We originally planned to photograph Caitlin and Zach’s session around Jesse Hall on Mizzou Campus, but upon arrival, I realized the quad area was under complete construction. We quickly pivoted and ended up at the gorgeous Shelter Gardens. Caitlin and Zach traveled in from out of town, so I was determined to find many pretty locations despite the change in plans. As luck would have it, things worked out in our favor! Shelter Gardens happened to be the perfect change of plans. The lush garden area provided such scenic backgrounds for their romantic engagement session. We even ended the session at University of Missouri, around other buildings on campus, since it’s Zach’s alma mater!
I had so much fun getting to know Caitlin and Zach as a couple! They came dressed up in the cutest outfits and effortlessly interacted with one another. Their love is palpable which made documenting their engagement session a breeze! I loved strolling around Shelter Gardens with these two! The summer light was showing off that evening. Mizzou Campus was the perfect ending to one great session!
How They Met
Caitlin and Zach first met on July 4th in the summer of 2021 on Lake Saint Louis but didn’t go on their first date until several months later when they were set up on a date by their families. Their first date was at BC’s Kitchen in Lake Saint Louis in January 2022 . Zach and Caitlin both felt excited to spend time together and get to know one another better. They were both instantly attracted to one another, and the conversation flowed easily over the next few hours…and so did the wine! Before the date ended, Caitlin and Zach were already making plans to meet up again the following week!
They both knew quickly that they had found the one! Caitlin knew Zach was the one after the third date; there was an instant connection and chemistry with Zach, a feeling that she never had before. Zach felt like home and she was always so excited to see him and spend time with him. Zach felt the same and knew Caitlin was the one after the third date as well. They loved how they fit so perfectly together and knew that they had something very special! The two were so excited for their future together!
How He Asked
Caitlin and Zach got engaged at the Windmill Bar on St. John Island on January 2, 2024. Zach proposed while they were on vacation over the holidays! Caitlin and Zach were staying on St. Thomas and were planning to have a date night on St. John one evening. Zach and Caitlin took the people ferry from St. Thomas to St. John and then took an open-air taxi to the Windmill Bar, a bar at the top of the island known for having the best views on St. John. Zach told Caitlin he wanted to take a couple’s photo, so they walked to a picture-perfect, romantic spot overlooking the Caribbean Sea. While taking the photo, Zach surprised Caitlin by getting down on one knee and asking her to marry him. Caitlin was beyond surprised and excited and of course said Yes! They then continued the celebrations on St. John for the rest of the evening, ending with dinner at Morgan’s Mango. It was the best night and one of their favorite memories ever!
