Festive Kentucky Derby party setting with floral arrangements, tea cups, and red rose wreath decorations.

I don’t know if I have the words to fully express how special this day was… but I’m going to try.


On Sunday, I had the joy of photographing the Moms Not Forgotten Mother’s Day Tea at The District in Richmond, IL. It was Derby-themed—complete with red (and pink) roses, tea sandwiches, fascinators, and the most beautifully decorated tables—but more than that, it was sacred. Tender. Healing. A room full of stories that mattered.

As guests arrived, there was laughter and excitement over hat contests and auction items. The room felt happy—really happy. But beneath all the details and pretty things was a mission that made every moment feel so much bigger than what was happening on the surface.


Moms Not Forgotten is an organization founded by Jennifer Mueller, created to honor and uplift birth moms—women who have made the bravest and most selfless of choices, and whose stories are often overlooked. I felt so honored to be welcomed into such a meaningful space and trusted to document it. Getting to witness the heart behind this event—and the stories being celebrated—was something I’ll carry with me for a long time.


One of the most powerful moments of the afternoon came when Shantell Krabill stood up to share her story. And I wish I could take you back to that moment with me—the silence in the room, the emotion on every face, the way her words wrapped around every heart in that space. Her testimony was raw and beautiful, and she shared it with such strength. There wasn’t a single dry eye, and I don’t say that lightly.


And just when we had all barely pulled ourselves together… McKenna Breinholt stepped onto the stage. If you watched American Idol last season, (season 22) you might recognize her as the young woman whose audition went viral—not just because of her voice (which is incredible), but because she met her birth family in person for the very first time… on national TV. Her story is remarkable. And the fact that she spoke in front of this room full of women—many of whom are living stories just like hers—and sang songs that carried so much heart and truth… it was unforgettable. She performed her audition song, “There Was Jesus,” by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton, and the entire room just felt it.


From the hat contest to the silent auctions to the tables full of women laughing and hugging and connecting—every part of this day felt like a gift. A reminder that there is beauty in broken stories. That God is in every detail, even the ones we wouldn’t have chosen for ourselves. And that honoring the hard and holy parts of motherhood is something truly worth celebrating.

“There is beauty in broken stories. And God is in every detail—even the ones we wouldn’t have chosen for ourselves."

Thank you to everyone who came, served, gave, and shared. It was a joy to witness so many stories, connections, and quiet moments of healing all in one space. There was something truly special about this afternoon—and I’m just so grateful I got to be there to take it all in.

So go ahead, ladies—kick off your heels, tuck away your fascinator, grab a mint julep, and snuggle up... Your sneak peek is live!!

