Emma Mullins Photography

My wedding season kicked into full swing this year with Katie & Natalie’s June Ravenswood Event Center wedding. One of my favorite venues in Chicago, these two planned their celebration on all three floors! In short, that means a gorgeous, light-filled ceremony, an intimate cocktail hour, and dinner in the venue’s colorful showroom. This first floor is probably my favorite – complete with vintage cars and neon signs! The perfect place to party the night away… which this crowd was especially good at 🙂

Natalie and Katie’s wedding day was a much-anticipated celebration of their union amongst family and friends. Natalie’s aunt officiated the ceremony, and after reading their own vows I don’t think there was one dry eye in the building! With each stolen glance, each heartfelt speech (one in rap form!), and the love this couple shares, the EMP team were more than honored to be there.

Katie and Natalie: Thank you again for having us!! Best wishes to you both for a lifetime of happiness together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Ravenswood Event Center/Dresses: Eddy K Italia, White One Bridal/Florals: DIY/Custom Nikes: Nike.com/Hair Stylist: Kellie McIntire/Makeup Artist: Vanessa Rose Makeup/Invitation: designed by Katie/Wedding Bands: Persin & Robbin/Engagement Rings: Karat Jewelry Group, Jared/DJ: Cage & Aquarium/Videographer: Amy Lynn for EMP/Caterer: REC/Cake: Molly’s Cupcakes

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

One gorgeous September evening, I met up with Stephanie and Jimmy downtown for their romantic Chicago engagement session. It happened to be Friday the 13th… AND a full moon. The superstitious population were just waiting for something to go wrong. Lucky for us, all signs pointed to a picture perfect engagement session!

Jimmy loves Chicago architecture and the urban vibe, so we opted to stroll along the Riverwalk for a bit. After visiting a few choice downtown photo locations, we headed to Lincoln Park for more nature and greenery. We had fun hanging out in some of their favorite spots, and talked a little about wedding plans for next year. I made sure that Stephanie had a chance to show off her (gorgeous) new bling!

Closer to sunset, we headed to North Avenue Beach for some dreamy photos with the skyline. These are some of my favorite Chicago engagement portraits to date! Between the colors of the sky, those cotton candy clouds, and Stephanie and Jimmy’s chemistry, we couldn’t have asked for more. I don’t know about you, but I’m considering Friday the 13th Good Luck from now on 🙂

Steph and Jimmy: I had a lot of fun with you two! Can’t wait for your wedding day next October!!

One lovely day in June, I was lucky enough to capture Lauren and Brit’s intimate Cheney Mansion wedding in Oak Park. Festivities were held on a Friday evening, instantly allowing for a more cozy, intimate feel. The couple got ready separately, and their gorgeous first look took place on the mansion’s outdoor garden path. One of my favorite things about this venue is the variety of stunning photo locations (have you seen that staircase?!).

Brit and Lauren tied the knot at St. Edmund, right down the street from their reception! Following the ceremony, the newlyweds joined their guests for champagne, lawn games, and live jazz!! This was such a unique alternative to many of the receptions I’ve attended lately, and perfectly fit the vibe of the evening. The quartet entertained throughout the night!

After a delicious family-style dinner, Brit and Lauren shared their first dance under a night sky surrounded by their closest loved ones. It was clear that every single person in attendance meant something special to them. We even felt a few sprinkles toward the end of the night… but these two didn’t mind! I was more than excited to end the night with them cozying up underneath an umbrella 🙂

Lauren & Brit: Thanks again for having me in June! I loved being a part of your wedding day and wish you all the best in your future together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Elizabeth F. Cheney Mansion/Church: St. Edmund Parish/Bride’s dress: Essence of Australia/Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka/Groom’s suit: Armani//Florals: Westgate Florist/Hair stylist: Debra Petrielli/ Makeup: Laura Rose/Invitation: Hill’s Hallmark/Bride’s rings: Tacori/Groom’s ring: Lashbrook/Jeweler: Bella Cosa Jewelers/Jazz musicians: Chicago Jazz Quartet/Caterer: TwoMayToz Catering/Cake: Sugar Fixé/2nd shooter: Jake Wood

Melanie & Brad’s Wisconsin Silver Spring Golf Club wedding was as lovely as could be. With thunderstorms in the forecast, we got lucky with one of the first gorgeous spring days this year! Sun was shining, flowers were in bloom, and these two could not have been happier in love. After planning this day for over a year, Melanie and Brad were more than ready to tie the knot!

Their sunrise engagement session last fall was a highlight of 2018, and I couldn’t wait to return for wedding day. In true Wisconsin fashion, a little celebrating was in order after the I-Do’s! We took a quick detour to Sobelman’s for a few pitchers of beer and impromptu “Happy Birthday” serenade to a certain groom. This wedding party was seriously a blast – Jeremy and I had so much fun with this crew!!

I loved that Mel and Brad kept some traditional aspects of their wedding day while still incorporating small personal details and DIY projects. My favorites were their custom initials (made from books!) at the card table, “Cat of Honor” nod to their feline, Phoebe, and Brad’s Green Bay Packers cuff links 🙂

Melanie and Brad: Thanks again for having us in May!! Your wedding day was such a pleasure to be a part of, I wish you both endless happiness.

Vendor Team

Venue: Silver Spring Golf Club/Church: St. Boniface/Bride’s dress: Morilee by Madeline Gardner/Bride’s shoes: Paradox London/Groom’s suit: Calvin Klein/Groom’s tie: Ties.com/Groom’s shoes: Allen Edmonds/Florals: Petals/Hair: Hair Formations/Invitation: Shutterfly/Engagement ring: Howes Diamond Jewelers/Wedding bands: Blue Nile/Transportation: Cruise-A-Palooza/DJ: Action DJs, Inc./Caterer: Silver Spring Golf Club/Doughnuts: Pick N Save grocery/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Around this time last year, Katy and Justin began planning their surprise elopement. When I first heard from Katy, I knew we’d be a great fit! These two wanted something simple but fun for their wedding day, surrounded by their closest loved ones. I’m a sucker for non-traditional wedding choices, and eager to capture a surprise wedding. This was an experience I’ll never forget!

Their plan was to invite family to their home for “holiday photos” with a professional photographer (me!) a few days before Christmas. As our session wrapped up, Katy and Justin revealed the REAL purpose of our get-together. They were getting married… the next morning! Surprise!!

These two covered all their bases – clearing everyone’s schedules and keeping the secret for months. Luckily their (adorable) toddler didn’t have much of a vocabulary, so we didn’t have to worry about him spilling the beans 🙂

Wedding day was an adventure. We jumped into a limo around 8am to make it to the courthouse by 9. After a little running around, a little champagne, and some fidget-spinning, these two finally tied the knot! Newlywed photos downtown were a must before heading back to celebrate with their guests. Even the reception location was meaningful to them, as it was Justin’s late grandfather’s favorite place. Regulars recognized our crew the moment we walked in!

Katy and Justin: Thank you again for having me in December!! I absolutely loved being part of your surprise elopement day. Wishing you all the best!

Vendor Team

Venue: Cook County Marriage Court/Bride’s dress: Badgley Mischka (via Rent the Runway)/Bride’s shoes: Jessica Simpson/Groom’s suit: Awearness Kenneth Cole/Florals: HeyBouquet/Hair & Makeup: Total Image Bridal/Invitation: Zazzle/Engagement ring: National Diamond Outlet/Bride’s wedding band: Yeefvm/Groom’s wedding band: Rob and Lean/Reception location: Sidebar Grille/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Catherine and Steven are some of the kindest, most wonderful people you will meet. Both of them so obviously head-over-heels for each other, they made my job a breeze! I’ll admit I had been eagerly anticipating this day since our quirky engagement session last summer (Skee-Ball and Bride of Chucky dolls?? Come ON!). Their intimate West Loop wedding was a joyous celebration of their love 🙂

Some of you may recognize Catherine as the Senior Editor of alternative wedding blog Offbeat Bride! This is one of my choice resources for DIY wedding inspiration and non-traditional ideas. As you can imagine, Catherine and Steven adopted a similar mindset while planning their own wedding. Some especially unique details included Catherine’s flowy ombre skirt and Steven’s custom-designed (by himself!) wedding band.

One of my favorite things about this day was seeing it all come together. Catherine and Steven wanted a low-key affair with delicious food, personal decor, and surrounded by loved ones. Brique was the perfect location! A close friend officiated the ceremony, and – as if we’d planned it all along – the unforecasted dreary weather ended just as they were saying their I-Do’s. I don’t know who was beaming more – our newlyweds or that golden sun!

Catherine and Steven: THANK YOU again for having us in May. This was a truly unforgettable day and we could not be happier for you two! Congrats again!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Brique Chicago/Hotel: Crowne Plaza West Loop/Wedding Planner: An Event Less Ordinary/Bride’s skirt: Wardrobe by Dulcinea/Bride’s top: Anna Sui/Bride’s shoes: Sole Society, DIY/Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse/Groom’s tie: Target/Florals: Leelee’s Garden/Hair & Makeup: Brooke Klay Artistry/Invitation: Minted/Bride’s rings: Madelynn Cassin Designs/Groom’s ring: Revolution Jewelry Designs/DJ: Toast & Jam/Photo Booth: Emma Mullins Photography/Caterer: Boutique Bites/Dessert: Dipsy Desserts/2nd shooter: Jake Wood

Earlier this month, I was fortunate enough to spend an evening with Tiantian and John during their downtown Chicago engagement session. These two are as adorable as can be… and an absolutely stunning couple! Tiantian just so happens to be a professional model (surprised?? Me neither), and by the end of our session I was beginning to think that John was, too! Their chemistry helped make my job easy, and that’s never a bad thing 🙂

Our session began along the Riverwalk on a gorgeous July evening. One thing I love about this city is the variety in locations! We traveled almost everywhere by foot, and visited some of the most iconic locations in the city. I had fun talking with these two about their winter wedding plans – they’ll officially tie the knot this December!

After a romantic stroll (and some dancing in the street), we headed south toward Museum Campus to watch the sun set. This is hands-down one of my favorite views of the Chicago skyline! Luckily, the weather gods were on our side and this sunset did not disappoint. Tiantian and John enjoyed every moment of it wrapped up in each others’ arms.

Tiantian and John: Thank you again for having me!! I really enjoyed our time together and wish you nothing but happiness in your future together.

It’s exciting any time I get to visit one of my couple’s homes (especially when they have fur babies!). This time was especially significant, since that’s where Alyssa & Larry got engaged! They wanted to celebrate their everyday lives together, so for their engagement session we spent the evening hanging out in their neighborhood.

After some alone time with the cats, we headed down the street to Spiteful Brewing for some tasty brews! We talked about our cats, local beer, and their upcoming honeymoon plans. My favorite was when Alyssa & Larry changed into their custom matching Blackhawks jerseys from Larry’s proposal. Photos at the bar were a must!! Shout out to the staff at Spiteful for allowing us to sneak a few photos in here.

The evening could not have been more gorgeous, so we finished our session in Winnemac Park! I loved all the wildflowers and golden light – a perfect backdrop for this couple in love 🙂

Alyssa and Larry were a joy to photograph – this session was a ton of fun! So excited for their wedding day this September!!

LeAnne & Jeff’s Friday the 13th wedding day was an absolute blast! When I first heard from LeAnne, I knew we were going to be a great fit. She described her and Jeff’s relationship with eloquence and detail – mentioning how he “had been shamelessly flirting” with her since they first met! She eventually agreed to a date, and so their love story began.

LeAnne and Jeff decided on a Friday the 13th wedding because… “Why not? We already have the black cats.” It’s true! After their black cats were inseparable after 3 days of living together, that pretty much sealed the deal. Many details were designed and handmade by LeAnne, including…. The couple were married by a close friend on stage at Viper Alley, and the entire day was one big celebration.

One of my favorite things about LeAnne & Jeff’s wedding day was the KARAOKE!! They even had their favorite bar DJ at their wedding, and he kept the party alive into the night. Shout out to Fred from Alice’s! When newlyweds get up on stage and perform at their own wedding, I’m a happy photographer 🙂 Not to mention, LeAnne and Jeff have skills!! It was so much fun watching them perform with their friends and family, a memorable night indeed.

LeAnne & Jeff: THANK YOU again for having me capture your Friday the 13th wedding! This was such a fun celebration and I loved seeing it all come together. All the best to you both in your future together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Viper Alley/Bride’s dress: David’s Bridal/Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka/Groom’s suit: Michael Kors/Florals: Bella Flora/Hair & Makeup: Total Image Bridal/Invitation: Tinyprints (designed by bride) /DJ: Tape Me I’m Yours/Wedding Bands: Donna Jewelry/DJ: Fred, Tape Me I’m Yours/Photo Booth: Concept One/Caterer: Viper Alley/Cake + Dessert: Nothing Bundt Cakes/Second Shooter: Jeremy

Erica and Eric’s Lincoln Park engagement session took place on a beautiful evening earlier this month. We started outside of Cafe Brauer and made our way along the Nature Boardwalk down to the lake! These two often ride bikes through Lincoln Park, so we stopped at some familiar spots (and of course, the skyline!). We talked wedding, honeymoon, and Eric was even lucky enough to score one of Erica’s specialty piggy-back rides 🙂

On our way to North Avenue Beach, we noticed the air begin to change but didn’t think much of it. It wasn’t until heading to our final portrait location that we noticed the FOG! It was unreal – water levels were high, and we couldn’t see a thing!! Our session concluded with some really unique and romantic images, but I’m definitely glad we got those skyline photos when we did. Chicago Weather: thanks for always keeping me on my toes!

This was such a fun session – Erica and Eric rocked it! They tie the knot in ONE MONTH, and I’m so excited to see what wedding day will bring!! More piggy-back rides, perhaps?