There are some engagement session spots in St. Louis that never really get old. The Missouri Botanical Gardens is one of those places. Somehow it always feels timeless—lush pathways, quiet corners tucked beneath towering trees, historic architecture, and gardens that invite you to slow down for a while.

For their Botanical Garden engagement photos in St. Louis, Lexi and Mark wanted exactly that kind of atmosphere. Just an afternoon together, wandering through one of their favorite places while I documented it all on both digital and 35mm film. They loved the historic Tower Grove House and wanted to use that gorgeous façade as the backdrop for some editorial, vintage-inspired shots.

Tower Grove House: A Historic Mansion Photo Backdrop

For Lexi and Mark’s session, we centered most of the photos around the Tower Grove House. It’s one of my favorite places inside the garden because it feels both grand and intimate at the same time. The Italian style architecture makes you feel like you’re in Europe instead of Missouri, (which is always amazing) yet it’s subtle and classic, creating a setting that never competes with the couple. Although you can’t actually take any photos inside the Tower Grove House, I love using the back porch, front steps, and brick garden paths around it for shots with texture and elevated aesthetics.

One of my favorite things about photographing here is that you don’t have to chase the “perfect” blooms. Beautiful light, thoughtful composition, and genuine connection matter so much more than having every flower at its peak. The gardens simply become part of the story instead of the entire story, and you get to take advantage of the lush green topiaries and garden paths without needing a perfect rose garden situation or tons of wildflowers caught just at their peak bloom. It’s even right next to a mini-grove of redwoods, which I love having couples walk through for some woodsy shots with tall trees.

Digital and 35mm Film Engagement Photography

One of my favorite parts of this engagement session was documenting it on both digital and 35mm film.

I love combining the two because they each bring something different to a gallery. Digital gives us flexibility and allows me to quietly capture fleeting expressions and movement without interruption. Film slows everything down just enough. Every frame becomes intentional. The colors soften, the grain adds texture, and the images take on that nostalgic feeling that’s difficult to replicate any other way.

Throughout the session, I moved naturally between both cameras without changing the pace of the session. The two mediums worked together to tell the same story, creating a gallery that feels cohesive while carrying all the warmth and character that drew me to film in the first place.

For couples who love timeless imagery with a little extra soul, weaving 35mm film throughout an engagement session is one of my favorite ways to tell your story.

A Documentary Meets Editorial Engagement Session

From the very beginning, Lexi and Mark made my job incredibly easy, even though they were nervous about coming off as awkward (which is totally common and completely normal to feel!). They settled into the session almost immediately as we wandered through the gardens, paused wherever the light felt especially beautiful, and I would guide them into some editorial couple poses that would capture their connection in an elegant yet authentic way.

Some of my favorite moments happened between the “official” photos. The conversations while walking from one location to another. The little smiles they gave each other without realizing it, or the huge belly laughs they shared as they got to be a little dorky and weird. Those are always the photographs I come back to.

Of course I’ll give direction when it’s helpful, but my goal is never to choreograph every second of your session. I want you to remember what it felt like and the fun you had with your person on a cute little date that just happened to have a third wheel. 🙂

Planning Your Own Botanical Garden Engagement Photos

If you’re considering a Missouri Botanical Garden engagement session, there are a few things that can make all the difference.

Weekday evenings tend to be quieter than weekends, giving us more freedom to wander without crowds in the background. Golden hour brings beautiful, soft light throughout the gardens, especially around the Tower Grove House and the surrounding pathways.

When it comes to outfits, I always encourage couples to wear something that feels like an elevated version of themselves. Neutral tones and soft textures pair beautifully with the gardens without competing with all of the natural beauty around you.

And perhaps most importantly—don’t worry about knowing how to pose.

Every couple tells me they’re awkward before we begin. Almost every couple leaves saying it felt surprisingly easy.

That’s because my approach is centered around movement, conversation, and connection instead of perfect poses. I’ll guide you every step of the way while leaving plenty of room for the moments that happen naturally.

Looking for a Documentary Engagement Photographer?

Whether you’re planning engagement photos at the Missouri Botanical Gardens or another meaningful location in your love story, my hope is always the same: to create photographs that feel like you.

If that sounds like the kind of engagement session you’re dreaming of, I’d love to help you create something honest, timeless, and beautifully personal. Let’s chat!

xo, Stacey

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