A couple embraces in a romantic garden walkway surrounded by lush green vine-covered archways. Cantigny Park

From the moment Riana first reached out, I had a feeling this couple was something special. And I was right.

Riana and Riley flew into town early for Lori & Kieran’s wedding — not just because Riana is Kieran’s sister and made their absolutely stunning wedding cake (which deserves to be in a magazine... seriously, WOW) — but also so we could sneak in their engagement session while they were visiting from Phoenix. With a full weekend of wedding festivities ahead, I’m so grateful we were able to carve out this time.


These two have already walked through so much together — over seven years of memories, milestones, and growing up side-by-side. Riana shared that they met on Bumble (a “one last date” kind of moment), and on their very first meeting at Starbucks, the sun hit Riley in just the right way — a golden glow lighting him up through the window — and she had a feeling... this might be it.


Ironically (and beautifully), almost the exact same thing happened during their engagement session. Toward the end, as they sat together on the steps, the clouds parted just enough to let this warm, golden light spill across their faces. For a moment, it felt like time paused — their faces were literally glowing, and I quickly shifted my angle to soak it all in. It was one of those serendipitous moments that felt like it was meant to be.

Since that first coffee date, they’ve navigated long distance (twice), college, big life transitions, and the start of their careers — building a love that’s steady, resilient, and full of grace.


They officially got engaged this past winter under the holiday lights at Cantigny — which made this session feel extra full circle. Riana used to work at Cantigny, so returning to this space for such a joyful season in their lives was incredibly meaningful. Between her joyful energy, Riley’s quiet steadiness, and the way they make each other laugh, this session was such a joy to capture.


Riana, a talented pastry chef and cake decorator, has such a thoughtful eye for beauty and detail. She’s dreaming up an elegant fall wedding full of jewel tones, soft lights, florals, and just a touch of seasonal magic — and if this session is any indication, it’s going to be absolutely stunning.


Riana & Riley — thank you for inviting me into this season with you. I can’t wait for your wedding day! Now grab a slice of cake, sit back, and snuggle up — your sneak peek is live!

