Emma Mullins Photography

In September, I finally got to meet Lauren and Ryan in person for their Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown wedding! They chose Chicago as their wedding destination because of its central location… but also our iconic skyline. I knew that with our mutual love for this city we were going to be a perfect fit!

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown Wedding

Lauren and Ryan got ready separately at the Royal Sonesta before an emotional first look on the rooftop terrace. These two chose to exchange personal vows before their official ceremony… one of my favorite ways to personalize any wedding day! With their siblings as their wedding party, we walked to some favorite photo locations only steps from the hotel. Chicago weather was our friend, and I’m so happy we had a chance to capture these moments!

Finally, it was time to get these two married! Lauren and Ryan were married on the hotel’s rooftop terrace overlooking our city, surrounded by family and friends. Their mutual friend Jared officiated the event – who just so happens to be the reason Ryan and Lauren met in the first place! Once the knot was tied, it was time to celebrate!! I don’t think either of them stopped smiling the entire evening 🙂

Lauren and Ryan: Thank you again for having us last year! I’m so honored to have been a part of your wedding day, wishing you a happy and healthy marriage in the years to come.

Jackie and Mike’s Half Acre Brewery wedding was easily one of our highlights from 2022. Half Acre has been my favorite Chicago brewery for years, and I was thrilled when they started hosting weddings! Mike and Jackie live in the neighborhood, and really wanted their wedding to feel unique and personal to them. I was eagerly looking forward to this day even before their awesome fall engagement session!

On wedding day, Jackie and Mike got ready separately with their respective parties. After their sweet first look overlooking the Chicago skyline, we stopped by Montrose Harbor. I absolutely loved the perfectly coordinated jewel tones and florals… especially with the sunshine! Before we knew it, it was time to head to the brewery!

Half Acre Brewery Wedding

Guests were welcomed to the ceremony with a fresh beer (of course), and option to sign a card from the game Settlers of Catan. (Remember how I mentioned that Mike and Jackie wanted their wedding to feel like them? This was one of my favorite personal touches from their day!) They were married beneath the brewery’s gorgeous skylights surrounded by loved ones… and I’m pretty sure there were a couple movie quotes included in their vows 🙂

Once the knot was tied, it was time to PARTY. Luckily we got to take a few newlywed photos inside the brewery itself (shout out to Adia for making this happen!!) – then it was time to eat, drink, and be MARRIED! Believe me, the dance floor did not disappoint! This day was such a pleasure to capture from beginning to end, I’m so happy to have been a part of it!

Jackie and Mike: Thank you again for having us!! Wishing you a lifetime of love, happiness… and delicious beer!

Happy 2023, friends!! I’m excited to share Alana and Philip’s Chicago winter engagement session as my first post of the new year. I met these two through Katherine and Robb – you may recognize Philip as a groomsmen in their wedding last summer! These two will wed in North Carolina this June, but wanted to commemorate their city with engagement photos. Of course, I was more than happy to help them out!

We started at my home away from home, the Garfield Park Conservatory. Besides being a popular wedding day portrait location, I always recommend starting here for a winter engagement session! I was thrilled when Alana and Philip expressed similar affection toward this place – they even considered tying the knot here! We had a blast exploring each greenhouse, talking wedding plans, and discussing our green thumbs (in my case, whatever is the opposite of green). These two are so clearly over the moon about each other, I don’t think they stopped smiling for a second!

After a lovely time at the conservatory, we headed to North Avenue Beach. Here we experienced Chicago weather in all its glory – I’m pretty sure we were in the middle of an actual cloud! Luckily we were still able to see the skyline, and the photos we created are some of my favorites to date. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: you can not go wrong with this portrait location! There is something so unique and stunning about Chicago’s lakefront no matter the time of year (or the weather!).

Alana and Philip: Thank you again for having capture these moments for you! You two were a dream to work with, I know your wedding this year is going to be beautiful. Congrats again!!

As I sit here writing this post, I just keep thinking about how truly incredible this year has been. No doubt that 2022 has gone by especially fast… I still can’t believe that tomorrow it will be over! I couldn’t be more grateful for all of the couples we had the opportunity to serve, whether that meant capturing their wedding day, their wedding celebration, or commemorating another milestone in life. This year has kept my team and I on our toes more than ever – but I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Let’s recap, shall we?!

