Emma Mullins Photography

Elizabeth and Leah’s fall Osteria Via Stato wedding was an absolute joy to be part of. These two are so clearly smitten with each other – it’s impossible to catch a moment where they’re not smiling when they’re together. Remember their Chicago Cultural Center engagement session from last year?! After that, I just knew their wedding day was going to be epic (and it was!!).

The Ivy Room Chicago Wedding Photos

Wedding day began with the brides getting ready separately at Embassy Suites hotel in River North. We were lucky enough to capture their first look in the magical, ivy-covered courtyard just across the street! You may recognize this space from The Ivy Room at Tree Studios – another of our favorite Chicago wedding venues. Special thanks to Lisa from Café Crèmerie for helping make this possible!

After an emotional first look, Elizabeth and Leah were joined by their loved ones for more photos, of course! Not only was this crew dressed to impress, but complemented by the most stunning and colorful florals! It also happened to be the most gorgeous October day in Chicago, perfect for an afternoon stroll. The party made their way downtown for some iconic city photos with the Chicago River, before heading back to the restaurant.

Osteria Via Stato Wedding

That evening, Elizabeth and Leah were married at Osteria Via Stato surrounded by candlelight, colorful florals, and their favorite people. Elizabeth’s mother did a beautiful job officiating the ceremony, which featured a handfasting ritual symbolizing the couple’s deep bond and commitment. Once the knot was (literally tied), the newlyweds jumped the broom – and it was officially official!!

Guests enjoyed delicious food, drinks, and LOTS of dancing throughout the evening. One of our favorite details from this day was the custom dessert table, including homemade Greek and Bavarian treats by family and friends. And as you may know, we can’t say goodbye without stepping outside for a night photo! I’m so happy Elizabeth and Leah agreed to let us steal them away for a few street photos with the city lights 🙂

Elizabeth and Leah: Thank you again for having us last fall!! May your love continue to grow, shine, and inspire everyone around you. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness, you two!

I got to kick off my 2025 with Lisa and Colm’s Chicago winter engagement session! The beginning of January is always buzzing after the holidays, and downtown Chicago was definitely still in the spirit. When I first heard from these two, I learned of their love for travel, nature, history, and art… and that they’re members at the Art Institute (like me!). It was pretty much a given from the start that we’d take engagement photos there 🙂

Art Institute Engagement Photos

The Art Institute of Chicago is easily one of my favorite places in the city. I could spend days walking through the galleries, viewing the rotating exhibits and permanent art pieces alike. It’s also (surprise) one of my favorite locations for photos in downtown Chicago! Especially in the winter months, or in case of rain on your wedding day, The Art Institute has been a top photo location for our couples over the years.

When we arrived, Colm and Lisa immediately wanted to visit the Thorne Miniature Rooms. If you’ve never visited this part of the museum, I highly recommend it! We spent the afternoon wandering through the halls, making sure to stop for photos with some iconic pieces (and Lisa’s guitar solo). We talked about the holidays, travel, and wedding planning, of course! When the sun began to set, it was time to head to Miller’s for happy hour.

Miller’s Pub Engagement

After a quick wardrobe change, we headed down the street to Miller’s Pub! This Chicago institution is worth a visit for any tourist or local. Reminiscent of the Irish pub where they had their first date, Lisa and Colm felt right at home – and couldn’t have been easier to photograph! Somehow we were able to capture art, history, a cozy pub atmosphere and holiday vibes all in one session. I had an absolute blast hanging with these two and can not wait for their Chicago wedding day this summer!!

Looking for more Art Institute engagement session inspo? Check out these other sessions on the Blog!

Lucinda & Mark | Kasia & Jonathan | Jolene & Will

James and Gretchen’s November wedding at Sarabande Chicago was one for the books. When I first heard from these two, they told me about they met during the pandemic, their mutual love of reality TV, and James’ bait-and-switch surprise proposal when Gretchen thought she was treating him to a birthday dinner. All of this, along with the warm way the interacted with each other (and entertaining proposal story) had me convinced: their wedding day was going to be AWESOME. And guess what? It was!!

The day began with Gretchen getting ready at Hotel Zachary across from Wrigley Field, and James at their home nearby. I loved photographing all their little details – and little pearls! – before James joined us at the hotel for their sweet first look! Before long, these two were ready to get the party started. We were out the door and headed to Lincoln Park for photos with the wedding party!

