Emma Mullins Photography

Caitlin and Daniel are getting married in less than two weeks!! To celebrate, I’m reminiscing on their summer Wicker Park engagement session. These two are nothing but smiles when they’re together – I have no doubt their Chicago wedding day is going to be AWESOME. See for yourself!

Wicker Park Engagement Photos

On a beautiful evening last summer, I met up with Daniel and Caitlin in their neighborhood for photos. We had the best time strolling down Milwaukee Avenue to all their favorite spots… including Wicker Park itself and The Robey Chicago, of course! Not to mention my new favorite mural, freshly painted by Lisa Wronski and a perfect representation of the neighborhood. This one is a must for any Wicker Park engagement session!

We made our way up Milwaukee for cocktails at Up Room. Caitlin and Daniel celebrated here after they got engaged – making our stop even more special! Sidenote: if you’ve never been to this iconic rooftop bar at The Robey, you ARE missing out. The views alone are worth the trip!

Chicago Lakefront Engagement Photos

As the sun began to set, we stopped back at their place for an outfit change before heading to the lakefront. By now, you probably know that North Avenue Beach is one of our favorite engagement session locations in the city… and it’s easy to see why! The sky gets especially colorful here during the summertime, and when the city lights come on I’m one happy photographer 🙂 This session was the perfect mix of romance, fun, and ideal Chicago weather.

Caitlin and Daniel: Thanks again for having me last summer! You two were a treat to spend the evening with. Can’t wait for you to tie the knot later this month!!

Last month, I got to meet up with Cynthia and Arjun in NYC during my trip to the East Coast! These two were a treat to photograph and explore the city with… oh, did I mention this was only hours after a 4.8-magnitude earthquake hit New York?! Good times! Don’t worry, guys – it was a minor quake and most locals didn’t seem bothered by it. Lucky for us, our planned photo locations remained accessible and we were able to have the DREAMIEST spring session in the city.

World Trade Center Engagement Photos

I met these two inside the Oculus building at the new World Trade Center transportation hub. This building officially opened in 2016, and was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava (who also designed the Milwaukee Art Museum, of course!). After some artsy warm-up photos (you know I love those lines!), we took a lovely evening stroll through Lower Manhattan.

Brooklyn Bridge Engagement Photos

One of the things I had most been looking forward to for this session was Brooklyn Bridge! Not only is it one of the most iconic landmarks in New York, I was eager to hang out here during golden hour and create some magic. Arjun and Cynthia were all about each other, and even got congratulations from pedestrians (and there were a LOT of pedestrians!). I’m so happy that earthquake left the bridge intact!

DUMBO Engagement Photos

Our final destination was another personal favorite, and one I’ve visited many times: DUMBO! If you’re not familiar, this neighborhood is an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. It’s filled with cobblestone streets, cute restaurants, and fantastic skyline views. An ideal spot for tourists – and engagement photos! We made our way to the waterfront as the sun set over East River. Finally, we ended with a classic New York slice at Front Street Pizza!

Cynthia and Arjun: Thank you again for having me in April! This session was truly a dream, wishing you both all the happiness in the world 🙂

It’s no secret this month has been full of travel, starting with Alex & Stacey’s Jersey City engagement session! These two have been East-Coasters for a year, and I was excited to meet them for photos in their hometown 🙂

Jersey City Engagement Photos

We started with a stretch of colorful murals on 12th street, just north of downtown. Stacey and Alex were quick to warm up to the camera… and their outfits happened to perfectly coordinate with the street art! After a quick round of mural-hopping, we made our way downtown for more city vibes. We strolled Newark Avenue, and even popped into Barcade for a game of Galaga! Shout out to the staff for letting us sneak a few photos!! Of course, we couldn’t leave the neighborhood without hunting for cherry blossoms (which weren’t hard to find at all).

Liberty State Park Engagement Photos

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Liberty State Park for a killer view of Manhattan’s skyline. This was one of my favorite locations from our session – filled with iconic city views, an abandoned train station, and yes, even more spring florals! Alex and Stacey were basically pro models by this point, and up for trying all my ideas. I couldn’t have asked for a better first visit to the Garden State!

Stacey and Alex: Thank you again for having me this month! Can’t wait for you to tie the knot in Chicago this summer!!

Throwing it back to last SUMMER with Haley and Anthony’s wedding reception at Morgan’s on Fulton! As you may recall, these two eloped in Milwaukee last May with their immediate families and sweet pup, Fletcher 🙂 Since then we’d been counting down the days until they’d get to celebrate with family and friends at home in Chicago!

West Loop Wedding Photos

Haley and Anthony got ready separately at The Emily in the West Loop, surrounded by their favorite people. After their joyful first look outside the hotel entrance, we took a quick stroll around the neighborhood! Shout out to the manager at Time Out Market who invited us to take photos with the epic Rahmaan Statik mural honoring Virgil Abloh. I’m pretty sure this impromptu invitation was inspired by Anthony’s wedding shoes!