Venue | The District

Event Planner & Coordinator | Social Butterfly Events & Jennifer Mueller

Florals | Jennifer Mueller & Thoughtful Fingers

Videographer | Shots By Lars

Sweets | High Tea with Gerri

Marquee Letters | Alpha Lit Chicago

Balloons | Social Butterfly Events

Historic beige stone church building with arched windows and entrance, featuring a curved glass doorway and landscaped front.
A vibrant red rose floral arrangement with baby's breath hangs on black metal railing with a light blue striped ribbon bow.
Wedding invitation card with pink floral design surrounded by red roses and white anemone flowers on dark surface.
Architectural entrance sign reading 'THE DISTRICT' mounted on cream brick wall with arched window and lighting fixtures.
Elegant table centerpiece with red roses and baby's breath on silver pedestal with blue ribbon award at wedding reception.
Rustic wedding reception venue with wooden cross-back chairs and floral centerpieces on long banquet tables.
Rustic brick venue with long dining tables set for an elegant wedding reception in a high-ceiling industrial space.
Overhead view of rustic wedding reception tables set with wooden chairs and floral centerpieces on hardwood floors.
A festive wreath with vibrant red roses and greenery adorned with a light blue and white striped bow against a brick wall.
Three small bowls of various jam spreads on a blue napkin with a decorative serving spoon on wooden table.
Elegant wedding reception setup with long wooden tables, illuminated 'ONE' sign, and red and blue balloon decorations.
Small glass dishes filled with different jams and spreads on a blue cloth napkin with decorative serving spoon.
Vintage floral teacup and saucer set on wooden table with paper documents and menu in soft natural light.
Elegant table setting with wooden cross-back chairs and miniature Christmas trees arranged on rustic wooden tables.
A pink and white Derby Tea party invitation surrounded by red roses and anemone flowers on grass.
Decorative set with a light blue fabric, red roses in a wicker basket, and pink rocking horse toy on wooden crates.
Wedding seating chart display with white backdrop, floral decorations, and elegant fabric draping at venue entrance.
Guests mingling at an elegant brunch party with wine bottles and party decor on display.
A woven basket filled with navy blue and pink promotional merchandise including Two Hearts branded items.
Elegant white dessert cart decorated with pink accents and red flowers for special events and weddings.
Decorative wedding gift table display with pink floral arrangements, frames and party favors arranged on wooden surface.
A black baseball cap with a vintage style patch sits among scattered papers and accessories on a light surface.
Vintage teacup with dark floral pattern and gold trim sits elegantly on matching saucer against white background.
A person in a black dress looking intently at items displayed on a table with various containers and boxes.
A curated gift basket display with mint green boxes, botanical elements and elegant paper goods arranged on a table.
Close-up portrait of a brown and white horse wearing a bridle with purple flowers in the background.
Close-up black and white view of a horse's nose and muzzle with leather bridle and halter straps.
Three beautiful horses wearing bridles stand together with pink flowers decorating their halters in an outdoor setting.
An equestrian rider wearing safety gear and white shirt stands with their gray horse at a stable.
White daisies and green leaves woven into a horse's braided palomino mane or tail in an elegant decoration.
A group of equestrians in riding attire gathers outside a building with green hedges and stairs.
A brown horse with a group of people in colorful summer attire at an outdoor gathering.
Pink and white floral display with decorative banners and signage arranged outside a building entrance.
Close up shot of vibrant red and pink roses with delicate white flowers and eucalyptus leaves in soft focus.
Colorful candies or chocolates wrapped in clear cellophane bags tied with light blue ribbons on a wooden surface.
A group of friends wearing colorful spring dresses smile and celebrate together at an outdoor event.
Two guests wearing elegant formal dresses and fascinators at an outdoor event, one in pink and one in royal blue.
Two guests in floral dresses and fascinators attend a spring social event together.
Three people in elegant derby attire with fancy hats pose together in front of a floral hedge wall at a formal event.
White decorative horse statue adorned with red roses next to cocktails and framed menu on dark table at event.
Two guests in elegant hats and dresses chat during a formal event, with one wearing floral pink attire.
Hand wearing a floral print dress holds a clear beverage glass with polished nails against a blurred background.
A group in colorful dress attire poses together under a decorated arch against a green hedge wall during a celebration.
A group of women in colorful dresses pose together at a party with a pink banner behind them.
A decorated floral arch with pink ribbons serves as a backdrop for a Kentucky Derby themed party setting.
Black and white photo showing a crowded restaurant dining room with people seated at tables under an elegant covered patio.
Woman wearing a floral dress and blue hat smiles while holding a pink flower in sunlight.
A group poses together at an outdoor event wearing colorful floral and polka dot dresses.
Wedding party in vibrant dresses stands on steps of historic beige church building with arched windows.
Group wearing floral dresses poses on brick steps of a building with arched window and vintage lamp post.
Elegant party attendees in colorful summer dresses and fascinators pose by red floral arch at outdoor event.
A group in floral and patterned dresses poses together at an outdoor event with a horse visible in the background.
Guest in a bright pink floral dress and light blue sun hat laughs joyfully at an outdoor formal event.
A person in a blue and white geometric dress wearing a blue fascinator stands next to horses with pink floral decorations.
Elegant wedding reception setup in rustic brick venue with chandelier and tables decorated in pink and white.
