Emma Mullins Photography

As 2018 comes to an end, I’ve made a point to go through all my wedding and engagement photos from the entire year. That’s right! Every. Single. One. Which means: if I photographed your wedding or engagement session in 2018 (or both!), you’re in here!! I’ll be honest, it was tough to choose my favorites, but it had to be done 🙂

Revisiting all the weddings from this year has been humbling, for sure. Truly, I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, and the couples I get to work with. Highlights from this year include:

• Weddings in Chicago, Hawaii, Minneapolis, Illinois, and my home state of Wisconsin

• Organizing my first styled shoot, and then getting it published

• Working with lots of new talented vendors, as well as some favorite familiar faces

• My first Vow Renewal, Fusion Wedding, and Surprise Wedding

• My first Karaoke wedding reception (EVERYONE should consider doing this…)

• Photographing the wedding of two friends, which happened to be officiated by my partner Jeremy (he’s real cute – see below!)

This job isn’t always glamorous, it’s true. However, some of these experiences have been the most heartwarming of my career! It’s my awesome couples that make each day worth it… THANK YOU all for having me along for the ride! Enjoy!

HAPPY 2019!!

P.S. Did you know that in addition to running my own business, I’m an avid 2nd-shooter on spare weekend dates??! It’s true! This post includes images taken either as a 2nd shooter or Associate Photographer for the following professionals:

Megan Saul Photography / Julia Franzosa / Wes Craft Photography / Rose Photographics / Benjamin Foote Photography / Carrie Holbo Photography / Kay Salera Photography

September has always been my biggest wedding month. This year, I got to start it off with Melissa & Anand’s Room 1520 wedding! Their awesome fusion wedding day included both Hindu and Catholic traditions. In fact, they had TWO ceremonies, two wardrobe changes, two sets of formal photos… and one giant CELEBRATION!! This was such a fun day to be a part of, from beginning to end.

One of my favorite things about Anand and Melissa is that they are ALWAYS smiling together 🙂  Ever since their May engagement session, I have been so, so excited to capture their wedding day! Family and friends traveled internationally to witness their union, including some familiar 2017 newlyweds (pictured below!). From their first dance to Justin Timberlake’s Morning Light to the Crêpe bar for dessert, the festivities did not disappoint! Many thanks to the incredible vendor team that helped make this day possible.

Melissa and Anand: Thank you again for having me!! I had a blast getting to know you both and wish you so much happiness.

Vendor Team

Venue: Room 1520/Planner: Annie from Urban Allure Events/Bride’s Saree: from India/Bride’s Dress: BHLDN/Hair + Makeup: We Only Do Pretty/Henna: Grace at Thread Away/Florist: Fasan Florist/Invitation: Minted/Rings: Diamonds on Wabash/Design: Elegant Event Lighting/Caterers: Cocina Fusion, Godavari Restaurant/DJ: Michael from Cage & Aquarium/Photobooth: Grin + Bear Booth/2nd shooter: Joe U

Looking back on Melanie & Brad’s Door County engagement session, I’d have to say it was one of Fall’s highlights. At the end of October, we traveled to Wisconsin’s peninsula for a sunrise session that could not have been more picture-perfect! It wasn’t easy, though – if you’re familiar with that part of the Midwest you know the weather can change on a dime. We had originally planned for sunset the day before, but the forecast called for high winds and an actual BLIZZARD! Since we were going for more of an autumn vibe, we decided to postpone. I’m so glad we did!

Melanie and Brad chose this location for their engagement session because of the many memories they’ve made there over the years. Door County holds a place in my heart as well (Jeremy and I eloped there in 2016) – so you can imagine my traveling for this session didn’t take much convincing 🙂

One of my favorite things about these two is how clearly HAPPY they make each other. Photographing them was a breeze… they were up for anything! We visited Cave Point County Park and the Whitefish Dunes, where we had the beach to ourselves (score!). Our session concluded with an early morning visit to the Sturgeon Bay Bridge.

Melanie and Brad: thank you again for having me!! I absolutely loved getting to travel for this session and had a lot of fun with you both. Can’t wait for you to tie the knot in May!

Rachel and Mike’s Chicago restaurant wedding at The Bristol was planned in a mere nine weeks. It’s true! Mike proposed on Mother’s Day of this year, and these two were so excited to wed they just couldn’t wait! They wanted their celebration to include those closest to them, as well as delicious food and a cocktail-centric reception. The Bristol was the perfect choice!

