Emma Mullins Photography

Last month, I was thrilled to be part of a styled shoot at one of Chicago’s newest event spaces, Wildman BT! This venue happens to be down the street from my studio, and after touring it back in September, I could not wait to shoot inside. It won’t take much scrolling to figure out why! The historic building has been completely restored, featuring exposed brick, skylights, and a larger-than-life projector screen. Additionally, the 12,000 square foot space can be divided as needed with custom drapery. How cool is that?! If you’re searching for a unique Chicago loft wedding venue, you need to check this place out!

Don’t get me wrong, every vendor involved in this shoot did an incredible job. Shout out to Kristina and Sam of Wedicity for putting this together so flawlessly (and Sam for stepping in as officiant!). I have always been a fan of bold and colorful decor, and am in love with the jewel tones they chose to incorporate! Other highlights include delicious snacks from Feast & Imbibe. Ever heard of a pizza cigar appetizer? Me neither… until this shoot! They did smell delicious, and according to our grooms, tasted even better!

Which brings me to: Esteban and Evan. These two could not have been more perfect as our Groom & Groom! It’s always a treat to meet new couples, and they were an absolute joy to work with. Not to mention how they totally rocked their Fake Wedding Day looking dapper as ever! Thanks again for being a part of this, guys!!

If you hadn’t guessed, this shoot was an awesome way to end my 2020 season. I’m a big fan of the Chicago loft wedding vibe, and this place has it ALL 🙂 Get to scrolling and see for yourself!

Vendor Team

Venue: Wildman Boiler & Tank Co./Planning: Wedicity/Apparel: The Groomsman Suit/Florals: Hedonia Flowers/Hair & Makeup: Rare Bird Beauties/Invitation: XO Art & Design/Wedding bands: Hitched/Caterer: Feast & Imbibe/Cake: ECBG Studio/Rentals: Tablescapes/Champagne Wall: Bubbly Events/Linens: BBJ Linen

Many of you know that Door County has a special place in my heart. Consequently, I will jump at any opportunity to visit! This summer, I joined a group of mostly local wedding vendors for a lavender-inspired styled shoot at Stone’s Throw Winery. With some planning, a little love, and a LOT of talent, we were able to create an intimate, French countryside vibe in the middle of the Midwest! Yep, a Wisconsin winery wedding is a thing 🙂

If you didn’t know, some of the only lavender farms in the Midwest are located on Washington Island, right off the Wisconsin peninsula. I had been talking with Jenna of Lavender & Co. Events about a collaboration (guess where the idea came from!), and we were both drawn toward this region. Jenna’s business thrives on including lavender whenever possible, and it definitely has a presence in the wedding world. We wanted to utilize as much of the locally grown plant as possible.

Stone’s Throw Winery in Bailey’s Harbor was the perfect venue to host our shoot. We could not be happier with the way this turned out! Our models stunned in mis-matched attire while honoring the lavender/blue color palette. And the florals… don’t get me started! I have known Krista of Native Sage & Co. for a few years now and had no doubt she’s create something exceptional. If you’re looking for a florist in the Green Bay/Madison area, definitely check her out!

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Neil and Stephanie at the winery! Not to mention Jackie and Dylan for playing bride and groom, and the wedding party for making this shoot a breeze. Note the extremely handsome officiant… had my eye on that guy the entire day!

All vendors did an incredible job, it was a pleasure working with you all!

Vendor Team

Venue: Stone’s Throw Winery/Wedding Planner: Lavender & Co. Events/Bride’s dress: Monirose/Groom’s suit: Express/Florals: Native Sage Co./Hair & Makeup: Hair by Kari/Stationery: Emery Ann Design/Table: Vintage Farmhouse Tables/Rentals: Lavender & Co. Events, BBJ Linen/Jewelry: Leffler & Bellamy/Groom’s ring: Manly Bands/Videographer: Falkum Creative/Cookies + Cake: Yield Bakehouse

At the end of May, an incredibly talented group of wedding vendors came together at Warehouse 109 in Plainfield, Illinois. I had the idea for this shoot shortly after learning about the venue, which is now one of my favorites to shoot in! (I’d love to photograph a real wedding here one day – hint, hint!) Once my vision was there, Alexis of Lillian Rose Events helped it all come together. Wedding planning MAGIC!!

We wanted to feature the quirkiness of the venue with an edgier, alternative vibe. Details included a black diamond engagement ring, bridesmaid jumpsuit, donut table, and custom framed vinyl records from First Dance Vinyl! The venue’s vintage motorcycle wall and Airstream were a must – not to mention their newest addition: a mint green camper out front! Even though it rained during most of our shoot, we were able to capture the ceremony against a stormy sky. It was especially lush and colorful outside during a break in the rain. The weather also allowed us to capture some really romantic newlywed portraits at dusk! They are some of my favorites from the entire shoot 🙂

A million THANK YOUs to the venue staff, vendors and models who helped make this shoot possible!! Had a blast working with you all, we created some of my favorite work to date.

Enjoy!

