Emma Mullins Photography

Last month I finally got to have a snowy winter engagement session with Alex and Matt! We had been watching the weather for weeks, and the stars aligned for us one weekend in January with a fresh snowfall. What’s more – we were lucky enough to meet for this session right before temperatures got really cold!

I met these two on a Saturday morning at one of their favorite local nature trails in Gurnee. Of course, they brought their pups Willow and Kira – who were absolutely thrilled with the fresh snow! We had a blast walking their usual route and finding the most picturesque locations. Alex and Matt’s first date was in January, so it was fun to celebrate their anniversary in such a gorgeous winter scene. These two were a breeze in front of the camera – and experts at keeping each other warm!

After some family photos with the pups, we made our way to a second location with romantic gazebo and majestic evergreens. We couldn’t end our session without a snowball fight – and I’m not even sure who won! Before long, Matt and Alex were back in each other’s arms, full of joy. I am so, so excited to capture their elopement day this spring!

Alexandra and Matthew: I’m so happy we were able to make your snowy winter engagement session dreams come true!! Can’t wait to do it again in just a few months 🙂

Today I’m excited to feature Emily and Kyle’s Cindy’s Rooftop wedding in September. When I first heard from these two, I was intrigued by their “modern, moody and minimal” vision for a wedding in this space. What’s more – it was an absolute treat to see their vision come to life (Emily’s black Rue de Seine gown was one for the books)!

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

That morning, Kyle and Emily got ready separately at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. After their first look on the iconic marble staircase, it was time for photos! Chicago weather couldn’t have been more perfect for a stroll to The Art Institute of Chicago, returning just in time to take advantage of the hotel’s unique locations. Their sweet pup Scully even dressed up for the occasion… and smiled for a photo, too!

Cindy’s Rooftop Wedding Ceremony

That evening, Emily and Kyle tied the knot on the terrace of Cindy’s Rooftop, overlooking our great city. Emily’s brother officiated the ceremony, and the musicians and DJ were all friends of the couple. Once they said I Do, they were beaming with joy and ready to celebrate!! Guests enjoyed delicious food and cocktails as the sun set over Lake Michigan, and the celebration continued into the night. Scully even stayed to greet guests and accept hugs on behalf of the happy couple 🙂

Emily and Kyle: Thank you again for having us in September!! We absolutely loved being part of your day, wishing you both all our best!

Last spring, I got to capture Anna-Kate and Greg’s gorgeous wedding celebration at Walden! Even though they had officially tied the knot in 2022, they’d always wanted to celebrate with friends and family here in Chicago. After a vow renewal ceremony on the venue’s 2nd floor, the party did not disappoint!

Walden Chicago Wedding

The day began with Anna-Kate and Greg getting ready separately at Walden. To say I was obsessed with Anna-Kate’s details would be an understatement! She truly had every accessory imaginable, customized just for her. Some DIY details by AK include the needlepointing on her jewelry box, and the entire stationery suite!

Both Anna-Kate and Greg looked spectacular for their first look on Walden’s rooftop overlooking the city. We took advantage of the view and surrounding neighborhood for photos… including underneath the El tracks! Classic Chicago 🙂 Finally, it was time to head back and get ready for their ceremony. Once these two said I Do, it was time to celebrate!!

Reception Highlights

Some of my favorite details from their reception include pops of spring color everywhere, photo booth props to honor their cats, and AK’s party dress! The evening was filled with love, laughter, and happy tears. DJ Kris kept the dance floor packed ALL night! I’m thankful the newlyweds snuck away for a few night photos with me – these are some of my favorite portraits from the entire day!

Anna-Kate and Greg: Thank you again for having us be a part of this happy day!! It was an absolute honor to capture. All my best to you both!

