Emma Mullins Photography

Surprise!! Today I’m excited to feature another Italy wedding from the Bella Vita Retreat this spring. If you like what you see and missed yesterday’s post, definitely check go back and check it out!

Also worth mentioning: I’m pretty sure this was one of the windiest days on record at the lake (ain’t no thang for this Chicago girl!). Truly, I’m grateful we were able to move forward with this gorgeous shoot as planned.

Villa Pizzo Wedding

After our lovely morning elopement at Lake Como, we made our way across the lake to historic Villa Pizzo. When we arrived mid-afternoon, I couldn’t help but explore this incredible property and all the potential photo locations! To be honest, being inside this place is a bit overwhelming… everywhere you turn there’s a centuries-old artpiece, furniture or painting. In fact, according to Villa Pizzo’s web site, the villa was once home to John the Baptist.

Our shoot began inside the villa with a custom invitation suite and bridal details. We were soon joined by Yana and Giuseppe, looking stylish as ever! Aside from our impressive surroundings, the villa gets gorgeous light for pre-ceremony photos. I could have photographed them here for hours! Before we knew it, these two were fully dressed and ready for their intimate ceremony on the terrace overlooking the lake.

After their romantic ceremony (shout out to Sydney of The Ivory Standard for stepping in to officiate!), it was time for newlywed photos around the property. With endless options, we made the most of our time with these two before their sunset boat ride!

Lake Como Boat Ride

This part of the shoot was much anticipated by many, though admittedly I didn’t think much of it leading up to the day. Of course, it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the entire retreat! What’s not to love about riding around in a boat on Lake Como during sunset? Add in a couple of happy newlyweds after their Villa Pizzo wedding ceremony, and you’ve got your dream job! Okay, maybe it’s not your dream job… but for me, it couldn’t get much closer 🙂

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to travel to Italy to photograph FIVE styled shoots hosted by Bella Vita Retreats! The retreat took place over three days in April, including a handful of talented photographers from around the world. Besides getting to work alongside other creatives for most of our waking ours, I was lucky enough enjoy Northern Italy with this group as well! Over the next two weeks I’ll be sharing my images from the retreat, on both digital and film.

Lake Como Elopement

Our very first shoot may have been the most fun: Makayla and CJoe’s Lake Como elopement! We met these two early in the morning, looking stylish and in love as ever. My favorite detail was the red hot Vespa we got to play with – they even got to take it for a spin! I loved that these two were up for anything, including popping a bottle of Prosecco in an Italian alleyway. Fun fact: the woman who lived in the yellow house came out to congratulate the couple, and offered us glassware so they could drink the wine in style! If you look closely, you can spot her in the background of one of my photos…

Makayla and CJoe were the perfect couple for this shoot and I’m thrilled at how these images turned out! Stay tuned for more Italy on the Blog coming SOON 🙂

Meggie and Caleb’s Firehouse Chicago wedding this spring was an absolute delight to capture. Originally scheduled for September of this year, they decided to change plans after learning that their family would be expanding this summer! I happily joined their team of vendors in shifting to a May date, and a few months later, these two were officially married 🙂

When I first heard from Meggie and Caleb, they described their wedding vision this way:

“We are queer and polyamorous, and our wedding will reflect this! We plan to include our other partners and our Chicago community as much as possible. We also have an 11-year-old kiddo who we hope will participate in some way. We hope to create traditions around the wedding and reception that feel right for us, rather than defaulting to what we’ve seen before. We also hope to create space for an intimate gathering with our friends and family before the formal ceremony.”

Firehouse Chicago Wedding

As you may guess, their vision came together beautifully. We met these two at Firehouse Chicago on the most lovely spring afternoon, getting ready together with loved ones. Caleb’s stepfather officiated the emotional ceremony, which included meditative breathing, personal vows, and a moment to honor their family. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place!

That evening, the Newlyweds spent time visiting with their guests in the venue’s lovely garden. Highlights include delicious food and mocktails, heartfelt speeches, and an impressive first dance to get the party started! We even got to take a few impromptu maternity photos in the garden… how cute are they?! This day was a celebration not only Meggie and Caleb’s marriage, but the love and support of their community and growing family. It was truly a pleasure to document and be part of.

Meggie and Caleb: Thank you again for having us in May!! We couldn’t be more excited for you two and all that’s to come!

In May, I was lucky enough to return to NYC for Julie and Austin’s engagement session! I met up with these two at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a dream New York City engagement photo location. Similar to Chicago’s Art Institute, there are so many places for a photographer to get creative! We started with the Egyptian art collection, dating as far back as 300,000 B.C. Fun fact: The collection includes the Temple of Dendur, a gift to The Met from Egypt in 1967. Yep, we got to learn things AND take pretty engagement photos! We eventually wandered through the American Wing and past European paintings, to find ourselves back in The Great Hall and ready for the next location.

