Emma Mullins Photography

Emy & Kamalu’s October Kualoa Ranch wedding was an experience I’ll never forget. More of a traditional Hawaiian wedding than the previous day in Waikiki, their celebration included luau dancers, traditional island cuisine, and ceremonial fire dancing (it was awesome!!). The entire event took place at stunning Moli’i Gardens – an otherworldly location equal to paradise. In fact, it’s so picturesque that several Hollywood movies (ever heard of Jurassic Park?) were filmed on premises.

Family and friends were a huge help in preparation for the day. All florals at the ceremony site were DIY – and they looked incredible! Nieces and nephews rocked it as flower girls and ring bearers. Kamalu is originally from the islands, so aunts, uncles and cousins performed many of the traditional dances. Malu even surprised guests during the reception and joined in the fire dance himself!

At sunset, we headed down to the pier for photos with the newlyweds. Emy and Malu enjoyed quiet moments together before heading to the festivities – which lasted all night long! Believe me, this group knows how to PARTY 🙂

This was such a fun celebration to capture – thanks again for having me, Kay! It’s no secret that Hawaii is one of my favorite places on earth. Happy to return any time!!

This past October, I had the opportunity to photograph my first Hawaii destination wedding! Local photographer Kay Salera booked me as her 2nd shooter for TWO weddings, and I was more than thrilled. Despite some hiccups in my travel plans, I finally landed in Oahu and headed straight to Hyatt Regency Waikiki. The weather was perfect for a wedding in paradise 🙂

Guests traveled from all over for Amy and Venh’s Hawaii destination wedding. In fact, their sunset rooftop ceremony incorporated a traditional Hawaiian lei exchange! This ancient tradition symbolizes the giving and receiving of love and respect for one another in marriage. Their ceremony concluded with the blowing of a conch shell, or pu, to symbolize their new beginning together.

After the ceremony, we walked down to Waikiki Beach for sunset photos with the newlyweds. Venh and Amy could not have been happier! Celebration continued with dinner, drinks (note the Blue Hawaiians) and dancing into the night.

I had a blast hanging out with these two and their crew on my first day back in Hawaii. Lucky for me, I got to do it all over again the next day!

Want to see another Hawaii destination wedding? Check out the following day at Kualoa Ranch!

Sarah and Jonathan’s fall West Loop wedding at Herbarium was a most unique celebration. From the artisan favors crafted by their families, to the DIY origami invitation, every detail was intentional. One of my favorite details was Sarah’s custom manicure! It perfectly matched the venue’s wallpaper. How cool is that?!

Similarly, Sarah and Jon borrowed taxidermy dioramas from the Field Museum. Yes, you read that correctly! If you didn’t know, items from the Harris Learning Collection are regularly available for rent. Butterflies made a lovely backdrop for their dessert table.

Herbarium was the perfect space to host their intimate West Loop wedding reception. In fact, Bad Hunter happens to be Sarah’s favorite Chicago restaurant! Most importantly, Sarah and Jon wanted to share a delicious meal and memorable evening with their guests. I’d say they got their wish! Guests danced the night away while the newlyweds couldn’t keep their eyes off each other. In all, the day was truly a pleasure to be a part of.

CONGRATULATIONS, Sarah & Jon! I loved seeing this day come together, thanks again for having me at your Herbarium wedding! All my best to you both!!

Vendor Team

Hotel: The Robey Chicago/Church: Wicker Park Lutheran/Venue: The Herbarium at Bad Hunter/Bride’s Dress: BHLDN, customized by Julia Needlman/Bride’s shoes: Irregular Choice/Salon: Twisted Scissors/Hairpiece: A Bit of Love/Bride’s makeup: DIY/Earrings: J. Crew/Groom’s suit: Adrian Park/Groom’s shoes: Fluevog/Bride’s rings: Mineralogy/Groom’s ring: Jewelry by Johan/Manicurist: Astrowifey/Florist: Pollen/Catering: Herbarium/Taxidermy dioramas: The Field Museum/DJ: Nicole Yalaz/Lighting design: A Posh Production

Amanda and Jon’s snowy, romantic UIC engagement session was no accident. The day we first met, they described their vision for nighttime engagement photos on campus in the snow! As you might guess, this took lots of weather-watching, coordination, and a couple last-minute reschedules. But to our luck: one February evening, we finally made it happen 🙂

Something I quickly learned about these two was that we possess a similar obsession unconditional love for our cats! Of course, some photos at home with the felines was a must. I was genuinely surprised at how friendly Twill and Hannah were toward a stranger on their turf. They may have been confused at times, but with a little catnip and some cuddles, we successfully captured their family photos! Photographing a couple at home in their element is one of my favorite things. Especially for couples who may be camera-shy at first – I highly recommend starting at home!

At dusk, the light flurries were turning into snow, and it was time to head to campus. It was dark when we arrived, and Amanda was immediately nostalgic! This night was exactly what they wanted, reminiscent of the winter they fell in love. They took me around campus and relayed stories of their student days. These two are the real deal in love – and I can’t wait for them to tie the knot this summer!!

Amanda and Jon: I’m so happy we could make this session happen (shout out Tom Skilling)! Thanks again for having me, your August wedding is going to be a blast!

Venue: Halim Time & Glass Museum/Portrait location: Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool/Bride’s dress: Pronovias/Groom’s suit: Tommy Hilfiger/Florals: Jackson Floral Design/Hair: Rafael at Genacelli East Studio/Makeup: The Beauty Paige/Chuppah: VIP Events Decor/Invitation: Design Voyage/Rings: Marshall Pierce & Company/Caterer: in-house/Cake: Alliance Bakery/2nd shooter: Joe U

Looking for a venue to host YOUR wedding?

Look no further! The Halim Museum is one of the most unique spaces in the local wedding scene. The museum opened in September 2017, and is home to over 1,000 clocks and 80 stained glass pieces from around the world. Catering is done in-house, and the rooftop views alone are worth the visit! I’d highly recommend this place to anyone planning a wedding in the Chicago area.

Six months ago, Risa and Kohei traveled all the way from Japan for their Chicago destination pre-wedding photos. Kohei’s brother lives in the area, so they decided to tie in a family visit as well! This was their first time in our city, and as you’ll see: we had a blast!! Perfectly coordinated, they arrived dressed to the nines and ready to hit the town. Personally, I’m a big fan of Risa’s red dress (she pulled it off flawlessly!).

When we first met, Kohei handed me a good luck charm they’d brought from Japan. It was a gift! For me!! I was so humbled and excited, I knew this was going to be good 🙂 Though we weren’t fluent in each other’s languages, our session was surprisingly not affected. There’s something so universal about body language and other forms of communication – it’s an experience I’ll never forget! We “played tourist” all afternoon, visiting some of the city’s most iconic locations. Finishing at sunset with a view of the skyline was a must.

Risa and Kohei: I cannot thank you enough for inviting me to capture your time in Chicago! I loved meeting you both and had so much fun exploring the city together. Best wishes for your wedding in Japan this spring!!

I cannot express enough wonderful things about Natalie and Ana’s Chicago loft wedding at Concord Fifty-Five in August. From our first meeting, I knew we’d be a perfect fit! These two love to travel, and they planned to wed exactly one year after the date Ana proposed in Central Park. Every detail was purposeful, from the signage to the centerpieces to the color scheme. And, bonus: just look at the way they gush over each other! I could not wait to photograph their wedding 🙂

Many aspects of their wedding day were either handmade or personal in some way. In fact, most decor items were repurposed from the Nashville Flea Market – one of their favorite trips together! Others were salvaged and shined up for the occasion with help from family members. Guests enjoyed delicious food from Café con Leche in Logan Square, where Ana and Natalie had their first date! Finally, we ended the night with a dazzling sparkler exit photo including all their guests. What an incredible scene to be a part of.

Ana & Natalie: Thank you again for having me capture your wedding day!! You two were a joy to work with and I wish you forever happiness. CONGRATS again to you both!

Vendor Team

Venue: Concord Fifty-Five/Both brides’ dresses: David’s Bridal/Both brides’ shoes: Steve Madden/Hair + Makeup: Chicago Avenue Salon/Engagement and wedding bands: Zales/Florals: Sprout/Officiant: Erika the Officiant/Caterer: Café con Leche/DJ: Angels With an Edge/Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Lucas and Lizzie’s Joinery Chicago wedding was a cozy, intimate event surrounded by their dearest loved ones. When these two first told me about their wedding plans, they envisioned something casual, laid-back and fun that reflects their personalities. Of course, The Joinery was the perfect space for that! One of my favorite facts is that these two met in Milwaukee before moving to Chicago together, and their engagement happened in a really natural, organic way. If you’ll recall from their Milwaukee engagement session – these two love to laugh!

The Joinery Chicago Wedding

The day began with Lizzie and Lucas getting ready separately upstairs at the venue. After their joyful first look in the picturesque courtyard, it was time for more photos with the wedding party! Before we knew it, guests were beginning to arrive and it was time to get MARRIED 🙂

That evening, Lucas and Lizzie tied the knot underneath the venue’s gorgeous skylight, surrounded by their favorite people. Lizzie’s uncle performed the ceremony, a service he’s provided for many family members. Once it was officially official, the party was on!! Guests enjoyed delicious food and drinks, including an exclusive craft cocktail (made with Wisconsin’s Death’s Door gin) and Pescatarian-friendly meal from FIG Catering. Instead of wedding cake, they served slices of pie from (my favorite) local bakery Bang Bang Pie. It was the perfect, cozy fall evening and I couldn’t be happier for these two.

CONGRATULATIONS, Lizzie and Lucas!! Thanks again for having me along to capture these memories. All my best to you both!

Vendor Team

Venue: The Joinery Chicago/Bride’s dress: Watters/Groom’s suit and shoes: Menguin/Groom + Groomsmen ties: MYTIESHOP/Bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN, ASOS, Rent the Runway, Unique Vintage/Florals: Garland Flowers/Hair & Makeup: Bianca Sansosti Artistry/Invitation: DIY by bride’s aunt/Bride’s rings: Melanie Casey Jewellry/Groom’s ring: Amazon.com/Ceremony musicians: Larkspur Strings/DJ: Brent from Fig Media/Caterer: FIG Catering/Dessert: Bang Bang Pie

My final post from The Real Workshop excursion this month features a styled shoot at Utah wedding venue The 5th Floor. This was such a cool space to work in, right downtown Ogden. It’s also where the education portion of the workshop took place! Shout out to Haley Nord and Emily of The Hatches Photo for sharing your knowledge and skills!

This styled shoot featured two real couples, local models/dancers Winter & Derrick and also Kaila & Jay of Klassey Productions (check out their work, it’s awesome!!). Each couple had their own vibe and were really fun to photograph 🙂 I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: shoots like this can be challenging, since about 15 photographers were simultaneously trying to capture the same thing. However, I like to use opportunities like this to get a little creative and help myself grow as a photographer. I mean, that’s the point of a workshop, right?! It’s a great exercise in 2nd shooting, since no one of us acted as the lead photographer. Don’t get me wrong: it was great when we did get a solo moment with each couple… but I definitely tried to challenge myself as much as possible.

Here’s a few of my favorites from the first day! I had a blast at the workshop and am lucky to have started off my year in this place.

Cheers!!

Vendor Team

Venue: The 5th Floor/Dresses: Boda Bridal/Florals: Foxglove Utah/Cake: Pomelo Cakes/Hair + Makeup: Laura Barton

For my next post from The Real Workshop: Christie and Brandon’s sunrise engagement session at the Bonneville Salt Flats! Utah is one incredible state, I must say. You’ve got desert, mountains, and some of the most incredible natural phenomenons I’ve ever seen in person. I’d only ever driven through the salt flats in summertime… they definitely look different in January!

Christie and Brandon met us bright and early for their sunrise engagement session. Our group traveled almost two hours from Ogden for this session – it was an early day for all. When we arrived, we were surprisingly not the only ones out there in the freezing cold! I mean, it makes sense – the scenery, the sunrise, the middle of nowhere… there was even another couple taking their wedding photos nearby. To say this was a destination would be an understatement 🙂

These two were so much fun to photograph. Despite the (below freezing) temperatures, Christie and Brandon kept high spirits and were quick to laugh, dance, and play! We had a small intermission to warm up in our cars before Round 2. I’m so happy we had the opportunity to photograph these lovebirds at this incredible location in their home state! They are clearly super in love, and their happiness is contagious. CONGRATS again, Brandon and Christie!! Thanks for modeling for us!

P.S. Did you know Christie is not only a model and fiancée, but a pretty awesome wedding photographer too?? It’s true! You can check her work out here.

Enjoy!