Sometimes the best sessions are the ones that don’t go exactly according to plan—and Caroline and Aaron’s engagement session is the perfect example of that.

We originally planned to photograph their session at the Botanical Gardens, and I had even found a brand new spot there that I was so excited to use. But when the day arrived, we were met with a surprise: a massive event had taken over the gardens, making it impossible to shoot there. Instead of letting it throw us off, we pivoted – and honestly, I couldn’t be happier that we did.

We decided to split their session between Forest Park and the St. Louis Central Library, and the combination couldn’t have been more perfect. The summer greenery of Forest Park brought such a soft, romantic feel, while the stunning architecture of the Central Library added a timeless, elegant contrast. Together, the two locations created a beautifully balanced backdrop that felt both classic and effortless.

Caroline and Aaron were an absolute dream to photograph. The love between them was so obvious—natural, easy, and full of quiet joy. From the very beginning, they made my job effortless, and the entire session felt more like a fun evening stroll than a photo shoot.

Even though our original plan didn’t work out, this session turned into something truly special. It was a reminder that sometimes the unexpected leads to something even better—and Caroline and Aaron’s engagement photos are proof of that.