Emma Mullins Photography

Laura and Adam. Where do I begin?

I’ve known these two for several years, and they’re absolutely perfect for each other. I mean – you don’t even need to spend five minutes with them together and you’ll just know. They are some of the most honest, outspoken, fun-loving people I know and it’s always a great time hanging out with them! When I found out they were up for a Chicago Trash the Dress session, I knew it was going to be good 🙂

We started in their neighborhood at Longman & Eagle in Logan Square. This place is an award-winning bar and restaurant with a huge whiskey selection, and has an inn upstairs for overnight guests (highly recommend this place – it’s right off the blue line train to O’Hare!). Laura and Adam got ready in Room #7 – complete with a Fisher-Price cassette player and mural by local artists Sonnenzimmer. Thanks again to the awesome staff for accommodating us!

We enjoyed a cocktail downstairs before heading across the street to what once was Discount Mega Mall. After playing in the rubble, we headed to North Avenue Beach to trash the dress! The beach was closing just before we jumped in the water, so we had to go all in. Truly, I believe this is some of my best work. More trash the dress sessions, please!!

If you’re considering a Trash the Dress session but are hesitant to “ruin” your dress, here’s some things to consider:

1. Use a different dress! There are plenty of dress options out there that are inexpensive. This way you won’t have to worry about ruining something you spent a lot of time picking out, or that costs more than anything else in your closet. Though you may not wear your wedding dress again, lots of women cringe at the thought of getting theirs dirty. This way your dress stays put, and you still get unique, romantic wedding photos together!
2. Most dresses do dry clean easily, so if you do want to use your real dress, chances are it will be fine. You don’t have to roll around in the mud – just getting it wet or sandy shouldn’t do much damage. The smoke grenades we used here did not come close to staining the fabric.
3. Long, flowy dresses with lots of fabric work best. Laura’s dress was from the sale rack at David’s Bridal – her actual wedding dress was a different style and wouldn’t have worked as well for a session like this. It also wasn’t an option since she donated it after their Mexico wedding. I believe she plans to do the same with this one (once it’s dry cleaned, of course!).

Laura and Adam: Thank you again for helping make my Trash the Dress session dreams come true! Always a pleasure hanging out with you both, hope to join you for a cocktail again soon 🙂

Inn and Cocktails: Longman & Eagle/Dress: David’s Bridal/Shoes: Bonnibel/Jacket: custom made by Trunk Club/Bride’s rings: Brilliant Earth/Groom’s ring: De Mer Jewelry