Chicago Lakefront Proposal at North Avenue Beach – Erik & Claire

Last month I had the opportunity to be a part of Erik’s epic Chicago lakefront proposal to Claire. He flew in from San Francisco, where they both reside, specifically to propose! Claire was in town on business and didn’t suspect a thing. Why choose Chicago to propose? It’s where they had their first date years ago! The look on Claire’s face when she saw him standing in front of the skyline was absolutely perfect.

The day was cold, damp, and cloudy – even a few snow flurries when I met Erik near Castaways at North Avenue Beach. As soon as these two were together, however, the clouds parted. We began to see bits of blue sky – and eventually sunshine! It was all so picturesque, and the joy was overwhelming. Surprise proposals have easily become one of my favorite things to photograph. There’s just something about being part of a moment like this that I can’t get enough of!

Hint, hint! Are you planning a surprise Chicago proposal?! Definitely consider hiring a professional to capture the moment! Your partner will thank you 🙂

After a few photos with the skyline, Claire was in for more surprises. Family and friends arrived at the scene – including the couple’s dog, Cash! It’s true – Erik brought him along from San Francisco to share the moment, too!! This was such a sweet afternoon and I’m honored to have been there to capture it all!

CONGRATULATIONS, Erik and Claire!! I wish you all the happiness in the world.

Chicago lakefront proposal photo of couple cheering at North Avenue Beach

16 Replies to “Chicago Lakefront Proposal at North Avenue Beach – Erik & Claire”

  1. Carla says:

    Aww, they are so cute! Congratulations to the happy couple.

  2. kim says:

    This is so adorable <3 You captured it beautifully!

  3. Adam Hart says:

    Chicago is such a great city for proposals…so many different spots and ways to pop the question. Lovely shoot, and the last picture of the couple just radiates joy!

  4. What a fantastic love story and gorgeous proposal! You captured Claire’s reaction perfectly! I bet many more great adventures are awaiting these two 🙂

  5. EVA HO says:

    Awww… they are so happy and I am so happy for them, too! ❤️

  6. Maria says:

    I love this so much! You did a wonderful job of capturing their excitement and joy.

  7. Emma says:

    Thank you, everyone!! Such a happy day.

  8. Angela says:

    oh they look so happy! love the close-up with his arms wrapped around her. nice work Emma!

  9. Becca says:

    This is the sweetest! Beautiful images, Emma!

  10. Megan Saul says:

    That ring is gorgeous!!

  11. Katy Weaver says:

    Ahhh, the emotion and the skyline in the background, ALL OF IT! You nailed these!!!!

  12. Emma says:

    Thank you all so much!!

  13. You captured the emotion in this perfectly! Great work.

  14. Iola says:

    Saved as a favorite, I actually enjoy your blog!

    1. Emma says:

      Thanks so much, Lola!! That’s great to hear!

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About

Chicago wedding photographer Emma Mullins of Emma Mullins Photography

Hellooo, world!

I’m Emma (She/Her): Beer nerd, cat-whisperer, Schitt’s Creek-obsessed Chicago wedding photographer. I’ve been helping couples relive their wedding memories since 2014, and wouldn’t have it any other way!

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I currently reside in Chicago with my designer-turned-handyman partner and our two spunky felines. When I’m not photographing couples in love, I’m either hanging with these three, managing our West Town studio space, or traveling someplace new!

A Few of My Favorite Things:
  • Black coffee
  • Buttercream frosting
  • Road trips
  • Watching the sun rise
  • Pretending I sound like Mariah Carey
  • Belgian beer
  • The Green Bay Packers
  • My little fam (Jeremy, Rex and Miike)
  • Halloween (the holiday – not the movie. Okay, the movie’s pretty good too.)
About You

You want stunning, true-to-life wedding photos that look and feel like YOU. You don’t want to feel stiff or look too “posed.” And most importantly, you want to ENJOY your wedding day while we capture all the good stuff! 

Whether you thrive in the spotlight or cringe at the thought of being photographed, we are there to capture your memories. And let’s be honest: your wedding day is going to be AWESOME. No matter what goes according to plan or how many things surprise you, at the end of the day you’ll be married to Your Person. And, spoiler alert: that’s what this is all about!

My Approach

My relaxed, documentary approach allows couples to feel totally comfortable in front of the camera (it’s the number one thing mentioned in my Reviews!). Expect a mix of candid moments and contemporary portraiture, with the occasional embarrassing (aka HILARIOUS) dance floor photo. I will be your hype girl during portrait time (seriously!). We’ll get to know each other throughout the process, and it doesn’t stop on wedding day. I want to show up with hugs and handshakes – not as just another vendor.

Sound like what you’re looking for in a documentary wedding photographer? Inquire about your wedding HERE!

Emma Mullins Photography embraces diversity and inclusivity. We are LGBTQ+ friendly and happy to serve humans of every background, gender and identity. 

The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame winner Emma Mullins Photography
2024 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2023 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2022 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2021 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2020 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2019 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2018 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2023 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2022 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2020 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2019 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2018 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2024
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2023
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2022
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2021
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2020
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2019
Emma Mullins Photography named on of Chicago's top wedding photographers by Party Slate
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Pricing

Wedding Day coverage averages at $7500 (couples typically spend between $6000-$9000). Associate Collections begin at $4000. All Collections include a fully edited digital download gallery, print release, custom photography timeline, and Welcome Guide to ensure the BEST possible photography experience!

Photography collections are fully customizable to meet your needs. For detailed pricing and availability, inquire HERE.

Engagement sessions begin at $750. Special rate available to Wedding Clients.

Videography services begin at $3000, with Live Streaming at $1250. More information can be found HERE.

Photo Booth rental begins at $750. Learn all about the booth HERE!

Microwedding coverage begins at $3600.

Elopement coverage begins at $2750.

Surprise Proposal coverage begins at $900.

Destination wedding coverage begins at $9000, including travel and accommodations.

Other sessions offered include Lifestyle, Maternity, Content + Branding and other life events! Contact me for rates and availability.

Things on my current Wish List include photographing a Las Vegas elopement and destination wedding in Italy! If you are planning either I would LOVE to chat!!!