Lincoln Park Wedding Photos

As you may know, Lincoln Park is Chicago’s largest and most visited park – and for good reason! The central location, stunning Nature Boardwalk, and skyline view cannot be beat. Because of this, a photography permit is required to take wedding photos in the park. If you’re dreaming of your own Lincoln Park wedding photos, you can find more information on obtaining a permit here!

When we arrived at the park with the wedding party, we headed straight to the Honeycomb. This crew was a blast to hang with – I could have spent the entire afternoon with them! All of a sudden we noticed a few raindrops (it was not in the forecast, I swear!!), but luckily we had brought our collection of umbrellas, just in case! I may be biased, but I always love the way the clear umbrellas look in wedding photos… especially when you have your heart set on outdoor photos. Plus, rain on your wedding day is good luck, of course!

Sarabande Chicago Wedding

That afternoon we arrived at Sarabande with just enough daylight for more photos of the crew. It had stopped raining (yay!), and we got some outdoor playtime before guests began to arrive. Later that evening, James and Gretchen were married by candlelight surrounded by their loved ones. A dear friend officiated the ceremony, and we learned of a bet that James made with his friend Tony that he’d never get married. The wager: 12 cases of beer! Gretchen and James said “I Do” and the celebration continued well into the evening… including Tony’s payment (which resulted in numerous shotgunned beers during dinner, oh my!). 

We couldn’t say goodbye without a night photo, my favorite way to end a wedding day. Our good luck raindrops came back for one last dance… with the happiest Newlyweds you ever did see! I absolutely loved being part of this day, and am excited to be back at Sarabande Chicago later this year!

Gretchen and James: Thank you again for having us last year!! Your wedding day was a joy to capture, I wish you nothing but happiness in your future together!

February is here… which means March is right around the corner! Which means: Brigid and Matt are getting married in a few short weeks!! These two happened to get engaged on March 1, which also happens to be their anniversary, which also happens to be the date they’ll tie the knot in 2025. Today I’m excited to share their Diversey Harbor engagement session as we count down the days!

On a beautiful afternoon last spring, I met Brigid and Matt for photos around North Pond in Lincoln Park. We found all the pretty flowers in bloom, and took a stroll down the pier, of course! We also chatted about travel, wedding planning, and their in-line skating hobby/obsession (more on that below!). I’ve said this many times before – you can’t go wrong with Lincoln Park as a photo location. Fun fact: not only to these two live nearby, they will tie the knot in this very neighborhood!

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Diversey Harbor for golden hour. And, as promised – out came the skates! I was thoroughly impressed by their skills… and had a blast photographing them! This was my first session on skates and I learned a lot. Did you know there are skating marathons and races all over the world?! Yep – Brigid and Matt have traveled long distances to skate! And – remember Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime Show last year?? As iconic as that was, I’m crossing my fingers for a Newlywed rendition on Wedding Day 🙂

Brigid and Matt: I had so much fun at your Diversey Harbor engagement session last spring! Can’t wait to do it again very SOON!!

Throwing it back to SUMMER today with Sean and Mike’s awesome South Branch Tavern wedding! Not only was this day long-anticipated by their loved ones (they have been together since high school!)… but I was so looking forward to it as well. Fun fact: I first met these two at Alex and Jack’s City Hall Events wedding in 2021! Since then we have been lucky enough to capture some great memories for their families over the years (HI Meg and Pat!)… and I knew their day was going to be just as awesome 🙂

Chicago Union Station Wedding Photos

The day began with Sean and Mike getting ready separately, before their emotional first look on Monroe Street bridge. Amy Lynn captured this beautifully in their Highlight Film – check it out below! Soon after, we headed to nearby Union Station with their crew for some classic Chicago wedding photos. The party looked dapper as ever in tuxes and blue, floral print gowns! If you’re looking for an elegant indoor photo location in the city with great natural light, Union Station is one of my favorites. Pro tip: make sure you secure a photography permit for this location ahead of time! 

South Branch Tavern & Grille Wedding

Before long, it was time to get these two MARRIED. We made our way to South Branch Tavern, and the space was soon filled with their loved ones – including pup Goose! Remember this happy guy from their fall engagement session?! Truly, seeing Goose was one of the things I was most excited for! 

