Emma Mullins Photography

One of my favorite trends over the past few years is a good old-fashioned neighborhood engagement session. I began receiving more requests for these in 2020, after the popular front porch sessions offered by many photographers around the country. And – I couldn’t think of a better way to showcase your life and personality as a couple!

For Emily and Justin’s neighborhood engagement session, we started at their Ukrainian Village home with rescue pup Huey. After a few treats my new buddy was all smiles… and more than excited to venture outside with his favorite humans! We took a stroll down the street, ending up at Huey’s place of adoption, One Tail at a Time. Just a sidenote: This is a wonderful organization in the neighborhood, serving all of Chicago! If you are looking to volunteer, foster, or adopt a pet, definitely check this place out!

When it was time to say goodbye to Huey, the three of us continued our tour of the neighborhood. We stopped by Empty Bottle, one of the places Emily and Justin chose to celebrate the day they got engaged! Next stop was cocktails at one of my favorite local spots, Sportsman’s Club. And, in true Chicago fashion, we just so happened to cross paths with the one and only Tamale Guy!! This was a first for me at a session, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way 🙂

As the sun began to set we made our way to Humboldt Park for some of my favorite portraits of the evening. Truly, this was the perfect nightcap to an already awesome session!

Thanks again for having me, Emily and Justin!! I can’t wait for your winter wedding day next year!

Last month I got to visit my hometown Milwaukee for Laura and Ben’s Bay View engagement session! These two have been engaged for almost four years (it’s true!)… so it was about time they got in front of my camera together! After cancelling their original 2020 wedding date, I was so happy when they rescheduled for July of this year. And believe me, after this session, I am even MORE excited for them to tie the knot!!

I met Laura and Ben at their Bay View home for photos with their newly adopted pup, Freddie! The weather was absolutely gorgeous, so we took a lovely stroll across the street to Humboldt Park. Freddie kept making me laugh by refusing to budge… talk about a puppy personality! I’m pretty sure he was carried almost as much as he was walked 🙂

Fun fact: Humboldt Park is where Ben and Laura will be married in a few short weeks!

After family photos with Freddie and a few more in the park, it was time for beers! The three of us headed to Enlightened Brewing, a mutual favorite Milwaukee spot (seriously – check it out next time you’re in town!). We definitely took advantage of the open pool table and even played a hand of cribbage. I’m pretty sure Laura won!

As the sun began to set, we made our way to the lakefront at South Shore Pavilion. These are some of my faves from the entire session! Laura and Ben were a blast to photograph, and totally nailed the dreamy, romantic beach vibe. I couldn’t be happier with how this session turned out, and am SO excited for their Milwaukee wedding next month!

Laura and Ben: Thanks again for having me! Can’t wait to do it again soon!!

Allison and Jason’s Alice Millar Chapel wedding last fall was one I’ll never forget. Originally scheduled for October 2020, these two made the difficult decision to postpone their festivities until the following year. However, after spending a few minutes with Allison, I learned that they were legally married in Florida on their original date! I was so full of congratulations, it made me even more excited to capture this day.

Jason and Allison got ready separately at Evanston’s Hyatt House before heading to the chapel. This was my first ceremony at Alice Millar Chapel, and believe me, the stained glass is even more impressive in person! Once the knot was (re)tied, we were off to explore their old stomping grounds. Oh, and the weather forecast didn’t faze them at all… have you seen their rainy day engagement photos?! These two were already pros!

A little backstory:

Though they currently reside in Florida, Allison and Jason met while attending Northwestern University! A destination wedding on campus had always been a top priority. Their words: “As an homage to the place that brought us together, we’ve chosen to return to Evanston for our wedding so we can share this place with all of our loved ones.“

After touring campus with the wedding party, it was time to join their guests at the Halim Museum. Allison and Jason made a point to work with some favorite local vendors from their time in Illinois, including Hoosier Mama Pie! The entire day was full of unique, personal touches that really made it feel like them. One of my favorite parts of the reception was the Newlywed pancake portrait, created by Dancakes in front of our eyes 🙂

Allison and Jason: Thank you again for having me in October!! I’m so happy you finally got to have your wedding in this meaningful place. Wishing you nothing but the best in Married Life!!!

I’m so happy I got to hang out with Claire and Andrew last month! These two were truly a treat in front of the camera, and didn’t even flinch when rain was in the forecast. And yes, it did rain! Even though most couples don’t wish for rain in their wedding or engagement photos, this session is proof that you can get awesome photos in all kinds of weather. We even ended our session at a mutual favorite Chicago brewery!

We started at home with their sweet pup Kaiser… a ball of energy! After some family photos in their living room, we took a stroll around the block. Kaiser was happy to be outside (the rain was not that bad!) – but eventually it was time to say goodbye. Andrew, Claire and I headed north to Dovetail Brewing, stopping under the train tracks for a few photos, of course 🙂

Finally, it was time for beer! As a fellow beer lover, I always get excited for sessions at a brewery. Special thanks to the staff at Dovetail for accommodating us, and showing us to the Barrel Room! We had a blast in this space, and these are some of my favorite photos from our session. We’ll definitely be back for more beer soon!!

