Emma Mullins Photography

Nicole and Jason’s City Winery Chicago wedding was everything they’d hoped it would be: a cozy, intimate affair surrounded by their favorite people. These two were so excited to finally marry each other when the day arrived! The winery’s Barrel Room was the perfect setting for a romantic candlelit ceremony.

We were lucky enough to set up their first look at the Cerise rooftop overlooking Chicago! The three of us braved the crisp October weather together for photos (Nicole in her mom’s vintage fur!). Nicole and Jason wanted portraits in some iconic Chicago locations that were also meaningful to them. I am so happy we had time for some fun photos in the West Loop before their ceremony!

Highlights

Highlights from the day include Nicole’s wedding gift to Jason, a silver airplane paperweight reminiscent of their spontaneous first date. She also donned a lovely gold pin as her guardian angel, in memory of her late father. It was so sweet! A few pink roses in Nicole’s bridal bouquet represented other loved ones who had passed… something I’d never seen before. I loved this unique way to memorialize those who were there in spirit.

One other first for me at this wedding: a cameo appearance by a certain Frank Sinatra doll! I’m so happy to have been there to capture this moment, and Jason’s hilarious reaction. The doll’s significance is a secret safe with me… you’ll have to use your imagination 🙂

Thanks again for having me, Nicole and Jason!! I enjoyed every moment of your wedding day (not to mention the killer dance party!). All my best to you both in your future together.

Vendor Team

Getting Ready location: Virgin Hotels/Bride’s dress: Hayley Paige/Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka/Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss/Rings: James Allen/Invitation: Minted/Hair: Erin Graham/Makeup: Evy Papadopoulos/Officiant: Michael Moody/Cake: City Winery/DJ: Katy from Toast & Jam/Florist: Redberry Floral Designs

I met Lynn and Marker at their home in Uptown last month on a chilly afternoon before Christmas. Our session began with a brisk walk around the block with their sweet dog Jake! I had heard so much about this guy before meeting him, and knew how important it was that we include him in their session. We were lucky enough to capture some fun family photos outside before retreating to their warm apartment 🙂

We said goodbye to Jake and headed to my favorite place in all of Chicago, the Garfield Park Conservatory. This was Lynn and Marker’s first time there, so lucky me – I got to play tour-guide! We had fun pretending exploring the rooms and we were in a tropical rainforest… and even ran outside for some quick golden hour photos before sunset. The holiday display was a room full of vibrant Pointsettas (this was Lynn’s favorite!), and a perfect place to end our session.

Lynn and Marker have been together for a decade, and are so excited to tie the knot this year. See how they look at each other?! It was a pleasure photographing these two, and I’m already counting the days til their June wedding!

Lani and Justin’s destination newlywed session took place the day after their wedding in Cancún, Mexico. Their wedding day was a giant celebration (check out the link below!). But besides having their nuptials in a tropical paradise, they wanted some intimate, romantic portraits with just the two of them. I mean – what better way to spend the first day of your marriage? We jumped on a ferry to Isla Mujeres and spent the afternoon creating some of my favorite portraits to date.

The three of us got around the island on a go-cart (thanks for driving, Justin!) and went straight to the southern point, or Punta Sur. Fun fact: this is also the easternmost point and highest elevation in all of Mexico. The temple to Mayan Goddess Ix-Chel is there, rested on cliffs beyond a modern sculpture garden. There was a time when the entire island was devoted to Ix-Chel, ruler of fertility, motherhood, and the moon (basically all things feminine). When Lani and I started talking about her wedding photos over a year ago, incorporating Mayan ruins was a must. I think we did pretty good 🙂

We dodged some tourists, explored the ruins, and started making our way back to town when we came upon a hidden treasure called Playa Lancheros! Lucky for us, we arrived JUST in time for sunset. Lani slipped into her red dress, and we took a quick dip in the ocean before dark. The sea was warmer than I’d ever felt it, and the colors of the sky looked unreal. These are hands-down some of my favorite images from the entire weekend.

Back in town we met up with family before heading back to the mainland. I was off to Chicago the next morning, but the happy newlyweds had another week to spend together in paradise.

Want to see what we did the day before? Check out their Cancún destination wedding at Villa del Palmar!

Amanda and Rob’s Chicago Rivers Restaurant wedding in September was a gorgeous celebration among family and friends. Their 18 month engagement gave way to a highly anticipated wedding day! From their first look at The Rookery Building to their first dance to K-Ci & JoJo, their day was one of the most fun celebrations I’ve ever been a part of.

