Emma Mullins Photography

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!!

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!!!