Emma Mullins Photography

Ywonne and Morgan’s Chicago winter wedding day was such a dream to be part of. Not many couples choose to get married in February in the city, and when I first heard from Ywonne, she said “pictures are super important to me, but not sure what options will be for taking pictures around the city if it’s cold or weather isn’t cooperative.” I was confident we would capture gorgeous imagery no matter what – and after their fall engagement session I was even more excited for wedding day.

That morning, Ywonne and Morgan got ready separately at Embassy Suites in River North. After their sweet first look inside the hotel, it was time to gather family and head to Union Station! 

Union Station Wedding Photos

We arrived at Union Station with plenty of time for portraits in all my favorite places. Ywonne and Morgan were absolutely smitten with each other, making my job super easy! If you are planning a winter wedding in Chicago, or need a backup location in case of weather, Union Station is a great option for classic, elegant wedding photos. Some of my favorite film photos from this day were taken here, too!

Osteria Via Stato Wedding

That afternoon, we made our way back to Osteria Via Stato to get ready for the ceremony. Just before guests started to arrive, a miracle happened: the skies opened up and gave us big, fluffy, white snow! Ywonne and Morgan were totally up for stepping outside for a few more portraits, making my photographer dreams come true 🙂 It was the perfect, most romantic way to celebrate their last moments of engagement. 

Morgan and Ywonne tied the knot that day inside Osteria Via Stato, a charming Italian restaurant in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. A close friend officiated the intimate ceremony, complete with personal vows. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, they made it official by candlelight and celebrated all night! Guests enjoyed a delicious meal and good company well into the evening. 

Ywonne and Morgan: Your Chicago winter wedding was the perfect way to kick off my 2025 season! Thank you again for choosing us to capture your day! All my best to you both!!

Michelle and Dan tied the knot last September at one of our favorite downtown venues, The Library at 190 S. LaSalle! Their joyful day included perfect Chicago weather, a romantic ceremony, and DIY details… not to mention a lively celebration with family and friends. We’re so happy to have been a part of it!

The LaSalle Chicago and Downtown Wedding Photos

Wedding day began with Michelle and Dan getting ready separately at The LaSalle Chicago. If you’re looking for a downtown Chicago hotel with great light for your wedding day, definitely consider getting a room block here! Conveniently located across the street from their venue (and some of the most iconic photo locations in the city), the afternoon was a breeze. These two had an emotional first look in front of the Financial District’s picturesque columns and gold doors, with wedding party photos to follow. How much fun was this crew?! The team had a blast taking over LaSalle Street with the wedding party for a bit while capturing these moments.

Ceremony and Celebration at The Library

After photos in the stunning lobby of 190 S. LaSalle, it was time to ride the elevator to The Library on the 40th floor. Michelle and Dan were married in a room surrounded by loved ones, a killer view, and lots of books! The romantic ceremony was officiated by Michelle’s brother, and once the knot was tied, the newlyweds were ALL smiles!!

Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a unique reception featuring one long dinner table – emphasizing the “family style” element of their day. The celebration continued into the evening with heartfelt speeches, flowing drinks, and dancing! We’re so happy the newlyweds opted to end the evening with one of our signature night photos on LaSalle Street 🙂

Michelle and Dan: Thank you again for having us last year! Cheers to a lifetime of happiness and love!

It’s finally starting to feel like SPRING here in Chicago! Sierra and Kyle will tie the knot in just a few weeks, and today I’m starting the countdown with their Chicago Riverwalk engagement session 🙂

Chicago Riverwalk Engagement

We met outside the Chicago Theatre and made our way to the Riverwalk. These two were all about each other, and adorable as can be! I loved strolling along the river with these two, stopping at some of my favorite locations along the way. We made our way to classic LaSalle Bridge just in time to catch the golden sunshine! Fun fact: Sierra and Kyle will tie the knot next month just down the street!

Lincoln Park Engagement

As the sun began to set, we headed north to Lincoln Park for more greenery and nature vibes. Many of you know that this is one of the best locations in Chicago if you’re looking for fresh air, wildlife, and a skyline view! They even got to break for romantic storytime on the Nature Boardwalk… a nod to their book-themed wedding celebration next month!

Full Moon at the Beach

We couldn’t let the evening end without stopping at North Avenue Beach! By the time we arrived, it was Blue Hour and the city lights were on (my fave!). The best part was, up in the purple-blue sky, a full moon was illuminating the water like I’d never seen. These are easily some of the most romantic engagement photos I’ve captured in this location! 

Sierra and Kyle: I had so much fun during your engagement session! Can’t wait to do it again very soon!!

Dana and Matt’s Lincoln Park wedding last September was an absolute pleasure to be part of. Not only are these two completely smitten with each other, their family and friends were eager to share in their joy. And even though it was Friday the 13th, Chicago weather was in our favor! Ever since their adorable fall engagement session, I could not wait for these two to finally make it official.