Thinking about your own Chicago brewery engagement photos?!

I don’t blame you! One of the perks of being a huge beer nerd in this city is that I’m always scoping out the scene. If you’re looking for inspo, below are a list of breweries I’ve taken photos in over the years. I definitely recommend calling any public place ahead of time to make sure they’ll allow photography, but hopefully this helps give you ideas!

• Metropolitan Brewing
• Great Central Brewing
• Revolution
• Pilot Project
• Spiteful Brewing

Other locations:

• Lakefront Brewery – Milwaukee, WI
• Enlightened Brewing – Milwaukee, WI
• Tryptich Brewing – Champaign, IL
• Elmhurst Brewing Company – Elmhurst IL

Andrew and Claire: I had so much fun at your engagement session!! Your winter wedding is going to be SO awesome, I’m already counting the days!

It’s hard to believe, but Erica and Sam’s intimate Loft Lucia wedding last year was not how they’d originally envisioned their wedding day. When I first heard from these two, they told me of their summer engagement at home, their “pride and joy” Bernese Mountain Dog Olaf, and destination wedding plans in Italy. At that point, they had recently decided to keep the festivities local instead!

Erica’s words:

“We were hopeful last July that September 2021 would be enough time to travel to Italy, but as
the date gets nearer, we’re not as confident. So, we’ve decided to pivot and have a small microwedding here in Chicago! We are hoping to have nods to Italy throughout the celebration.”

Erica and Sam got ready separately at The Hoxton in the West Loop. We set up their first look just steps outside of the hotel, and it was one of my favorite parts of the entire day! They even got their share of car horns and congratulations from passersby. Once the happy tears had dried, it was time to head to Loft Lucia!

Loft Lucia Wedding

Sam and Erica wanted their wedding day to be simple, laid-back, and intimate. Oh – the perfect Chicago weather didn’t hurt, either! I absolutely love that we were able to walk to their venue for the ceremony (stopping for photos along the way, of course!). In the evening, Erica and Sam were married in an emotional rooftop ceremony officiated by a dear friend. Olaf was the BEST ring bearer, and almost stole the show! Just kidding… he sure was cute though!! Guests celebrated with the newlyweds over delicious food, cocktails, and dancing. It was truly one of the happiest days I’ve had the pleasure to capture 🙂

Erica and Sam: Thank you again for having me in September! Your wedding day was such a joy to be part of, wishing you both a happy and healthy future together. Give Olaf a big hug from me!!

Juliette and Matt’s romantic Chicago engagement session last summer was one for the books! When I first heard from these two, they were recently engaged and wanted to celebrate with photos in our great city at night. Of course, I was on board! Matt and Juliette had been together for over a decade, and were taking their time with wedding plans due to the state of the world. Spoiler alert: They DID elope this past March (in Hawaii!!), and get to celebrate with family and friends in Chicago this weekend! I can’t wait to see these two again and capture it all.

Our session began with cocktails at Frasca, the same place Juliette and Matt had their first date! We then headed to Lincoln Park for nature and skyline views. Truly, these are some of my all-time favorites from this location. Maybe it was the timing, or the fact that we basically had the park to ourselves… but I’m pretty sure it was the romance between Juliette and Matt 🙂

Sidenote: If you’re looking for a photo location with a mix of city and nature, Lincoln Park is a win!! Not only does this park have a variety of backgrounds, it always looks picturesque no matter what time of year, and whatever the weather. Highly recommend!

As the sun began to set, we headed downtown for some epic night photos in the city. Juliette and Matt were naturals in front of the camera, and I’m so happy they were into the nighttime vibe! After a stroll along the riverwalk, we headed to Grant Park for our final destination. A night photo at Buckingham Fountain was the perfect way to end our evening! Fun fact: As of last weekend, the fountain is officially on for the season!

Juliette and Matt: Thanks again for having me last summer! Can’t wait to finally celebrate your marriage this weekend!!!

Last fall, I was honored to capture Nick and Michael’s joyful wedding day at The Dalcy! This was my first wedding at the gorgeous West Loop venue, and believe me, it did not disappoint. In fact, Michael is on staff at The Dalcy and Aba – which made this day extra special!! Of course, the ambiance and decor was on point, but the most memorable detail was the abundance of love and support for these two grooms. It was an unforgettable day from beginning to end!

I met Michael and Nick at The Westin where they got ready together in their suite. While rain was in the forecast, we were somehow able to dodge the showers just in time for photos downtown! (Thanks Nature!!) These two and their wedding party were all smiles as we stopped at some of my favorite iconic Chicago locations. Oh – and did I mention it was a Friday? We basically had Olive Park to ourselves… a rare occurrence during wedding season! The skyline view was a perfect last stop on our way to the venue.