Morgan’s on Fulton Wedding Reception

That evening, we made our way to the venue in time for finishing touches before guests arrived. And when they arrived, they were ready to celebrate! Just like their marquee says: it was Party TIME. I don’t think the newlyweds stopped smiling or hugging people the entire night!

Delicious food and drinks flowed, and lots of kind words were said about the happy couple. Some highlights include their elopement photos on display for guests to see, and custom cookies to honor sweet Fletcher! We were even greeted with a little Chicago weather as dancing began, and the newlyweds were great sports about taking a night photo in the rain. It IS good luck you guys… I promise!!

Haley and Anthony: THANK YOU again for trusting me to capture both your elopement day in Milwaukee, and Chicago celebration last year! You two are an absolute delight in front of the camera, wishing you nothing but the best in your future together.

Want to see more Haley & Anthony? Check out their joyful Milwaukee elopement on the Blog!!

Last September I was lucky enough to hang out with Meggie and Caleb for their Winnemac Park engagement session! We started at their Andersonville home for photos with pup Elliott, and a lovely neighborhood stroll. We talked about wedding planning, home ownership, and Elliott, of course! These two are smitten as can be… and a treat to have in front of my lens!

Winnemac Park Engagement Photos

As golden hour approached, we headed to nearby Winnemac Park! If you live on the north side of the city and are looking for picturesque engagement session locations, I highly recommend this place. I don’t get to take photos here very often, but every time I do it’s a dream! Winnemac Park has everything, from wildflower gardens to willow trees and little woodland creatures running free. A nature lover’s delight in the big city.

We also met up with Meggie and Caleb’s family member, TK! I had such a blast exploring the park with these three – their happiness is truly contagious. This session was seriously FUN! And in a few short weeks, Caleb and Meggie will be MARRIED!!

Meggie and Caleb: Thank you again for having me capture these moments for you! Can’t wait to make it official very SOON 🙂

Allison and Matthew’s Warehouse 109 garden wedding ceremony last September was an absolute delight to capture! I first heard from these two shortly after their engagement in November 2021, and they were thrilled to be planning a wedding. When their 2023 day finally arrived, they were as excited as ever! I honestly don’t think either of them stopped smiling the entire day.

The day began with Allison and her party in the venue’s lovely bridal suite. This room is one of the venue’s most valuable features – seriously! The light is always soft and gorgeous (perfect for getting ready photos, just saying!) – and it’s a short walk to the actual venue. An ideal place to stay hidden from your guests before the ceremony! When it was time for their first look, we met Matthew in the garden for a heartfelt private vow exchange. Before we knew it, the wedding party joined us for photos in the garden before the ceremony began!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a private vow exchange before the ceremony is one of my favorite ways to break tradition. If the thought of pouring your soul out to your partner in front of 100+ guests makes you cringe, definitely consider working this into your wedding day!!

Warehouse 109 Garden Wedding

That afternoon, Allison and Matthew were married in a stunning garden wedding ceremony surrounded by their closest people. The rain in the forecast gave us just a few drops (good luck!), and the newlyweds couldn’t have been happier! The evening continued with yard games, barbeque, flowing drinks, and LOTS of dancing. Oh – did I mention the DIY decor? Allison created the signs, seating chart and floral arrangements herself… including that bouquet! I loved the subtle nods to their cats Heihei and Lila, and will forever be impressed by that dessert table. Of course we had to take a romantic night photo in the courtyard, a perfect end to the Best Day Ever 🙂

Allison and Matt: THANK YOU again for having us last year!! Your wedding day was a dream to capture, I wish you nothing but the best in your future together!

Looking for more Warehouse 109 garden wedding inspo?! Check out the following posts on the Blog!

Caitlyn & Ray | Brittany & Dan

Layne and Rose are getting married next month (!!), and I’m starting the countdown by sharing their South Loop engagement session! These two have been enjoying Chicago life since moving here from the east coast, and will tie the knot in our city in a few short weeks 🙂

We met up at their home last spring for photos with cats Charlie and Oliver. These boys were truly a bundle of joy… and loving every minute of their photoshoot! Even though they almost stole the show, Layne and Rose couldn’t help but love on their furbabies for as long as they would allow. After a couple of beers (and lots of cat cuddles), we headed out on the town.

Windy City Engagement Photos

If you live in Chicago or have ever visited, you know our weather is… a thing. Even with a trusty weather app or detailed forecast, the actual weather can be completely unpredictable. Luckily, no matter what the weather during your engagement session, I’m confident we’ll still get awesome photos (and maybe even a fun story to tell!).

