Emma Mullins Photography

Happy Halloween, friends!!! I have been waiting over a year to feature Kirsten & Andrew’s Halloween-inspired October wedding, and am SO excited to finally share. These two officially tied the knot in 2020, and then got to celebrate with friends and family exactly two years later! What’s more, their reception took place at one of Chicago’s most unique venues (one of my favorites!), the International Museum of Surgical Science. For anyone planning a Halloween wedding in Chicago: this is the perfect venue for you!!

I met these two at the Humboldt Park lagoon for their first look, which just so happened to be the exact spot where they were married. With their adorable Corgi Margot, we took some family photos around the park with the most beautiful golden light! Andrew stunned in his orange suit while Kirsten’s moody florals were the perfect compliment to her wedding jewelry (all from Asrai Garden!). One thing I love about these two is their giddy newlywed energy… you’d never know they had already been married for two years!

International Museum of Surgical Science Wedding

When the sun began to set, we made our way to the museum to greet family and friends. Guests enjoyed vegan appetizers and cocktails while wandering the museum and congratulating the newlyweds. If you can’t tell from the photos, there is SO much to see here! From centuries-old surgical tools to human skeletons and medical devices… not to mention the galleries of art! I am lucky that Kirsten and Andrew agreed to take a few portraits with the graphic murals 🙂

Highlights from their celebration include stationery designed and printed by Andrew, vegan everything (including ice cream cake!), and Halloween-inspired decor. Their custom cake topper by Fiber Friends honored the memory of a Corgi in each one of their lives. The awesome Kari of Wedding Day Chicago actually officiated their 2020 ceremony, and returned as their planner for this event! It was truly a stylish and joyful way to celebrate, and I couldn’t be happier for these two.

Kirsten and Andrew: Thanks again for having me capture your celebration last year! Cheers to many more anniversaries, celebrations, and Halloweens!!!

This summer went by particularly quickly, and one of our biggest highlights was Alana and Brett’s Rockwell on the River wedding! The anticipation was for this day was all too real… from their plan to arrive at the ceremony on a riverboat to the DIY wine-themed decor, I couldn’t wait to see their vision come to life. These two even split their time between Chicago and Arizona during the planning process, which made it even more exciting when the day finally arrived!

The day began at The Westin in River North, with Alana and Brett getting ready separately with their parties. Like many summer wedding days in this city, rain was in the forecast… but we hadn’t seen a drop so far! We were lucky enough to have time for photos along the Riverwalk before Mother Nature intervened… just enough for a good luck shower! After that, the skies cleared and we were on our way.

Chicago Riverboat Cruise

One of my favorite parts of Alana and Brett’s wedding day was our Riverboat cruise to the venue. If there’s one thing I can say about these two, it’s that they truly do love Chicago! What better way to celebrate your wedding day than cruise along the river with your favorite people?! Chicago Cycleboats was the perfect way to get from downtown to Rockwell on the River, and ended up being such a fun and unique way to spend the afternoon.

Rockwell on the River Wedding

That evening, Alana and Brett were married on the outdoor terrace at Rockwell on the River surrounded by loved ones. Remember how I said these two love Chicago? Their unity ceremony consisted of building a classic Chicago hot dog together (yes, with all the toppings)! Their friend Charlie did a fabulous job officiating, and once the knot was tied, it was time to PARTY. From the flowing food and drinks to the packed dance floor, the celebration didn’t stop all night!

Alana and Brett: Thank you again for having us this summer!! It has been such a pleasure getting to know you two and watching your wedding day dreams come true 🙂 Wishing you the very best in Married Life!

Today we’re throwing it back to Kate and Ben’s Chicago winter engagement session last year! These two are getting ready to tie the knot this weekend, and I couldn’t be more excited to capture it all 🙂

We met downtown for photos at some iconic locations that were meaningful to them, including Orleans Street Bridge. Outdoor sessions in the winter can be tricky, but Kate and Ben were all for it! One of my favorite things about winter sessions is that the downtown locations are more accessible for photos… and this was no exception. I even got them dancing in the street!

When the sun began to set, we took a quick break to stay warm and an outfit change. I learned that Ben and Kate were champagne enthusiasts… hence the bottle of bubbly they’d been carrying around for photos! They popped it open to celebrate in front of our skyline, and we got to enjoy one of the most romantic and colorful winter sunsets. I am SO excited to do it all again in a few days!

