Emma Mullins Photography

Sarah and Luke’s Mid-America Club wedding in October was one for the books! These two were engaged at the Grand Canyon in 2018, and I got to visit for their NYC engagement session the following year. Since then, these two moved from New York to Chicago, re-planned their original 2020 wedding (twice!), and officially tied the knot in their new hometown.

Luke and Sarah got ready separately at The Fairmont, steps from their wedding venue. The weather could not have been more perfect… I mean, who doesn’t love downtown Chicago in the fall?! The wedding party received their fair share of congratulations from passersby in Millennium Park, and before long, it was finally time to get these two MARRIED.

If you’re not familiar with the Mid-America Club, you should know that it’s located 80 stories above ground level, and the views are spectacular. Sarah and Luke were married in a room overlooking the entire city, surrounded by family and friends. One of my favorite moments was Luke playing the piano as Sarah walked toward him down the aisle! Though many from Luke’s side were unable to travel from England for the festivities, I’m so happy they could join the ceremony virtually. Once the knot was tied, the Newlyweds were ALL smiles 🙂

The reception consisted of food, drink, dancing… and Luke giving his own Best Man’s speech (it’s true!). This was truly a night to remember, and I’m so happy the team could be there to capture it all.

Sarah and Luke: CONGRATULATIONS to you both!!! Thank you again for having us capture these memories for you, we wish you nothing but the best in Married Life!

Maureen and Peter’s summer Columbus Park Refectory wedding was a celebration MANY were looking forward to! These two traveled from San Francisco to tie the knot in our fine city, with family and friends joining from all over. It was of utmost importance that Peter and Mo were surrounded by their favorite people on this day. I’m so lucky to have been there to capture it all!

The day began with Maureen and Peter getting ready separately with their families… and checking the weather a lot, too! In fact, we felt a few raindrops as we arrived at the church (yes, it IS good luck!!). The ceremony at St. Clement could not have been more picturesque – seriously, this is one of my favorite churches in Chicago! Once the knot was tied, their smiles grew wide, and it was time to PARTY.

Columbus Park Refectory Wedding Reception

Next stop: Columbus Park. Shout out to Mother Nature for clearing up the skies just in time for outdoor photos on the property! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: The Chicago Park District is an awesome option if you’re looking for unique outdoor space to host an event. Columbus Park in particular is home to two natural waterfalls, a large lagoon, and historic building with Spanish-style architecture. What’s not to love?! The wedding party’s colorful florals were a perfect compliment to the lush green landscape, and of course we had to take advantage of the summer scenery.

Finally, after plenty of delicious food and drink, it was time for Maureen and Peter to let loose with their guests on the dance floor. It’s no secret that this was the moment they’d been waiting for… and The Chicago Players kept the party going all night long! Truly a night to remember, that’s for sure 🙂

Peter and Mo: Thanks again for having us in July!! We had so much fun on your wedding day and wish you all the best in the world!

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

Do you believe in fate? Like, REALLY believe in it? If the answer is no, I have a feeling that might change after reading this post. Kristal and Brian’s story is one that could be the premise of a film – a Real Life definition of serendipity. A perfect series of events led up to their wedding day.

In their words:

“Our story is a lifetime of missed connections, perfect timing, and fate… Stories like this are said to be called twin flames or mirrored souls, when one soul splits into two bodies that find each other. We have actually been somewhat connected our whole lives.”

Long story short, Kristal and Brian’s families had been acquaintances since they were children. As teenagers, they went to the same high school AND worked at the same movie theatre, and somehow never crossed paths. When they eventually met through a dating app in 2019, they started to make these connections. And get this: Thanks to social media, they even found photos of themselves dancing together at a club from ten years earlier… and neither of them remembers the encounter!! You’d better BELIEVE those photos resurfaced on wedding day… printed large for guests to view during the ceremony 🙂

Galleria Marchetti Wedding

As you can imagine, their June wedding at La Pergola was a much-anticipated event! Brian and Kristal got ready on separate floors of a sweet AirBnb in the West Loop. Their emotional first look took place on the rooftop of their home… including their pup Astro! The summer rain began to fall as soon as Brian turned to see Kristal, and to be honest, this was one of my favorite parts of the entire day.

When we arrived at the venue, romance was in the air. I absolutely LOVED the Roaring 20’s vibe of their decor… perfectly executed by Him & Her Vintage! Kristal and Brian made sure to work with local vendors, some who they even knew personally (shout out to Gurnee Donuts!). From beginning to end, this day was bursting with so much joy, romance, and LOTS of dancing.

Kristal and Brian: It was an absolute honor to be part of your wedding day. Thank you again for trusting my team to capture these memories for you!! Wishing you all the best in your future together.

Want to see more Kristal & Brian? Check out Amy Lynn’s Highlight Film!

Last summer, Alex and Jack tied the knot at City Hall Events in Chicago’s West Loop! Originally planned for August 2020, there was no doubt they were ready to PARTY when the timing was right. After all, Jack and Alex DID start dating when they were 13 years old… yes, you read that correctly! I loved hearing their story and getting to witness them tie the knot surrounded by family and friends.

