Emma Mullins Photography

Marina and Rafael get married in TEN DAYS… and I’m reminiscing on their lovely spring engagement session at Cuneo Mansion! We originally hoped to capture photos with their cats in early spring, so they could be included in their reception decor (of course!). As plans came together, Marina worked some magic in her network and we ended up with an opportunity to start at the mansion instead! We were all thrilled with this opportunity, and as you will see – it did not disappoint.

Cuneo Mansion Engagement Photos

I met these two at Cuneo Mansion one Friday afternoon, and was instantly impressed with the space. Marina and Rafael looked stylish and ready for some formal engagement photos! This stunning Vernon Hills estate has a ton of history and character… did you know it’s situated on 100 acres of land?! Built in 1916 as a private residence, it was gifted to Loyola University of Chicago in 2009. Furthermore, the estate still contains the original fine art and furniture – it was so much fun to explore! Rafael and Marina were up for anything, and I’m so excited about the photos we created. Some of our favorite rooms were the Great Hall, Ladies’ Powder Room, and Chapel.

Finally, I want to give a shout out to Lisa at Cuneo! Thank you again for your assistance, and helping make this possible for us!

Family Formals with Salem and Binx

Did you think we forgot about cat photos? Think again! After our mansion photos, we headed to their home for family photos. Salem and Binx wore tiny tuxedos, and were surprisingly cooperative (for cats)! I mean, the treats probably helped a little… but I digress. One detail I absolutely love: the painting above the fireplace in the photos was painted by Marina and Rafael together! How cool is that? Truly, this entire family looked most dapper in their formalwear, and I’m honored to have captured these moments for them.

Marina and Rafael: Your Cuneo Mansion engagement session was such a treat! Thank you for introducing me to Salem and Binx!! I can’t wait to do it all again very SOON 🙂

Chang and Lucas are the kind of couple you instantly adore. These two Parisians got engaged over the holidays last year, and I was so excited to photograph their engagement session while I was in town! Their warm, playful energy made exploring the City of Love an absolute dream. Captured on both digital and film!

Square Louvois and Parisian Café Engagement

We started our session at Square Louvois, a quiet little park tucked away in the 2ème arrondissement. And, it just so happens this is where they had their very first date! From there, we made our way to Café de la Comédie: a hip, picturesque spot with the cutest upstairs area I’d scouted the day before. The staff was so kind to allow us to take a few photos here on a busy afternoon! In case you’re wondering, the food and drinks here sont très delicieuses! Definitely recommend stopping at this café if you’re near Musée du Louvre or Palais-Royal.

Les Tuileries, Spring Flowers, and the Seine

From there, we walked to Le Jardin des Tuileries, which was filled with spring blooms. Lucas and Chang laughed and danced through the garden paths, stopping to steal a kiss under the trees. We continued to walk west along the Seine to Port des Invalides, with a spectacular view of Pont Alexandre III. I’m obsessed with this ornate, art deco bridge – it’s always one of the first things I notice when I travel to Paris!

Not pictured: As we were about to get a taxi to our final destination, we felt a drizzle! A few drops quickly turned into steady rain, and luckily we had an umbrella to shield us before the taxi arrived. The skies poured while we were en route, and by the end of the ride, the rain had stopped! Talk about great timing!

Eiffel Tower Engagement Photos

Our final stop was another fave of mine: Place du Trocadéro. This location offers such a classic view of the Eiffel Tower, and was a Must-Have for our session. Chang and Lucas were all about each other, and I had a blast spending the afternoon with them! One perk to having just dodged the rain: we had the iconic staircase all to ourselves 🙂

Chang and Lucas: Thank you again for sharing your city with me. Your Paris engagement session was a dream come true – I absolutely loved capturing these moments for you! CONGRATS again to you both!!!

The morning after our sessions with Jessi & Onur and Loreen & Chris, we met up with Jenni and Michele at Musée du Louvre! These two traveled from Düsseldorf to work with us for their Paris elopement, and were an absolute treat to spend the day with.

