Lauren & Will’s Missouri Botanical Garden engagement session in St. Louis, Missouri was a beautiful celebration of timeless romance set against one of the city’s most iconic landscapes. The Missouri Botanical Garden offers lush greenery, serene pathways, and elegant scenery that create the perfect backdrop for an engagement session rooted in classic, refined photography. This engagement session highlights natural connection and effortless love, showcasing why the Missouri Botanical Garden remains one of the most sought-after locations in St. Louis for couples planning their wedding.
How they met
Lauren and Will’s story began in September of 2020 after matching on a dating app — right in the midst of a world that felt anything but normal. Their first date was planned for Bar Louie in Kirkwood, but when they arrived, it was so busy they couldn’t even get a table. Instead, they grabbed seats on the patio in the square and talked for hours, completely losing track of time. It wasn’t until they looked around and realized every restaurant had closed — and they were the only ones left — that they knew this connection was something special.
Their favorite things to do together
From the very beginning, Lauren and Will bonded over a shared love for adventure. They love to travel and have explored destinations all across the United States together, often planning trips around their favorite activities — hiking and kayaking. Whether they’re discovering new places or finding the perfect local spot when the weather is just right, being outdoors and experiencing life side by side is where they feel most at home.
What They Love Most About Each Other
Lauren describes Will as incredibly laid back — someone who doesn’t overthink or stress about things beyond their control, which balances her perfectly. Although life has thrown its fair share of challenges their way (after all, they met during COVID), she says their relationship has always felt easy. Whether they’re on a big adventure or simply doing dishes together, Will has a way of making her appreciate every moment. To her, he’s the best person she knows.
For Will, being with Lauren brings a sense of safety and love he’s never experienced before. She’s taught him how to be more open and passionate, always looking out for him and making sure he’s taken care of — including their beloved pets. He admires her openness to new experiences and the way she encourages him to step outside his comfort zone. With Lauren, he feels completely himself, sharing both everyday routines and exciting adventures, and he can’t imagine life any other way.
The Proposal
Will had planned to propose on their Hawaiian vacation in July, envisioning a sunrise moment atop Haleakalā on their last full day on the island. When a wildfire unexpectedly closed the park, plans quickly changed. After spending the morning exploring local shops, Lauren casually suggested driving to the other side of the island to walk along the shore. Will gently guided them to a quiet spot overlooking the water, where they were completely alone as the sun set. With the ocean in front of them and the sky glowing behind them, Will asked Lauren to spend forever with him — and she said yes.
Dreams for the Future
Looking ahead, Lauren and Will dream of building a life filled with adventure and love. They hope to buy a home, continue traveling together — with Iceland next on their list — and eventually start a family… not necessarily in that order.
Lauren and Will’s Missouri Botanical Garden engagement session felt like a true reflection of who they are together — effortless, joyful, and deeply connected. Surrounded by the lush greenery and timeless beauty of the gardens in St. Louis, their session captured both the quiet in-between moments and the genuine laughter that defines their relationship. As they look ahead to a lifetime filled with adventure, travel, and shared dreams, their love story serves as a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful moments are often found in the simplest ones, shared side by side.
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