Intimate Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool Wedding – Liz & Jen

Liz and Jen’s Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool wedding ceremony was everything they wanted it to be: intimate, peaceful, and surrounded by loved ones. If you’re into nature, this is the perfect spot for a romantic ceremony! These two planned the entire day themselves, and it came together seamlessly.

Jen and Liz began their wedding morning at Hotel Lincoln. When I arrived to meet them, they were in matching plaid (how great is that?)! They got ready for their wedding together, one of my absolute favorite ways to break tradition. Meanwhile, their guests gathered to greet them at the Lily Pool. Luckily we had just enough time to stop at the J. Parker rooftop for some photos before heading to their ceremony.

Their wedding day was filled with unique personal touches. For instance, a childhood friend of Liz performed the heartfelt ceremony. It was perfect! I love how emotional smaller wedding ceremonies tend to be. Truly, I don’t think there was a dry eye among us.

After the ceremony, the three of us celebrated with newlywed photos in Lincoln Park. We even got to reminisce their first date at Lincoln Park Zoo! If one thing is clear, it’s that these two have each other’s hearts. Their smiles did not fade the entire morning 🙂

Want to have your own Caldwell Lily Pool wedding?

I don’t blame you! This stunning location is one of Chicago’s best kept secrets. Consequently, intimate weddings are popular here! The Lily Pool is part of the Lincoln Park Conservancy, and it regularly hosts wedding ceremonies with 30 guests or less. Learn more and reserve your date HERE.

Liz and Jen: Thank you again for having me capture your wedding day! It was truly an honor. Wishing you so much happiness in your married life.

Vendor Team

Getting Ready: Hotel Lincoln/Ceremony: Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool/Dress: Tadashi Shoji from BHLDN/Blazer: Sumissura/Suit pants: Calvin Klein/Florist: Sprout Home/Rings: Sparkles Fine Jewelry (Liz’s ring custom made with Jen’s grandmother’s diamond)/Invitation: Vistaprint

Romantic Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool wedding photo in Lincoln Park

8 Replies to “Intimate Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool Wedding – Liz & Jen”

  1. Maria says:

    This is so beautiful and seemed like such a peaceful wedding day! I know it is not traditional, but I just love when couples help each other get ready!

    1. Emma says:

      Thanks Maria! I love getting ready together too. The whole day really had an intimate vibe, and was exactly what they wanted. So happy to have been a part of it 🙂

  2. Sarah Crost says:

    Wow! So, so beautiful, Emma!!
    I freaking love your dress shot! You so perfectly captured their day ??

    1. Emma says:

      Thanks Sarah!! I love shooting at Hotel Lincoln 🙂

  3. Gorgeous work Emma!! Their love explodes off the screen.

    1. Emma says:

      Awwww thank you Carla!!

  4. omalley says:

    Just like others said, I am all about couples getting ready together! These are beautiful.

    1. Emma says:

      Thanks so much, O’Malley!

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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
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
Best of Zola 2025 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 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
Mexico City

October
New Orleans, LA

December
St. Lucia

2026

March
London

April
United Kingdom
Ireland

May
Northern Ireland