Wedding Photos at The Louvre

Photographing a couple outside The Louvre has been on my bucket list for years. Thanks to Jenni and Michele, that dream became a reality not long ago! We met just after sunrise at the iconic Musée du Louvre, where soft morning light wrapped around the historic arches and glass pyramid. Jenni and Michele were total naturals in front of the camera – I knew immediately it was going to be an awesome day! Truly: we’re lucky to have gotten as many photos as we did without pedestrians in the background. Pro tip for fellow photographers wanting to take wedding photos outside The Louvre – get there early. As soon as the museum opened to the public, this place was filled with tourists!

Palais-Royal and Pont Alexandre III

After wrapping at The Louvre, we strolled over to Palais-Royal in the 1er arrondisement. This spot gave us a perfect mix of spring greenery, classic black-and-white columns, and a calm courtyard. Jenni carried a lovely white bouquet that stood out beautifully against the stone pillars. And can we talk about Michele’s white tuxedo jacket? Très chic! Très élégant!

Our next stop was another one of my favorite landmarks in Paris: Pont Alexandre III. With its gilded lamps and sweeping views, this bridge truly stands out as one of the most unique works of architecture in the city. I was so excited to capture these moments of Jenni and Michele on the bridge in the spring sunshine!

Paris Elopement along the Seine

Closer to midday, we made our way to the banks of the Seine for an intimate elopement ceremony. Not only did this location have prime views of the Eiffel Tower, it was decorated with bold red florals that popped beautifully against the background! Along with the clear blue sky and their white attire, the florals gave a subtle nod to the French flag: red, white, and blue.

Daniela Wissmer led the ceremony, and after I Do it was time to celebrate! The Newlyweds commemorated the moment with a champagne tower in the warm Paris sun (yes, it was real Champagne). Et bien sûr, there was no shortage of cheers-ing the Riverboats that passed by! Santé, tout le monde!

Jenni and Michele: You two were a treat to hang with all day!! Thanks again for being such awesome models and the happiest Newlyweds 🙂 

And THANK YOU to Cathy and Anna for organizing these two incredible days in Paris! When can we go back?!

Are you ready for more Paris wedding photos?! Introducing today’s featured couple: Loreen and Chris! These two newlyweds traveled from Germany to celebrate their love in the most iconic way: a romantic newlywed session in Paris. Moments after meeting these two, you can just feel how in love they are. And of course, Paris brought that extra little je ne sais quoi!

Classic Paris Wedding Photos

We started our session under one of the city’s bridges, with a prime view of the Eiffel Tower. They got to pose with the cutest vintage car, decorated with white florals! It almost felt like a movie scene – the afternoon light, classic car, and that iconic city view.

Our next stop was one of my favorite hidden corners in the 16ème arrondissement, Avenue de Camöens. The cobblestone street and romantic balconies really set the mood… not to mention the tower in the background, of course! Something I love about this street is the variety of photo locations within walking distance. You wouldn’t know it from the photos, but most of these spots are in a 15-meter proximity from each other!

Place du Trocadéro Wedding Photos

We made it to Place du Trocadéro just in time for golden hour, and it did not disappoint. The Eiffel Tower looked unreal in that soft spring light, and Loreen and Chris couldn’t keep their eyes off each other. This is truly what photographer dreams are made of – I had so much fun photographing these two! They shared quiet little moments that felt so intimate, even with the city all around them.

Eiffel Tower Wedding Photos at Night

After the sun had set, we headed closer to the tower itself. That golden glow at night? It never gets old. The lights sparkled behind them as they danced and kissed under the stars. We wrapped our session with some cozy, romantic photos along the Seine – the city lights reflecting in the water. I went home from this session a very, very happy photographer 🙂

Loreen and Chris: Thank you for letting me document your Paris adventure. I hope you love these Eiffel Tower wedding photos at night as much as I do. Congrats again to you both!!