Michael and Sean were married that evening along the Chicago River outside their venue. A dear friend officiated the ceremony, framed by impressive floral trees reminiscent of Italy. – who is this vendor??  Once it was official, the celebration was ON!! The Newlyweds enjoyed the reception mingling with their guests and dancing the night away. As always, these two were a treat in front of the camera and up for all my ideas. They even let me shoot a roll of black and white film! 

Sean and Mike: Thank you again for trusting my team to capture your memories! We couldn’t be happier for you two and wish you nothing but the best.

See more of Michael and Sean’s wedding day in their Highlight Film below!

Ywonne and Morgan are getting married in ONE MONTH!! Today I’m starting the countdown with their engagement session last fall. I met these two one Friday afternoon for some classic downtown photos on the Chicago Riverwalk. We made our way to LaSalle Bridge, and then in true Ywonne and Morgan fashion, took a stroll toward Millennium Park! These two often take walks downtown together, and I love that we kept the theme for their engagement session. Their “day in the life” vibe just so happens to include some of the most popular downtown Chicago engagement photo locations 🙂

Millennium Park Engagement Photos

Millennium Park is arguably the most popular place for locals and tourists to congregate downtown any time of year. If there’s not a festival, concert, Movie-in-the-Park, or other event, you’ll still find plenty of people enjoying the space and its many works of art. Pro tip: If you’re planning to take wedding or engagement photos in Millennium Park, a photography permit is required! More information on that here. 

Olive Park Engagement Photos

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Olive Park for photos with the skyline and that dreamy light! Besides North Avenue Beach and The Adler Planetarium, Olive Park is another prime location for a killer skyline view. It’s adjacent to Ohio Street Beach and Navy Pier, making for a perfect a stroll in the park if you happen to be nearby. Morgan and Ywonne were a treat in front of the camera! They even let me try a leaf toss photo to celebrate the fall. I’m so excited for them to tie the knot here in Chicago next month.

Ywonne and Morgan: Your downtown fall engagement session was such a blast! Can’t wait to do it again very SOON!!

Happy New Year, friends!!! Hope everyone’s 2025 is off to an awesome start! Today’s post is dedicated to the Best of 2024… and as usual, choosing my favorites from the past 12 months was no easy task. Last year was an eventful one – filled with travel, friendship, the most breathtaking locations, and SO much love. It’s always a treat to look back at the moments we captured, and all the fun images we got to create!

One thing is for sure: 2024 would not have been the same without the talented individuals who make up our team. My deepest gratitude goes out to Alexis, Nohemi, Amy Lynn, George, Claire, Sophie, Trevor, and Jeremy. You all are a huge reason we get to keep doing this every year!

Highlights from 2024:

• We started shooting FILM at weddings and my entire team is obsessed.
• I started a new role as Curator for local wedding blog ChiTheeWed! You can read my featured articles here and here.
• Travel! This year I got to photograph couples in love in NYC, Jersey City, Milan and Lake Como Italy, Milwaukee, San Francisco, Starved Rock State Park, and sweet home Chicago.
• Getting published not once, but TWICE (both shoots from Italy!). Check out our Lake Como wedding on Wed Vibes and Milan sunrise session on European Elopement Guide.
• Three new (gorgeous) custom flower wall backdrops for the Photo Booth!
• Number of weddings captured: 27
• Destination weddings: 2
• Elopements: 3
• Engagement sessions: 24
• Surprise proposals: 2
• Wedding films created: 10
• SO many fur babies (too many to count!) and a few human babies, too
• My first engagement session on roller skates!
• Collaborating with some favorite vendor friends
• Working in some of our favorite venues, as well as a handful of new ones (list below!)

The below collection of images includes a mix of favorite moments, portfolio pieces, and memories captured on digital and film. There are far too many of these to describe in detail… so I’ll let the photos do the talking! Truly, we have had the privilege to work with some of the most wonderful couples and their families in 2024. We’re lucky to play such a significant role in so many people’s family history, and that’s something we never take for granted. To every couple who trusted my team and I to capture your stories in 2024: THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart.

CHEERS to a Happy and Healthy 2025!!!

My final post this year goes out to Rosie and Scott! I loved everything about their Salvage One Chicago wedding in September. I’ve said it before, but this is easily one of our favorite wedding venues in City. Besides being a super awesome store full of antiques and unique items, it’s a memorable (and photogenic) place to get married! Scott and Rosie even got a practice round during their Salvage One engagement session last spring. 

