Oh, how I adored this sweet October evening with Riley and Breckin! From the beautiful architecture of the Missouri State Capitol to the gorgeous golden hour views on their family farm in Eldon, Missouri, this engagement session was filled with so much beauty, laughter, and the sweetest little moments between two people who have been loving each other since they were teenagers!
We kicked off their engagement session at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, and let me tell you, these two came dressed to impress! Riley and Breckin brought along two beautiful outfits, and they looked absolutely incredible together. The Capitol is always one of my favorite places to photograph, and between the timeless architecture, their gorgeous outfit choices, and the beautiful October weather, we couldn’t have asked for a better start to their session!
One of the things I loved most about Riley and Breckin was their quiet, genuine connection. They’re a little more reserved in front of the camera, but there’s something so incredibly sweet about the way they interact with one another. You can tell how comfortable they are together.
Riley and Breckin first met when they were both in high school. Although they had seen each other around, they hadn’t officially spoken until a mutual friend introduced them one afternoon while hanging out with a group of friends. Little did they know that one simple introduction would turn into a love story nearly a decade in the making!
Their first date was dinner and a movie at the lake when they were just 15 and 16 years old. They were both nervous, but had the absolute best time together, and from there, they became inseparable! They officially began dating on May 16, 2016.
Like many couples who fall in love at such a young age, their story hasn’t been without its challenges. They experienced a breakup along the way, but even during their time apart, they realized that what they had together was something they couldn’t find with anyone else. Sometimes a little time apart has a way of reminding you just how special the person you love really is! And for Riley and Breckin, their story was far from over!
Fast forward to July 16, 2025, when Breckin had a pretty big surprise planned during their trip to Mexico!
According to Riley, Breckin had been acting a little more nervous than usual while traveling. She assumed he was just anxious about flying, especially when he seemed particularly jumpy going through TSA. But as it turns out, he had a MUCH bigger reason to be nervous!
Once they arrived at their resort, Breckin was eager to get settled in and enjoy some time by the pool. Later, he suggested they join his family for a walk down to the beach. Riley, thinking it was just another casual beach outing, got ready in her swimsuit, jean shorts, a button-up, and even brought her beach bag to collect shells! But Breckin had other plans! He suggested she wear a dress since the family would be going to dinner afterward. Riley wasn’t convinced that she needed to change, so Breckin enlisted the help of his sister, Felicity, who encouraged Riley to dress up so they could take some cute photos together. And it worked!
When they finally made their way down to the beach, Breckin suggested they take a picture by the water. But instead of simply posing for a photo, he got down on one knee and asked Riley to spend forever with him! Riley was so surprised that she was actually speechless, which apparently doesn’t happen very often! What she thought was going to be an ordinary evening at the beach turned into one of the sweetest memories of their lives!!
After photographing these two at the Capitol, we ventured to their personal farm in Eldon, Missouri, and oh my goodness, what a beautiful place!
We arrived just in time for that dreamy October golden hour light, and I was absolutely soaking in every bit of the scenery. There’s just something about the countryside in the fall that feels extra special. The wide open views, the peaceful atmosphere, and the golden sunlight made for the most gorgeous backdrop!
We spent some time hanging out on their dock, capturing the two of them in a place that’s part of their everyday life together. I always love when couples choose to incorporate locations that are personal to them because years down the road, those photos hold even more meaning. It’s not just a beautiful backdrop. It’s a little piece of their story. And of course, we couldn’t end their session without including some very special members of their farm family! Their mini highland cows. Seriously, could there be a cuter way to wrap up an engagement session? We incorporated their adorable cows into the background of a few photos, and it was the perfect finishing touch to an already wonderful evening. Between the gorgeous golden hour light, the peaceful farm views, and those fluffy little cows, I was in heaven!
I cannot wait to celebrate with Riley and Breckin on your wedding day as you officially begin this next chapter together, surrounded by all the people who love them the most!
Until then, enjoy some of my favorites from their beautiful October engagement session!
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