Emma Mullins Photography

Last September, I had the opportunity to travel to Champaign for Rachel and Joe’s University of Illinois engagement session! These two have been together for over a decade, AND they’ve known each other since pre-school!! Joe proposed on campus at U of I while they were living in Champaign, so naturally we decided to go back for engagement photos 🙂

Champaign, Illinois Photo Locations

We met at Triptych, one of their favorite local breweries. Shout out to the staff for letting us take photos inside! Of course, the beer was also delicious… definitely worth a stop at their tap room if you’re ever in the area. After beers, we headed to the university’s Arboretum for some gorgeous golden hour photos. Joe and Rachel had traveled for our session as well (they’re currently on the east coast) – which definitely helped with the destination vibe. I just love the mix of fun and romance in these photos!

University of Illinois Engagement

As the sun began to set, we headed to campus for some real nostalgia. We toured the entire Quad area, stopping at the spot where they got engaged, of course! I loved learning more about their days in Champaign and breathing that fresh college campus air. Finally, we headed to The Blind Pig Brewery for a night cap (and more delicious beer!).

Rachel and Joe: Thank you again for having me in Champaign last year! I really enjoyed exploring the town with you two… can’t wait for your wedding day next month!!!

Hannah and Keith’s spring Bottom Lounge wedding was one for the books! After kicking off last year’s engagement session at Lincoln Park dive Burwood Tap, I knew wedding day was going to be AWESOME. And guess what? It was!

I met these two at a stylish AirBnb in West Town, where they got ready with their parties on separate floors. Both Keith and Hannah rocked their wedding day style… can we talk about Hannah’s cape for a second?! And, don’t get me started on those colorful spring florals! After their sweet first look in the backyard, we took a stroll around the neighborhood with the wedding party. This crew was a blast to hang with – we even had time for beers before the ceremony!

Bottom Lounge Wedding

Hannah and Keith were married on the rooftop at Bottom Lounge, in a ceremony officiated by Hannah’s brother. The location was meaningful to them – and Hannah personally crafted many of the details! Hannah’s words:

“We’re super excited to get married at the Bottom Lounge, since we love live music and have great memories of going to shows there. The most important things to us about the day are that we have a great party with plenty of beer options and spend time with all our loved ones.“

I absolutely loved seeing their vision come to life. The day couldn’t have been more full of love (and yes, the beers were flowing!). We ended the evening with a night photo on Lake Street, making me a very happy photographer 🙂

Hannah and Keith: Thank you again for having us in May!! We had a blast at your wedding and wish you all the best in your future together.

Get ready for true romance, nostalgia, and the sweetest pups you ever did see! Annie and Luke’s forest preserve engagement session this spring began at their home, a short drive from Ryerson Woods. I met these two and the newest members of their fam, Kain and Ava, on a lovely May evening. We had a blast outside in the yard – and even got to play inside, too! What do I mean by this? Um – Luke and Annie’s Game Room, of course!! These two have the most impressive collection of memorabilia from the 80’s and 90’s… including a WALL of VHS tapes, old school Nintendo/board games (Mall Madness, anyone?!), and TV merch galore. I could have spent hours in this room… so it’s probably best we left after a few photos! I was even lucky enough to meet their turtle Snooty before we headed out to the woods!

When we arrived at the forest preserve, we had the entire space to ourselves. The golden light was perfect, and Annie and Luke were all smiles! They told me their engagement story (Luke proposed at Ryerson Woods!), and that the only witnesses were sheep grazing nearby. I’m pretty sure those same sheep were there during our session, cheering them on 🙂

Annie and Luke: Thank you for inviting me into your home and introducing me to your animals! I had a blast with you all, can’t wait for your wedding day this fall!!

Today we’re throwing it back to Katherine and Robb’s epic Chicago fall engagement session! These two are getting married in ONE WEEK (!!!), so I thought this would be the perfect way to start the countdown 🙂

I met Katherine and Robb downtown on a beautiful November afternoon. We started near the Wrigley Building and Chicago Riverwalk, which is where they got engaged only weeks before! These are some of the most iconic city photo locations, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather. We talked about their favorite desserts, Robb’s surprise proposal, and all the times Katherine has been a bridesmaid (15!!). I had such a blast hanging out with these two!

After our downtown adventure, it was time for ice cream! We stopped by Jeni’s in Lincoln Park for a quick treat and stroll around the neighborhood. When the sun began to set, we headed to the park for some of my favorite golden hour photos of all time. Seriously – take that golden glow, prime foliage, skyline view, and then add Katherine and Robb… this was a dream Chicago fall engagement session! I cannot wait for their wedding next Friday!!

Looking to schedule your own Chicago fall engagement session?

I don’t blame you! As you can imagine, fall is an extremely popular time of year for engagement photos. If you have your heart set on prime colors, I recommend scheduling with your photographer ASAP!

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!!

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!!