Emma Mullins Photography

Chris and Anne’s downtown Chicago elopement took place on the six year anniversary of the day they met. Anne’s sister officiated the ceremony, attended by immediate family only. It was important to them that their two dogs Coorah and Luka be a part of the day, from their first look to “standing” next to them at the altar! One of my favorite details were the flower crowns Anne handmade for them to complement their pearl leashes.

After the ceremony we hopped on a trolley and headed straight to the happiest place on earth Stan’s Donuts! In fact, Chris acquired a Lifetime Supply of Stan’s just by being lucky… and celebration was in order. The staff even set aside a whole box of Anne’s favorite (Raspberry Bismark) even though it wasn’t on the Monday menu! How great is that?!

When we’d finished treating ourselves, it was time for some fun newlywed portraits downtown. These two were an absolute joy to photograph (just look at them!). What’s more, we had some choice downtown portrait locations all to ourselves 🙂

Anne and Chris: I had so much fun on your elopement day! Thanks again for having me document these moments. May your future be filled with infinite happiness (and donuts, of course!). 

Vendor Team

Ceremony site: Montrose Harbor/Dress: I Do Designer Bridal Consignment/Suit: custom from Indochino/Engagement ring: family heirloom/Wedding bands: eMerakiStudio and Sterlings Silver Shop/Hair: Tigerlilie Salon/Makeup: Elizabeth Artistry

Looking for more Chicago Elopement inspiration? Check out other intimate weddings on my Blog:

Katelyn & Corbin’s Cultural Center Civil Ceremony
Liz & Jen’s Lincoln Park Elopement
Katy & Justin’s Surprise Holiday Elopement
Alice & Harry’s Destination Chicago Elopement

Sam and Eric’s spring Chicago engagement session was a fantastic way to start my season. The trees were just beginning to bud after our (extremely long/never-ending) winter, and daffodils were making their annual debut in Lincoln Park. Sam’s colorful spring dress was the perfect addition to our session – and as you can see, she looked incredible in it!

The three of us had fun wandering the park and enjoyed having the honeycomb structure to ourselves for some time. I learned things about them both: Sam works across the street and always wanted their engagement photos there. And Eric has a background in filmmaking! Pretty soon after learning he was a big Wes Anderson fan, we found ourselves in front of charming Cafe Brauer. I channelled my inner Wes and was able to create some of my favorite images from their session 🙂

We made our way to the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, and while the scenery wasn’t super lush, we had the entire place to ourselves! Again, this was a first for me. Sam hopes to return on their wedding day for more green (and more lilies!). These two make each other laugh and are so obviously in love. Already their wedding photo ideas sound right up my alley, and I’ve got my own brewing as well!

I’m so happy we had this time to hang out together and capture these moments before their wedding day. Can’t wait for September!

A few weeks ago I met with a handful of Chicago vendors for what turned into a super fun, super-chic bridal shoot at Great Central Brewing Company. If you don’t know this place, definitely check it out! The tap room is a gorgeous, naturally-lit space with exposed brick and taps from several Chicago-area breweries. And rumor has it, they just got a shuffleboard table 🙂

We unanimously thought this would be a perfect space for our styled shoot. The idea was to embrace the brewery atmosphere while showing how it transforms into an elegant event space. We also wanted to showcase the tables and benches made of reclaimed farm wood. Steve’s Flower Market did an incredible job with the copper arch and centerpieces… and that bouquet!! Our two brides stunned in convertible dresses and jumpsuit by Jenny Yoo.

This was the first styled shoot I had a hand in designing, and I’m so excited with how it turned out! I think it’s a great representation of what a Great Central Brewing Company wedding could look like.

Vendor Team

Venue: Great Central Brewing Company/Planner: Urban Allure Events/Invitation Suite: Simply Scripted Ink/Florals: Steve’s Flower Market/Cake: ECBG Cake Studio/Dresses + Jumpsuit: Jenny Yoo/Hair: Unwana Rose/Makeup: Julia Simone/Models: Mara + Samantha

Want to see more styled shoots? Check out the following:

Alternative Warehouse 109 Styled Shoot
Door County Winery Styled Shoot

A couple of weeks ago (just before that seasonably appropriate Midwestern snow storm) I traveled to Waupaca, Wisconsin for my first Rad Photographers Retreat. These few days were filled with education, friendship, delicious food (thank you, Sulten Belly!!), and a killer Wisconsin wedding styled shoot!

