Central West End Engagement Session – Kelli + Curtis
Central West End engagement session at Brennan’s and Forest Park
Kelli and Curtis had the most gorgeous day for their St. Louis Central West End engagement session. It was a spring day that you just hope for when you’ve planned your photo session, and they got it!
Brennan’s in the Central West End
We started their session at Brennan’s STL – a vibey local bar featuring craft cocktails. We bonded over our love for our neighborhood (we found out we only live a few blocks from each out) and our frequent visits to Brennan’s. Kelli order The Aviation and Curtis went with the Negroni, both of their go-to drinks.
Brennan’s is the best for date nights, nightcaps, catching up with friends, and just enjoying the space. You truly can’t go wrong with anything you order, but my favorites are the Brennan’s original Smokey the Pear and the classic New York Sour.
After finishing up at Brennan’s and a quick outfit change, we had to take a few photos right outside. Being the height of spring, Central West End is decked out with these gorgeous tulips. I absolutely love how the Central West End is so beautifully seasonally decorated.
The Muny at Forest Park in St. Louis
We cruised over to Forest Park’s Muny box office – an iconic engagement session location for a reason! The whole park is gorgeous, but the Muny definitely has a unique and sophisticated look that gave them the elevated, editorial vibe they were looking for.
Of course, they had to include their sweet French Bulldog, Arthur, for a few photos as well. The best way to bring your dog to your engagement session is to have someone bring them for a few photos. Curtis’ mom kindly brought Arthur and met us at the Muny. He sniffed around a bit and get familiar with the area and then included him in a few photos. Having your dog with you for the whole session can be stressful. This method allows you to enjoy your engagement session while still including your fur babies!
Champagne pop engagement photos
To level up their engagement session and give it that extra oomph, they brought a bottle of champagne to pop. Many people think you should shake the bottle and then open it to get the best champagne pop photos, but that’s actually not true! To get the best champagne pop engagement photos, do two things:
- Open the bottle as you normally would. Then, place your thumb over the top of the bottle. Continue to shake it for as long and as hard as you can. It will spray on either side of your thumb.
- Make sure to keep your face pretty! Many people tend to scrunch up their faces when shaking the bottle or look scared. Do your best not to do either.
Kind words from Kelli
Here is what Kelli had to say when I sent over her gallery:
“ARE YOU KIDDING THESE ARE SO AMAZING!! I’m tearing up just looking through the album. Your eye is phenomenal and these photos are everything I could have ever asked for. Thank you so SO much!! I plan on suggesting you to every person I know locally and far. Working with you was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I am so grateful to look back on the amazing photos. Seriously, I can’t thank you enough for working with us.”
Looking for more inspiration for your engagement session? Here are the top engagement session locations in St. Louis. Or, if you’re a couple who loves to travel and craves adventure, consider an adventure engagement session.