We stopped for portraits at Wrigley Field (a must for them), Salvage One (my happy place!) and some favorite Bucktown murals before heading to the ceremony. One thing I loved about this wedding was how family-focused the entire day was. Mike and Rachel made sure that each parent, sibling, and niece played a role in their wedding day, reflecting the importance of family in their lives. Not to mention, they even allowed time for a cameo appearance by their adorable Goldendoodle, Maisie!

I had a blast getting to know Rachel and Mike and photographing their wedding this summer. I’m also completely in awe of their dedication and love for one another! Seriously – in nine weeks, these two planned a wedding, a honeymoon, moved in together, got married, and vacationed in Paris. Whew! I guess it’s true what they say: when you’re in love, anything is possible 🙂

CONGRATS again, Rachel and Mike!! All the best to you both in your future together!

Vendor Team

Venue: The Bristol/Bride’s dress: BHLDN/Bride’s shoes: Bella Belle (Maisie!)/Hair: Teezd Hair Salon/Makeup Artist: Outer Beauty/Groom’s suit: SuitSupply/Rings: Blue Nile/Florist and decorator: Ivy Leaf Studio/Signage: groom’s father/Caterer: The Bristol/Cake: Alliance Bakery

On the last morning of September, I met Christy and Natalie at Olive Park for their downtown Chicago engagement session. New Chicago residents (they just moved from Memphis earlier this year), the skyline was a must for photos! These two were full of excitement, laughter and love – everything I adore about engagement sessions. We had a lot of fun!

After the park we headed to Michigan Avenue for more iconic photos downtown. Because their love story began at Starbucks, we couldn’t NOT stop for a quick beverage 🙂 We talked about Chicago, wedding planning, and even exotic honeymoon plans. The rest of our morning consisted of exploring some favorite photo spots and hanging out in the new city they call home.

Natalie and Christy: Your downtown Chicago engagement session was such a blast! You two have such natural chemistry together… it doesn’t take long to see how obviously in love you are 🙂 Thanks for choosing me to document this exciting time in your lives! Looking forward to wedding day!!

Jen and Pete’s Chicago Riverwalk engagement session was a ton of fun! We began at the Lurie Garden on a lovely summer evening. The three of us were on foot and eager to explore! We hung out on the Riverwalk, made an appearance at the Island Party Hut, and then headed to DuSable Harbor. This location was my favorite – I’d never photographed a couple here before! Especially cool was the tunnel we had to enter to get there… I mean, how could we NOT stop for photos?!

We wanted to catch any potential sunset with the skyline at Olive Park. En route we got a glimpse of sunshine on the Lakeshore Drive bridge… something we wouldn’t have been able to stop for in a car! I’m convinced: walking between locations (if proximity allows) is my new recommendation for downtown sessions 🙂

Jen and Pete: I really enjoyed this session! You two were a blast to photograph – SO excited for your wedding this weekend!!

This summer I had the opportunity to photograph Dana & Noah’s ARIA Minneapolis wedding, and it was an absolute dream. Having planned their entire wedding while living in London, they tied the knot only weeks after returning home to Minneapolis. These two were so excited to marry each other – and it showed!

Dana and Noah’s first look took place in their own backyard overlooking the Minneapolis skyline. They read personal vows to each other, and then we headed for portraits at some iconic downtown locations. They actually met years ago in San Francisco, and made a point to include aspects of their international love story throughout the day. Dana and Noah are so clearly in love – photographing them was a breeze 🙂

A friend officiated their multi-faith ceremony and it was the perfect, personal touch. ARIA is one of the most unique venues I’ve ever photographed, but more importantly, the vendors did such an incredible job! From the live band to the caterer to the stunning floral installation, the day couldn’t have been more beautiful. Shout out to Jeremy for 2nd shooting this with me and capturing some of my favorite shots of the day!

Dana and Noah: Thank you again for having me! I had a blast exploring Minneapolis and being part of this day. CONGRATS to you both!!

