Destination engagement photo shoots are becoming more and more popular. They are a lot of fun for me because I get to explore different locations, foods, and cultures, and they are also convenient for my couples with crazy schedules that don’t have the time to get away. So of course I was excited when Anita and Chirag asked me if I would be interested in coming to St. Louis for their e-shoot. They will be having a spectacular multi-day wedding on Long Island in a couple of weeks, and this was the first opportunity we had to shoot together.
We took a few photos before Anita and Chirag treated me to an awesome Indian meal at Rasoi- the many flavors of India. Then we went back out into the rain to do some more before calling it a night. A few hours later we were shooting at sunrise to take advantage of the incredible morning light. Chirag had to work at the hospital for a coupe of hours, and then we were back to shooting again. We discovered the BBC: Banh Mi Boba Tea & Creperie in the beautiful Central West End. Alexis Kim (the owner) made a delicious Japanese and Western inspired desert crepe for us to share after she found out we were doing an engagement shoot. Wow, all I can say is I highly recommend this delightful crepe made right before your eyes, and stuffed full of Nutella and fresh fruits. I had to include the image of them feeding each other because Anita missed Chirag’s mouth and slammed him in the cheek with it on purpose. I think the image is a classic because I love how he has just the right amount for her, and how you can see the surprise on his face when he realizes it isn’t going in his mouth. He is trying to make it work right up to the last second, but she has other plans. We also tried Boba Tea for the first time. Boba are small tapioca balls used to add texture to drinks, they are also a lot of fun to chew.
Next we went to the Missouri Botanical Garden, and then to Laclede’s Landing- the historic riverfront in old St. Louis. Here I was introduced to baked ravioli, a hometown St. Louis favorite. Yes, we shot a lot, and we ate a lot, and it is always fun to work with someone that enjoys food as much as I do. We finished up at the one and only Gateway Arch. What a magnificent testament to technology this thing is. It can be difficult to photograph at the wrong time of day, so we waited for the right time and came away with some wonderful images. Four wedding parties were there at the same time as us, and I was surprised that none of the photographers took advantage of the most spectacular bounce light I have ever seen. The arch itself is a huge metallic reflector that baths different areas with incredibly warm beautiful light. Of course I couldn’t pass it up, can you guess which image was created in this unreal light?
I also managed to put in a guest photographer appearance at my good friend Dan Watkins wedding. It was great to see you Dan, hope your couple enjoys the little bit of New York love I created for them.
Thank you so much Anita and Chirag for everything, it was truly a pleasure getting to know you and doing this together. I so look forward to being together again for the wedding and the many fabulous images I know we will create together.
12 Comments
AMAZING SESSION FRANK! love it!
Hi Frank.
Those images are all great!
I especially like the last one.
How did you light the couple for the last image?
Just one flash positioned to camera left?
Great work.
Frank! Those shots are killer — I’ve been to MoBot Garden hundreds of times (literally…’cuz I worked there in high school and college) and I never would have looked at the back steps to the old museum building and shot thru that basement entrance…I LOVE that shot!!!! Thanks so much for joining me to shoot the reception for Emily and Tim…you got some great captures for me that I know the bride and groom will really, really love them!
Sorry if my experience allows me to cheat — but the arch reflector shot is the one where Anita and Chirag are sitting on the concrete bench.
Yes…I’m also surprised at the # of photographers who don’t use the arch as a reflector. It’s also cool to use a reflector to reflect reflected light from the arch…you’d be surprised how strong the light is! 
Can’t wait to see you again soon!
ahem….. Frank, are you kidding me? Whoa! This set is just so sweet, I can’t stop drooling
And you mentioned Long Island, is this the couple?
wow i am so excited i came across your blog!! i looove your images. great job! i am adding you to my stalking list
Very nice….and how fun!
I esp like the first 2.
Your new blog looks awesome!! Love the huge images.
Looks like you had a great time in St. Louis. Beautiful couple and images!
Holy schmokes, dude, this e-session is fantastic. So much color and lines and shapes… what a super couple too! Glad to see you back posting again. Lovin’ the big images.
*love* this set of images…especially 1,2, 8 and 10…I’m quite a fan of up close and intimate shots of a couple. Super job!!
the pic of them feeding each other is AWESOME!!! totally captured the food hittin his face!!! i love it!!
I’m in love with them already! Incredible session, Frank, the depth in her eyes in the 1st image…OMG
can’t wait to meet all of you!!!!
Wheeee! I am going to have to visit Rasoi. I’m craving delicious chicken curry!
Sad I missed you- I will be stalking your blog now!