremony or Como Conservatory wedding, contact me soon!

BONUS: Take a look at other Como Conservatory weddings I photographed too, including Como Japanese Garden wedding photography, Sunken Garden wedding photographs, a North Garden wedding, a Sunken Garden wedding, a Covered Porch reception, another Covered Porch reception, another Sunken Garden wedding, another Sunken Garden wedding, a summertime Sunken Garden wedding, another Sunken Garden wedding, an evening Sunken Garden wedding, a morning Sunken Garden wedding, another Sunken Garden wedding, a winter Como Sunken Garden wedding, and another North Garden wedding too!

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

By Joanna Carina

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

Como Conservatory Wedding Photography | Tara + Matt

By Joanna Carina

Como Sunken Garden Wedding Photos

Tara + Matt’s wedding day started out a bit drizzly. Luckily, it didn’t last long. Once they held their first look in the Sunken Garden, the rain was over so we could make it outside for pre-ceremony photos of them and their families and wedding party. Everything was so beautiful!

Their wedding ceremony was held in St Paul’s Como Conservatory Sunken Garden. (I love the Conservatory so much, I got married there myself!) By the time their ceremony was over, we were able to capture some photos of the two of them in the Sunken Garden alone during sunset – it was absolutely incredible! I don’t think I’ve ever seen the lighting as perfect as it was that night.

Ordway Garden Reception Photography

Following their sunset photos, we headed over to the Ordway Garden for their reception. They had so much fun! They had a cocktail hour followed by a buffet dinner, and then they all danced away into the night. There was non-stop laughter and everyone had a ball dancing away into the night!

Thank You!

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

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

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Como Conservatory Sunken Garden
Hair/Makeup: Uptown Curl
Groom’s Attire: Banana Republic
Florist: Sonja Tosteson
Officiant: Deb Karulf
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Buttercream

Sunken Garden Wedding Photography | Kathleen + Jon

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

Kathleen + Jon were getting married at the Como Conservatory Sunken Garden. (I love it so much, I got married there myself!) Their September day was so gorgeous, with perfect temps and stunningly blue skies.

We started with a first look right as they arrived at Como Park. They were so excited, and it was so fun to see how happy they were together! We followed up with photos with their wedding party as well as their families. After the photos, it was on to the big event.

Their ceremony took place in the Marjorie McNeeley Conservatory just before dusk. Everything was so gorgeous! Once their ceremony was done, the guests left for the reception while we remained behind to get a few photos of them inside the Sunken Garden. Afterward we headed outside to get some beautiful sunset photos before they were off to the Rainforest Room to celebrate the night away.

Thank You!

Kathleen + Jon, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful wedding photos! I had so much fun on your big day, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

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

VENDORS
Venue: Como Conservatory Sunken Garden
Wedding Dress: BHLDN
Groom’s Attire: Milbern’s
Florist: Lexington Floral
Officiant: Willa Simmet
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Buttercream

Como Conservatory Sunken Garden Proposal Photos | Kevin + Jeanna

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Conservatory Proposal Photographer

I received a call one afternoon from Kevin. He and his girlfriend Jeanna, who currently lived in North Dakota, were planning to travel to Minnesota to attend a friend’s wedding. While on their trip, Kevin planned to propose to Jeanna. Kevin searched around online and discovered the Como Conservatory Sunken Garden as a venue for his proposal. I was so excited to work with them!

The two of them were planning to make a vacation of their time in the Twin Cities. Kevin planned to bring Jeanna to the Conservatory before they headed out to dinner in St Paul on a weekday evening. I was there early and when they arrived, I hid in the Palm Dome so neither would see me. Kevin walked Jeanna to the end of the Sunken Garden and proposed at the top of the landing. They were so happy! We had plenty of time afterward for more photos of them inside the Sunken Garden, and then headed outdoors for some photos along the grounds of Como Park before they headed off to their celebratory dinner.

Thank You!

Kevin + Jeanna, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful Como Conservatory proposal! I had so much fun working with you, and I wish you the best in your new life together!

If you would love to capture your own Como Conservatory proposal photography, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to check out some other proposals I photographed at Como Park too, including an autumn Como Conservatory proposal, a spring Como proposal, a winter Como Park proposal, another spring Como Park proposal, and an autumn Conservatory proposal.

Como Sunken Garden Covered Porch Wedding Photography | Patty + Andrew

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

Patty + Andrew worked with me for their beautiful wedding day photography at one of my favorite venues – the Como Conservatory Sunken Garden. (I love it so much, I got married there myself!)

We started their day with preparation at the Drury Hotel in downtown St Paul. Once they were both ready, we headed over to Como Park. We started with Patty + Andrew’s first look and a few portraits on the Como Park grounds. Once those were finished, we captured their wedding party group photos as well as family photos. Then it was on to the big event!

Patty + Andrew’s wedding ceremony was so beautiful, surrounded by the beautiful floral space of the Sunken Garden. After their ceremony, we spent some time with photos of them inside the Sunken Garden.

Como Covered Porch Wedding Reception

Patty + Andrew’s wedding reception was held in the Como Conservatory Covered Porch. They started with cocktail hour, then dinner and toasts. We had a little detour during the toasts when a severe storm hit and the Conservatory staff shuttled us into the basement. We discovered there was a nearby tornado! After the danger passed, they let us back out to finish the party. Everyone had a good laugh over the events, and then had fun dancing away into the night.

Thank You!

Patty + Andrew, thank you so much for working with me for your 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!

BONUS: Take a look at some other weddings I photographed in the Sunken Garden too, including a summer Como Conservatory wedding, an autumn Como Park wedding, another summer Sunken Garden wedding, and even an evening Conservatory wedding.

VENDORS
Venue: Como Conservatory Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Como Park Conservatory Covered Porch
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair/Makeup: Nikki Fiesler
Groom’s Attire: Hannies
Wedding Rings: Arthur’s Jewelers
Florist: Richfield Flowers & Events
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Buttercream
DJ: Midwest Sound

Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photos

Como Covered Porch Reception

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Sunken Garden Wedding Photographer

Sunken Garden Como Park

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Sunken Garden Wedding Photographers

Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

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Como Chinese Tea Ceremony Wedding Photos

Como Conservatory Wedding Photography

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Como Park Conservatory Wedding

Minnesota History Center Reception

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Como Sunken Garden Wedding Photos

Ordway Garden Reception Photography

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Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

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Como Park Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

Como Covered Porch Wedding Reception

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CARINA PHOTOGRAPHICS

FAMILY, SENIOR, ENGAGEMENT + WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY