Emma Mullins Photography

Believe it or not, Melanie and Spencer planned their summer Starved Rock State Park elopement in a matter of weeks. I first met these two in late February at one of our mutual favorite coffee shops in Logan Square. Shortly after then, it was clear that their original wedding plans would need to be altered. When they told me they wanted to get married this year no matter what, I was so, so excited 🙂

After exploring several different options, Spencer and Melanie decided on a summer Starved Rock elopement in the presence of their immediate families. Their mutual love of the outdoors – plus the fact that they got engaged on a mountain top – made this the perfect choice! I am especially partial to the colorful summer vibe (note Melanie’s bouquet and Spencer’s custom suit!). This aligned with their wedding vision from the beginning, described by Melanie as “colorful and filled with love and laughter.”

Starved Rock Elopement

Melanie and Spencer tied the knot in an intimate ceremony, complete with personal vows, Jewish traditions, and a bubble-gun sendoff. Spencer even surprised Melanie with recorded messages from their siblings who could not be in attendance. Oh – and you may recognize the handsome officiant! Jeremy was happy to tag along and perform the ceremony, and we were lucky to have him.

We waved goodbye to family and headed to Illinois Canyon for some epic elopement photos! A summer storm the week before had us prepared for anything… including hopping over fallen trees and puddles of mud! Special thanks to Park Superintendent Alvin for helping make these photos possible.

Melanie and Spencer: Thank you again for having us in August! Your wedding day was a blast to capture, I’m so happy you finally got to make it official. CONGRATS again to you both!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Starved Rock Lodge/Bride’s dress: Tadashi Shoji/Bride’s boots: Rock & Candy/Groom’s suit: Alpha suit/Groom’s tie: Hisdern/Groom’s socks: Blue Q/Florals: Blythe Flowers/Hair & Makeup: Luscious Moi Salon/Wedding rings: Love & Promise Jewelers/Videographer: Carlos for EMP

Want to see more from this Starved Rock Lodge wedding? Check out their awesome Highlight Film!

Planning a wedding long-distance is not the easiest thing to do, especially when COVID changes your plans completely! In August, Taylor and Luke flew from Los Angeles to Chicago to wed “in global sickness and in health” (their words). Believe it or not, their Illinois country club wedding was planned in a matter of weeks! Though their big celebration is postponed to next year, Luke and Taylor were overjoyed to tie the knot on their original date.

“In Global Sickness and in Health.”

I met these two and their wedding party at Boulder Ridge on a perfect August afternoon. From the summery mismatched bridesmaid dresses to their custom face masks (designed by Luke!), every detail had its place! Oh – I should mention that these two share a name already… I think their hashtag #thetaylortaylorwedding gives it away 🙂

So many personalized details helped make this day unique. Luke’s childhood priest performed the ceremony, dedicating an emotional remembrance to Luke’s father. Both the church and country club are sentimental locations to Taylor, the sites of her parents and step-parents’ weddings. Taylor paid further homage to her late grandmother by walking down the aisle in her vintage dress! I can’t get over how that veil just sparkles!

In true Newlywed fashion, Luke and Taylor hopped into a sweet Corvette (something blue?) to exit the church as husband and wife. We waved goodbye for now, but don’t worry! We get to do this all again next summer.

CONGRATULATIONS, Taylors!! Can’t wait to celebrate BIG TIME next year!

Vendor Team

Venue: Boulder Ridge Country Club/Church: St. Catherine of Siena/Bride’s dress: Hayley Paige/Ceremony dress: Family heirloom/Bride’s earrings: David Yurman/Groom’s suit: Generation Tux/Groom’s tie: The Tie Bar/Florals: Studio Poppy/Hair: Amanda + Katrina at Spa Bleu/Makeup Artist: Niece Tatume/Custom face masks: designed by Groom, printed by Positive Promotions/Videographer: Bea Rose Films

At the beginning of August, I got to hang out with Brigette and Michael for their awesome downtown Chicago engagement session! I first met these two over Zoom while they were quarantining in Colorado, and was so excited to finally say hello face to face. Lucky for me, I got to meet their happy pup Justice, too (isn’t he the sweetest?)!

We started our session at Kinzie Bridge on a beautiful summer evening. After some impromptu dancing and a few family photos, we made our way to one of my favorite hidden gem locations outside of Gibson’s Italia! These two were a breeze to photograph, and of course Justice kept us entertained 🙂

Brigette and Michael were up for anything and everything. We were able to swing by the Chicago Theatre and Board of Trade building for some iconic downtown photos, and then headed to the lakefront for sunset! All the locations you’d want in a Chicago engagement session. When we arrived at the beach, a few storm clouds rolled in… which made for a super unique backdrop. I am ALWAYS a fan of dramatic skies, and this one did not disappoint!

Brigette and Michael: This was such a fun session, thanks for making my job easy! Can’t wait for you to tie the knot next year!!

It may be hard to believe, but Caitlin and Brett’s gorgeous July wedding at Sunset Ridge Country Club was not the event they had originally planned. Like so many 2020 newlyweds-to-be, they postponed their larger wedding celebration to allow their friends and family to gather safely. Lucky for them: they were able to get married in a smaller, outdoor ceremony on their original date!

During the weeks leading up to their wedding day, Caitlin and Brett were prepared for Plan B… and even Plan C! Guidelines for group gatherings were ever changing, and we all know this year has been anything but predictable. The plan was finalized within two weeks, and it ended up being such a fun, intimate wedding day! Shout out to Gayle at Sunset Ridge for making it all happen.

From beginning to end, this day was a pleasure to be a part of. One of my favorite parts was right at the beginning of the ceremony. Just as the flower girl made her entrance, the sky opened up and gave us a quick shower! On a 90 degree summer day, this was not unwelcome… besides, rain on your wedding day IS good luck 🙂 We even caught a glimpse of a real live RAINBOW later on!!

Caitlin and Brett: Thank you again for having us document this day for you. I’m so happy you were still able to tie the knot this year! Looking forward to doing it again in 2021!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Sunset Ridge Country Club/Bride’s dress: Allure Bridals/Bride’s shoes: Betsey Johnson/Bridesmaids dresses: Azazie/Groom’s tuxedo: Ike Behar/Groom’s shoes: Vangelo/Florals: Fleurs de Lisa/Hair & Makeup: Brides by Kelly/Invitation: Minted/Engagement rings: Diamonds on Wabash/Wedding bands: GV Jewelry/Ceremony musician: Chris Chandler/Caterer: Sunset Ridge/Cake: Bent Fork Bakery/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Want to see more Caitlin & Brett? Check out their adorable neighborhood Engagement Session featuring custom face masks!

Last month, I finally got to hang out with Minal and Drew for their Chicago Indian wedding photos. To say I was excited would be an understatement! After making the decision to cancel the multi-day June wedding they’d been planning, we waited patiently to determine what was next. These two knew they wanted to be married this year, and wanted it to be meaningful. As soon as they were able to obtain their Marriage License, we were back on the planning track!

Nine days before they tied the knot, we met downtown for their stunning formal engagement session. Instead of incorporating a wardrobe change on wedding day, they decided to use this opportunity to capture Chicago Indian wedding photos! What a genius idea – and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how these turned out!! Minal and Drew traveled to India for their wedding clothes last year, and am so happy they had a chance to dress in them before wedding day.

My favorite thing about this session is that it really seemed to kick off their wedding festivities. The next nine days seemed to fly by… and their ceremony did not disappoint! Stay tuned for more from Minal & Drew’s Microwedding at Loft Lucia SOON 🙂

Looking to obtain a Marriage License in Cook County during COVID-19? More information available HERE.

Like so many engaged couples, Jenny and Michael made the difficult decision to postpone their 2020 wedding plans in the face of COVID-19. Also like many couples, they decided to still be legally wed this year! Their Chicago City Hall elopement was the perfect solution.

Jenny’s words:

“We have basically decided that we are tired of not being married. We have been engaged for a long time now (since November 2017), and not being able to have our wedding this summer was frustrating, so… we are going to get our butts to the courthouse!“

Once it was safe to do so, Jenny and Michael made a date with Marriage Court and the countdown was ON!! Needless to say, I was thrilled that they asked me to tag along. After their ceremony (note the custom face masks!), we celebrated with downtown Newlywed photos in the city where they fell in love 🙂 We even got to stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, where their love story began years ago!

CONGRATS again, Jenny and Michael!! Always a pleasure hanging out with you two, excited we get to do it again next year!

Are you planning a Chicago City Hall elopement during the COVID-19 pandemic? Here’s what to expect:

• Marriages are scheduled by appointment only, and limited to 20 per day Monday-Saturday. Call 312-603-5660 to schedule yours.
• You will be asked Wellness Screening questions and given a temperature check upon entering the building.
• Face masks are required in the building at all times (yes, even during your ceremony).
• Up to two guests may join you during the ceremony (including your photographer!).

You can find more information on the Cook County Circuit Court web site HERE.

Earlier this month, I got to spend the evening with Angie and Mike for their dreamy Humboldt Park engagement session. There’s no denying these two are adorable together… this session was such a breeze! I’ve known Angie for years and was beyond thrilled when she and Mike became engaged last December. So much happiness here, it’s contagious 🙂

We started our session in the Formal Garden, one of my favorite spots in the park! There’s no shortage of photo opportunities here, especially in the summer. From the greenery to the lagoons, and the abundance of wildflowers, I could honestly spend an entire day here. We strolled through it all! It was great to catch up (and finally hear their engagement story in person)!

Angie and Mike: Thanks again for having me capture these moments for you! I have no doubt your wedding day is going to be awesome when the time comes! CONGRATS again!!

Want to see more Humboldt Park engagement and wedding photos? Check out these other posts!

James & Maya’s Engagement Session
Patricia & Tony’s Engagement Session
Amrita & Pat’s Wedding Day

Libby and Avi’s Lakeview neighborhood engagement session last month was such a blast! These two got engaged on Leap Day at the Lincoln Park Conservatory, and then moved in together shortly afterward. Of course, that also means Chicago’s Stay at Home Order was implemented around the same time. Consequently, Libby and Avi began to spend a lot of time in their home together… and wanted that reflected in their photos!

We started on their porch for a few photos, reminiscent of the Front Porch Sessions that gained popularity during quarantine. The three of us then took a stroll through Southport Corridor, stopping at some of their favorite local spots! Southport Lanes and Tuco and Blondie were a must. I specifically loved the latter – if there’s a colorful mural, you can bet I’ll want to stop for a few photos. In fact, this place is especially meaningful to Libby and Avi: it’s where they first got to celebrate their engagement with friends and family. Another favorite feature of their neighborhood is the Southport brown line stop. I am all about unique-to-Chicago photo locations, and the CTA is never a bad choice!

After a quick outfit change, we headed to Lincoln Park for sunset and skyline views. Seriously, this place is one of my favorite photo locations in all of Chicago! You’ve got the city, nature, and lakefront all within walking distance. Though we didn’t get to visit the conservatory this time, I’m crossing my fingers for wedding day 🙂

Libby and Avi: This was such a fun session! I had a blast with you both and can not wait for your wedding day next year!

Claire and Mark’s romantic summer engagement session was one my first sessions since March. As you can imagine, I couldn’t have been more excited to be pick up my camera again! We met at their West Loop home on a gorgeous June evening, perfect weather for photos. After a stroll around the block with adorable pup Mochi, Claire and Mark enjoyed a relaxing glass of wine on their balcony. (Check out City Winery‘s West Loop Red!). Speaking of balconies – can we talk about that skyline view?! I couldn’t not take a few photos of them there 🙂

When we arrived at Lincoln Park, magic happened. It was my first time back there since January, and I felt like a kid at Christmas! Claire and Mark were up for all my ideas, and we got to explore so much scenery. We were even able to get a photo with Lake Michigan in the background, though the lakefront itself remained closed.

One thing I love about Claire and Mark is how obviously in love they are. Even during a global pandemic, these two were calm as can be, enjoying every moment together. Talk about romance! I got to hear more about their wedding plans, how they first met, and we even bonded over mutual favorite breweries. I had so much fun with these two and can’t wait for wedding day!!

Claire and Mark: this was such a lovely and romantic summer engagement session. Really looking forward to October!

I will never forget Caitlin and Brett’s Lincoln Square engagement session. After months of staying at home, and countless postponed weddings and sessions, I was beyond excited to pick up my camera again! Caitlin and Brett were the first couple I got to photograph since March. Besides a few minor adjustments (i.e. my first masked engagement session), this was no different than it would have been in pre-pandemic times. They even wore their own Mr & Mrs masks, custom made by a dear friend!

I met Caitlin and Brett on a gorgeous summer evening at their Lincoln Square home. Our session started on their rooftop with adorable pup, Gemma! After some sweet family photos, the three of us took a lovely neighborhood stroll to some favorite local spots. With so many prime photo locations still inaccessible (hello, lakefront!), it really allows us to get creative! I just love hanging out with a happy couple on their home turf 🙂

Caitlin and Brett: I had so much fun at your Lincoln Square engagement session last month! Can’t wait for you to make it official very SOON!!!