Vendor Team

Hotel: Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel – The Depot/Venue: ARIA Event Center/Dress: Romona Keveza from m.Elizabeth Bridal/Shoes: Gianvito Rossi/Earrings: Kate Spade/Suit: bespoke, from London/Florist: Chez Bloom/Hair: 139 Hair by Heidi/Makeup: Miranda Xiong/Rings: Filigree Jewelers/Invitation: Minted/Planner: Cathie Fryer/Live Band: Riverside Hitmen/Caterer: Brasa Premium Rotisserie/Desserts: Buttercream/Ice cream sandwiches: It’s-It (A San Francisco Treat!)

Tommy and Elissa’s summer Chicago engagement session last month was a highlight of my summer! During a rainy-weather stretch when every other session was getting rescheduled, these two decided to embrace Mother Nature. I’m so happy they did!

We met at their home with sweet pup Harlow, and were able to get a few photos before the storm began. Since we were trapped inside for a bit, we decided to watch the rain… and create some really moody, romantic images! In-home sessions are always some of my favorites 🙂

Once the weather passed through, we took a lovely evening stroll through their neighborhood. We stopped at some of my favorite murals, the 606, and ended at The Robey. These two were a delight to photograph!! Here’s some of my faves from their summer Chicago engagement session!

Want to see more Tommy & Elissa? Check out their romantic December wedding at Gallery 1028!

Carla and Ben’s tropical-themed Begyle Brewing wedding was unique in so many ways. When we first met, they had a pretty clear vision of how they wanted the day to look and feel. After hearing about their unique ideas, I was all in! The countdown to wedding day had already begun 🙂

Carla’s words:

“We are channeling mid-century modern tiki vibes….so think clean design, lots of white and gold, and tropical foliage. Our venue is a brewery loft space, with exposed brick and a big windows overlooking Ravenswood Ave (Malt Row). We are going for an intimate, casual, nonreligious CELEBRATION with only our closest family and friends.” 

See what I mean?! Some of you know that I’m a big fan of tiki-anything, and also a huge craft beer nerd. I’m so happy the stars aligned so that I could capture their wedding day!

Carla’s project-managing skills definitely came into play while planning their wedding, which was attended by family and friends from all over. Everything came together “on-theme” – they even had their guests wear tropical prints and Hawaiian shirts! One of my favorite details was incorporating speeches from their wedding party into the ceremony. This allowed the reception to have a very laid-back vibe with no strict agenda. Guests enjoyed fresh beer, food and games while dancing the night away!

Ben and Carla: Thank you again for having me! This was such a unique day to be a part of and I wish you so much happiness in your marriage.

Vendor Team

Venue: Begyle Brewing/Dress: BHLDN/Suit: Zara/Groom’s Tie: Louis Vuitton/Groomsmen’s Hawaiian shirts: Reyn Spooner/Rings: Brilliant Earth/Florist: Details in Bloom/Invitation: Minted.com/Tiki Centerpieces: TikiMaster.com/Day-of Coordinator: Jenny Cunningham/Caterer: Big Star/Dessert: Doughnut Vault

Want to see more Ben & Carla? Check out their sunny spring Engagement Session!

Gabriel’s epic Millennium Park surprise proposal was unlike any other proposal I have captured. When he first described his proposal ideas, so many thoughts ran through my head! How would it work? Would she suspect it? Would we have trouble bringing a karaoke machine into Millennium Park?? He seemed confident that it would all work out, and I was happy to go along for the ride 🙂

Millennium Park Surprise Proposal

To elaborate: Gabriel’s plan was to arrive at Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) with now fiancée Sueyi under the pretense that it was a friend’s birthday get-together. A brass band would begin to play “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” walk toward the two of them, and Gabriel would proceed to take the karaoke mic and serenade her! Channeling his inner Heath Ledger (don’t remember that scene? Here’s a refresher), Gabriel went for it. Sueyi loved it (who wouldn’t?). The performance concluded with a diamond ring (and a resounding YES!!).

Special thanks to Gabriel’s crew for helping coordinate, and Four Star Brass Band for the spot-on accompaniment! And a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Sueyi and Gabriel! Thanks again for having me be a part of this!

Looking to plan your own surprise proposal in Chicago, but need a little inspiration? Check out these other proposals on the Blog!

• Aviva & Ben’s Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool Proposal
• Alex & John’s Harold Washington Library Proposal
• Taylor & Haley’s Chicago Boat Proposal
• Erik & Claire’s North Avenue Beach Proposal
• Amit & Maya’s Lincoln Park Proposal