Vendor Team

Planning + Styling: Lillian Rose Events/Rentals + Styling: Rustique Swan/Hair: Unwana Rose/Makeup: Meghana Prasad/Florals: May Floral/Stationary + Calligraphy: Lullabelle Design/Bride’s attire: Mignonette/Bridesmaid’s attire: Brideside/Groom’s attire: The Groomsman Suit/Ties: The Tie Bar/Cufflinks: Arrowhead Leatherwork/Linens: BBJ Linen/Jewelry: Squasht Boutique/Groom’s ring: Raven’s Refuge/Black diamond ring: Mirta/Vinyl Records: First Dance Vinyl/Donuts: Do-Rite Donuts

Who doesn’t love a Chicago rooftop in the summertime?! I was so excited when Julia of Julia Simone Makeup asked me to be a part of this summer bridal fashion shoot. We started and ended on a River North rooftop, traveling to some fun urban scenes in between. (Ever seen a jaywalking bride? Keep scrolling!)

Our bride Katie sported two different looks! Thanks to the ladies at Jenny Yoo Chicago for providing the stunning attire. The second gown on the rooftop was my absolute favorite 🙂

Enjoy! Hope this inspires some summer bridal fashion ideas!

Vendor Team

Hair: Sophia Porter Hair & Makeup/Makeup: Julia Simone Makeup/Model: Katie McGinnis/Gowns: Jenny Yoo Collection

Want to see another shoot I got to work on with Julia? Check out our Chicago Brewery Wedding styled shoot!

A few weeks ago I met with a handful of Chicago vendors for what turned into a super fun, super-chic bridal shoot at Great Central Brewing Company. If you don’t know this place, definitely check it out! The tap room is a gorgeous, naturally-lit space with exposed brick and taps from several Chicago-area breweries. And rumor has it, they just got a shuffleboard table 🙂

We unanimously thought this would be a perfect space for our styled shoot. The idea was to embrace the brewery atmosphere while showing how it transforms into an elegant event space. We also wanted to showcase the tables and benches made of reclaimed farm wood. Steve’s Flower Market did an incredible job with the copper arch and centerpieces… and that bouquet!! Our two brides stunned in convertible dresses and jumpsuit by Jenny Yoo.

This was the first styled shoot I had a hand in designing, and I’m so excited with how it turned out! I think it’s a great representation of what a Great Central Brewing Company wedding could look like.

Vendor Team

Venue: Great Central Brewing Company/Planner: Urban Allure Events/Invitation Suite: Simply Scripted Ink/Florals: Steve’s Flower Market/Cake: ECBG Cake Studio/Dresses + Jumpsuit: Jenny Yoo/Hair: Unwana Rose/Makeup: Julia Simone/Models: Mara + Samantha

Want to see more styled shoots? Check out the following:

Alternative Warehouse 109 Styled Shoot
Door County Winery Styled Shoot

A couple of weeks ago (just before that seasonably appropriate Midwestern snow storm) I traveled to Waupaca, Wisconsin for my first Rad Photographers Retreat. These few days were filled with education, friendship, delicious food (thank you, Sulten Belly!!), and a killer Wisconsin wedding styled shoot!

Each day the schedule included guest speakers and relaxing activities like yoga and chair massages. We met each other Thursday afternoon, and by Saturday morning had officially bonded as creative comrades. You know you’ve made a friend when they help you dig your vehicle out of a foot of snow 🙂

Many thanks to Christine of Natural Intuition Photography for organizing this thing and playing Momma Bear throughout! This was an awesome experience and I’m considering returning next year.

Below are some of my favorites from the week! Enjoy!!

Vendor Team

Planner + Stylist: Midwestern Bride/Floral: Jennifer Joyce Design/Invitation suite: Saffron Avenue/Rentals: A La Crate Rentals/Styled shoot settings: Hearth & Hand/Gray Wedding Dress: Monirose Bespoke Gowns/Tux: The Black Tux/Cake: Yield Bakehouse/Meat + Cheese: Fromagination/Bread: Madison Sourdough

This spring I participated in a Great Gatsby wedding styled shoot at a private residence in Hyde Park. This was not my first styled shoot, but it was my first time experiencing one this extravagant! From the settings to the hors d’oeuvres to the models, everything was flawlessly executed! Would you believe our bride and groom had never met before this day?! To say they had chemistry would be an understatement.

In a nutshell, about ten photographers participated. We took turns rotating through different sections of the house. There was a bride getting ready in one room, and a groom and wedding party in another. Oh, and plenty of champagne. The models seemed to appreciate that 🙂

Below are some of my favorite images from the entire day, including a few bloopers and behind-the-scenes photos (this is what it looks like when several wedding photographers compete for the best shot!). Creativity was a necessity. Of course this is something we’ve become accustomed to in a competitive industry. You never know what your shooting conditions will be like – and I’m always up for a good challenge 🙂

Huge shout out to Nicee and Nicole for putting this whole thing together!

Vendor Team

Lead photographer: Miss Motley Photography /Event planner & stylist: Nicole Marie Events / Floral design: City Scents Floral / Makeup: Dawn “Bliss” Norman / Hair stylist: Chez Delali Salon / Dress designer: Suzette Opara – 828 Collection / Wedding gown: Edith Élan / Men’s attire: Jojayden Custom Suits / Jewelry: Estylo Jewelry/ Gramaphone: Zap Prop Rentals / Equipment rental: Classic Party Rental / Linens: BBJ Linen / Mixologist: Elizabeth Tyler / Paper goods: AGD Studios / Caterer: Dream Chef Catering / Cake: Cake Life Chicago / Doughnuts: Bon Vivant Cakes / Cookies: Gimme Sugar Creative Cookies / Cake pops and Apples: The Sweet Hustle / Luxury Car: Fivewest Chauffeur