Colorful Fall Wedding at Blumen Gardens – Jake & Jen

Jake and Jen’s fall Blumen Gardens wedding was one of the most memorable days I’ve ever captured. From our very first meeting, I was so excited to meet these two in person and see their vision come together! As a fellow cat person, theatre person, and former October bride, I knew we’d be a perfect match from the start 🙂

Wedding day began with Jake and Jen’s parties getting ready together at the venue. If you’re not familiar, Blumen Gardens is a unique garden center, design studio, and shop located in Sycamore, Illinois. Lucky for us, they also happen to host weddings! My favorite thing about this venue is the variety of locations… and the fact that it is absolutely gorgeous in the fall. After their emotional first look in the conveyor room, it was time to explore! There is no doubt that Jen and Jake’s happiness is contagious… I could have spent hours taking photos of these two in that space.

Blumen Gardens Wedding

That evening, guests gathered for the outdoor ceremony in the garden center. Jake and Jen were married surrounded by their favorite people, in a ceremony officiated by a close friend. I love how interactive their ceremony was – from mid-ceremony hugs to the ring warming! It’s clear how important each and every person’s presence was to them in that moment.

Once the knot was tied, the party was ON!! Guests enjoyed vegetarian tacos and custom cocktails inside the event space, and then danced the night away with the newlyweds. Every moment of this day was an absolute pleasure to capture, I’m so happy to have been a part of it!

Jake and Jen: THANK YOU again for having us in October! Wishing you and your fur-babies all the happiness in the world.

Fun photo of groom lifting bride at their fall Blumen Gardens wedding in Sycamore, Illinois

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About

Chicago wedding photographer Emma Mullins Photography in her studio with film camera

Hellooo, world!

I’m Emma (She/Her): Beer nerd, cat-whisperer, Chicago wedding photographer shooting digital and film. I’ve been helping couples relive their wedding memories since 2014, and wouldn’t have it any other way! Over the years I have found this job to be unexpectedly rewarding; the role I ultimately play in many couples’ family history is not something I take for granted.

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I currently reside in Chicago with my designer-turned-handyman partner and our two spunky felines. When I’m not photographing couples in love, I’m either hanging with these three, managing our West Town studio space, or traveling someplace new!

A Few of My Favorite Things:
  • Black coffee
  • Buttercream frosting
  • Road trips
  • Watching the sun rise
  • Pretending I sound like Mariah Carey
  • Belgian beer
  • The Green Bay Packers
  • My little fam: Jeremy, Vince and Miike (Mee-kay)
  • Halloween (the holiday – not the movie. Okay, the movie’s pretty good too.)
About You

You want stunning, true-to-life wedding photos that look and feel like YOU. You don’t want to feel stiff or look too “posed.” You love the look of film and value the art of photography. And most importantly, you want to ENJOY your wedding day while we capture the good stuff.

Whether you thrive in the spotlight or cringe at the thought of being photographed, we are there to capture your memories. And let’s be honest: your wedding day is going to be AWESOME. No matter what goes according to plan or how many things surprise you, at the end of the day you’ll be married to Your Person. And, spoiler alert: that’s what this is all about!

My Approach

My relaxed, documentary approach allows couples to feel totally comfortable in front of the camera (it’s the number one thing mentioned in my Reviews!). Expect a mix of candid moments and contemporary portraiture, with the occasional embarrassing (aka HILARIOUS) dance floor photo. I will be your hype girl during portrait time (seriously!) – and just might convince you stop in the middle of downtown traffic for an epic portrait on film. We’ll get to know each other throughout the process, and it doesn’t stop on wedding day! I want to show up with hugs and handshakes – not as just another vendor.

Sound like what you’re looking for in a Chicago wedding photographer? Inquire about your wedding HERE!

Emma Mullins Photography embraces diversity and inclusivity. We are LGBTQIA+ friendly and honored to serve humans of every background, gender and identity. 

The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame winner Emma Mullins Photography
2024 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2023 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2022 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2021 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2020 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2019 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2018 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2023 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2022 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2020 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2019 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2018 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2024
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2023
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2022
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2021
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2020
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2019
Emma Mullins Photography named on of Chicago's top wedding photographers by Party Slate
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Pricing

Wedding Day coverage averages at $7500. Primary collections include a fully edited digital download gallery, engagement session, and complimentary roll of film. Photography coverage is fully customizable to fit your needs. For detailed pricing and availability, inquire HERE.

Associate Collections start at $4500, including two photographers and an engagement session. Full and partial coverage options available.

Film Photography starts at $500 per roll. Full and partial coverage options available. More details available HERE!

Engagement sessions start at $750. Special rate available to Wedding Clients.

Videography services start at $3000, with Live Streaming at $1250. More information can be found HERE.

Photo Booth rental starts at $750. Learn all about the booth HERE!

Microwedding coverage starts at $3600.

Elopement coverage starts at $2750.

Surprise Proposal coverage starts at $900.

Destination wedding coverage starts at $9500 and includes travel and accommodations.

Other sessions offered include Lifestyle, Maternity, Content + Branding and other life events! Contact me for rates and availability.

My current Wish List includes photographing a Las Vegas elopement and a surprise wedding! If you are planning either I would LOVE to chat!!!

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Travel

Traveling is my thing.

I don’t know what I would do with myself if I couldn’t explore new places. After a three-year hiatus, my free time is constantly filled with travel dates! Not only does traveling fuel my creativity, it encourages me to learn and grow as a citizen of this planet.

So far I have photographed weddings throughout the Midwest, Mexico, Hawaii, Italy, Utah, New York City, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. But don’t worry: the list is growing! If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, get in touch ASAP. Destination wedding coverage begins at $9500 including two photographers, travel and accommodations.

Bucket list locations include New Zealand, Italy (take me back!), Portugal, and anywhere in South America. Custom pricing available for Bucket List locations… just ask!

Inquire about your destination wedding HERE!

Silhouette of palm trees at Venice Beach, California with colorful sunset

Keep an eye on upcoming travel dates to book your destination wedding or session!!

Upcoming Travel Dates:

2024

April
New York City
Jersey City, NJ
Milan and Lake Como, Italy

May
New York City

June
Milwaukee, WI

September
Los Angeles, CA

October
Playa del Carmen
Tulum

December
Santa Barbara, CA

2025

January-February
Mexico City

April
United Kingdom
Ireland