Emma Mullins Photography

Brigid and Matthew’s Lincoln Park wedding day was truly a pleasure to capture… and so very them. After getting engaged exactly one year prior (on their anniversary), they were lucky enough to snag the same date at Cafe Brauer this year! Not only that: their home is within walking distance to the venue, as you may recall from their Lincoln Park engagement session last spring. In fact, every location from their wedding day was within a one-mile radius from each other.

On wedding day, Brigid and Matt got ready separately at home. One of my favorite details from their day was the private first look inside their apartment (awww!!)! This intimate moment really set the tone for the rest of their day.

Lincoln Park Conservatory Wedding Photos

Before the ceremony, we hopped on a trolley with the wedding party and headed to Lincoln Park Conservatory. This is another one of our favorite photo locations in the city – especially useful as a rain (or cold) plan for winter weddings! We had a blast exploring the greenhouse and capturing some gorgeous pre-ceremony portraits of these two. Before long, it was time to swing by St. Clement Catholic Church and get MARRIED!

Good Time for a Guinness

Once the knot was tied, celebration was in order! The Newlyweds opted to treat their family and friends to a round (or two) of Guinness at nearby Irish pub, Galway Arms. It was such a fun, relaxed way to kick off the party… including lots of cheers and congratulations from other patrons! And the fun didn’t stop there: guess what was served as both His and Hers signature cocktails at Cafe Brauer? Guinness, of course! They even kicked off their reception with a Guinness toast to all of their guests, pints in hand.

Cafe Brauer Wedding Reception

Once the party started, it didn’t slow down. The dance floor was especially packed for the Hora, and surprise performance by Derrick Tate on saxophone! Derrick was a total crowd favorite, weaving in and out of the crowd and playing right alongside guests. If you’re looking for a unique and interactive way to get your guests on the dance floor, definitely check him out!

Late-night ballpark hot dogs were served to keep the energy up, and I don’t think Brigid or Matt left the dance floor for a moment. They even cut their wedding cake during dancing – which was homemade by Brigid, I might add (it’s true!). I’m lucky I got to steal these two away for Newlywed photos outside the venue before saying goodbye 🙂

Brigid and Matt: Thank you again for having us in March! It was an honor to be part of your wedding day, we couldn’t be happier for you both! Mazel Tov and Sláinte!!

A Stroll Through the Frank Lloyd Wright District

Yan and Jimmy’s Oak Park engagement session was like stepping into the first chapter of their love story. These two first explored this neighborhood early in their relationship, wandering the historic streets and touring the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. Returning for their engagement photos felt especially full-circle! Every time I’m in Oak Park I can’t help but stop and admire the architecture of the homes. Yan and Jimmy were full of fun facts and knowledge about Frank Lloyd Wright – and had some favorites themselves!

Oak Park Engagement Photos

After photos at the studio, we took a walking tour around the neighborhood (led by Jimmy and Yan, of course!). We stopped for photos outside their favorite houses, including dreamy, historic Cheney Mansion. Throughout the session, we chatted about their wedding plans, life in Chicago, and how this neighborhood shaped the early days of their relationship. One of my favorite locations was Austin Gardens – perfect for a romantic afternoon stroll and lush greenery. And, we couldn’t leave the garden without a photo in front of the Frank statue!

Classic Chicago Italian Beef

Our final stop was Johnnie’s Beef! Not only is this place home to the classic Italian Beef sandwich, but yet another one of their first date spots 🙂 We always encourage our couples to make their engagement session as personalized as possible – and stopping at Johnnie’s was the best idea. Who doesn’t want to end a great session with a delicious sandwich?!

Can’t wait for these two to tie the knot here in Chicago later this year!

Cara and Jake’s wedding at Ovation last July was one for the books! If I had to pick one wedding from last season that just screamed “Chicago Summer,” this would be it. And if you know anything about Chicago in the summertime, you know that their day was awesome. 

Wedding day began with these two getting ready separately, Cara at their West Loop home and Jake at The Westin in River North. One of my favorite fun facts about these two is that their sweet pup has the same name as me! Of course we had to capture little nods to Emma throughout the day – such as their custom ring dish and Jake’s wedding socks 🙂 

Chicago Summer Wedding Photos

Their first look along the Riverwalk was followed by lots of cheers and congratulations by onlookers – and these two were ALL smiles. We made our way to Olive Park for some iconic wedding photos with the Chicago skyline, and before long, it was time to head to Ovation. Shout out to Spencer for driving us around the neighborhood for photos with the Rolls Royce before the ceremony!

