Emma Mullins Photography

Believe it or not, Melanie and Spencer planned their summer Starved Rock State Park elopement in a matter of weeks. I first met these two in late February at one of our mutual favorite coffee shops in Logan Square. Shortly after then, it was clear that their original wedding plans would need to be altered. When they told me they wanted to get married this year no matter what, I was so, so excited 🙂

After exploring several different options, Spencer and Melanie decided on a summer Starved Rock elopement in the presence of their immediate families. Their mutual love of the outdoors – plus the fact that they got engaged on a mountain top – made this the perfect choice! I am especially partial to the colorful summer vibe (note Melanie’s bouquet and Spencer’s custom suit!). This aligned with their wedding vision from the beginning, described by Melanie as “colorful and filled with love and laughter.”

Starved Rock Elopement

Melanie and Spencer tied the knot in an intimate ceremony, complete with personal vows, Jewish traditions, and a bubble-gun sendoff. Spencer even surprised Melanie with recorded messages from their siblings who could not be in attendance. Oh – and you may recognize the handsome officiant! Jeremy was happy to tag along and perform the ceremony, and we were lucky to have him.

We waved goodbye to family and headed to Illinois Canyon for some epic elopement photos! A summer storm the week before had us prepared for anything… including hopping over fallen trees and puddles of mud! Special thanks to Park Superintendent Alvin for helping make these photos possible.

Melanie and Spencer: Thank you again for having us in August! Your wedding day was a blast to capture, I’m so happy you finally got to make it official. CONGRATS again to you both!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Starved Rock Lodge/Bride’s dress: Tadashi Shoji/Bride’s boots: Rock & Candy/Groom’s suit: Alpha suit/Groom’s tie: Hisdern/Groom’s socks: Blue Q/Florals: Blythe Flowers/Hair & Makeup: Luscious Moi Salon/Wedding rings: Love & Promise Jewelers/Videographer: Carlos for EMP

Want to see more from this Starved Rock Lodge wedding? Check out their awesome Highlight Film!

I began my year in photography by taking a red-eye flight to Salt Lake City, Utah for The Real Workshop excursion. I’ve made it my new goal to try one new workshop a year, so here we go, 2019!

Basically, I got off the plane, slept a few hours, and then jumped straight into fun and LEARNING. Emily from The Hatches Photo and local photographer Haley Nord led classes, and there were three styled shoots over the course of two days. We had a great group of talent from all over the U.S. and got to learn from each other, too! Shout out to Aly from AB Hansen Photography for teaching me how to double-expose in camera… that’s one of my favorite things film techniques and now I get to play digitally! 2019 couples: expect some more creative stuff from me this year. Just saying 🙂

Each shoot had its own vibe and took place in a completely different location. I’ll be posting my favorites from each one separately over the next month or so… keep an eye out! First up: a styled Antelope Island elopement at dusk with lovely couple Jessi and Ethan.

I absolutely love the intimate vibe of this shoot… and isn’t it the perfect inspiration for couples looking to elope?! Just the two of you (and probably an officiant, and a photographer, of course) alone in nature, committing yourselves to each other. Can it get any more romantic than that?

I just wanna say: if you’re one of those couples, please take me with you!! This country alone is full of spectacular natural landscapes. I can think of so many, and I’m sure there are hundreds more! A few that come to mind include Yosemite National Park, the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Tahoe, the Oregon coast… and pretty much anywhere in Southern Utah. Have I mentioned I travel frequently? Let’s adventure together!!

Jessi and Ethan: THANK YOU for being troopers in the January weather and creating this magic! You two are adorable together and helped make my workshop experience a success. Enjoy!!

Vendor Team

Dress: Lily Bride Designs/Florals: Beehive Floral Co.

Lani and Justin’s destination newlywed session took place the day after their wedding in Cancún, Mexico. Their wedding day was a giant celebration (check out the link below!). But besides having their nuptials in a tropical paradise, they wanted some intimate, romantic portraits with just the two of them. I mean – what better way to spend the first day of your marriage? We jumped on a ferry to Isla Mujeres and spent the afternoon creating some of my favorite portraits to date.

The three of us got around the island on a go-cart (thanks for driving, Justin!) and went straight to the southern point, or Punta Sur. Fun fact: this is also the easternmost point and highest elevation in all of Mexico. The temple to Mayan Goddess Ix-Chel is there, rested on cliffs beyond a modern sculpture garden. There was a time when the entire island was devoted to Ix-Chel, ruler of fertility, motherhood, and the moon (basically all things feminine). When Lani and I started talking about her wedding photos over a year ago, incorporating Mayan ruins was a must. I think we did pretty good 🙂

We dodged some tourists, explored the ruins, and started making our way back to town when we came upon a hidden treasure called Playa Lancheros! Lucky for us, we arrived JUST in time for sunset. Lani slipped into her red dress, and we took a quick dip in the ocean before dark. The sea was warmer than I’d ever felt it, and the colors of the sky looked unreal. These are hands-down some of my favorite images from the entire weekend.

Back in town we met up with family before heading back to the mainland. I was off to Chicago the next morning, but the happy newlyweds had another week to spend together in paradise.

Want to see what we did the day before? Check out their Cancún destination wedding at Villa del Palmar!

While vacationing in St. Thomas in January, I had the opportunity to photograph Jennifer and Daniel’s intimate Virgin Islands elopement on the beach! Jeremy and I were swimming in Magens Bay when I saw someone setting up what looked like white curtains in the sand. A few minutes later it dawned on me: “Someone’s getting married here today! There’s going to be a wedding on the beach!!”

I jumped out of the water, introduced myself to the groom and officiant, and asked if they wouldn’t mind if I grabbed my Fujifilm to capture their ceremony. As I predicted, the festivities were scheduled around sunset. The light was getting softer, and the bride was on her way! To my luck, they agreed.

Daniel and Jennifer’s ceremony was brief but intimate, surrounded by a handful of their family and friends in paradise. There is something so personal and emotional about an intimate wedding ceremony. With all eyes on this couple, you could feel the support for the love that they share. Even never having met these two, I still got teary-eyed behind the lens! I have no doubt that they are meant to spend the rest of their lives together.

I captured their champagne toast and cake cutting (it was piña-colada flavored!), and then left the newlyweds to celebrate with their guests. How lucky I am to have been a part of this! Daniel & Jennifer: thank you for the opportunity to capture these moments! I wish you all the happiness in your future together.

Want to have your own Virgin Islands Elopement?

There are several companies on the islands who assist couples in their own intimate beach weddings. Packages may include a variety of perks, such as your bouquet, wedding cake, and newlywed champagne toast. Remember, even if your package includes a photographer, you can always provide your own!

For more info and inspiration, check out the following:
Island Bliss Weddings
Secret Harbour Beach Resort
Flawless Weddings and Events

Vendor Team

Ceremony Location: Magens Bay Beach/Officiant: Michael Motylinski/Bouquet: Roses Too/Cake: Island Sweet Stuff