Each day the schedule included guest speakers and relaxing activities like yoga and chair massages. We met each other Thursday afternoon, and by Saturday morning had officially bonded as creative comrades. You know you’ve made a friend when they help you dig your vehicle out of a foot of snow 🙂

Many thanks to Christine of Natural Intuition Photography for organizing this thing and playing Momma Bear throughout! This was an awesome experience and I’m considering returning next year.

Below are some of my favorites from the week! Enjoy!!

Vendor Team

Planner + Stylist: Midwestern Bride/Floral: Jennifer Joyce Design/Invitation suite: Saffron Avenue/Rentals: A La Crate Rentals/Styled shoot settings: Hearth & Hand/Gray Wedding Dress: Monirose Bespoke Gowns/Tux: The Black Tux/Cake: Yield Bakehouse/Meat + Cheese: Fromagination/Bread: Madison Sourdough

Ben and Carla’s mid-March engagement session was technically not a spring engagement session. BUT we were lucky enough to get a fluke 50+ degree day, which is more seasonable than our actual spring has been so far! The goal was to enjoy the morning together while gaining inspiration for their tiki-themed wedding in July.

That being said, what better place to start than the Garfield Park Conservatory? With the abundance of tropical smells, exotic flowers, and Fern Room (aka Happy Place) – I think it’s safe to say we made an excellent choice. We got to check out the Spring Flower Show which was quite impressive (it runs through May 13).  I learned that Carla and Ben like to make their own kombucha, and that in their experience, kumquats were the key ingredient (yum!). Maybe I’ll get lucky and they’ll have samples on their wedding day…

PSA: this place gets crowded on the weekends. REAL crowded. If you’re looking to avoid groups, definitely get here early (there were several of us waiting outside at 9 a.m.). Or try visiting during the week! The Conservatory is open 9-5 every day except Wednesdays, when they stay open til 8.

Afterwards we traveled to the West Loop for a more urban vibe in the morning sun. I’m excited to revisit the tropical/industrial combination when they get married this summer! These two were a lot of fun to hang out with, and I can’t wait for them to tie the knot 🙂

Last month I had the privilege of participating in Styled Shoots Across America‘s Chicago shoot at Navy Pier Crystal Gardens. Photographing a Crystal Gardens wedding is an absolute dream – just look at this place!! While the weather outside still hadn’t reached “spring,” we had all the tropical vibes to ourselves 🙂 An incredibly talented team of vendors came together to make this shoot possible. Special thanks to our stunning models Willow, Anna and Patrick!

Styled shoots like this one are always an exercise in getting creative. There were about 20 photographers on site, so you can imagine the pressure! All of us in the same place while simultaneously trying to capture our perfect images. Yes, this can be quite a challenge at times, but one that I’m 100% up for! Thankfully, I was able to surprise myself and create some images I’m really proud of. Below are some of my favorites from the day.

Enjoy!!

Vendor Team

Host: Styled Shoots Across America/Planning & Design: Heather Benge Events/Assistant Coordinator: Urban Allure Events/Venue: The Crystal Gardens/Flowers: Intrigue Teaches/Cake: Chicago Custom Cakes/Decor: Boho Blush/Makeup: Makeup by Natalie/Hair: Unfading Beauty by Julia/Linens: Nuage Designs/Stationary: Emery Ann Design/Calligraphy: Things Unseen Designs/Jewelry: Lindsay Marie Design/Lollipops: Flour & Fig/Paper Flowers: Floral by Emily Jane/Gowns: Alyssa Kristin Bridal/Shoes: David Tutera Footwear/Models: Willow Star, Anna DeBlecourt & fiancé

The Chicago fashion scene is, admittedly, not one I follow closely. I’m always up for photographing new things, and had in fact been looking for some inspiration when I ran into my old classmate Megan in January! Megan and I actually met in photography class back in the day – we were both students studying black and white film. Yep – we got to play in the dark room and everything (those were the days!).

Fast forward about seven years… I’ve made photography my livelihood, and – get this – she’s a professional model!! It was pretty much a given that we had to get together for a shoot 🙂

We bounced some ideas around and decided to get creative with nighttime photography and lots of color. We both wanted an edgy, urban vibe. Chinatown seemed like an ideal location, and even though we almost froze our fingers off, it was sooooo worth it! The end result was a stretch for both of us in terms of creativity and comfort zone. To my surprise, for a shoot that was so color-centric, a lot of my favorites are in black and white!