A silver teapot pours tea into an antique floral teacup during an elegant afternoon tea service.
Elegant wedding table centerpiece with spiral topiary decorated with red roses in rustic brick venue with chandeliers.
Two women wearing festive sun hats smile together at an outdoor summer event in bright colorful attire.
Two friends wearing floral dresses and festive decorative hats sit close together at a decorated table.
Two people smile warmly while sitting at a restaurant table with colorful flowers and balloons in the background.
Two friends enjoy tea and conversation while sitting together at a social gathering with rustic brick walls in the background.
Two attendees in pink and black attire share laughter at an elegant afternoon party with floral decorations.
Two women wearing floral dresses and flower crowns smile while seated at an outdoor dining table.
A delicate tea sandwich platter with sliced cucumbers and bread on a blue and white striped cloth.
Delicate white handkerchief with embroidered floral pattern on scalloped edge resting on wooden surface.
A delicate floral teacup filled with dark tea sits on a wooden table with a hand gently holding the cup.
Platter of assorted finger sandwiches and appetizers with cucumber slices served at a catered event.
Afternoon tea table setting with cucumber sandwiches, fresh bread, and pink floral teacup on wooden surface.
Overhead black and white view of an elegant table setting with coffee cups, teapot, and floral centerpiece during afternoon tea.
People celebrating at a holiday event with festive decor in a rustic brick venue with white drapes and black doors.
Two hands toasting with delicate teacups at an elegant garden party with festive blue decor in the background.
Black and white photo of guests enjoying an outdoor dinner reception at a social event.
A vibrant hot pink Kentucky Derby dress and matching hat complement a black table skirt in an entryway with brick walls.
A speaker wearing a vibrant pink dress and dramatic matching hat stands at a podium against an exposed brick wall.
A blurred foreground view of an indoor venue with a red wreath and pink flowers visible in the background against a brick wall.
Elegant woman in black dress and wide-brimmed hat claps while sitting at an indoor event.
People enjoying drinks and desserts at an elegant outdoor dining table with pink cocktails and coffee.
A black and white photo of someone speaking at a podium during what appears to be a wedding reception.
A speaker in a white dress stands at a cocktail table with a laptop and microphone in a rustic brick-walled venue.
Standing at a draped podium with a laptop and festive red wreath on exposed brick wall behind, in modern event space.
A black and white photograph capturing a candid moment at an afternoon tea gathering shows someone drinking from a teacup.
A group of people enjoying tea and refreshments at an elegant spring garden party with colorful fascinators and hats.
Guests in floral dresses seated at an elegant tea party with pink decorations and wooden crossback chairs.
Attendees wearing colorful dresses and fancy hats socialize at an elegant outdoor garden party gathering.
People at a tea party wearing fancy dresses and hats sit at tables decorated with pink balloons and floral arrangements.
Festive guest in bright green attire enjoying a holiday tea party with decorative seasonal ambiance.
Pink and white vintage teacup with floral pattern sits on wooden table with wine glass in soft focus background.
Pink feathered fascinator adorns blonde hair at an outdoor event with blurred crowd in background.
A woman in a floral dress performs music on a keyboard at a restaurant while patrons enjoy dining in the background.
A woman in a pink netted fascinator and green wrap sits at a table with teacups during an elegant afternoon gathering.
Musicians perform in a rustic brick-walled venue with wooden chairs and polished hardwood floors.
Musician performs on keyboard at casual indoor venue wearing floral dress with microphone setup.
Overhead view of an elegant wedding reception in a rustic brick venue with round tables and natural light streaming in.
Black and white photo of a tender moment between two people sitting together against a brick wall at a gathering.
A person in a floral dress sits at an electric keyboard, with their hands positioned on the keys.
Musician performs at piano keyboard with microphone in rustic brick venue setting.
A light blue vintage-inspired fascinator hat with decorative flowers adorns a hairstyle in an indoor setting.
A black and white photograph shows a crowd of people wearing hats at an outdoor gathering during a historical event.
Person with curly blonde hair in a cream dress leans against a balcony railing while taking a photo on a film camera.
Someone wearing a pink top and gold watch sits at a table in soft lighting.
Woman in red dress stands at rustic table with Christmas wreath and black French doors behind her.
A person in a coral dress sits at a table with pink cushions and shopping bags against a brick wall background.
Someone doing arts and crafts at a table set with teacups and plates, using pink decorative paper or materials.
Two guests in elegant summer dresses and wide-brimmed hats pose together at a formal event with brick walls and decor visible.
Group of friends enjoying a festive holiday gathering at a restaurant table decorated with Christmas ornaments.
Two women wearing floral dresses and decorative hats laugh together at an elegant garden party event.
Three women in spring dresses and floral fascinators pose together at an indoor event with exposed brick walls and wooden chairs.
A group of women in colorful dresses pose together at a festive event with pink decorations and a green backdrop.

To the Moms Not Forgotten team—thank you. Not just for inviting me in, but for the work you’re doing every day to love and lift up birth moms. This event was beautiful, but it was also so much more than that. It was thoughtful and intentional and full of purpose. You could feel the care behind every moment, and it was such a gift to witness it all.

I’m so thankful I got to be there.


Thanks for reading!

Stylish signature in sage green text reading XOXO Cassie with decorative handwritten font and script lettering.