I’m excited to finally share Kasia and Jonathan’s epic summer Chicago engagement photos! These two will tie the knot in just a couple of months, and I’m getting super excited to capture their day. When I first heard from them, they wanted a mix of candid and editorial photos from their wedding… and I think this session was perfect practice! What better place in this city to capture this vibe than the Art Institute, am I right?!

Art Institute of Chicago Engagement Photos

If you’ve been following my Blog for some time, you know that one of my top photo locations in the city is the Art Institute of Chicago. The outdoor gardens are gorgeous, and inside is a perfect alternative in case of Chicago weather. I’ve been a member for years – which has been a lifesaver on wedding days, too! Naturally, we’ll feel like we can spend the entire day inside this place… and I’m so glad Kasia and Jonathan were up for exploring the galleries! Some of my favorite portfolio pieces of 2023 came from this session.

South Loop Engagement Photos

After the Institute, we headed to the South Loop to meet their pup, Riggs! We took a stroll among the Agora Sculptures, a 2006 installation by late Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz. It didn’t take long for Riggs to warm up to the camera, as you can see! Rumor has it he might make an appearance on wedding day… crossing my fingers I get to see that puppy face again!

As the sun began to set, we made our way to the lakefront for some romantic summer photos with the Chicago skyline. This session truly had it all: world-class art, the cutest pup, iconic downtown locations, romance and FUN! These two were a treat in front of the camera, and I can’t wait to do it again soon.

Kasia and Jonathan: Thanks for such an awesome summer session! Your wedding day this spring is going to be awesome 🙂

Aviva and Ben. Where do I begin with these two?! Their summer Skyline Loft wedding at Bridgeport Art Center was truly a dream, complete with a double rainbow (it’s true!). You may remember them from Ben’s surprise proposal in the summer of 2021… and I was fortunate enough to be there on wedding day, too!

One of my favorite things about Aviva and Ben is the pure joy that radiates whenever they’re together. Of course, this makes it easy on the photographer (thanks, guys!) – not to mention a treat to capture! The day began at Hotel Lincoln, across the street from the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool where Aviva said YES two summers earlier. After their private first look and rooftop photos at The J. Parker, we were off!

Chicago Wedding Party Photos

On our way to the venue, we made a quick stop with the wedding party was Kinzie Bridge. Besides being an iconic Chicago photo location (especially in the summer), it’s a meaningful one for Aviva and Ben. This wedding party was up for a good time, and I’m so happy we had a chance to stop here! And – lucky us, when we arrived at Bridgeport Art Center, the Sculpture Garden happened to be available for photos. Did we take advantage? You bet we did!

Skyline Loft Wedding Ceremony

Finally, it was time for the ceremony to begin. Ben and Aviva were married underneath the Chuppah in the venue’s gorgeous loft space, surrounded by the love and support of their guests. Once the glass was broken, it was time to celebrate!! I don’t think their smiles faded the rest of the day. We were even greeted with a summer shower immediately after stepping outside for newlywed photos, and these two were great sports. In case you didn’t know, rain on your wedding day IS good luck 🙂

That evening, family and friends enjoyed delicious food, drink and dancing with the newlyweds. Ben and Aviva were on Cloud Nine and the party didn’t stop there! I’m thankful they agreed to take a night photo with me after dark to show off their dance moves. No rain this time!

Aviva and Ben: THANK YOU again for having us capture your memories in June!! It’s been an absolute joy to be there from the beginning of your engagement through wedding day. Wishing you nothing but the best in Married Life!

Happy New Year’s Eve, friends! I’m pretty sure I say this every year, but it’s been nearly impossible to choose the Best of 2023 after such an incredible season. Of course, the past 12 months have flown by faster than ever… but looking back has been truly nostalgic!

This year we decided to take a limited number of weddings in order to better serve each and every couple. As a result, I have been able to build up our sister company P&M studio (give us a follow!), as well as say YES to more short-term opportunities (like surprise proposals, my FAVE!). No doubt 2023 would not have been the same without my amazingly talented team: Alexis, Amy Lynn, George, Trevor, Dan, Jess, Nohemi, Chrissy, Kate, and Jeremy. I’m lucky to get to work with such kind, professional, and skilled individuals who want the best for our awesome couples.