While visiting France, I had to stop in Paris – bien sûr! In fact, I’d had the trip to Paris planned for several months before deciding to attend the WedVibes editorial shoot at Chateau Challain. Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world, and though I don’t yet speak fluent French, it’s next on my list! What do I love about Paris? It’s the first European city I ever visited, and definitely the one I’ve returned to the most. Truly, I will jump at any opportunity to spend time in Paris.

But – I digress! The purpose of this trip was to meet up with other photographers from around the world and expand my destination wedding portfolio in the City of Love. We gathered at Pont de Bir-Hakeim in the 15ème arrondissement to meet our lovely models and the organizers, Cathy and Anna. Newlyweds Jessi and Onur joined us from Munich, looking absolutely stunning in their wedding attire. I was especially obsessed with Jessi’s dress – not to mention her lush spring bouquet!

Spring Paris Wedding Photos

After some photos under the bridge and with that Eiffel Tower view, we walked along the Seine to our next photo location. This particular street, Avenue de Camöens, was loaded with Parisian charm and plenty of picturesque photo locations. We took a stroll along the cobblestone streets, chasing light and stopping whenever the mood struck us. Jessi and Onur had great energy, and I love when couples are up for a little exploring!

Eiffel Tower Wedding Photos

As the sun dipped lower, we made our way to one of my all-time favorite Eiffel Tower views: Place du Trocadéro. The light hit just right, for the most romantic newlywed portraits, and it didn’t hurt that these two were all about each other! We danced, we twirled, and made the most of our time here until the sun went down. Not pictured: the millions of other tourists and photographers taking in this incredible view around us!

After Dark at Champ-de-Mars

Once the sky was dark, we reached our final destination near the Champ-de-Mars. I was beyond excited to take night photos in Paris with the Eiffel Tower… we even got to see the famous light show! Using direct flash, I was able to try a few new lighting ideas I’d been wanting to play with. The results were moody, romantic, and full of that nighttime vibe – everything I was hoping for and more 🙂

Jessi and Onur: Thank you again for being such a dream to photograph, and letting me get creative! Your love, your laughter, and that dress brought so much life to the streets of Paris. Félicitations!

A few weeks after my first WedVibes editorial in California, I was scheduled to set off to Paris for a handful of sessions in the City of Love. About a week before my departure, I saw that WedVibes had an opening for one more photographer at their French castle wedding editorial on April 8th! Though that was my original travel date, I was able to tweak my travel plans, snag the last photographer spot, and make it to yet another WedVibes shoot… this time with the Europe team. And shortly after, to my surprise, I found out that Alina would be joining us in France as well! Quelle émotion!

A Fairytale French Castle Wedding

This dreamy editorial took place at one of the most enchanting wedding venues in the Loire Valley: Chateau Challain. Picture a storybook castle wedding in the French countryside, complete with ideal spring weather, vintage charm, overflowing florals, and high fashion detail. Industry pros from across Europe came together to create something truly special. Our Newlyweds Sandro and Vita brought all the magic, and the wedding party was a blast to hang with all day. Photographers: I highly recommend working with any of these model couples if you’re looking to expand your portfolio in Europe!

The ceremony, led by the lovely Jennifer Patrice, took place in the castle’s front lawn underneath the April sunshine. Cascading florals and pearls added a softness to the regal stone backdrop. We also had the opportunity to work with a videographer at this shoot – shout out to Justin of Justin Geery Films! Justin does incredible work and was a pleasure to shoot with – if you’re looking for a destination wedding videographer, definitely check him out!

After the ceremony, we had a chance to take photos with the Newlyweds and wedding party throughout the castle. Highlights include a midday ice cream treat, romantic boat ride, golden hour reception, and champagne pop to wrap the shoot. Perhaps most noteworthy is that five-tier beauty covered in buttercream by Belgian cake artist Karolien Beyens… and yes, it tasted just as delicious as it looked!

