Wedding collage featuring rings, pastel purple bouquet, close up of couple, and elegant white tiered cake with sugar flowers.

Some wedding days just stick with you—and Lori and Kieran’s was absolutely one of those. From the moment we pulled up to the Dairyman’s Cottage at Cantigny, it felt like something special was about to unfold. The calm in the room, the sweet energy between Lori and her girls, the excitement buzzing quietly in the background—it was all so grounded and full of heart.


Lori and Kieran are the kind of couple who just fit. They’re kind, thoughtful, and honestly just really fun to be around. Their day had this beautiful balance of intentionality and joy. Every piece felt personal—from the getting ready vibes to their emotional ceremony at the church, and then back to Cantigny for portraits and the reception in Le Jardin.


One of my favorite moments actually happened before we even started shooting portraits. Jordan and I walked into Le Jardin to meet up with Kieran for his getting ready photos, and there was his sister Riana—calmly and quietly adding the final touches to the wedding cake she made. And when I say made, I mean baked, decorated, traveled early to prepare—the whole deal. It was absolutely stunning. She even left a little heart with “U2” for Kieran and Lori to find when they cut into it. Seriously the sweetest.


So many moments from this day stood out, but here are my top three:


Lori picked their wedding date TEN YEARS AGO Back in high school, Lori told her mom she wanted to get married on May 25th someday. And the best part? She and Kieran were already together—and had been friends since they were five. That kind of history just adds so much weight to a day like this. Hearing the story while Lori was getting ready, and then again in her vows, made it feel like this day was always meant to happen.


Their first touch around the garden gate Before the ceremony, I set Lori and Kieran up on either side of the gate at the Dairyman’s Cottage. They held hands, read letters, and exchanged gifts—Kieran gave Lori an authentic Chinese tea set, and Lori gave him a personalized tie clip. It was quiet, emotional, and so full of love. Just them, sharing a private pause before stepping into the day together.


The tape measure tunnel After sunset portraits, we came back to the reception and found Lori’s dad organizing everyone to grab their tape measure party favors and form a tunnel for the newlyweds to run through. Totally unexpected and completely joyful. The whole room was in it together—laughing, cheering, and celebrating the new Mr. and Mrs.


Lori and Kieran—thank you for trusting me to be part of such a meaningful day. From start to finish, your wedding was full of love, laughter, and intentional, beautiful moments. It’s couples like you who remind me why I love what I do. Every detail of your day was so you, and it was such a joy to witness the love and support that surrounds you both. So sit back, snuggle up, and soak it all in—your sneak peek is officially live!