Highlights from 2023:

• Number of weddings captured: 33
• Elopements captured: 1
• Engagement sessions: 22
• Surprise proposals: 4 (including my first boat proposal!)
• Wedding films created: 17
• Weddings in my hometown (Milwaukee): 2
• Wedding Day Rainbows: 2 (okay, they were on the same day… but still worth mentioning!)
• Our first wedding with Albanian traditions
• My first Chicago Hot Dog Unity Ceremony
• First celebrity wedding guest
• Countless fur babies and some human babies too
• Got to see multiple former EMP couples at weddings this year!
• Working with some favorite vendors
• Working in some gorgeous new venues as well as some old favorites (list below!)

The images below are a collection of our top favorite moments and portfolio pieces from this year. We are beyond grateful to work with such wonderful couples and be part of your life events! From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to give a gigantic THANK YOU to every couple who trusted us to capture your memories in 2023. We could not be more honored, grateful, and thrilled for you all 🙂

CHEERS to a Happy and Healthy 2024!!!

Kitt and Will’s Wildman BT wedding in this year was truly a day to remember. Not only were these two bursting with joy the entire day, but every detail seemed to fall perfectly into place. Avid bird-watchers and all-around lovers of plants and animals, nature was a prevalent theme in their style and decor. Their reception table numbers were even bird-themed (illustrated by Will!). These two got engaged in nature, so it only made sense for their wedding day to represent this part of their lives.

Kitt’s words:

“My fiancé and I just moved to Chicago a year ago… We like craft beer, good food, and wandering around in nature looking for bugs and birds and butterflies. We got engaged in a flower garden when Will told me to come to where he was because there was a frog, but then there wasn’t a frog, he was down on one knee.”

Garfield Park Conservatory Wedding Photos

Of course, we ran with the theme and opted for pre-ceremony photos at Garfield Park Conservatory. While we didn’t see many birds or butterflies, we had a blast exploring the houses and trying to stay cool in that tropical paradise! Kitt and Will were a breeze to photograph, and before we knew it, we were on our way to get these two MARRIED.

Wildman BT Wedding

Will and Kitt said I Do that evening surrounded by loved ones, underneath the venue’s gorgeous skylight. A dear friend officiated the ceremony, which was filled with laughs and happy tears! Once the knot was tied, guests enjoyed delicious food, tiki drinks (named after the Newlyweds’ cats), and a PARTY on the dance floor. Certainly, Kitt and Will’s epic first dance kicked off the celebration – complete with a projected image of butterflies at exactly the right moment. This giant screen is one of the venue’s most unique features… definitely utilize it if you’re getting married here!

Kitt and Will: Thank you again for having us in September!! Your wedding day was a dream to capture… wishing you a lifetime filled with love, joy, birds and butterflies 🙂

Looking for more wedding inspiration from Wildman BT? Check out the Blog post below!

Evan & Esteban Microwedding

It’s holiday season, and I’m feeling nostalgic for all the wonderful couples I’ve had the opportunity to work with this year. Today I am beyond excited to share Alex and John’s memorable wedding day at Renaissance Chicago Downtown! These two traveled from Washington, D.C. to get married in our fine city, a destination wedding for the majority of guests as well. After their Wisconsin engagement session last fall, I knew it was going to be an awesome day.

The day began with the grooms getting ready separately at the hotel. One of my favorite details was their identical outfits – they even honored their pup Scout in the custom lining of their suits! After their emotional first look in the Explore Room, friends joined us for a grand reveal! Shortly after, we embraced the summer rain for some epic group photos in the city. This group was a blast to hang with, and such great sports about the weather! After all, rain on your wedding day IS good luck (and allows for some super romantic photos, just saying!).