Their day began with Alex getting ready at her sister’s home, and Jack at their home a few blocks away. Of course, that meant that Jack also got to hang with their pup Bruno before meeting up with Alex! Remember this adorable guy from their summer engagement session?! We decided to keep their First Look in the neighborhood, at the stunning Formal Gardens in Humboldt Park! I’m SO happy we did this – it was one of my favorite first looks to date. After a romantic stroll in the park, it was time to meet up with the wedding party in the West Loop and get these two MARRIED 🙂

City Hall Events Wedding

The ceremony space was filled with candlelight and greenery, and the most stunning skylights you will ever see. Jack’s uncle officiated the ceremony, and after the I-Dos it was time to celebrate! Guests enjoyed local food and drink, and then danced the night away. I’m lucky to have pulled the Newlyweds away for a night photo with the Chicago skyline during a break in the music!

Alex and Jack: THANK YOU again for having us in August – I loved everything about your wedding day. Wishing you all the best in your future together!

Check out Amy Lynn’s Highlight Film to see more from their day!

Terrence and Shawn’s Cindy’s Rooftop wedding in September was one for the books. When I first heard from these two, they told me of how they met, their dog Clover, and 2019 engagement. Like many other couples, their original wedding plans were affected by the pandemic… which brings us to Cindy’s!

After a little re-planning, these two decided to tie the knot in an intimate ceremony at one of Chicago’s most iconic locations. Shawn and Terrence got ready with their families at the stunning Chicago Athletic Association Hotel overlooking downtown. They read personal letters to each other before meeting on the marble staircase for their happy first look! Before the ceremony, we had a chance to take photos inside the hotel and in the gardens at Art Institute of Chicago (my fave!). This crew was a blast to hang with – I love that they included their siblings as the wedding party!

Finally, it was time to get these two married. Terrence’s father officiated the ceremony on Cindy’s terrace, and I don’t think there was a dry eye among us! As soon as the knot was tied, cheers and applause erupted from their guests… and also patrons at the restaurant!! It was truly an unforgettable moment. Positive energy filled the air for these two the entire evening 🙂

Terrence and Shawn: Thank you again for having me in September!! Your Cindy’s Rooftop wedding was a highlight of my season. I wish you nothing but the best in Married Life!

Want to see more Terrence & Shawn? Check out their Sunrise Engagement Session featuring pup Clover!

I’m so excited to share Jolene & Will’s summer Revolution Brewing wedding! I met these two early last year, shortly after their New Year’s Day rooftop engagement. Their plan was to have a fun, intimate wedding in their neighborhood surrounded by their favorite people. What’s not to love about that?!

Jolene’s words:

“We love beer almost as much as we love books; pretty much all our travels are Beercations… Revolution Brewpub is the perfect place for us to have our wedding. It feels like our backyard!”

Of course, it’s always a treat to hear from fellow Beer Nerds… and I love that they wanted to tie the knot so close to home! After their downtown spring engagement session, I was counting the days until their wedding.

Wedding day was an ADVENTURE. We started the day downtown at TheWit, with the happiest first look on their outdoor terrace. After stopping at a few iconic photo locations, we found ourselves in the middle of Chicago weather! These two and their party were total champs, even with the last minute detour and change of plans. And – lucky us – we were still able to get some awesome photos in Logan Square… in all kinds of weather!

Revolution Brewing Wedding

That evening, Jolene and Will were married in an intimate ceremony at Revolution, officiated by a friend. Once the knot was tied, the summer brews began to flow! One of my favorite things about their wedding day was all the personalized details. From the book-themed decor (they are both English teachers) to their homemade wedding cake by Will’s sister, no detail was left out! We ended the evening with a night photo on Jolene and Will’s rooftop (the very same place where they got engaged!).

Jolene and Will: Thank you again for having me in July!! Wishing you the happiest marriage filled with books, travel, and delicious beer 🙂

Happy 2022, friends!!! Before this year’s season begins (…tomorrow), I wanted to officially share my faves from 2021. Most of you know that last year was hands-down the BUSIEST ever for all wedding professionals… and (spoiler alert!) 2022 is headed in the same direction! Though it was a bit of a whirlwind, I truly enjoyed looking back on all the memories we captured over the past 12 months. Believe me, it was NOT easy to narrow these down for the post!

Similar to years’ past, I’ve selected a mix of my favorite portfolio pieces, but also my favorite moments. Some of these couples waited for years to get married, and many have had multiple wedding dates. I couldn’t be happier to see them finally get to celebrate 🙂

2021 in a Nutshell:

• Number of weddings captured: 46 (including 3 elopements)
• Engagement sessions: 27
• Surprise proposals: 5
• Anniversary sessions: 1
• Weekday weddings: 8
• Worked with some favorite “friendors” – and made some new ones!
• Got to work at some gorgeous new venues and old favorites (list below!)