Kate and Ben: I had so much fun during your Chicago winter engagement session last year! Your wedding day is going to be awesome, see you SOON!!

One year ago today, I had the pleasure of capturing Caitlyn and Ray’s wedding at one of my favorite Chicagoland venues, Warehouse 109! This long-anticipated day could not have been more full of love for these two. When I first heard from Caitlyn, she told me the story of how they met, lost touch, and then reconnected a couple years later. They instantly became inseparable, and Ray proposed in their backyard on the 4th of July!

Wedding day began with Caitlyn getting ready in the bridal suite. Their emotional first look in the venue’s courtyard included their three kids, one of my favorite moments from the entire day! Ray and Caitlyn chose to exchange vows privately during this time, and before we knew it, it was time to walk down the aisle!

Warehouse 109 Wedding

That afternoon, Caitlyn and Ray were married in the outdoor garden at Warehouse 109 surrounded by family and friends. We got lucky with gorgeous fall weather… a perfect pairing for their newlywed smiles! After the knot was tied, guests moved to the warehouse for appetizers, yard games, and delicious barbeque. The night was complete with more games, speeches, and lots of DANCING!! I’m so happy I got to steal the Newlyweds away for a few night photos outside the venue 🙂

Caitlyn and Ray: Thank you again for having us last fall!! Wishing you a very HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, and many more years to come!

Want to see another fall wedding at Warehouse 109? Check out the post below!

Brittany & Dan Wedding

This summer was indeed a whirlwind, but one of my favorite moments to capture was Tristan’s Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool proposal! With Chicago weather on our side, an unsuspecting fiancée-to-be, and one of the most romantic proposal locations in the city, I knew it was going to be the best day. I am always so thrilled and honored to be part of these moments. This was no exception!

I arrived at the Lily Pool before Tristan and Jess to guard our chosen spot, which happened to be popular on a Saturday! Luckily, by the time they took a stroll around the pond it was clear… just like we’d planned it! He asked, she said yes – and you know the rest! I was lucky enough to take these two around the park for some engagement photos before they headed to their next destination. The Lincoln Park Conservatory gardens were in full bloom, and a gorgeous backdrop for these two! Smiles like this make me so grateful to do what I do 🙂

CONGRATULATIONS, Jess and Tristan!! I absolutely loved being part of your engagement and wish you nothing but happiness in your future. Thank you again for having me this summer!

Looking for more Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool proposal inspiration? Check out the post below!

Aviva & Ben Surprise Proposal

It’s starting to feel more like fall, and I can’t help but reminisce over Ellie and Dylan’s wedding at Saddle & Cycle Club last October! These two traveled from Portland, Oregon to get married in our city, and the team was delighted to capture their day.

When I first heard from Ellie and Dylan, they wrote:

“We met growing up (lived only a few blocks away from each other) and first started dating when we were 13! We went our separate ways for college but reconnected at our 5-year high school reunion and fell back in love. Now, at age 27, we are so excited to officially tie the knot after all these years!”

We absolutely love documenting stories like this, and I just knew it was going to be the happiest day. Ellie and Dylan got ready separately that morning in Lincoln Park, before their sweet first look on Lakeshore Drive. Chicago weather was perfect for a quick stop at North Avenue Beach with the wedding party before heading to the venue!

Saddle & Cycle Club Wedding

That evening, Dylan and Ellie were married on the terrace of the club surrounded by loved ones. Honestly, I don’t think either of them stopped smiling the entire day! Once the knot was officially tied, celebration was in order… and this crew knows how to PARTY!! Guests enjoyed custom cocktails, dinner and dancing with the newlyweds into the evening. Shout out to our friends at TVK Orchestra for keeping the party going all night!

Ellie and Dylan: Thank you again for having us last year!! We couldn’t be happier for you both and wish you many more years of Married Life 🙂

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to travel to my hometown for Miranda and Fernando’s spring wedding at The Gage. As you may remember from their dreamy Milwaukee engagement session, these two are always a treat to hang out with and have in front of my camera! From our very first conversation, I was eager to see their wedding day vision come to life.