Another Editorial with WedVibes

Working with WedVibes, this time alongside their European production team, was yet again an inclusive, supportive, and positive experience. I feel fortunate to have access to such a fulfilling creative outlet, while continuing to improve my craft and expand my network throughout the world. I’m certain this will not be my last editorial shoot with WedVibes, and could not be more excited for what’s to come!

In the meantime, if you’re planning a dreamy French castle wedding and in need of a photographer: I’m your girl 🙂

While in California for the Filoli editorial this spring, I met Haley and Chris for their San Francisco newlywed session! These two have lived abroad and traveled to many locations together, but had never taken photos in The City by the Bay. I’m honored they chose me to document this time in their lives – and grateful they were up for a little adventure! Below are my faves from our session, captured on both digital and film.

We started our session at Ina Coolbrith Park, a peaceful overlook with sweeping views of the city and Transamerica Pyramid. These two are so clearly smitten with each other, and a breeze in front of the camera! From there, we wandered through surrounding neighborhood Nob Hill, soaking up that classic San Francisco charm.

From Palace Vibes to Sunset by the Sea

Our next stop was the Palace of Fine Arts – always a showstopper. I had been dreaming about taking photos at this classic location for months… and it did not disappoint! Turns out this building was first constructed for the 1915 World’s Fair, and was one of the most popular buildings at the exposition. Fun fact: it was then rebuilt in 1966 to make it stronger and more sustainable for years to come! Haley and Chris enjoyed a stroll around the building’s perimeter, and the magic of its architecture.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Marshall’s Beach for moody views of the ocean and iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Though it happened to be high tide, Haley and Chris were completely unfazed. We found pockets of beach in between the waves and took some of my favorite photos from the session—intimate, cozy, a little foggy, and so very San Francisco 🙂

Romantic Rain at Pier 7

Our final destination was Pier 7 for a few night portraits with the skyline glowing behind them. We danced, we played, we walked the pier. And just as our session was wrapping up, the skies opened up and rain began to fall! Honestly? It couldn’t have been more perfect. These two embraced the weather, making the most of every moment. It truly felt like a scene from a movie!

Haley and Chris: I had so much fun exploring San Francisco with you two! Thank you again for having me capture this chapter of your story.

Earlier this spring, I was back in California for an exclusive editorial shoot at Filoli wedding venue produced by WedVibes. A group of top-notch industry professionals came together to make this day possible, and it truly exceeded all of my expectations. Not only was this my first WedVibes shoot, but I was lucky enough to meet owners Daria and Alina! These two don’t attend every editorial, and it was so wonderful to meet them in person. The entire WedVibes team was a pleasure to work with!

Filoli Wedding Venue

From a photographer’s perspective, Filoli was an absolute dream venue to work at. Situated on over 650 acres of land near the California coast, this historic house was once a private residence, opening to the public in 1975 as a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Filoli gets its name from combining the first two letters of the following:

“Fight for a just cause.
Love your Fellow Man.
Live a Good Life.”

The above personal motto comes from Mr. William Bourn, original owner of the Filoli grounds. With such a rich history celebrating the surrounding land, it’s no surprise the grandeur of the venue lives up to its name.

WedVibes Editorial Shoot

Our day started at 8am with a warm up (read: dance party) led by Alina. In the morning, photographers were split into groups and rotated between different “scenes” – such as groom prep, bride getting ready, and stationery details. We each had a chance to direct the models and get creative with them! Shantel and Darrion stunned as our newlyweds, while Eric & Elisa and Andrew & Bri killed it as the wedding party. If you’re a photographer looking to expand your portfolio and hire a model couple, I highly recommend reaching out to any of these professionals.

The afternoon included a stunning ceremony in the California sunshine, mobile bar and custom cocktails, wedding party photos, newlywed portraits, reception details, and celebration. That sounds like a lot – and it was! But somehow the day seemed to go by super fast (kind of like a real wedding!).