Shout out to No. 18 Karaoke for letting us take over for a few minutes, and the lovely Lexi for assisting! Makeup by Jessica Palomo at Sephora State Street.

Want to see more of Megan? Follow her on Instagram: @megann.miaa

Enjoy!

Justin and Lani’s Cancun destination wedding day in November was a MUCH anticipated event. After their January engagement session in Chicago, I was so excited to travel to Mexico with them! In addition to completely adoring each other, their chemistry is undeniable. I knew their wedding was going to be good!!

Cancun Destination Wedding

Family and friends traveled from all over to celebrate with these two. Their emotional sunset ceremony overlooking the ocean was memorable for many reasons. For instance, Justin’s face as his bride walked down the aisle had us all in tears. And then, if you can believe it, a rainbow appeared as they exchanged vows! If that’s not a good luck sign on your wedding day, I don’t know what is!

After the ceremony, EVERYBODY was ready to party. Guests celebrated with delicious food, dancing, and tequila throughout the night! We even had the opportunity for a creative night photo on the property. Shout out to the wedding party for helping make this happen… y’all are the best!

Highlights

Some favorite details include Justin’s handmade wedding ring (yep – he MADE it himself) and Lani’s “something borrowed,” bracelets from his grandmother. Justin’s custom suit had lyrics from their favorite song sewn inside. And – the next day we took a boat to Isla Mujeres for the most romantic newlywed session! Check out those photos here 🙂

Lani and Justin: Thanks again for taking me to Mexico with you! This day was such an honor to capture. All my best in your future adventures together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Villa del Palmar Cancún/Planner + Coordinator: Karina Peña, Doris Rosas/Dress: Vera Wang White Collection/Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka/Suit: custom by Indochino/Groom’s cuff links: Indochino/BRIDE and SQUAD gear: David’s Bridal, Amazon.com/Bride’s rings: Jared/Groom’s ring: handmade by groom/Hair and Makeup: Village Spa/Caterer: Caprichos/Cake: GY Pastelería Boutique/Florist: Eventos Van Gogh/Rose petals: street vendor

Planning your own destination wedding in Cancun? Check out this Top 10 List of Cancun Wedding Venues in 2024!

It’s always a treat visiting Wisconsin for weddings, and Katie and Eric’s Madison wedding day was one for the books! It was a seasonable October Saturday with rain in the forecast from morning to night. By some stroke of luck the weather gods smiled, and the downpour stopped JUST in time for photos! It was a Wedding Day Miracle!!

In true Madison wedding style, we headed to State Street immediately following the ceremony. This wedding party was such a fun crew! We had a blast taking over the Capitol steps for a while – these made for some of my favorite photos from the day 🙂

Katie and Eric’s reception was down the street at the Overture Center for the Arts. The theme was “Under the Stars,” incorporating things like their cake topper which read Love You to the Moon and Back. This phrase has special meaning to Katie, as it was a common exchange with her mother since childhood. Other highlights include Eric’s skilled garter toss boogie and Katie’s dance with her father to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s cover of Voodoo Child. The rockin’ party continued through the night!

Katie and Eric: I’m so happy to have been a part of your wedding day! Congratulations to you both, and all my best in your future together.

Vendor Team

Church: Blessed Sacrament/Bride’s dress: Vera’s House of Bridals/Shoes: Sam Edelman/Florist: Felly’s Flowers/Caterer: Catering a Fresco/Cake: Craig’s Cake Shop/DJ: Musicbox Entertainment

In January I met Saba and Faraz at their home in River North for an intimate and emotional couples maternity session. There is no doubt that these two are so, so excited to become parents this spring! They wanted photos to announce this incredible time in their lives, and to capture their excitement in the home where they will start their family.

We were able to utilize the natural morning light in their living room before heading outside for some city vibes. I didn’t notice it at the time, but if you look closely you’ll see tears on Saba’s cheek as she stood for her solo portrait. This – this is why I do what I do. I’m so incredibly lucky to witness these monumental moments in people’s lives, and then to capture them on camera to cherish forever. There is nothing more rewarding in my work, and I’m so appreciative to be able to do this for a living.

Saba and Faraz are prepared with books, baby clothes, and the cutest baby moccasins you will ever see! Faraz knows the gender, but Saba won’t find out until their gender reveal party. I can not wait for these two (and a half!) to become three!!

Thank you again for having me, Saba and Faraz! You are going to be such wonderful, loving parents to your lucky little one very soon 🙂