2022 Recap:

• I got to photograph my final few weddings rescheduled from 2020! WOOHOO!!!
• Number of weddings captured: 42 (including three receptions and one Hindu/Jewish double wedding)
• Engagement sessions: 31
• Wedding films created: 37 (including two Live Stream recordings)
• Sessions in my home state: 4 (including one wedding)
• Fur babies I got to meet: countless!
• Turtles I got to meet: 1
• My first Baraat
• My first couple with exactly the same name (Hi Alexes!)
• First bride with the same name as me (Hi Emma!)
• First engagement session crashed by the Tamale Guy
• First Divvy bike engagement session
• Got to work at some gorgeous new venues with wonderful vendors, as well as some old favorites (list below!)

Below you’ll find a collection of favorite candid moments and portfolio pieces from this year. As always, it was not easy to choose! My sincerest gratitude to each and every couple who has trusted my team to document these once-in-a-lifetime events. We absolutely love what we do, and can’t wait to do it again in 2023 🙂

Wishing a safe and Happy New Year to YOU!!!

Featured Venues:

Adler Planetarium | Walden | Chicago History Museum | Artifact Events | Independence Grove | Lacuna Lofts | ROOF on theWit | Bottom Lounge | LondonHouse | Blumen Gardens | Half Acre Brewery | Wilder Mansion | International Museum of Surgical Science | Salvage One | Firehouse Chicago | Garfield Park Conservatory | Bridgeport Art Center | Morton Arboretum | The Drake Oak Brook | Art Institute of Chicago | Saddle & Cycle Club | Ovation | Greenhouse Loft | Starved Rock Lodge | Cafe Brauer | Rockwell on the River | Madonna della Strada Chapel | Bridle Barn & Gardens | Cantigny Park | Halim Museum | City Winery | Hubbard Park Lodge

Alex and Ilya’s summer rooftop wedding at Lacuna Lofts was one of the highlights of my year. When I first heard from these two, they told me of their plans to have an intimate ceremony on the venue’s rooftop, immediately followed by a BIG party with all of their family and friends. Well, I happen to have a soft spot for intimate ceremonies, and Lacuna is one of my favorite venues in Chicago! Oh – and did I mention it’s within walking distance of their Pilsen home? I was so excited to meet these two!

I met Alex at their home while she was getting ready, and Ilya joined us shortly after for a first look outside their home. Before heading to the venue, we made sure to take photos with their cats Luna and Toby! These fur babies were dressed for the occasion – Luna in pearls and Toby in a white collar and bow tie. Ilya and Alex wanted to showcase their neighborhood in their wedding photos, so we stopped at a few favorite spots along the way. It was perfect weather for a summer wedding walk!

Lacuna Lofts Wedding

We arrived at Lacuna Lofts shortly before the intimate ceremony, officiated by Kari of Wedding Day Chicago. Once the knot was tied, it was time to celebrate! Guests began pouring in to greet these two and enjoy one of the best skyline views in Chicago. Dinner and dancing took place in La Galleria – my first time inside this space! It’s everything you’d hope for in a loft venue: exposed brick, romantic cafe lighting, and the iconic rooftop only steps away. Needless to say, the party lasted into the night!

Alex and Ilya: Thank you again for having me!! I’ve had so much fun with you two (and the kitties!) this year… all my best to you both in your future together 🙂

This year I got to kick off Memorial Day weekend with Megan and Jack’s wedding at ROOF on theWit! These two were an absolute delight to spend the day with, and – in their words – so obviously “obsessed” with one another 🙂 They traveled from Wisconsin to tie the knot in the middle of downtown Chicago, and the day was just bursting with joy from beginning to end.

Megan and Jack got ready separately with their parties at theWit hotel. After their private first look on the hotel terrace, these two did not stop smiling! We had a blast walking around the Loop for photos with the wedding party, and even got to snag a few at ROOF before the ceremony. This was the first wedding I’ve captured in the space, which is gorgeous both in daytime and at night!

theWit Hotel Wedding

In true Megan and Jack fashion, their ceremony was complete with personal vows, happy tears, and lots of laughter. They even got to sample their custom margarita cocktail (freshly shaken by the bartender/officiant) before their guests! Once it was official, the party was ON. Guests enjoyed food, drinks, dancing, and live music during the cocktail-style reception… the Gold Coast All Stars kept the party going all night long!!

Megan and Jack: THANK YOU again for having us in May!! We had so much fun on your wedding day and wish you both nothing but the best!

Want to see more Megan & Jack? Check out their gorgeous Highlight Film by Amy Lynn!

