Emma Mullins Photography

Brigid and Matthew’s Lincoln Park wedding day was truly a pleasure to capture… and so very them. After getting engaged exactly one year prior (on their anniversary), they were lucky enough to snag the same date at Cafe Brauer this year! Not only that: their home is within walking distance to the venue, as you may recall from their Lincoln Park engagement session last spring. In fact, every location from their wedding day was within a one-mile radius from each other.

On wedding day, Brigid and Matt got ready separately at home. One of my favorite details from their day was the private first look inside their apartment (awww!!)! This intimate moment really set the tone for the rest of their day.

Lincoln Park Conservatory Wedding Photos

Before the ceremony, we hopped on a trolley with the wedding party and headed to Lincoln Park Conservatory. This is another one of our favorite photo locations in the city – especially useful as a rain (or cold) plan for winter weddings! We had a blast exploring the greenhouse and capturing some gorgeous pre-ceremony portraits of these two. Before long, it was time to swing by St. Clement Catholic Church and get MARRIED!

Good Time for a Guinness

Once the knot was tied, celebration was in order! The Newlyweds opted to treat their family and friends to a round (or two) of Guinness at nearby Irish pub, Galway Arms. It was such a fun, relaxed way to kick off the party… including lots of cheers and congratulations from other patrons! And the fun didn’t stop there: guess what was served as both His and Hers signature cocktails at Cafe Brauer? Guinness, of course! They even kicked off their reception with a Guinness toast to all of their guests, pints in hand.

Cafe Brauer Wedding Reception

Once the party started, it didn’t slow down. The dance floor was especially packed for the Hora, and surprise performance by Derrick Tate on saxophone! Derrick was a total crowd favorite, weaving in and out of the crowd and playing right alongside guests. If you’re looking for a unique and interactive way to get your guests on the dance floor, definitely check him out!

Late-night ballpark hot dogs were served to keep the energy up, and I don’t think Brigid or Matt left the dance floor for a moment. They even cut their wedding cake during dancing – which was homemade by Brigid, I might add (it’s true!). I’m lucky I got to steal these two away for Newlywed photos outside the venue before saying goodbye 🙂

Brigid and Matt: Thank you again for having us in March! It was an honor to be part of your wedding day, we couldn’t be happier for you both! Mazel Tov and Sláinte!!

Vendor Team

Ceremony Venue: St. Clement Catholic Church / Reception Venue: Cafe Brauer / Planner: Sarah Shelby Events / Hair & Makeup: Pin Me Up Chicago / Florist: Kloeckner Preferred Flowers / Engagement ring: The Clear Cut / Wedding bands: Steve Quick Jeweler / Bride’s dress: Justin Alexander / Alterations: Weddings 826 / Groom’s suit: The Black Tux / Stationery: Fitzgerald’s Fine Stationery / Caterer: Tigerlily Events / Cake: DIY / DJ: The DJ Firm / Saxophonist: Derrick Tate / Second Photographer: Nohemi

One lovely day in June, I was lucky enough to capture Lauren and Brit’s intimate Cheney Mansion wedding in Oak Park. Festivities were held on a Friday evening, instantly allowing for a more cozy, intimate feel. The couple got ready separately, and their gorgeous first look took place on the mansion’s outdoor garden path. One of my favorite things about this venue is the variety of stunning photo locations (have you seen that staircase?!).

Brit and Lauren tied the knot at St. Edmund, right down the street from their reception! Following the ceremony, the newlyweds joined their guests for champagne, lawn games, and live jazz!! This was such a unique alternative to many of the receptions I’ve attended lately, and perfectly fit the vibe of the evening. The quartet entertained throughout the night!

After a delicious family-style dinner, Brit and Lauren shared their first dance under a night sky surrounded by their closest loved ones. It was clear that every single person in attendance meant something special to them. We even felt a few sprinkles toward the end of the night… but these two didn’t mind! I was more than excited to end the night with them cozying up underneath an umbrella 🙂

Lauren & Brit: Thanks again for having me in June! I loved being a part of your wedding day and wish you all the best in your future together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Elizabeth F. Cheney Mansion/Church: St. Edmund Parish/Bride’s dress: Essence of Australia/Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka/Groom’s suit: Armani//Florals: Westgate Florist/Hair stylist: Debra Petrielli/ Makeup: Laura Rose/Invitation: Hill’s Hallmark/Bride’s rings: Tacori/Groom’s ring: Lashbrook/Jeweler: Bella Cosa Jewelers/Jazz musicians: Chicago Jazz Quartet/Caterer: TwoMayToz Catering/Cake: Sugar Fixé/2nd shooter: Jake Wood

Melanie & Brad’s Wisconsin Silver Spring Golf Club wedding was as lovely as could be. With thunderstorms in the forecast, we got lucky with one of the first gorgeous spring days this year! Sun was shining, flowers were in bloom, and these two could not have been happier in love. After planning this day for over a year, Melanie and Brad were more than ready to tie the knot!

Their sunrise engagement session last fall was a highlight of 2018, and I couldn’t wait to return for wedding day. In true Wisconsin fashion, a little celebrating was in order after the I-Do’s! We took a quick detour to Sobelman’s for a few pitchers of beer and impromptu “Happy Birthday” serenade to a certain groom. This wedding party was seriously a blast – Jeremy and I had so much fun with this crew!!

I loved that Mel and Brad kept some traditional aspects of their wedding day while still incorporating small personal details and DIY projects. My favorites were their custom initials (made from books!) at the card table, “Cat of Honor” nod to their feline, Phoebe, and Brad’s Green Bay Packers cuff links 🙂

Melanie and Brad: Thanks again for having us in May!! Your wedding day was such a pleasure to be a part of, I wish you both endless happiness.

Vendor Team

Venue: Silver Spring Golf Club/Church: St. Boniface/Bride’s dress: Morilee by Madeline Gardner/Bride’s shoes: Paradox London/Groom’s suit: Calvin Klein/Groom’s tie: Ties.com/Groom’s shoes: Allen Edmonds/Florals: Petals/Hair: Hair Formations/Invitation: Shutterfly/Engagement ring: Howes Diamond Jewelers/Wedding bands: Blue Nile/Transportation: Cruise-A-Palooza/DJ: Action DJs, Inc./Caterer: Silver Spring Golf Club/Doughnuts: Pick N Save grocery/2nd shooter: Jeremy