Springtime in Forest Park never misses, and Jessica & Ray’s engagement session was the perfect example of a “the perfect date” (hah mean girls right?). Between the soft blooms, warm light, and the energy they brought with them, this session felt effortless in the best way.
Jessica and Ray found me online while searching for a St. Louis wedding and engagement photographer, and from the moment we met, it just clicked. They’re the kind of couple that doesn’t overthink anything, they just show up themselves. Jessica is so bubbly and full of life, and Ray balances her out in the sweetest, most steady way. Being around them felt easy from the start, which always makes for the best kind of photos. If you are stiff and uncomfy, it usually shows so I always tell couples to just come as they are and be themselves! We are just hanging out and I am your third wheel.
We started their session at the World’s Fair Pavilion, which is such an underrated spot in Forest Park. The stone architecture, open views, and elevated perspective give it such a unique feel compared to other areas of the park. It also gave us the perfect space to ease into the session, letting them settle in, laugh a lot, and just enjoy being together.
Jessica wore blue, which photographed so beautifully against the soft greens and neutrals of early spring. It added just the right amount of color without overpowering anything, and tied everything together in a really timeless way. Also a wild fact but both Jessica & Ray are partially color blind and can see blue hues well. So they were pretty adamant about blues!
From there, we made our way over to the Emerson Grand Basin, one of the most iconic spots for engagement photos in St. Louis. The reflections on the water, the walkways, and the way the light moves through that space in the evening. If you have ever been to Forest Park in the evening then you know that the Grand Basin and Art Hill have the besttttt golden hour lighting and make for the best pictures in the evening. I could photograph here endlessly
Jessica & Ray have already tied the knot at La Verona Marketplace and Olivia on the Hill. It was just as fun, intentional, and full of life as their engagement session. (You can read more about their wedding day and venue on the blog here!)
Sessions like this are exactly why I love photographing engagements in Forest Park. There’s so much variety in one location. From architectural spots like the World’s Fair Pavilion to the classic, open feel of the Grand Basin—and it works beautifully in the spring!
Jessica & Ray, you two were such a joy to photograph. Your energy and the way you just leaned into the moment made this session so fun from start to finish.
Planning Your Own Forest Park Engagement Session
If you’re looking for a St. Louis engagement photographer and want a location that gives you a mix of classic and natural backdrops, Forest Park is always a perfect choice.
A few tips for your session:
- Plan for golden hour for the most flattering, glowy light
- Don’t be afraid to bring something fun (like champagne!) to make it feel like you
- Choose outfits that complement the season—soft colors always photograph beautifully in spring
If you’re ready to plan an engagement session that feels relaxed, natural, and true to you, I’d love to help you bring it to life.
Looking for a St. Louis engagement photographer?
Reach out here to start planning your session at Forest Park or another location that fits your story.