Central Park Engagement Photos

Leaving the museum, we felt a few drops of rain that would remain consistent for the duration of our session. Thankfully, Julie and Austin were not fazed by the weather! We took a stroll through Central Park, stopping at Belvedere Castle, Bow Bridge (not to be confused with Beau Bridges), and Bethesda Terrace (my fave). Of course, Central Park is filled with prime photo locations – I could have stayed here all day! Austin and Julie were kind enough to navigate through the massive park, and eventually to our next stop: the ferry terminal.

The NYC Ferry

When we first started planning their session, Julie and Austin were quick to suggest taking the ferry between locations. I soon learned that the NYC Ferry had a large part in how these two got together! Turns out they used to live “a ferry ride away” from each other, so much of their early dating days were spent on the ferry. Naturally, we had to include a ferry ride into their New York City engagement session!

South Street Seaport Engagement Photos

When we got off the ferry at Wall Street, the drops of rain had turned to a seaside mist. Julie and Austin embraced the weather and were all about each other. We made our way to South Street Seaport for some romantic photos in the rain. I absolutely loved the Old World/European feel of this location, and am so happy we ended here! If you look closely, you’ll notice some film photos from this part of the session 🙂

Austin and Julie: Thanks for having me capture your New York City engagement photos! You two were a blast to hang with, wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.

Lucinda and Mark are getting married in TEN DAYS!! Today I’m starting the countdown with their lovely spring engagement session at The Art Institute of Chicago. I met up with these two on a Thursday afternoon in May, to take advantage of the museum’s extended hours. One of the first things I learned about Lucinda and Mark is that they got engaged here (awww!)… so of course we had to return for engagement photos! Turns out they got engaged on a Thursday evening as well – how sweet is that? It’s like we planned it!

Art Institute of Chicago Engagement Photos

If you’re looking for a unique and classic location for your Chicago engagement session, The Art Institute is an easy choice. Besides being a built-in rain (or heat!) plan, this place gets great natural light during the day! There are infinite locations for photos, not to mention the gorgeous outdoor gardens if weather is nice. That evening we decided to visit the Modern Wing, my favorite O’Keefe, and a handful of world-famous paintings (namely Nighthawks and American Gothic). Oh – and Mark wanted to check out the Thorne Miniature Rooms… so cool! Rumor has it Wes Anderson is a big fan of these as well.

Chicago Lakefront Engagement

Many of you know that I love to end a session at the lakefront with a view of our skyline. This was no exception! After our museum adventure, we headed to North Avenue Beach to do just that. After all, we wanted to embrace the Chicago theme – which will come into play on wedding day as well! Fun fact: these two first met when Lucinda had just moved here from England, and Mark was kind enough to show her around our great city. Needless to say, Chicago holds special meaning for them. I’m so glad we were able to end their session with this VIEW 🙂

Lucinda and Mark: This was such a fun session!! Thanks again for having me – can’t wait to do it again very soon!

Looking for more Art Institute of Chicago engagement session inspiration? Check out these other posts on the Blog!

Kasia & Jonathan | Jolene & Will | Jess & Matt Elopement

Wedding season is in full swing, and I’m throwing it back to one of our favorite wedding days from 2023! Kat and Emilio’s intimate Adler Planetarium wedding last September was one for the books. Highlights include gorgeous Chicago weather, a private vow exchange in Grant Park, and a sunset lakefront ceremony. These two were all eyes on each other, making my job easy, of course!

The Blackstone Hotel

The day began with Emilio and Kat getting ready separately at The Blackstone on Michigan Avenue. I was lucky enough to hang with Kat’s party in the Suite of Presidents, where countless names have stayed throughout history. This hotel is one of my favorite photo locations in the city – the location is unbeatable, and each suite has its own unique style. And speaking of style, Kat and Emilio rocked their own as well! My favorite details include Emilio’s custom green suit and Kat’s dried floral bouquet. After their first look on Michigan, we headed across the street for photos in the park.

Adler Planetarium Wedding

Later that afternoon, we headed south to the Planetarium to meet the wedding party. We had a blast taking in the iconic skyline view, and before long it was time to get these two married! Kat and Emilio tied the knot along the lakefront, in a ceremony officiated by a friend. I absolutely love that these two decided to celebrate with a more intimate group. The entire reception felt very personal and romantic, and I’m certain this is one reason why!

That evening, guests enjoyed cocktails on the terrace as the sun set over Lake Michigan. The reception was filled with astrology-themed details, including a private Sky Show for guests! Other favorite themed details included their table numbers and cocktail napkins, in honor of their pup Wanda who could not be in attendance 🙂

Kat and Emilio: Thank you again for having us last year!! We loved everything about your wedding day, wishing you a lifetime of happiness!

