A Bookish Picnic Engagement Session in Downtown St. Petersburg | Kristin & Chad (+ Smudge!)
Some sessions you plan three times before you actually photograph them, and somehow they turn out exactly the way they were always meant to. That was Kristin and Chad's downtown St. Petersburg engagement session.
We got rained out. Twice. Florida did its very Florida thing (which is funny because we are in a drought right now!), and we rescheduled, and rescheduled again. But here's what I've learned in eighteen years of photographing couples around Tampa Bay: the third time really is the charm. By the time we finally met up under the banyan trees, the light was soft, the bougainvillea was showing off, and the three of them — yes, three — were completely, effortlessly themselves.
A picnic, a stack of books, and one very dapper dog
While we waited out all that rain, Kristin got to dreaming, and the concept that came together was so them: a cozy reading picnic. Green gingham blanket, a basket of wine, fresh flowers, and a little tower of vintage books — including the one that means the most to them. They're both huge fans of author Brandon Sanderson, so his Mistborn edition became a focal point. There's a photo of the two of them kissing behind that open book that I genuinely can't stop looking at. It's romantic, it's a little nerdy in the best way, and it's the kind of detail that turns an engagement session into their engagement session.
And then there's Smudge.
Their fluffy white American Eskimo pup arrived in a tuxedo bandana and absolutely stole the show. He posed. He flopped on the picnic blanket like he owned it. He gave me one of those open-mouthed, tongue-out grins that no human model could ever fake. By the end I think Smudge had more good frames than anyone. Bringing your dog to your engagement session is one of my favorite things in the world, and Smudge is exhibit A for why.
Why downtown St. Pete was the perfect backdrop
Here's the thing that makes this location so special — and so practical: you get three completely different looks within a few steps of each other.
The banyan trees. Those sprawling, dramatic, almost-cinematic banyans in the downtown waterfront parks (right around Straub Park) gave us that lush, romantic canopy for the picnic portion.
The pink bougainvillea. Just a short walk away, the bougainvillea-draped pergola exploded with color — the perfect bright, joyful contrast to the soft greens of the park.
The waterfront. And then the bay itself, with the pier and palm trees in the distance, for those airy, golden, breezy portraits at the end of the evening.
Three vibes, one walkable spot. It's exactly why downtown St. Petersburg is one of my most-loved spots for engagement photos.
But the location wasn't just convenient — it was meaningful. Kristin and Chad love downtown St. Pete, and they're tying the knot at The Birchwood, right across the street from their engagement session. Doing their engagement session in the same neighborhood where they'll say "I do" makes the whole story feel connected. These photos aren't just pretty pictures; they're the prologue to their wedding day.
My favorite part
Honestly? How easy it all felt. Kristin and Chad laughed the entire time, at each other, at Smudge, at the wine that did not want to stay in the basket. There's a black-and-white frame of Chad swooping Kristin up into his arms by the water where they're both mid-laugh, and that's the energy of the whole day. Effortless. Fun. Real. Then we got some of the three of them that are total “family portraits” with Chad holding Smudge like a baby and we ended with one quick one at the Birchwood!
That's what I'm always chasing in an engagement session, and these two handed it to me.
Planning a St. Petersburg engagement session? A few quick answers
Where are the best spots for engagement photos in downtown St. Petersburg? The downtown waterfront parks are hard to beat — the banyan trees near Straub Park, the bougainvillea pergolas along the waterfront, and the bay itself all sit within easy walking distance. You get woodsy, colorful, and waterfront looks in a single session.
Can I bring my dog to my engagement session? Yes, please! Pets are family, and they bring out the most natural, joyful moments. (See: Smudge in his tuxedo.) Just bring a buddy who can hold the leash and offer treats off-camera, and we'll make it work beautifully.
What should we wear for a downtown St. Pete engagement session? Coordinated but not matchy — think complementary tones, a mix of textures, and at least one piece that makes you feel a little dressed up. Kristin's lace dress and Chad's vest were perfect for that elevated-but-relaxed feel.
What if it rains? (A very Florida question.) If possible, we reschedule, simple as that. Some of my favorite sessions — this one included — happened on the third try. A flexible photographer and a flexible couple always get the shot eventually.
How far in advance should we book? The sooner the better, especially for fall and spring dates in Tampa Bay. If you have a wedding date on the calendar, let's get your engagement session in well before save-the-dates go out.
Let's tell your story
If you're planning a wedding at The Birchwood, anywhere in downtown St. Pete, or across Tampa Bay — and you want an engagement session that feels like you (dogs, books, picnics, and all) — I would love to hear from you.
📸 Download my pricing guide here to see collections and what's included. 📅 Book a discovery call on my Calendar and let's start dreaming up your session.
Kristin and Chad, thank you for the laughs, the patience through all that rain, and for letting me document this chapter, Smudge included. Counting down to your Birchwood wedding day. 🤍
Carrie Wildes Photography | Wedding & Engagement Photographer serving Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater & Sarasota