Getting Ready Location | Cantigny Park Dairyman's Cottage

Florals | Shamrock Gardens Florist

Hair & Makeup | Montage Salon & Spa

Videographer | Wild Olive Wedding Films

Ceremony | Trinity Lutheran Church

Reception | Le Jardin at Cantigny Park

Catering | Cantigny Park

Cake | Riana Kaempen

Macarons | A La Folie

Music & Entertainment | Sounds Abound Entertainment

Invitations | Keystone Letterpress

Elegant wedding invitation suite with blue ribbon, pink roses, and wax seal on beige background.
Elegant white wedding gown with full tulle skirt and lace details hangs displayed on wooden hanger against pale mint wall.
Wedding invitation with delicate blue floral design and three silver wedding rings arranged on white paper.
A sparkling diamond engagement ring sits on a wedding invitation with soft pink and purple flowers in the background.
Engagement ring displayed in clear acrylic box with wedding date 2.25.2025 and pink roses in soft focus background.
Overhead view of an empty green ceramic bowl with flowers on a light gray surface.
Makeup artist applying cosmetics on smiling person wearing white button up pajama top during bridal preparation.
Three elegant diamond wedding rings laid on a white wedding invitation with romantic soft lighting.
Wedding invitation details with elegant calligraphy, pink flowers, and blue decorative accents on white paper.
A subject poses for a beauty photograph with a ring light casting a soft glow in black and white.
Two sparkling diamond wedding rings rest elegantly on what appears to be embossed text or an invitation.
Healthcare team members wearing navy blue and white uniforms share a lighthearted moment while conversing in a medical setting.
Healthcare workers in blue scrubs sit together on a bed with a patient in white pajamas.
A bride in a white robe sits with her spring wedding bouquet featuring pink, purple and white flowers with eucalyptus.
A bride in a delicate veil holds a lush bouquet of white flowers while posing in an elegant black and white portrait.
A traditional white wedding gown with a satin bodice and flowing tulle skirt is displayed against sheer curtains.
Elegant white lace wedding dress hangs on door while someone in white robe stands beside it excitedly.
Close up of hands touching a wedding dress with person wearing monogrammed white robe with blue trim that says Lori.
Person in white pajamas poses with an elegant white lace wedding gown hanging on display in a bedroom.
A wedding dress with intricate lace details and flowing train shown from four different angles in a brightly lit room.
Elegant bride in white wedding dress gazes pensively through a large sunlit window with flowing curtains.
Elegant white lace wedding dress with v-neckline shown in detail as someone holds perfume bottle by window.
Black and white photograph of a bride in a lace wedding dress smiling while looking to the side in a room.
Black and white artistic wedding dress photos showing details of flowing tulle layers and elegant movement.
Bridesmaids in light blue dresses help adjust a bride's gown while ascending a bright white staircase.
Someone helps button up an intricate lace wedding dress while holding a delicate white and blue floral bouquet.
A bride in a lace wedding dress holds a romantic pastel bouquet with orchids, roses, and delicate blue flowers.
A series of candid moments between bridal party members in blue dresses and white gowns getting ready for a wedding.
A bridal party gathers in an elegant room with black and white floral artwork, pastel dresses, and hardwood floors.
The loving bride shares an emotional first look moment with family members in an elegant light-filled living room.
A black and white wedding photograph captures an emotional embrace between people in formal attire near a window.
Four friends in matching navy blazers walk and chat together on a brick path surrounded by green garden landscaping.
Formal sequence of someone in a navy vest and white dress shirt against a lush green garden background.
Professional portrait of a person in a navy blue suit and tie standing outdoors with pink flowers and greenery in background.
A person in a navy blue three-piece suit and brown shoes sits on a bench near blooming pink lilac bushes in a garden.
A person in a navy blue three-piece suit and white tie smiles while sitting outdoors with greenery in the background.
A person in a navy suit stands with someone wearing a sparkly blue formal dress and glasses at a special event.
An intimate moment shared between two people, with one wearing a beaded navy blue dress and another in a dark suit.
Groomsmen in matching navy blue suits and brown shoes share a lighthearted moment on a brick pathway surrounded by greenery.
Bride and groom hold hands while standing on opposite sides of rustic wooden fence during first look photo.
Couple stands on opposite sides of wooden gate during wedding first look photo in romantic outdoor setting.
Two hands meeting around a rustic wooden fence post in a tender moment during what appears to be a wedding.
Modern church sanctuary interior with wooden pews, carpeted aisle, and dual video screens mounted on beige walls.
Delicate floral pew decoration with white hydrangea, blush rose, and greenery tied with ribbon for a church wedding ceremony.
Elegant floral arrangements with white and purple flowers rest on wooden stands in a church sanctuary setting.
Members of a wedding party walk under a framed American flag during a ceremony at an indoor venue.
A groom in a dark suit with curly hair smiles during a wedding ceremony, wearing a boutonniere flower.
A traditional wedding ceremony in a church sanctuary with wooden pews and an American flag displayed prominently on the wall.
A series of black and white photos showing intimate moments of embraces at what appears to be a wedding ceremony.
A wedding ceremony takes place in a church sanctuary with participants gathered at the altar.
A joyful couple shares a candid laugh together while sitting on a wooden bench, captured in black and white.
A traditional wedding ceremony takes place in a church sanctuary with wood paneling and floral decorations.
Audience members sit attentively in wooden pews during a presentation in an auditorium setting.
Romantic wedding scene showing sequence of couple's first kiss at altar in traditional church setting with pews and guests.
Wedding party in navy suits and lavender dresses poses together on a garden path on a sunny summer day.
Wedding party poses together outdoors in pastel lilac attire with lush floral bouquets on a sunny spring day.
A joyful wedding celebration outdoors with a bride in a flowing white gown and groom in navy suit under floral decorations.
A wedding couple stands under an arch while guests walk past in a motion blur effect at an outdoor garden ceremony.
A pastel bouquet featuring soft pink and lavender roses with delicate greenery and eucalyptus arranged in romantic style.
A bride in a white gown with long train stands with three bridesmaids in lavender dresses holding bouquets in a garden setting.
A bride and bridesmaids in pastel purple dresses hold floral bouquets while standing together outdoors in a garden setting.
Beautiful wedding bouquets featuring pink peonies, white orchids, purple hydrangeas and delicate greenery held in soft natural light.