Neha and John are getting married in just a few weeks, and today I’m excited to share their summer Lincoln Park engagement session! Dan met up with these two outside the Lincoln Park Conservatory, a nod to their spring engagement earlier last year. After a lovely evening stroll in the conservatory gardens, they headed south to the Nature Boardwalk. As you’d expect for mid-summer, the wildflowers were in full bloom! If there’s one thing I love for engagement sessions, it’s a pop of color – and what better place for that than Lincoln Park in the summertime?

As the sun began to set, they made their way to the lakefront for some romantic photos with our skyline. They even crossed paths with the occasional runner or cyclist… a given for any Chicago summer engagement session! My favorite photos are some of the creative ones, including that romantic silhouette at sunset 🙂 Thanks for capturing these moments so beautifully, Dan!

Neha and John: Thank you again for having us last summer! I can’t wait to be part of your wedding day next month!!

Looking for more summer Lincoln Park Engagement inspiration? Check out some other favorite sessions on the Blog!

Kenia & Bobby | Claire & Mark | Minal & Drew | Libby & Avi | Sara & Brian

Kasia and Jonathan’s wedding day was an absolute honor to capture. From their gorgeous Bond Chapel ceremony at the University of Chicago campus to the evening reception at Lacuna Lofts, loved ones were eager to congratulate and celebrate with these two! We even had a chance to stop at some of Chicago’s most iconic photo locations in between.

Bond Chapel Wedding Ceremony

Kasia and Jonathan got ready separately that morning before their emotional first look outside the chapel. We were super lucky to see some spring blooms on campus, even in late March! Because Jonathan is a staff member at the University, the location had special meaning to both of them. Father Andrew officiated the ceremony, and once the knot was tied, these two were ALL smiles!! Their church exit says it all… I can still smell the spring air and feel the joy!

Lacuna Lofts Reception

That evening, friends and family gathered at Lacuna Lofts to celebrate Kasia and Jonathan. The space was a perfect fit for Kasia, a talented artist herself! The spring air turned moody just in time for some epic rooftop photos with the skyline – one of the best views in the city! Guests enjoyed delicious food and drink before dancing the night away. And to top it all off, we were able to step outside for a sparkler exit on the rooftop! My absolute favorite way to end a wedding day 🙂

Kasia and Jonathan: Thank you again for having us this year!! Your wedding day was a pleasure to be part of, wishing you all the happiness in the world!

In March, we kicked off 2024 wedding season with Morgan and Jarett’s LM Studio Chicago wedding! Remember their adorable Chicago engagement session last year?! I have been counting the days until their wedding ever since!

The day began with Morgan’s side getting ready at Hilton Chicago, and Jarett’s at Le Méridien down the street. After their first look on the Hilton hotel staircase, the crew took a stroll across Michigan Avenue for photos in Grant Park! The wedding party stunned in black tie attire and shades of sage, and Morgan and Jarett were all eyes on each other. Before long, it was time to head back to the studio and get these two married!!

LM Studio Chicago Wedding

That evening, Morgan and Jarett tied the knot at LM Studio surrounded by loved ones, overlooking our incredible city. Their emotional ceremony included several personal touches, such as honoring each of their mothers with a single rose. Once it was officially official, everyone was ready to PARTY… and it didn’t stop there! Guests enjoyed delicious food and drink, and the newlyweds were happy as can be. Not to mention the PARTY on the dance floor that lasted well into the night! Alexis was lucky enough to sneak them outside for a few night photos – some of our favorites from the entire day 🙂

Morgan and Jarett: Thank you again for having us this year!! It was an absolute honor to be part of your day. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to 2024! Wishing you two alllll the happiness in Marriage!!

It finally feels like SPRING here in Chicago, so I thought I’d share Megan and Eric’s sunny spring engagement session in Lincoln Park! These two are getting married in exactly ONE MONTH, which also happens to be their five-year anniversary. How great is that?! It was a pleasure hanging out with these two last year, I’m getting SO excited for wedding day!

Lincoln Park Engagement

I met up with Megan and Eric at one of our city’s most iconic locations for engagement photos, Lincoln Park. We embraced the Chicago sunshine, strolling through the Nature Boardwalk and South Pond area. These two could not have been more adorable together, making my job easy! Weather was lovely for a walk in the park – including the first sign of spring blooms. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Lincoln Park is ideal because it’s picturesque every time of year, with any kind of weather! I’m so happy we decided to take photos here 🙂

As the sun began to set, we headed to North Avenue Beach for photos with the Chicago skyline, of course! We were lucky enough to have the lakefront mostly to ourselves, a rare occurrence in the summer and fall, for sure. Eric and Megan were a breeze to photograph… and up for trying all my ideas! The double exposure from their session is one of my absolute favorites to date, tying in their wedding theme (stay tuned about that next month!).

Megan and Eric: Thanks again for having me capture these moments for you! Your Chicago spring engagement session was a dream, can’t wait to do it again very SOON!!