Colorful Fall Wedding at Independence Grove – Annie & Luke

Annie and Luke’s fall wedding at Independence Grove has a special place in my heart. Not only was it my final wedding of 2022, I was so excited for these two to tie the knot! This day had been a long time coming (they’ve known each other since high school!), and I knew it was going to be good 🙂

Wedding day began at the Hilton in Lake Forest, with Annie and Luke getting ready separately with their parties. As a former October bride, I always love seeing fall wedding details and decor come together! The wedding party fashion was on point, not to mention the gorgeous bride and handsome groom. One of my favorite parts of their day was their emotional first look at home, surrounded by fall foliage. Of course, we made sure to take some family photos with pups Kain and Ava – who you may remember from their spring engagement session!

Independence Grove Wedding

Truly, Independence Grove couldn’t have been a more perfect location for Annie and Luke to tie the knot. When I first heard from these two, Annie described it like this:

We are so excited to get married at a beautiful county forest preserve that is super close to us and our parents’ homes. We love going for walks there and it’s absolutely gorgeous in the fall There are ponds all over and tons of trails and you can ride boats on the water. We love the outdoors, and wanted this wedding to be as easy as possible for our families, so we are thrilled about this location!”

Highlights from the day include perfect fall foliage, an arcade-themed wedding cake, and specialty cocktails in honor of their pets! This entire day was truly one to remember, and I’m so happy to have been a part of it.

Annie and Luke: Thank you again for having us in October!! It has been such a joy getting to know you both, wishing you all the best in your future together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Independence Grove / Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn / Planner: Naturally Yours Events / Bride’s dress: Justin Alexander / Bride’s shoes: Sultan Shoes / Groom’s suit: Bonobos / Florist: Floral Wonders / Hair & Makeup: Rare Bird Beauties / Stationery: Bay View Printing / Bride’s earrings: Family heirloom / Wedding bands: Smart Jewelers / Ceremony Musicians: Bride’s brother / DJ: Toast & Jam / Caterer: Catering by Michaels / Cake: Oak Mill Bakery / Dessert: Dippin’ Dots / Videographer: George for EMP / Second Photographer: Jeremy

Wedding party in fall colors walks with bride and groom through Independence Grove forest preserve before fall wedding ceremony

2 Replies to “Colorful Fall Wedding at Independence Grove – Annie & Luke”

  1. Colleen LoBue says:

    Hi ! I work for Independence Grove at Relish Events, was wondering what date this Wedding was in 2022?

    It is gorgeous!

    Kind regards,
    Colleen

    1. Emma says:

      Yes, this wedding is from 2022!

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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. A true Millennial, I still own a VHS box set of Titanic and remember when people used to ask “Tupac or Biggie?” (gotta go Pac). 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 we ultimately play in a couple’s 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
  • Moira Rose’s wig collection
  • Belgian beer
  • The Green Bay Packers
  • My little fam: Jeremy, Vince and Miike (Mee-kay)
  • Halloween! My favorite costume of all time was Dana Scully from The X-Files (Jeremy was the cutest Mulder).
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.” Naturally, you love the look of film and value the art of photography. Future You wants to look back on photos from your wedding day and remember what it felt like to actually be there. 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’ll be 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. 

Your business helps us support the following organizations:

The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame winner Emma Mullins Photography
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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
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2020 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
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2018 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
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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 Photography services are customized for each couple based on the unique details of their day. All photography collections include a professionally edited digital download gallery and online print shop, where you can download, share, print, and gift your images.

Couples invest an average of $7500 in our photography services.

Wedding Day coverage with Emma starts at $5000, including one complimentary roll of film. Full and partial coverage options available.

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

For detailed Wedding Photography pricing and availability:

Wedding Album pricing starts at $1100. Special rate available at booking.

Videography services start at $3000.

Film Photography starts at $500 per roll. Full and partial coverage options available.

Engagement sessions start at $900. Special rate available to Wedding Clients.

Surprise Proposal coverage starts at $1000.

Microwedding coverage starts at $3600.

Elopement coverage starts at $2750.

City Hall Elopements start at $1800.

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, San Francisco, 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!), Iceland, Portugal, and South Africa. 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:

2025

January-February
Mexico City

March
SF Bay Area

April
Paris

May
St. Joseph, MI

June
Milwaukee, WI

August
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October
New Orleans, LA

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2026

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London

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Northern Ireland