A couple embraces outdoors in a garden setting with flowering plants and greenery in the background at Cantigny Park
A delicate rose gold ring with teal gemstone and floral details rests on green foliage at Cantigny Park
A couple walks hand in hand along a garden path surrounded by lush greenery and trees on a sunny day at Cantigny Park
A couple shares a romantic moment in a lush garden path surrounded by green shrubbery and cypress trees at Cantigny Park
A romantic moment captured in a lush garden setting with lifted embrace on a brick pathway at Cantigny Park
Two people in a romantic embrace on a garden path, with floral dress and jeans visible as one person lifts their leg at Cantigny Park
A couple shares a romantic moment in a blooming garden path with lush green landscaping at Cantigny Park
Unique engagement ring with green gemstone and rose gold leaves design displayed on wooden surface with blurred greenery at Cantigny Park
A romantic couple embraces on a garden path surrounded by lush green landscaping and trees at Cantigny Park
A couple walks together on a stone path surrounded by lush summer gardens and flowering shrubs at Cantigny Park
Beautiful moment captured under a garden archway surrounded by green foliage and landscaped hedges at Cantigny Park
A couple shares a romantic moment under a garden archway surrounded by lush greenery and flowering plants at Cantigny Park
Couple holding hands romantically on garden path with person wearing floral dress and flats and other in jeans and boots at Cantigny Park
A couple stands together under a garden archway surrounded by lush greenery and a winding path at Cantigny Park
A couple shares a romantic moment under a lush green archway tunnel in a garden setting at Cantigny Park
A couple embraces on a romantic garden path under a lush green vine archway at Cantigny Park
A romantic couple shares a tender moment under a lush green garden arbor on a stone pathway in summer at Cantigny Park
A romantic moment under an arched garden trellis covered in lush green vines and foliage in a formal garden setting.at Cantigny Park
A romantic black and white photo of a couple embracing in a dip pose under tree branches in a garden setting at Cantigny Park
Close-up of tattooed arms embracing in a romantic moment while wearing floral dress and grey shirt at Cantigny Park
A couple sits together on a wooden bench in a lush garden with blooming pink and white flowers under a large tree at Cantigny Park
A romantic couple sits on a wooden bench in a blooming garden with pink flowers and lush greenery at Cantigny Park
Two people share a romantic moment in a serene garden setting with blooming lilac bushes and a rustic wooden bench at Cantigny Park
Two people join hands together in a tender moment outdoors with green foliage in the background at Cantigny Park
A couple poses outdoors in a garden, wearing a plaid shirt and floral dress against green foliage at Cantigny Park
A romantic moment between two people embracing in a lush garden with blooming trees and a decorative obelisk at Cantigny Park
A couple walks hand in hand along a garden path surrounded by blooming flowers and white obelisks. at Cantigny Park
A couple stands together on a garden path with a white decorative obelisk and lush greenery in the background at Cantigny Park
Close-up black and white photo showing hands with a butterfly tattoo resting on a floral print dress at Cantigny Park
A tender black and white romantic moment between a couple as they share an intimate close embrace outdoors at Cantigny Park
A couple embraces on a winding garden path surrounded by lush greenery and flowering trees in a peaceful park setting at Cantigny Park
A couple embraces on a garden path surrounded by green landscaping and blooming flowers on a spring day at Cantigny Park
A couple embraces outdoors, with one wearing a plaid shirt and the other in a floral dress with bright red hair at Cantigny Park
A romantic outdoor garden scene with a couple embracing near a decorative stone urn along a landscaped pathway at Cantigny Park
Couple sitting on outdoor stone steps with colorful flowers in planters during a romantic engagement photo session at Cantigny Park
A couple embraces outdoors, with one person wearing a plaid shirt and the other in a floral navy dress with bright red curly hair at Cantign

This was the light we started with — calm and even.

The clouds parted, and the sun poured in — and it stayed for the rest of the session! I toned it down in editing, but you can still see that warm, dreamy glow on their faces. It felt like the light showed up just for them.

A romantic couple stands together by a serene pond surrounded by weeping willows and greenery at sunset at Cantigny Park
Romantic couple standing by tranquil pond with weeping willow trees at sunset in a peaceful park setting at Cantigny Park
A couple embraces and laughs together in a romantic outdoor garden setting with a pond and greenery in the background at Cantigny Park
A tender romantic moment captured under a flowering willow tree with soft natural lighting in an outdoor garden setting at Cantigny Park
A couple embraces on a garden path beneath a drooping willow tree on a sunny summer afternoon at Cantigny Park
A couple shares a tender kiss outdoors during golden hour surrounded by greenery and natural light at Cantigny Park
Couple in casual attire sitting close together by a serene pond on a sunny afternoon at Cantigny Park
A romantic couple embracing beneath a weeping willow tree in a garden setting at Cantigny Park
A close-up of arms embracing, showing floral dress details and plaid shirt patterns against a green outdoor background at Cantigny Park
Two people walk together on a dirt path through lush green foliage on a bright summer day at Cantigny Park
A romantic embrace on a garden path surrounded by lush green foliage during golden hour at Cantigny Park
A couple walks together on a garden path surrounded by lush greenery and tall evergreen trees at Cantigny Park
Couple embracing on a garden path surrounded by lush green foliage viewed through blurred leaves in foreground at Cantigny Park

Riana & Riley — your joy, your kindness, and the way you care for each other is something truly special. It was such a gift to capture this season for you. I’m so grateful to be part of your story, and I cannot wait to see you say “I do” this October at Cantigny Golf. What a beautiful day it will be.


Thanks for reading,

Decorative text logo design in soft blue-green featuring 'XOXO' and 'Cassie' in elegant typography.