Wedding party members in matching gray vests stroll together along a garden path on a sunny day.
A group of four individuals wearing matching navy blue suits stand together outdoors in a garden setting.
A black and white wedding party photograph showing four people in matching dark vests laughing together outdoors.
Wedding party members in matching navy blue vests walk together outdoors on a sunny day.
Newlywed couple stands together outdoors with bride holding pastel pink and purple floral bouquet.
Wedding couple embraces in sunlit garden setting with lush trees and manicured landscaping on a bright summer day.
A happy wedding couple shares an intimate moment while holding a beautiful pastel bouquet of flowers in natural sunlight.
A couple in wedding attire embraces on a garden path while a long white veil flows dramatically in the breeze.
A gentle outdoor wedding moment captured with beautiful natural sunlight and white floral bouquet details.
A romantic couple in wedding attire share a kiss under a flowing white veil in an elegant outdoor setting.
Beautiful wedding couple walking in a formal garden with bride's white dress flowing in majestic arch behind them.
A couple shares a romantic moment under a garden arch surrounded by lush greenery and manicured landscaping.
Wedding party walking in a lovely garden archway during golden hour photography session at a scenic outdoor venue.
A white A-frame chalkboard sign on grass displays cocktail hour activities including sip & solve, cornhole and bocce.
Custom wooden cornhole board with engraved initial 'K' and wedding date displays small bean bags on grass.
A happy couple stands together smiling in front of a brick building with pink flowers blooming nearby.
Group posing together outdoors in formal attire including pink, green, blue and floral dresses and dark suit.
People standing on a manicured lawn in front of a rustic lodge building with hedges and a cocktail table.
A black and white photograph shows people gathered on a grassy lawn during an outdoor event on a sunny day.
A group stands together around a cocktail table on an outdoor patio during a formal event.
An elegant couple share a tender moment outside on a patio with colorful flowers in the background.
A bright wedding reception venue with exposed wooden beams, round tables, and elegant pendant lighting in a rustic-chic setting.
Elegant wedding reception venue with round tables, white linens, and floral centerpieces in a room with exposed brick walls.
Wedding table decor features a framed Denali National Park print and blue monogrammed favor against white floral arrangements.
Colorful macarons arranged in pyramid displays on a white table by a window create an elegant pastel dessert presentation.
Elegant wedding table setting with white floral centerpiece, light blue place card and delicate ring box.
A light blue and white wedding cake decorated with delicate lace patterns and fresh white orchids on a silver cake stand.
Soft focus close-up of delicate white orchid flowers with pale blue backgrounds creating an ethereal effect.
A couple poses with their elegant light blue and white four-tier wedding cake decorated with floral accents at a brick venue.
Someone gives a speech at an elegant indoor wedding reception with exposed brick walls and large windows.
People gathered in a bright industrial event space with exposed brick walls and large windows enjoying a social occasion.
Dinner guests sit at an elegant table with white floral centerpieces in a bright restaurant setting.
Two hands raise glasses in a celebratory toast with mint garnished cocktails during an elegant event.
A couple walks together along a garden path surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers on their wedding day.
A black and white detail shot of a bride in a lace wedding dress holding hands with a groom in a dark suit.
A wedding couple kisses on a garden path surrounded by lush greenery and hedges on a spring day.
Black and white romantic wedding photograph of a couple sharing an intimate kiss with a diamond ring visible on the bride's hand.
A romantic garden path emerges through lush greenery with a couple taking a stroll in formal attire.
Wedding couple stands blurred in garden background while small songbird perches on stone birdbath in foreground.
At an indoor wedding reception venue, a couple dances on a wooden floor near a rustic brick fireplace.
Newlyweds share their first dance in an elegant rustic venue with brick walls, wood floors and large windows.
Dancing couple performing a dip move on wooden floor by brick fireplace at rustic reception venue.
Two people dance together in formal attire at a wedding reception venue with exposed brick walls and large windows.
A couple shares an intimate dance in a rustic venue with exposed brick fireplace, parquet floors and elegant lighting.
A couple shares a romantic dance on a parquet floor in front of a brick fireplace and chandelier-lit room.
A black and white wedding reception photo showing a couple dancing while a bride sits at a table in the foreground.
Three friends dance and celebrate with enthusiasm at a social gathering, wearing colorful party dresses.
People dancing and enjoying a wedding reception in formal attire on a crowded dance floor.
A DJ performs at an event using professional equipment and wearing a white shirt with black tie.
Elegant couple in blue dress and navy suit dancing at a formal event reception.
A partygoer dances while taking a sip from a drink at a wedding reception as other guests celebrate in the background.
Two individuals in business attire appear animated and excited while having a conversation outside a brick building.
Happy wedding guests dancing and celebrating on a festive dance floor during an evening reception.
Two people in festive attire dance and laugh while enjoying themselves at an indoor social gathering.
Evening outdoor event setup with illuminated cocktail tables and a beautifully lit venue in the background under clear skies.
A black and white photograph showing guests dancing and celebrating at an indoor wedding reception venue.
Party guests dancing on a wooden dance floor at a wedding reception with exposed brick walls and ambient lighting.
People celebrating on a dance floor at a party with motion blur and festive lighting.
Wedding guests holding sparklers creating a magical nighttime celebration atmosphere at an outdoor reception.
Wedding couple exits ceremony through sparkler tunnel lined with wedding party members in blue dresses and suits at night.
Wedding guests hold sparklers in a nighttime celebration as couple shares romantic dance on brick patio.
A bride in a white dress and groom in a blue vest smile with a guest at an outdoor evening wedding reception.
A couple in wedding attire share a romantic moment under streetlights on a path at night in black and white.

Lori and Kieran—thank you again for including me on such an important day. It’s been such a joy getting to know you both, and an absolute honor to document your story. Your connection is something really special, and I can’t wait to share your full gallery in the coming weeks.

Thanks for reading!

Stylish decorative text design featuring 'XOXO Cassie' in muted sage green tones against a white background.