Some of my favorite details from the day were Amanda’s wedding slippers, hand-sewn by her grandmother. Guests also sipped the “Chlo-Rita,” a signature cocktail named after their beloved pooch, Chloe! The most memorable moment of the evening, however, was an absentee Best Man speech from Rob’s brother Jim. Jim was deployed overseas and couldn’t attend, but that didn’t stop him from being heard! A perfectly executed surprise by Amanda… not one eye was dry (I have the photos to prove it!).

Amanda and Rob: Thanks again for having me capture your awesome Rivers Restaurant wedding!! All the best to you both!

Vendor Team

Venue: Rivers Restaurant/Event Planner & Florist: Amelia Cole Events/Dress: Amsale/Shoes: Jimmy Choo/Tux: The Black Tux/Invitation: Minted/DJ: Kristin from Toast & Jam/Cake: Sweet Mandy B’s/String Musicians: Moeller Music/Officiant: Jef Johnson/Tables and Linens: Classic Party Rentals

Lucas and Lizzie’s dreamy Milwaukee engagement session was such a treat. These two have lived in Chicago together for several years, but their story began in (my hometown) Milwaukee! Of course, we thought – what better place to take their engagement photos? We made the trek one Friday in early December, and it was one of those gorgeous, 50+ degree days. Although the day seemed to be perfect on its own – these two really made their session what it was.

Lakefront Brewery Engagement

We met at Lakefront Brewery (one of our mutual favorite Milwaukee spots) and even got to explore downstairs in the actual brewery! Shout out to Mike at the brewery for making this possible! Lizzie really wanted an industrial vibe for their photos, and the iconic marsupial bridge was our answer. Honestly, every time I visit my hometown I miss it more and more.

Downtown Milwaukee Engagement Photos

After beers, we made our way to the Historic Third Ward for some good old nostalgia (and more photos, of course!). But – our session didn’t feel complete without stopping by the Milwaukee Art Museum. Lucky us, we arrived at the Calatrava just in time for the most colorful sunset! Lizzie and Lucas were such troopers – even though it was getting chilly, we were still able to make some magic. My favorite thing about photographing these two: they never once stopped smiling.

Lizzie and Lucas: I’m so happy we were able to have your engagement session in Milwaukee! You two were a blast to photograph – already getting excited for your Chicago wedding next fall 🙂

I was so excited to finally meet Eric and Amalia for their Memphis engagement session last month. In fact, I believe the morning I left Chicago was our first snowfall of the season! Needless to say, I was more than happy to head south for a bit 🙂

Amalia and Eric have known each other for a long time. She’s from Chicago (where they will wed next summer) and he’s originally from the south. They got engaged in Indianapolis earlier this year – Eric designed the ring himself! – and have since made a home together in Memphis.

Our session began at the Memphis Botanic Garden – which was gorgeous! I’d never been to Memphis before and wasn’t sure what to expect, but was happy to see the fall colors starting to peak while I was there. We made our way downtown, stopping at a couple of AWESOME street murals along the way! Murals pictured are located outside of Memphis Made Brewing, at Water Tower Pavilion in the Broad Avenue Arts District, and downtown on Main Street.

We ended our session at sunset on the rooftop of The Peabody, a historic hotel from 1869 with fantastic views of the city. The hotel is also home to a group of mallard ducks who ceremoniously march from the lobby fountain to their rooftop palace twice a day, every day. We happened to catch them during their evening march – which was quite a sight to see.

Amalia and Eric: Thanks again for showing me around your city! I had fun hanging out with you both, and I’m really looking forward to your wedding day in August!

Isaac first contacted me about a month ago, knowing a few things for certain: he was going to ask Amy to marry him, he wanted his surprise proposal documented, and she couldn’t suspect it no matter what! He decided that The Robey Chicago was the perfect spot – with their incredible rooftop view of the skyline, what could be better? They’d have brunch at Café Robey downstairs and then make their way to the Up & Up for what Amy would think is a champagne tasting, and he’d pop the question while they were outside enjoying the view.

Well, friends – that’s exactly what happened. I posed as a bartender until they were outside, and… well, I’ll let the photos tell the rest. It was such an awesome moment – proposals are one of my absolute favorite things to photograph! As promised, there was no shortage of champagne (Dom Pérignon, anyone?). Spoiler alert: she said YES 🙂

CONGRATULATIONS, Amy and Isaac!!

Shout out to Hannah and Anna at The Robey for helping make this happen!