Renaissance Chicago Downtown Wedding

That evening, John and Alex tied the knot in a moody, candlelit ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Once the glass was broken, guests were more than eager to celebrate these two! Delicious food and beverage flowed throughout the evening, from cocktail hour to dessert martinis. The Gold Coast All Stars filled the dance floor during the East-Coast style reception… which, if you didn’t know, includes multiple band sets between speeches and courses. Of course, the grooms looked dapper as ever in their white tuxedos! We’re lucky we got to steal them away for a few photos with those espresso martinis 🙂

Alex and John: Thank you again for having us capture your day!! We couldn’t be happier for you two and wish you a lifetime of love and joy!

Want to see more John and Alex? Check out their gorgeous Highlight Film by Amy Lynn!

Looking back on this year’s weddings has been nostalgic… but also feels like just yesterday! Mary and Wyatt’s June wedding day is no exception. With the 12+ months of anticipation leading up to this day, I was more than excited for them to finally tie the knot! Remember their October engagement session?! I knew it was going to be a gorgeous day.

These two got ready separately at the J.W. Marriott downtown, blocks from Pazzo’s where they would celebrate their marriage later that evening. But first: it was time to head to church!

Holy Name Cathedral Ceremony

Mary and Wyatt were married at Holy Name Cathedral, one of Chicago’s most iconic Catholic churches. I love its Gothic architecture and dramatic cathedral dome! These two were all smiles during the ceremony, not to mention the bubble exit outside the church doors. Waiting for us in the courtyard was their pup Leo, a welcome addition to family photos!

Pazzo’s Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, we made it to Pazzo’s – stopping for photos and bubbly along the way, of course! The evening was filled with elegance, from the venue to the florals, and stylish newlyweds who only had eyes for each other. Mary and Wyatt had a chance to show off their dance moves… from their choreographed first dance to the PARTY with all of their guests! This wedding had it all – including a shot of Malört during the Best Man’s speech 🙂

Mary and Wyatt: Thank you again for having us capture your memories this year!! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together!

Priya and Nitin’s summer wedding at Fairlie was one for the books! I’m so excited to share this colorful, happy day – complete with two outfits, Indian traditions, and some of my favorite wedding photos in the West Loop. Having been friends for over a decade, these two filled the entire venue with loved ones eager to celebrate with them. I’m so lucky to have been there to capture it all!

The day began at Fairlie with Priya and Nitin getting ready separately. After an emotional first look on the staircase, we ventured out to the city for photos with the wedding party, aka Priya’s daughter, Nya! These three were a blast to hang with, and before we knew it, it was time to head back for the ceremony 🙂

Indian Wedding Ceremony

That afternoon, guests gathered under the venue’s gorgeous skylights to watch Priya and Nitin commit themselves to each other in a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony. I love that they chose to include many traditional elements in their ceremony, while also making it personal to them! Highlights include the Puja ceremony welcoming Nitin’s family, Nya walking Priya down the aisle, and their first kiss on the mandap. Once it was official, the newlyweds stole away in the Tuk Tuk (a perk of getting married at Fairlie!).

West Loop Wedding Photos

One of my favorite parts of this day was getting the newlyweds to myself for some epic West Loop wedding photos! We stopped by some favorite neighborhood spots, including the Chicago mural by Sentrock. After a little bubbly in their reception outfits, we returned to Fairlie to celebrate with their loved ones. Special thanks to Anup for being the best chauffeur!

Fairlie Reception

Finally, Priya and Nitin were introduced as MARRIED and celebration continued into the evening. Guests enjoyed delicious Indian food, custom cocktails, and lots of dancing!! It truly was the most perfect summer evening, complete with outdoor mingling and endless stories of the newlyweds. I couldn’t be happier for these two, and am grateful I was able to share in their joy this summer.

Priya and Nitin: Thank you again for having us in July! All my best to you both in Married Life!!