As this incredible year comes to an end, I’m beginning to feel nostalgic for Liz and Eric’s January wedding at The Drake Oak Brook hotel! Being based in the Midwest, I don’t get to photograph a lot of winter weddings. But when I first heard from these two, they were thrilled to kick off 2022 with their marriage! January has always been special for Liz and Eric – it’s the month they started dating, the month they got engaged, and now it’s the month of their wedding anniversary. Of course, we crossed our fingers for snow… and – spoiler alert – we got our wish!

Eric and Liz had their first look outside the hotel, surrounded by festive lights and the winter landscape. Their stylish wedding party joined us for a few quick photos, and then it was time to head inside and warm up at the bar! The Drake Oak Brook is an ideal location for indoor wedding photos, I’m so happy we got to explore before guests started to arrive.

Intimate Candlelight Ceremony

That evening, Liz and Eric were married in an intimate candlelit ceremony surrounded by loved ones. Liz’s brother officiated the event, with no shortage of laughs or happy tears! Once the knot was tied, the newlyweds were ALL smiles and ready to celebrate. Food and drinks were flowing, and DJ Bash Beats kept the party going! One of my favorite things about The Drake Oak Brook is their iconic light-up dance floor… you better believe it was a night to remember 🙂

Liz and Eric: Thank you again for having me this year!! I absolutely loved starting my 2022 season with you guys, wishing you nothing but happiness in your future together!

Last month I had a blast with Mackensey and Anna for their fall neighborhood engagement session! I met these two at their home in Uptown for photos with Tubbs and June Bug, the most adorable pugs you will ever see. We hung out inside their home and then went for a quick walk around the block… with no shortage of puppy treats, of course! The pups seem just as inseparable and Mackensey and Anna, who are clearly as smitten with June Bug and Tubbs 🙂

After family photo time, we headed to local bar Fat Cat for a beer. This has become one of their favorite neighborhood spots over the years, and I’m so happy we were able to stop here! I always encourage couples to pick locations that are personal to them for engagement photos, and this couldn’t have worked out more perfectly.

When the sun began to set, we headed south to Lincoln Park. This is another location personal to Anna and Mackensey… and just so happens to be one of the most picturesque locations in the city! They told me about Mackensey’s proposal in Michigan, their first memories in Chicago together, and their wedding plans for next September. I couldn’t be happier for these two, and am thrilled that they asked me to help commemorate this season of their love.

Mackensey and Anna: Thank you again for having me!! Your wedding day is going to be so beautiful, I wish you nothing but happiness in your future together.

This summer, I had the honor of photographing Jen and Steve’s Downtown Chicago wedding at The Library at 190 S. LaSalle. This was my first time inside the venue, and it did not disappoint! The entire day was bursting with love for these two, and I’m so happy to have been a part of it.

Steve and Jen got ready separately before the ceremony at Immaculate Conception, which happens to be where they went to grade school together! One of many personal touches throughout their day, which made it so much more meaningful. After the stunning ceremony, it was time to celebrate! We got to stop at some of my favorite downtown locations with the wedding party before heading to the venue for their reception.

The Library 190 Wedding

We arrived at The Library with just enough time for the newlyweds to join their guests for cocktails. Jen and Steve were together for 13 years before tying the knot, much of their relationship being long-distance. I love how they tied in the travel-theme to their reception decor, including a custom globe guestbook, luggage tag escort cards, and tables named after countries they have visited together. But I think my favorite part of the evening was when they ICED their wedding party when they entered the reception! This had me laughing for a while 🙂

Steve and Jen were so excited to finally celebrate with their guests and dance the night away. Lucky for me, they let us steal them away for a few night photos on LaSalle! These are some of my favorite photos from the entire evening, showcasing the unique downtown venue and their happy newlywed faces.

Jen and Steve: Thank you again for having us in July! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together!

Want to see more Jen & Steve? Check out their awesome Highlight Film by Amy Lynn!

Last month I had the pleasure of traveling to my home state for Alex and John’s fall Wisconsin engagement session! Besides getting to meet these two in person, I was extra excited to check out Bridle Barn & Gardens. The Bridle Barn has been in Alex’s family for decades, and just so happens to be a stunning Wisconsin wedding venue! John and Alex were in town from Washington D.C. for the weekend, and I’m so happy we were able to meet up for this session 🙂

I met these two on the property just after sunrise on a Monday. They offered me coffee and a quick tour of the space: venue, gardens, cornfields, and all! We played in the morning light and got to see the fall colors just starting to change. Alex and John even cracked open our favorite New Glarus beer to celebrate!

Alex and John: Thank you again for having me, and for showing me around the Bridle Barn! Already getting excited for your Chicago wedding day next year!!