Sidenote: I always love when couples choose to get ready together on their wedding day! It’s such a unique way to break tradition while personalizing your day.

The Dalcy Wedding Ceremony

Nick and Michael were married in a romantic candlelit ceremony at The Dalcy surrounded by loved ones. A dear friend officiated their ceremony, which was filled with laughter and happy tears. By the time they were pronounced married, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place! Guests were ready to celebrate with the newlyweds, and The Bluewater Kings kept the party going all night!! I’m lucky I got to pull the grooms away from the dance floor for a night photo on Fulton Street!

Michael and Nick: Thank you again for having us in October!! Your wedding day was an absolute joy to be part of. Wishing you the happiest marriage and future together 🙂

Marie & Jay’s Milwaukee War Memorial Center wedding last summer was one I’ll never forget! For starters, they were already married (surprise!)… which made finally getting to celebrate even more special. This happened to be my first hometown wedding since 2019, so I was extra pumped!

I met Marie and Jay (aka John) at their venue on a beautiful July afternoon. These two got ready separately with friends and family before seeing each other for the first time. When Marie and Jay told me they wanted to have their first look on the staircase of Milwaukee War Memorial Center, I was even more excited… you’ll see why! Not only has this venue been a fixture along Milwaukee’s lakefront for decades, its architecture is a photographer’s dream. After their sweet first look, we got to explore the lakefront area and Milwaukee Art Museum campus with their wedding party, dressed in red, white, and blue! We could even spot Harbor House from where we were, the place where Jay asked Marie to marry him.

Milwaukee War Memorial Center Wedding

Guests began to take their seats outside the venue, overlooking Milwaukee’s Lakefront. Marie and Jay renewed their vows in a beautiful ceremony officiated by a family friend. After they said “I Do” (again) – it was time to party!! The newlyweds enjoyed cocktails and conversation with their guests on the outdoor terrace, and the celebration continued with dinner and dancing throughout the night! I’m lucky I got to steal them away from their reception for a few photos on Calatrava bridge, my absolute favorite Milwaukee photo location 🙂

Marie and Jay: Thank you again for having us last summer! It was an honor to capture these memories for you and be part of this day. Wishing you a long and happy Married Life!!!

Last November, Carly and Matt tied the knot at Chevy Chase Country Club – and it was one of our most memorable weddings of 2021. From our very first conversation, I knew their wedding was going to be a blast! Their love story began with Tinder swipes, waiting outside a train station in frigid weather, and a mutual love for Jeff Goldblum (it’s true!). Oh! And they casually mentioned that it would have “sort of a retro theme … think 70’s funk and soul.” I must say, they pulled this theme wedding off flawlessly!

Wedding day began at The Westin North Shore in Wheeling, where both Carly and Matt got ready separately. Lucky me, I got to meet their sweet pups Foxy and Mugsy at the hotel! Carly and her crew headed to the venue just as light snow began to fall, and Matt followed shortly for their fairy tale first look. Seriously – if you’re on the fence about having a first look on your wedding day, seeing Matt and Carly’s may have you convinced! The wedding party were total champs about taking a few photos outdoors with the fall foliage, then it was time to head inside and get these two MARRIED 🙂

Chevy Chase Country Club

That evening, Matt and Carly were married by a friend in a cozy, candlelit ceremony surrounded by loved ones. Not surprisingly, there was no shortage of humor in their ceremony: After dancing down the aisle, Carly took the opportunity to Rickroll Matt during her vows! They stepped on glass to shouts of Mazel Tov and then danced down the aisle together. In fact, I don’t think they stopped dancing all night… to some of the best Funk, Soul, and Motown music that exists, of course!

Carly and Matt: Thanks for making my first wedding at Chevy Chase Country Club so much FUN!! You two were a joy to photograph and I couldn’t be happier for you. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness (and killer dance moves) together!

Lindsey & Griffin’s joyful Rockwell on the River wedding was romantic, dreamy, and bursting with love! Associate María and Jeremy got to spend the day with these two, starting at The Hotel at Midtown with a quick stop at Lincoln Park for the skyline view. I was lucky enough to photograph Lindsey and Griffin here for their fall engagement session in 2020… and had been looking forward to their wedding photos ever since!

Their cozy, candlelit ceremony took place underneath the venue’s gorgeous skylight on a lovely September evening. After many years together, Lindsey and Griffin finally made it official surrounded by family and friends! Once they were married, it was time to CELEBRATE!! Guests enjoyed delicious food and drink on the outdoor patio along the Chicago River, and then danced the night away (our Photo Booth added even more reception fun!). María even got to sneak these two away for a night photo in the cobblestone walkway… some of my favorite photos from the entire day 🙂

Lindsey and Griffin: Thank you so much for trusting our team to capture these moments for you! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness in your marriage!!