Laura & NicK | A Fun and Relaxed Engagement Session at Forest Park

Laura and Nicholas are a down-to-earth couple who, like many, describe themselves as a bit awkward when it comes to being in front of the camera. Laura works in marketing, and Nicholas is in the military—two people with busy lives and different backgrounds, but they come together with a shared sense of humor and authenticity. Their engagement session at Forest Park in St. Louis was the perfect blend of casual, fun, and real.

Despite their initial nerves, they absolutely crushed it. A little coaching along the way helped, but the rest was all them. It’s always my goal to create an environment where couples can relax and be themselves, and with a few easy prompts, they found their rhythm and made the session their own. The result? A beautiful mix of portraits and candid moments that truly capture who they are as a couple.

My shooting style is laid-back and focused on having fun. The goal isn’t to make things stiff or overly posed, but to create a variety of photos that show the real moments between couples. Sometimes, people are naturally comfortable in front of the camera, but most couples need a little time to warm up, and that’s exactly what we did. The session was filled with laughter, connection, and some goofy moments that only made the photos more personal and meaningful.

The fall colors at Forest Park added a gorgeous touch, but it was the relaxed, authentic vibe between Laura and Nicholas that really made the day shine. This session wasn’t about perfect poses—it was about capturing their true selves, and I think the photos speak for themselves.