Straight up: this was probably the windiest Windy City engagement session I have ever photographed. The three of us were hilariously trying to fight the breeze while walking along the lakefront, and sometimes the breeze won! Rose and Layne were great sports about Chicago weather, and we had a blast playing with it until the end. Nevertheless, these two couldn’t stop smiling and we captured some of my favorite engagement session images to date. When the seagulls begin to stop mid-air, you know it’s a windy day in the Windy City!

Layne and Rose: I had so much fun at your South Loop engagement session last spring! Thanks again for having me – can’t wait to do it again very SOON!!

Last fall, I got to hang out with Megan and Ted for their Chicago engagement session adventure! Our session ended up being a sort of “tour” of their love story… beginning at the downtown Loyola University campus. It happened to be a gorgeous afternoon with lots of golden sunlight, and students in every direction, of course! We even took a quick hot dog break at Devil Dawgs on Rush!

Little Biggie

After our fill of college nostalgia, we headed up north to their neighborhood to meet Biggie! Not only is he the smallest pup I’ve ever seen, he has got to be one of the cutest. To say I was obsessed with his little face is an understatement! Megan and Ted of course shared this opinion, and we were able to capture some really sweet moments of these three near their Chicago apartment. I was said to say goodbye to this guy!

Belmont Harbor Engagement Photos

Our final engagement session destination was Belmont Harbor. This happens to be the very spot where Ted asked Megan to marry him, and I loved hearing all about the proposal! The lakefront is such a classic and romantic place to get engaged, don’t you agree?! What’s more, Chicago weather was kind to us with a true October sky… and these two were all smiles the entire time 🙂

Megan and Ted: Thank you again for having me last fall! I absolutely loved every minute of this session, wishing you two all the best in Married Life!!

Anybody else dreaming about summer? Look no further: Madeleine and Justin’s Ovation wedding was full of happy faces summer vibes! As you may recall from their fall neighborhood engagement session, these two are a breeze in front of the camera and super fun to hang out with. I already knew their wedding day was going to be awesome (and SPOILER ALERT… it was!).

Publishing House Bed and Breakfast

Madeleine and Justin got ready separately at The Publishing House B&B, one of Chicago’s most unique locations for photos and private events. Each of their parties had a full floor to themselves, allowing separation when necessary (but also making this part of the day super convenient!). Justin and Mads exchanged letters and gifts before their first look on the staircase, one of many picturesque locations in the building. Before we knew it, we were headed downtown for some iconic Chicago photos with the wedding party!

Pro tip: If you LOVE the look of this place for your wedding day, contact them ASAP! They book up well in advance.

Ovation Wedding

We arrived at Ovation with just enough time to take a spin with the venue’s Rolls Royce! This part of the day is always a highlight for any Ovation wedding, whether you opt for photos before the ceremony or after. Madeleine and Justin couldn’t keep their eyes off each other, looking stylish as ever. Shout out to Spencer for being the perfect chauffeur and designated driver!

Later that evening, Madeleine and Justin were married under the venue’s stunning skylight in a heartfelt ceremony officiated by a dear friend. Their sweet pup Oly even made a cameo appearance… he almost stole the show! Once the knot was tied, guests enjoyed delicious food, cocktails, and lots of dancing, of course! The celebration continued into the night, and the Newlyweds were ALL smiles 🙂

Madeleine and Justin: Thank you again for having us in July!! We had the best time at your wedding, wishing you all the best in Married Life!

Want to see more from Mads and Justin’s Ovation wedding? Check out their gorgeous Highlight Film by George!

In December, I had the pleasure of wrapping our 2023 season with Ellen and Sean’s wedding at City View Loft! These two got engaged last February, and spent most of last year planning the most festive, romantic, and joyful celebration. I absolutely loved that every detail had a unique and personal touch! Their wedding day was truly a representation of their love for each other, as well as the most important people in their lives.

Downtown Chicago Wedding Photos

Ellen and Sean both got ready at the Springhill Suites in River North, and after their first look on Hubbard they were ALL smiles! We soon departed for a city tour with the wedding party to some of my favorite downtown Chicago locations. The holiday lights (and Sean’s custom suit!) made for the most festive December wedding photos! Finally, it was time to head to the venue so these two could make it official 🙂

City View Loft Wedding

Later that evening, Ellen and Sean were wed in the downstairs loft space known as Kitchen Chicago. A dear friend officiated the ceremony, which included the traditional Irish ring warming! Once the knot was tied, guests enjoyed delicious food, cocktails, and the Newlyweds’ favorite board games. One of my favorite details were the custom puzzle pieces on each dinner table, which formed a handwritten love letter to their loved ones. Such a creative and personal touch… these two thought of everything! I’m lucky they agreed to brave the (mild) December weather for a few romantic night photos before we said goodbye!

Ellen and Sean: Thank you again for having us last year! Your wedding day was a dream to be part of, wishing you all the happiness in the world.