Oh – we also MOVED in 2021!! More on our new(ish) studio space in West Town coming SOON…

I am beyond grateful to each and every couple who has invited us into your lives, trusting my team to capture your memories last year. It absolutely means the world, and we couldn’t have done it without YOU! For the first time ever, we are starting a new year almost fully booked through December. Which means: If you’re getting married in 2022, get in touch ASAP!

Wishing you all a safe and happy 2022!!!

Featured Venues:

Rockwell on the River | Artifact Events | Michigan Shores Club | Cafe Brauer | Cindy’s Rooftop | Mid-America Club | Royal Sonesta Chicago | Joe’s Live | The Dalcy | Little Goat | Milwaukee War Memorial Center | Greenhouse Loft | Revolution Brewing | The Four Seasons Chicago | Columbus Park Refectory | City Hall Events | Alice Millar Chapel | Glessner House | Grant Park Rose Garden | Mercantile Hall | Renaissance Chicago Downtown | Halim Time & Glass Museum | Gallery 1028 | Ignite Glass Studios | Loft Lucia | Galleria Marchetti | Chicago Athletic Association Hotel | Viceroy Chicago | Salvage One | Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro

Catherine and AJ’s summer Greenhouse Loft wedding was an absolute delight! It doesn’t take long to see that these two are clearly a perfect match for each other. Friends and family traveled from near and far to celebrate with these two… and it was the most joyful Chicago wedding!

One thing I loved about Catherine and AJ’s wedding day was how personalized it was. From walking down the aisle together to serving cake from their favorite neighborhood bakery (shout out to Jennivee’s!), every detail was intentional. These two tied the knot in a fleeting ceremony as summer fell down outside the venue’s floor-to-ceiling windows (it was awesome!). We later learned about the family rivalry on AJ’s side – a competition for the shortest wedding ceremony! AJ and Catherine were married in a quick nine minutes… but his parents still hold the record with seven. Even though there were no trophies to award, it was still a winning day all around!

Delicious food and drink flowed throughout the night, and the rain let up in time for some gorgeous outdoor portraits (thanks, Nature!). This day was truly a joy to capture, I’m so happy to have been a part of it 🙂

Congrats again, Catherine and AJ! Wishing you the very best Married Life!!!

In June, I had the pleasure of capturing Katie and Brad’s intimate Little Goat Diner wedding ceremony. These two had originally hoped for a destination wedding in the Italian countryside, but the world had other plans. Nevertheless, they were committed to tying the knot… and I’m so happy they decided to do so right here in Chicago!

Brad and Katie got ready separately at Nobu Hotel, steps away from the rooftop where they’d marry that afternoon. (I LOVE that we could see Little Goat’s rooftop from their hotel suite!) Lucky for us, the afternoon rain let up just in time for portraits around the neighborhood. We walked to some of my favorite spots in the West Loop, and Katie and Brad were all smiles! Before long, it was time to get these two married 🙂

The intimate rooftop ceremony was officiated by a mutual friend, and couldn’t have been more lovely. One of the things Katie and Brad were excited for in Italy was the delicious food and drink (who wouldn’t be?!), so it only made sense to choose Little Goat as an alternative. If you’re not familiar, Little Goat Diner is among the dozens of recommended restaurants in Chicago’s Restaurant Row. Naturally, the refreshments were a highlight of the evening! Brad gave a heartfelt toast to their guests before dinner, and we even had a chance for sunset photos between courses. All in all, it was the most wonderful Chicago wedding day anyone could ask for!

Katie and Brad: Thank you again for having me in June! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together.

It may not surprise you that this year, Chicago neighborhood engagement sessions have been more popular than ever. Lots of couples are choosing to stay close to home, which, in my opinion, is never a bad idea! I always encourage couples to personalize this session – whether we visit the place of your first date, hang around the neighborhood, or chow down on classic Chicago hot dogs. At Jackie and Mike’s engagement session, we did all three!

I met these two at Commonwealth Tavern in Roscoe Village, where they each grabbed a pint of Great Lakes Christmas Ale. Oh – have I mentioned they’ll be tying the knot at my favorite Chicago brewery next fall?! I can’t wait!! We sat at the same table where they first met years ago, and after beers it was time to adventure. These two were total champs with the brisk fall weather – and we got to visit some of their favorite neighborhood spots! Special thanks to the staff at both Commonwealth and Byron’s Hot Dogs for letting us take photos inside!

After sunset, we decided to swing by Music Box Theatre (another mutual favorite of ours) for some iconic night photos. Mother Nature even gave us a light snowfall to play with! These are some of my favorite photos from our entire session, I’m so happy we stopped here!

Jackie and Mike: I had a blast hanging out with you two at our session! Your wedding day is going to be SO much fun, I’m already getting excited for it all 🙂

Looking for more Chicago neighborhood engagement inspo? Check out these other favorite sessions on the Blog!

Megan & Taylor: Rogers Park | James & Maya: Logan Square | Caitlin & Brett: Lincoln Square |
Libby & Avi: Lakeview | Kaitlyn & John: Wicker Park | Alex & Jack: West Loop