Emma Mullins Photography

As the holiday season (aka Engagement Season) approaches, I wanted to share a favorite Chicago engagement session from this year! Not only were Sean and Michael a joy to work with, we made it to THREE different picturesque locations… each with its own unique vibe. These two couldn’t keep their eyes off each other, and were up for trying all my ideas! If that’s not a recipe for a fun and successful session, I don’t know what is!

We met in September on Sean and Michael’s One Year Engagement-iversary (awww!) for photos downtown, starting at the lovely Venteux Cafe. Sean wanted a romantic European café setting, and I think we nailed it! Also – how perfect are their outfits for this setting?! They coordinated so perfectly! Big thanks to Ashley and the staff at Venteux for allowing us to take photos inside. After a couple of lattés and some iconic photos on Michigan Avenue, we headed back to their neighborhood.

Chicago Neighborhood Engagement Photos

Many of you know that Humboldt Park is one of my favorite photo locations in the city, and it just so happened to be on our way to Michael and Sean’s home! Of course we had to stop for a few. The Formal Garden never disappoints (also somehow coordinating perfectly with their outfits), and we remembered Chance the Snapper over by the lagoon!

Finally, it was time to go home and meet their pup, Goose! I absolutely love when couples choose to include their pets in their engagement photos, and Goose was easily a highlight of theirs. We took a walk around the neighborhood and even captured some photos inside… including a few with shy kitty Liffey (not pictured!). Before we said goodbye, they showed me photos from Michael’s surprise proposal in Hawaii the year before. I am SO excited for these two to tie the knot next year!!

Sean and Michael: Thanks again for going on this engagement session adventure with me! You two are a joy to photograph, can’t wait to do it again next year 🙂

It’s such a treat to reminisce about Lauren and Sam’s June Adler Planetarium wedding! These two truly had a wedding day adventure, and I’m so happy to have been there to capture it. The day began with them getting ready separately at The Gwen, and their joyful first look on the hotel’s terrace! Once Sam and Lauren were together, it was ALL smiles for the rest of the day 🙂

Rolls Royce Wedding Photos

Shortly after their first look, our own private car pulled up to the hotel and our adventure began! Driver Peter took us on a downtown tour in a classic 1957 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud I, stopping for photos in a few iconic spots along the way. We even had time to swing by Sam and Lauren’s home for photos with their pup Flora! Isn’t she the sweetest?! Finally, it was time to arrive at the venue in style and for these two to make it official!

Adler Planetarium Wedding

Lauren and Sam were married in under a golden sky on Chicago’s lakefront, steps outside the Adler Planetarium. A family friend officiated the ceremony, which included personal vows and the most vibrant spring florals. That evening, the Newlyweds got to celebrate with loved ones inside the Solarium and outside overlooking our city’s epic skyline. The dance party did NOT disappoint, and Lauren and Sam were as in love as ever. I’m so lucky to have been part of this happy day!

Lauren and Sam: Thank you again for trusting us to capture your memories this year! I wish you the very best in Married Life!!!

I first heard from Amanda and Marc in the beginning stages of planning their spring Chicago Athletic Association Hotel wedding. They were recently engaged, and I was excited to hear all of their wedding ideas! Over the next 15 months or so, it was such a joy to see their wedding day vision come to life 🙂

The day began with Amanda and Marc getting ready separately at the hotel with their wedding parties. Every detail was on point – I especially loved the shades of blue and Marc’s penguin cuff links! After their sweet first look in the White City Ballroom, we headed across the street to Millennium Park! Their entire party braved the early spring Chicago weather as we created some epic photos in some of the city’s most iconic locations. Finally, it was time to head back to the hotel and get these two married!

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel Wedding

It’s no secret that the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is one of our favorite venues in the city. If you’re looking for an elegant, historic setting to tie the knot in the middle of downtown Chicago, this is it! From the variety of photography spots inside the hotel (read: built-in rain plan) to the fact that it’s in a perfect location for out-of-town guests… there is nothing not to love. Seriously, this place is regularly filled with both Chicagoans and tourists alike!

Amanda and Marc tied the knot that evening surrounded by loved ones. Once the glass was broken and guests shouted Mazel Tov, it was time to celebrate!! Their East-Coast style reception had guests dining and dancing all night, complete with Jeni’s ice cream for dessert. This day was truly a joy to capture, I’m so happy to have been a part of it all!

Amanda and Marc: Thank you again for having us in April!! Wishing you the happiest Marriage and future together!

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!