Liz and Jen’s Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool wedding ceremony was everything they wanted it to be: intimate, peaceful, and surrounded by loved ones. If you’re into nature, this is the perfect spot for a romantic ceremony! These two planned the entire day themselves, and it came together seamlessly.

Jen and Liz began their wedding morning at Hotel Lincoln. When I arrived to meet them, they were in matching plaid (how great is that?)! They got ready for their wedding together, one of my absolute favorite ways to break tradition. Meanwhile, their guests gathered to greet them at the Lily Pool. Luckily we had just enough time to stop at the J. Parker rooftop for some photos before heading to their ceremony.

Their wedding day was filled with unique personal touches. For instance, a childhood friend of Liz performed the heartfelt ceremony. It was perfect! I love how emotional smaller wedding ceremonies tend to be. Truly, I don’t think there was a dry eye among us.

After the ceremony, the three of us celebrated with newlywed photos in Lincoln Park. We even got to reminisce their first date at Lincoln Park Zoo! If one thing is clear, it’s that these two have each other’s hearts. Their smiles did not fade the entire morning 🙂

Want to have your own Caldwell Lily Pool wedding?

I don’t blame you! This stunning location is one of Chicago’s best kept secrets. Consequently, intimate weddings are popular here! The Lily Pool is part of the Lincoln Park Conservancy, and it regularly hosts wedding ceremonies with 30 guests or less. Learn more and reserve your date HERE.

Liz and Jen: Thank you again for having me capture your wedding day! It was truly an honor. Wishing you so much happiness in your married life.

Vendor Team

Getting Ready: Hotel Lincoln/Ceremony: Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool/Dress: Tadashi Shoji from BHLDN/Blazer: Sumissura/Suit pants: Calvin Klein/Florist: Sprout Home/Rings: Sparkles Fine Jewelry (Liz’s ring custom made with Jen’s grandmother’s diamond)/Invitation: Vistaprint

When Kelly and Matt first told me about their wedding plans, I was instantly excited for them. First, they wished to tie the knot in a private ceremony at Logan Theatre. As a fellow movie nerd, I knew this would be awesome! Later that evening, the celebration continued with a live music show by their favorite band. Friends and family traveled from near and far for their Logan Auditorium wedding reception… lead singer Todd Hembrook even flew in for the occasion!

After their intimate ceremony in the Lounge, we were lucky enough to take some newlywed portraits in the theatre. (Thanks for helping make this possible, Jen!) Before heading to the reception, we stopped at pizza place Boiler Room for a few photos. This is where Kelly and Matt’s love story began, and Kelly wanted to make an appearance in her wedding dress! Shout out to the awesome staff for accommodating us!

Matt and Kelly’s Logan Auditorium wedding reception was an absolute blast. The Hemispheres kept the crowd singing and dancing into the night! In other words, the party was EPIC and these two were all smiles 🙂

Kelly and Matt: Thank you again for letting me be a part of your wedding day! Wishing you nothing but happiness in your future together.

Vendor Team

Dress: Watters gown from Nancy’s Bridal Boutique/Bride’s shoes: BuffybabeDesigns/Suit: custom from Formally Modern Tuxedo/Ceremony: Logan Theatre/Reception: Logan Auditorium/Coordinator: Bollo Hollow Weddings/Band: Todd Hembrook and The Hemispheres/Florist: Chicago Flower Company/Caterer: Real Kitchen Chicago/Dessert: Mariano’s/Bride’s rings: Steve Quick Jewelers/Groom’s ring: Manly Bands/Invitation: VistaPrint/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Want to see more Kelly and Matt? Check out their spring Logan Square Engagement Session!

One very sunny day in late October, I met Ashley and Brett at Apple Holler Farm for an adorable Wisconsin engagement session. I admit, I have passed by this place countless times while commuting between Milwaukee Chicago. Never had the opportunity to check it out! I know – I can hardly believe it either! Turns out, these two got engaged at Apple Holler a month earlier, and it ended up being the perfect setting for their engagement session!

Ashley and Brett are originally from Phoenix, Arizona and have been together for many years. Their proposal story is so sweet – because their first date included apple picking, Brett decided on Apple Holler as the place to pop the question. It was a complete surprise to Ashley and their group of friends who were with them (way to go, Brett)! As a result, they celebrated appropriately with champagne and a picnic in the orchard 🙂

Ashley and Brett: I had such a great time at the orchard with you both! Your desert wedding next year sounds like a dream – I know it will be the best day ever. Congratulations again!!