Salvage One Chicago Wedding

The day began with these two getting ready separately at the venue. One thing I love about this space is the great natural light – something we always seek for getting ready photos! I was obsessed with the pops of color in their florals and invitation suite… it happened to pair perfectly with the venue’s vintage pink furniture.

After their first look in the courtyard, we had plenty of time for photos with the wedding party around Salvage One. Seriously, I could spend hours taking photos inside this space! It was a lot of fun to shoot a roll of film in this space, too – I think the timeless look and rich tones turned out so great 🙂 

That evening, Rosie and Scott were married surrounded by their favorite people. Rosie’s brother officiated the ceremony, full of laughter and happy tears. The Newlyweds were SO excited to make it official, and I couldn’t be happier for them! Guests celebrated by dancing the night away under the disco ball, another iconic staple of Salvage One. One of my favorite details was their custom chalkboard art made by their friend Anna-Michal of Late Night Chalk Show!

Rosie and Scott: Thanks again for having us this year!! Your wedding day was a joy to capture… all my best to you both! 

Last month, I traveled to California for Marisa and Declan’s San Francisco engagement session! We actually rescheduled our original date that same week due to coastal flooding in the forecast, and I’m so happy we did!! The three of us managed to stay safe and dry while visiting their favorite local spots – and the rains came as expected the very next day. Marisa and Declan were kind enough to invite me into their home after my flight, and our adventure began! Our first order of business was photos with kitty Kaz, of course 🙂

Golden Gate Park Engagement Photos

After snuggles with Kaz, we took a stroll toward Golden Gate Park. Marisa showed me these cool mossy trees at the trail entrance – does anyone know what these are called? I was obsessed! We made our way to Blue Heron Lake and Strawberry Hill, and I instantly wished we could stay here for hours. The fresh air and nature vibes were so California, and Declan and Marisa were a treat to photograph (I even got to use my film camera for a few!). One thing they wanted to showcase in their session was the iconic hilltop views in San Francisco, and this location couldn’t be more perfect for that.

Ocean Beach Engagement at Night

As the sun began to set, we hiked down the hill and headed toward Ocean Beach. I heard the sunsets were incredible here, but was not expecting this!! When we arrived, the skies were a mix of moody blue clouds with a splash of fiery pink, and a few mountaintops peeking through. I’d never seen anything like it. We were able to create some really fun, creative and romantic images in the last few minutes of sunlight, and I couldn’t be more excited about these. Marisa and Declan were even up for a few night photos on the beach after the sun went down!

Marisa and Declan: Thank you again for having me in November! Your San Francisco engagement session was such a blast, I’m so happy we could make this happen. Can’t wait for your Chicago wedding day next fall!!

Summer weddings in Chicago have our heart. The city is vibrant and full of life, and every weekend there’s something fun happening. The chances of you getting congratulated by strangers on your wedding day are about 100%. Emma and Tyler tied the knot at Cafe Brauer over Labor Day weekend, and their day was no exception!

LondonHouse Chicago Cupola

After getting ready separately that morning, Emma and Tyler met for their first look at the iconic LondonHouse Cupola! If you’re not familiar, this structure on top of LondonHouse Chicago is one of the most unique and romantic photo locations in the city. Emma stunned in her Sareh Nouri gown, and Tyler in his custom Marigold suit! These two rocked their rooftop photos with panoramic views of the city, and even stopped on Michigan Avenue for a some classic street photos before heading to the venue.

Cafe Brauer Wedding

Cafe Brauer is easily one of our favorite wedding venues in Chicago. Nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park, this historic space offers a timeless blend of dramatic architecture and natural beauty. It’s also a prime location to get married if you’re planning to have lots of traveling guests! Not only is the park itself a sight to see, it’s enjoyable for a stroll any time of year. Emma and Tyler tied the knot that evening surrounded by loved ones, underneath hundreds of hanging twinkling candles. Once it was official, these two were ready to celebrate! Arlen Music kept the dance floor alive as usual, and we ended the night with a lively sparkler exit with the venue’s famous neon sign 🙂

Emma and Tyler: Thank you again for having us this year! Your Chicago summer wedding day was awesome, we are so happy to have been there to capture it. Congrats again to you both!!