Community Over Competition

The main highlight of this shoot may seem like the portfolio, but in my opinion, the connections we made with other photographers and vendors are far more important. There truly was a sense of community, camaraderie and support among us unlike other group editorials I have experienced. The production team took amazing care of us throughout the day, making sure we were fed, hydrated, and had plenty of sunscreen! Shout out to Makeup Artist Kayla for stepping in as officiant during the ceremony… and Alina for bringing the tunes all day 🙂

I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to attended this editorial, and couldn’t be more grateful for the experience. Thank you again, Daria, Alina and WedVibes Team!!

Taylor and Matthew’s Chicago loft wedding day was filled with sunshine, family, and cultural traditions. The love and respect between these two is undeniable, not to mention their sweet baby girl and pup who also happened to be part of the ceremony!

On a beautiful May afternoon, Taylor and Matthew got ready separately with their wedding parties. Matthew at their home with pup Shir, and Taylor at The Hive on Hubbard with their daughter. The morning was equal parts lively and emotional, with a touch of shenanigans – Matthew and his party decided to ride to church on scooters! 

Wicker Park Lutheran Wedding Ceremony

That afternoon, guests gathered at Wicker Park Lutheran Church for a ceremony that included Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions. Both a pastor and Rabbi officiated the service, and family members read from the Koran. My favorite detail was the energetic entrance of Shir and the baby, setting the tone for the rest of the day. After they said I Do, the newlyweds were greeted with hugs, cheers, and a memorable bubble exit! 

The Hive on Hubbard Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, guests headed to The Hive on Hubbard, a Chicago loft wedding venue with industrial-chic charm. My favorite thing about this location is the rooftop view – we definitely took advantage of that for portraits with their crew! 

Guests celebrated the newlyweds with dinner, drinks, and more cultural traditions. The Persian knife dance before cutting the cake was a new one for me, and a highlight of the evening. Of course, we couldn’t say goodbye without one of our signature night photos… complete with a newlywed champagne pop!

Taylor and Matthew: Thank you again for inviting me to capture these moments for you and your family! I had so much fun being part of your day, wishing you nothing but the best in Married Life!!

Ywonne and Morgan’s Chicago winter wedding day was such a dream to be part of. Not many couples choose to get married in February in the city, and when I first heard from Ywonne, she said “pictures are super important to me, but not sure what options will be for taking pictures around the city if it’s cold or weather isn’t cooperative.” I was confident we would capture gorgeous imagery no matter what – and after their fall engagement session I was even more excited for wedding day.

That morning, Ywonne and Morgan got ready separately at Embassy Suites in River North. After their sweet first look inside the hotel, it was time to gather family and head to Union Station! 

Union Station Wedding Photos

We arrived at Union Station with plenty of time for portraits in all my favorite places. Ywonne and Morgan were absolutely smitten with each other, making my job super easy! If you are planning a winter wedding in Chicago, or need a backup location in case of weather, Union Station is a great option for classic, elegant wedding photos. Some of my favorite film photos from this day were taken here, too!

Osteria Via Stato Wedding

That afternoon, we made our way back to Osteria Via Stato to get ready for the ceremony. Just before guests started to arrive, a miracle happened: the skies opened up and gave us big, fluffy, white snow! Ywonne and Morgan were totally up for stepping outside for a few more portraits, making my photographer dreams come true 🙂 It was the perfect, most romantic way to celebrate their last moments of engagement. 

Morgan and Ywonne tied the knot that day inside Osteria Via Stato, a charming Italian restaurant in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. A close friend officiated the intimate ceremony, complete with personal vows. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, they made it official by candlelight and celebrated all night! Guests enjoyed a delicious meal and good company well into the evening. 

Ywonne and Morgan: Your Chicago winter wedding was the perfect way to kick off my 2025 season! Thank you again for choosing us to capture your day! All my best to you both!!