Viceroy Chicago Wedding Photos

The morning began with Matt and Dana getting ready separately at Viceroy Chicago. We always love wedding mornings at the Viceroy! In my opinion, it’s one of the best hotels for window light in the city (and that view… come on!). This particular morning, you could truly feel the love and excitement in the air. Dana and Matt’s chose to exchange private vows after their first look, one of my favorite ways to personalize your wedding day. Before long, it was time to join the wedding party for photos around Chicago!

Downtown Chicago and Lincoln Park Wedding Photos

We made our way to the Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk for photos with the Honeycomb, a prequel to their Newlywed photos later that day. This crew was a blast to hang with and explore the city! We arrived at the Wrigley Building for some iconic photos with the Chicago River, some of my favorites from the entire day. Matt and Dana couldn’t keep their eyes off each other, and I don’t think their smiles faded for a second.

Assumption Church Wedding Ceremony and Cafe Brauer Reception

That afternoon, Dana and Matt were married in a traditional ceremony at Assumption Catholic Church, surrounded by loved ones. We’ve captured ceremonies in many different churches throughout Chicago, and I must say the balcony view at Assumption is one of my favorites! Once the knot was tied, guests traveled to Lincoln Park for an evening filled with flowing cocktails, a delicious meal, and excellent company. The newlyweds danced the night away in their custom Nikes, and we even popped a bottle of bubbly on the bridge! I absolutely loved everything about this day – Friday the 13th never looked so lucky 🙂

Matt and Dana: Thank you again for having us in September!! We couldn’t be happier for you two and wish you all the best in your future together!

As we head toward the tail end of winter, I can’t let the season go by without sharing Fionna and Brendan’s Lincoln Park Conservatory engagement session. I met up with these two one afternoon in January, and it was immediately clear how smitten they are with each other. That’s always a sign that a session is going to be a ton of fun, and – SPOILER ALERT – it absolutely was!!

Lincoln Park Conservatory Engagement

One of the most popular options for winter wedding and engagement photos in Chicago is Lincoln Park Conservatory. And, for good reason: it’s colorful, tropical, and gets amazing light! We took our time exploring each of the unique rooms and the holiday show – ending in the Fern Room (my fave!). Fionna and Brendan’s outfit perfectly complimented the surrounding greenery, and their smiles made my job easy, of course 🙂

Before heading to our next location, we stepped outside where their pup Maizey was waiting for us! I was so excited to meet this sweet girl, and could have stayed outside with them for hours (even though yes, it was cold!!). Finally, it was time to warm up with some beers at Goose Island.

Goose Island Brewpub Engagement

Not only is the Salt Shed Pub one of Fionna and Brendan’s favorite spots for local beers, they’ve also been to shows together at The Salt Shed! Music has been a big part of their relationship from the beginning, and I loved tying that into their session in this way.

Fionna’s words:

“On our first date we bonded over our shared love of music and discovered many concerts we both attended throughout Chicago before we ever met. Since then we’ve shared wonderful music and travel adventures near and far – from seeing Stevie Wonder at Red Rocks just 4 months after we met to Bob Dylan in Berlin this past month.”

How cool is that?! We made sure to get some photos outside the pub with live music paraphernalia, and the giant goose tap handle (rumor has it this was originally from Comiskey Park!). Of course, we ended our session with a couple of pints, and these two continued their date night into the evening.

Fionna and Brendan: I had so much fun with you two (and Maizey) in January! Can’t wait for you to make it official later this year!!

This year, I was lucky enough to ring in 2025 with Mitch and Maura’s New Year’s Eve wedding at Walden Chicago! Like many, I had been looking forward to this day for a long time. Not only are New Year’s weddings always a blast, but Walden is one of our favorite Chicago venues. And of course, Maura and Mitch are a treat in front of the camera! We even shot a couple rolls of black and white film 🙂

Walden Chicago Wedding

The day began with these two getting ready separately at Walden, surrounded by their favorite people. The wedding party seriously brought so much energy… making this time extra memorable! One of my favorite details was Maura’s vintage veil from the 1980’s, which belonged to her late mother. As you can see, Maura looked absolutely stunning – the veil was a perfect addition to her wedding day look! Mitch looked dapper in all black, and their sweet first look inside the venue was bursting with joy.

We spent the afternoon hanging out inside Walden with the wedding party, making sure to capture some awesome moments throughout the space. Maura and Mitch could not stop smiling – making our job easy! That evening they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony officiated by a friend. Once the knot was tied, the celebration – and countdown to 2025 – was ON! Guests enjoyed custom cocktails, a delicious meal, and a party on the dance floor! I’m lucky the newlyweds agreed to brave the weather with me for a few night photos on the rooftop with that magical skyline view!!

New Year’s Champagne Tower

As the clock approached midnight, guests gathered on the dance floor for a countdown celebration. In true New Year’s Eve fashion, Mitch and Maura poured a dazzling champagne tower, marking the start of 2025 as a married couple. The cheers, excitement, and love in the air made for the perfect way to ring in the new year!

Maura and Mitch: Thank you again for having us in December!! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together and all the best in Married Life!

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!!