2011
Meeting the love of my life, jordan
Walked into what I thought was a casual night out… and met the man who would become my best friend, partner, steady rock, and favorite human. Zero pressure. Just laughter, kindness, and a sense that something really beautiful had begun.
2014
We got married
Said YES to forever. Marriage quickly became one of my greatest joys — not perfect, but deeply good, sacred, fun, and full of everyday grace.
2015
my first "real" camera
No grand plan. No “I’m becoming a photographer” moment. Just curiosity, creativity… and the beginning of something I didn’t see coming yet.
2017
Jackson arrived
I became “Mom.” My world got softer, louder, sweeter, and so much more meaningful. Three months later, I lost my own mom — and somehow motherhood and grief lived side-by-side for a while. That season changed me… made me more tender, more grounded, and infinitely more grateful for the moments we get.
2017-2018
Jackson's first year
Tell me he was my first child without telling me he was my first child:
I hand-crocheted a brand-new pun-on-his-name outfit every single month of his first year. Lumber-Jackson, Jackson-in-the-Box, Jackson Sparrow, Apple Jackson… it was completely extra and I regret nothing.
2018
Welcome, Miss Ellie
Our sweet Ellie girl made us a family of four, and life instantly got louder, brighter, and a whole lot sweeter. She brought sparkle, big feelings, endless giggles, and a whole new understanding of how your heart really does multiply… it doesn’t divide.
2019
Sprout school
In 2019, I brought my early-childhood education background home and created Sprout School — our homeschool preschool. I wrote lesson plans, planned themes, sang songs, made art, and leaned hard into learning through play. I even tried to sell my curriculum… and didn’t sell a single one. But honestly? It was one of the sweetest seasons with my kids, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
2020
the question that changed everything
In 2020, Jordan asked me one little question that flipped everything:
“You really love photography… why don’t you do something with it?”
It felt crazy. It felt big.
But it also felt like a door God was cracking open — and I decided to say yes.
2021
Cassie lacina photography, llc was born!
A business built slowly, intentionally, and with a whole lot of heart. What started as “helping our family” began growing into something far bigger than I imagined.
2022
enter rachael watson
A God-thing kind of connection.
Mentorship, opportunity, trust, and a door opened into the world of weddings I never thought I’d walk through. I now lead 20–30 weddings a year as Rachael’s associate photographer… and I’m still so grateful.
2023
A sweet surprise
2023 gave us the greatest surprise blessing: Charlie.
Our final puzzle piece. Our calm-in-the-chaos baby. The boy who made our family feel whole in a way we didn’t even know was missing.
2025
The Lacina agency
In 2025, we opened The Lacina Agency — a year marked by courage, prayer, and a whole lot of hope. It was one of those “we’re doing this together” seasons filled with late-night conversations, big dreams, and trusting God with the details. Watching Jordan lead, serve people well, and build something meaningful for our family and our community has been one of the sweetest gifts of this journey. I’m so incredibly proud of him.
2026
Today
I photograph weddings, families, babies, and real life in all its goodness.
I’m a wife who still loves being married.
A mom who treasures these little years.
A photographer who believes calm, warmth, joy, and genuine connection create the best images.
A woman who is simply grateful for how faithfully God has woven this story.
And somehow, it just keeps getting sweeter.
Jordan
My incredibly handsome husband and occasional second shooter! He’s hardworking, kind, loves woodworking and pizza, and is the go-to fixer of… well… everything.
jackson
Our thoughtful, creative 9-year-old who loves Legos, drawing, anything with wheels, good conversations, and being the best big brother.
ellie
Our bright, joyful 7-year-old sunshine girl who loves singing, dancing, twirling in dresses, and helping in the kitchen — especially if sprinkles are involved.
charlie
Our busy, joyful 2-year-old! He loves snacks, cuddles, exploring everything, and anything Disney Cars — Lightning McQueen and Mater are basically his best friends.
cassie
Wife, mom, photographer, and professional memory collector. I love pouring my heart into my family, my clients, and creating meaningful, joy-filled images.
When I first started learning photography, my church graciously gave me space to practice — through Sunday mornings, baptisms, special events, and sweet community moments. It played such a meaningful part in how I grew as a photographer, and I’m so grateful I still get to serve there once a month.
I'd love to hear from you
Serving families in Crystal Lake, Barrington,
and the Northwest Chicago Suburbs
email: cassie@cassielacina.com
phone: (847)849-0518