Wedding day began with Miranda and Fernando getting ready separately at the West Allis venue. Not surprisingly, every detail was perfectly in place when I arrived – and there were plenty of custom items for me to photograph! The morning was complete with a joyful first look on the staircase and champagne toast among loved ones. After some bubbly, it was time to head for photos at the Mitchell Park Domes! Miranda and Fernando were all smiles, and these are some of my favorite wedding party photos from this year 🙂

The Gage Milwaukee Wedding

That evening, Fernando and Miranda tied the knot surrounded by loved ones underneath the venue’s gorgeous skylight and chandeliers. Their bilingual ceremony included several Mexican traditions, mixed with unique personal touches designed by the couple. Once the knot was tied, the newlyweds were radiating with joy and ready to celebrate! Some of my favorite moments from this day include an epic sparkler exit with the wedding party and my first Víbora de la Mar!

Miranda and Fernando: Thank you again for trusting us to capture these memories for you!! We had so much fun at your wedding and wish you two the Happiest Ever After.

Want to see more from this gorgeous wedding day? Check out Miranda & Fernando’s Highlight Film by Amy Lynn!

I had so much fun at Miya and Dylan’s Roscoe Village neighborhood engagement session this summer! I met these two at Volo Wine Bar for some bubbly… a nod to their engagement in Champagne, France (and also just because!). After some romantic cheersing and impromptu wine-tasting lesson by Miya, we headed out for a neighborhood stroll. One of my favorite locations in the area is the Lakeview Low-Line at Paulina with the colorful murals. These two were up for anything, and all about each other!

After a quick outfit change, it was time to head to the lakefront. We got lucky with clear skies and a perfect skyline view… not to mention the most colorful sunset! I had such a blast with these two along the pier at North Avenue Beach – they are truly a joy in front of the camera. Even though we were surrounded by hundreds of other beachgoers, it seemed like we were the only ones there at the time!

Miya and Dylan: This was such a fun summer session, thank you again for having me! Can’t wait for your Chicago wedding day next June 🙂

Want to see another Roscoe Village neighborhood engagement session on the Blog? Check out the post below!

Madeleine & Justin Engagement

Sara Beth and Matt’s Loft Lucia wedding this spring was easily one of this year’s highlights so far. These two traveled from San Francisco to get married in our city, and the day was filled with joy from beginning to end! Highlights include a magnificent dessert spread by Viola’s Kitchen, and handwritten notes to each one of their guests. We even lucked out with Chicago weather on our side, and an impromptu trip to the Art Institute of Chicago!

When I first heard from these two, Sara Beth wrote:

“Matt and I had our first date sophomore year of college and our second (unintentional) date almost a decade later in San Francisco. Meeting up for hot chocolate turned into a three day date, three years of long distance, then three years of making a home together in San Francisco… We want [our wedding] to be inclusive, welcoming, and celebratory.”

Loft Lucia Wedding

It was so much fun to see their wedding day vision come to life! After downtown photos at Pendry Chicago and the Art Institute, we headed to Loft Lucia to meet family and friends. Matt and Sara Beth were married in a gorgeous outdoor ceremony surrounded by loved ones – their Rabbi even traveled from St. Louis to officiate! Guests enjoyed delicious food and beverages in style, and the dance floor did NOT disappoint 🙂

Sara Beth and Matt: Thank you again for having us in May! Your wedding day was a joy to capture and I couldn’t be happier for you two. Congratulations to you both!!

We kicked off our summer this year with Morgan and Jarett’s Wicker Park engagement session! Alexis met up with these two on a Friday at Small Cheval, which happens to be where they had their first date! After a quick bite (and feeding each other fries, of course) it was time to explore the neighborhood. These two couldn’t keep their eyes off each other walking through the neighborhood, and caught some of our favorite views of the neighborhood from The 606!

As the sun began to set, they transitioned to formalwear for a romantic, summery vibe at the lakefront. As you know, North Avenue Beach is one of our favorite Chicago locations for engagement photos – especially this time of day! Morgan and Jarett enjoyed a romantic stroll along the beach, taking in all the colors of the sunset and our majestic skyline. We are so excited for these two to tie the knot next year!!

Morgan and Jarett: No couple has ever looked better while feeding each other burgers! Alexis had a blast with you two in May, we can’t wait for you to make it official 🙂

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

Kaitlyn & John | Mahala & Marla | Cierra & Steve | Tommy & Elissa