1970’s Theme Wedding at Starved Rock Lodge – Rachel & Jesse

Rachel and Jesse’s Starved Rock Lodge wedding this spring was one I’ll never forget! For starters, my photographer brain goes wild every time I visit Starved Rock State Park. But more than that, it was the absolute perfect location for Jesse and Rachel to tie the knot! When I first heard from these two, they described the Illinois state park as “gorgeous and woodsy and chill and that’s very much our vibe”… adding that they were going for a “70’s cabin” type of theme. And I promise you, they nailed it! I was so excited to finally see their vision come to life.

Jesse and Rachel got ready separately on a seasonably sunny April day. We took a short hike through St. Louis Canyon for their first look in front of a waterfall, and it did not disappoint! The wedding party’s 1970’s-inspired attire perfectly complimented the natural backdrop – not to mention Jesse’s custom suit and Rachel’s vintage veil (it was her mom’s!). Rachel’s gift to Jesse was a tie with a cat-print pattern, in honor of their cat Landslide who could not be with us that day. Just one of many personalized details from their day!

Starved Rock Lodge Wedding

Family and friends gathered to witness Rachel and Jesse say I Do in a stunning outdoor ceremony officiated by a friend. From their flower pals to musician friends and the confetti cannon, every detail of the ceremony was intentional. Once the knot was tied, it was time to celebrate!! Jesse and Rachel danced the night away underneath a gold disco ball surrounded by loved ones, and I don’t think they could have been happier 🙂

Rachel and Jesse: Thank you again for having us in April! Your wedding day was an absolute honor to be part of. Cheers to the best in Married Life!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Starved Rock Lodge / Bride’s dress: BHLDN / Bride’s shoes: Charlotte Stone / Bride’s belt: Silver Moon / Bride’s hair comb: Black Book Designs / Groom’s suit: Suit Supply / Groom’s tie: Knotty Tie / Groom’s shoes: Frye / Groom’s hat: McLaughlin & Hayes / Florals: Mary’s Special Touch / Hair & Makeup: Luscious Moi Salon / Invitation: DIY / Engagement rings: Family heirlooms / Wedding bands: Stanley Brown Jewelist / Ceremony Musicians: Yoo Soo Kim and Bradley Bergstrand / DJ: Toast & Jam / Caterer: Starved Rock Lodge / Cake: Bake Chicago / 2nd Photographer: Jeremy

Romantic photo of bride and groom kissing in canyon with vintage veil flowing in the wind at Starved Rock State Park

4 Replies to “1970’s Theme Wedding at Starved Rock Lodge – Rachel & Jesse”

  1. Mary Mecum says:

    One of my favorite weddings to design the flowers forTheir vision was the coolest Loved being included đź’•

    1. Emma says:

      Agreed! Great working with you, Mary!

  2. Jesse Johnson says:

    This post is beautiful makes me really happy. Thanks so much for your awesome photography Emma! And Mary for the awesome flowers too!

    1. Emma says:

      So happy to hear that, Jesse!! We loved being a part of your gorgeous wedding day!

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About

Chicago wedding photographer Emma Mullins Photography in her studio with film camera

Hellooo, world!

I’m Emma (She/Her): Beer nerd, cat-whisperer, Chicago wedding photographer shooting digital and film. A true Millennial, I still own a VHS box set of Titanic and remember when people used to ask “Tupac or Biggie?” (gotta go Pac). I’ve been helping couples relive their wedding memories since 2014, and wouldn’t have it any other way. Over the years I have found this job to be unexpectedly rewarding; the role we ultimately play in a couple’s family history is not something I take for granted.

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
  • Moira Rose’s wig collection
  • Belgian beer
  • The Green Bay Packers
  • My little fam: Jeremy, Vince and Miike (Mee-kay)
  • Halloween! My favorite costume of all time was Dana Scully from The X-Files (Jeremy was the cutest Mulder).
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.” Naturally, you love the look of film and value the art of photography. Future You wants to look back on photos from your wedding day and remember what it felt like to actually be there. And most importantly, you want to ENJOY your wedding day while we capture the good stuff.

Whether you thrive in the spotlight or cringe at the thought of being photographed, we’ll be 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!) – and just might convince you stop in the middle of downtown traffic for an epic portrait on film. 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 Chicago wedding photographer? Inquire about your wedding HERE!

Emma Mullins Photography embraces diversity and inclusivity. We are LGBTQIA+ friendly and honored 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 Photography services are customized for each couple based on the unique details of their day. All photography collections include a professionally edited digital download gallery and online print shop, where you can download, share, print, and gift your images.

Wedding Day coverage with Emma starts at $5000, including an engagement session and complimentary roll of film. Full and partial coverage options available.

Associate Collections start at $4500, including two photographers and an engagement session. Full and partial coverage options available.

For detailed pricing and availability:

Wedding Album pricing starts at $1100. Special rate available at booking.

Videography services start at $3000.

Film Photography starts at $500 per roll. Full and partial coverage options available.

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

Microwedding coverage starts at $3600.

Elopement coverage starts at $2750.

City Hall Elopements start at $1800.

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

My current Wish List includes photographing a Las Vegas elopement and a surprise wedding! If you are planning either I would LOVE to chat!!!

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Travel

Traveling is my thing.

I don’t know what I would do with myself if I couldn’t explore new places. After a three-year hiatus, my free time is constantly filled with travel dates! Not only does traveling fuel my creativity, it encourages me to learn and grow as a citizen of this planet.

So far I have photographed weddings throughout the Midwest, Mexico, Hawaii, Italy, Utah, San Francisco, New York City, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. But don’t worry: the list is growing! If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, get in touch ASAP. Destination wedding coverage begins at $9500 including two photographers, travel and accommodations.

Bucket list locations include New Zealand, Italy (take me back!), Portugal, and South Africa. Custom pricing available for Bucket List locations… just ask!

Inquire about your destination wedding HERE!

Silhouette of palm trees at Venice Beach, California with colorful sunset

Keep an eye on upcoming travel dates to book your destination wedding or session!!

Upcoming Travel Dates:

2024

April
New York City
Jersey City, NJ
Milan, Italy
Lake Como, Italy

May
New York City

June
Milwaukee, WI

September
Los Angeles, CA

October
Playa del Carmen
Tulum

November
San Francisco, CA

2025

January-February
Mexico City

March
SF Bay Area

April
United Kingdom
Ireland

May
St. Joseph, MI

June
Milwaukee, WI

September
Italy