Ovation Chicago Wedding

That evening, Cara and Jake said I Do under a gorgeous birch Chuppah and the venue’s signature skylight, surrounded by loved ones. A friend of theirs officiated the ceremony, filled with pop culture references and their unique story. Once the glass was broken, it was time to celebrate!!

Guests enjoyed delicious food, drinks, and lots of dancing throughout the night. The evening’s playlist made my Millennial heart feel right at home! (I don’t get to hear 10,000 Maniacs at every wedding!) Another highlight of the evening was Big Bro’s Ice Cream truck. They pulled up to the venue just in time for a break from dancing… and it was a hit! If you’re planning a summer wedding in Chicago and want to surprise your guests with a late-night treat, you can’t go wrong with ice cream!

Cara and Jake: Thank you again for having me last summer!! I had so much fun at your wedding and couldn’t be happier for you both! 

Music Box Theatre Engagement Photos

Sarah and Wil are getting married TOMORROW!! Of course, I couldn’t let that happen without featuring their engagement session at Music Box Theatre. I recently met up with these two at the classic Chicago cinema, one of our mutual favorite locations in the city. Fun fact: one of their first dates was at Music Box (they saw Vertigo)! I’m so happy we got to return here for their engagement photos – they even referred to Music Box as “our favorite theater in the world.”

We got to hang out in the lounge, taking advantage of window light and even stepping into the garden for a few. In case you didn’t know, Music Box regularly shows films in their outdoor garden area during the warmer months! Favorites like Ten Things I Hate About You, The Sandlot, and Wet Hot American Summer usually make an appearance. Definitely worth checking out! Wil and Sarah were a treat in front of the camera, totally in their element, and so clearly smitten with each other. Huge shout out to the staff for helping us coordinate this session, and allowing us to take photos in the garden!

A Stroll Through Lincoln Park

After our time at Music Box, we made our way to Lincoln Park for a golden hour stroll. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know this is a classic location! Chicago weather could not have been more lovely – a welcome change in the unpredictable spring we’ve had! We made our way across the Nature Boardwalk to the honeycomb, and some other favorite spots in the park. I was a little obsessed with Sarah’s outfit – perfect for a twirl!

Sarah and Wil: Thank you again for having me, and being up for taking photos at Music Box! I’m so excited to do it again SOON and finally make it official 🙂

Jenny and Daniel’s March wedding at River Roast Chicago was a celebration of love, classic city charm, and personal touches. The day began with these two getting ready separately at The Westin Chicago River North, followed by a romantic first look along the Chicago River! The bright sunshine helped with the winter temperature… and these two had no problem keeping each other warm. Soon after, the wedding party joined for more photos with that iconic view before heading to church! 

St. Vincent de Paul Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony took place at gorgeous St. Vincent de Paul in Lincoln Park. A close friend of theirs officiated the church ceremony, making the moment even more meaningful. Jenny and Daniel exchanged vows surrounded by family and friends, and once the knot was tied they were ALL smiles! Their contagious newlywed energy led to celebratory champagne in the parking lot before heading to River Roast.

River Roast Chicago Wedding Reception Featuring Southpaw!

After the ceremony, we took advantage of golden hour with the wedding party for more portraits along the Riverwalk. Jenny and Daniel kept warm with their custom bottle of Maker’s Mark whiskey! As the sun began to set, they headed to the reception where a special VIP guest was waiting…

Back at River Roast, Chicago White Sox mascot Southpaw joined the party! Daniel marked the occasion by wearing his White Sox jersey to cocktail hour, and couldn’t have been happier. In true Southpaw fashion, the mascot made his rounds taking photos with guests, and hyping up the crowd. 

The evening continued with heartfelt speeches, a romantic first dance, and energetic dance floor. I’m so happy that Jenny and Daniel stepped out for a few newlywed photos along the Chicago River at night – a must for any River Roast wedding!

Jenny and Daniel: Thanks again for having us this year, we absolutely loved being part of your wedding day! Wishing you a lifetime of love, happiness, and White Sox wins 🙂

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!