Emma Mullins Photography

Jackie and Mike’s Half Acre Brewery wedding was easily one of our highlights from 2022. Half Acre has been my favorite Chicago brewery for years, and I was thrilled when they started hosting weddings! Mike and Jackie live in the neighborhood, and really wanted their wedding to feel unique and personal to them. I was eagerly looking forward to this day even before their awesome fall engagement session!

On wedding day, Jackie and Mike got ready separately with their respective parties. After their sweet first look overlooking the Chicago skyline, we stopped by Montrose Harbor. I absolutely loved the perfectly coordinated jewel tones and florals… especially with the sunshine! Before we knew it, it was time to head to the brewery!

Half Acre Brewery Wedding

Guests were welcomed to the ceremony with a fresh beer (of course), and option to sign a card from the game Settlers of Catan. (Remember how I mentioned that Mike and Jackie wanted their wedding to feel like them? This was one of my favorite personal touches from their day!) They were married beneath the brewery’s gorgeous skylights surrounded by loved ones… and I’m pretty sure there were a couple movie quotes included in their vows 🙂

Once the knot was tied, it was time to PARTY. Luckily we got to take a few newlywed photos inside the brewery itself (shout out to Adia for making this happen!!) – then it was time to eat, drink, and be MARRIED! Believe me, the dance floor did not disappoint! This day was such a pleasure to capture from beginning to end, I’m so happy to have been a part of it!

Jackie and Mike: Thank you again for having us!! Wishing you a lifetime of love, happiness… and delicious beer!

Vendor Team

Venue: Half Acre Brewery / Bride’s dress: WToo / Bride’s shoes: Chinese Laundry / Groom’s suit: SuitShop / Groom’s shoes: Vans / Florist: Stella Grey Blooms / Stationery: Vistaprint / Jeweler: C.D. Peacock / Chalkboard Artist: Letra Design Studio / DJ: DJ-Chicago / Caterer: Smoke Daddy / Dessert: Cookie Spin / Second Photographer: Trevor

Hannah and Keith’s spring Bottom Lounge wedding was one for the books! After kicking off last year’s engagement session at Lincoln Park dive Burwood Tap, I knew wedding day was going to be AWESOME. And guess what? It was!

I met these two at a stylish AirBnb in West Town, where they got ready with their parties on separate floors. Both Keith and Hannah rocked their wedding day style… can we talk about Hannah’s cape for a second?! And, don’t get me started on those colorful spring florals! After their sweet first look in the backyard, we took a stroll around the neighborhood with the wedding party. This crew was a blast to hang with – we even had time for beers before the ceremony!

Bottom Lounge Wedding

Hannah and Keith were married on the rooftop at Bottom Lounge, in a ceremony officiated by Hannah’s brother. The location was meaningful to them – and Hannah personally crafted many of the details! Hannah’s words:

“We’re super excited to get married at the Bottom Lounge, since we love live music and have great memories of going to shows there. The most important things to us about the day are that we have a great party with plenty of beer options and spend time with all our loved ones.“

I absolutely loved seeing their vision come to life. The day couldn’t have been more full of love (and yes, the beers were flowing!). We ended the evening with a night photo on Lake Street, making me a very happy photographer 🙂

Hannah and Keith: Thank you again for having us in May!! We had a blast at your wedding and wish you all the best in your future together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Bottom Lounge / Getting Ready location: Airbnb / Bride’s dress: Chic Nostalgia / Bride’s cape: Toni Federici / Bride’s shoes: Betsey Johnson / Groom’s suit: Joseph Abboud / Groom’s tie: The Tie Bar / Florist: Thistle & Plume / Hair & Makeup: Blush & Braids Beauty Bar / Stationery: Minted / Personalized ornaments: the bride / Engagement ring: Gem Breakfast / Wedding bands: New York Jewelers / DJ: Groove is in the Heart / Caterer: Bottom Lounge / Dessert: West Town Bakery / Second Photographer: Jeremy

I’m so excited to share Jolene & Will’s summer Revolution Brewing wedding! I met these two early last year, shortly after their New Year’s Day rooftop engagement. Their plan was to have a fun, intimate wedding in their neighborhood surrounded by their favorite people. What’s not to love about that?!

Jolene’s words:

“We love beer almost as much as we love books; pretty much all our travels are Beercations… Revolution Brewpub is the perfect place for us to have our wedding. It feels like our backyard!”

Of course, it’s always a treat to hear from fellow Beer Nerds… and I love that they wanted to tie the knot so close to home! After their downtown spring engagement session, I was counting the days until their wedding.

Wedding day was an ADVENTURE. We started the day downtown at TheWit, with the happiest first look on their outdoor terrace. After stopping at a few iconic photo locations, we found ourselves in the middle of Chicago weather! These two and their party were total champs, even with the last minute detour and change of plans. And – lucky us – we were still able to get some awesome photos in Logan Square… in all kinds of weather!

Revolution Brewing Wedding

That evening, Jolene and Will were married in an intimate ceremony at Revolution, officiated by a friend. Once the knot was tied, the summer brews began to flow! One of my favorite things about their wedding day was all the personalized details. From the book-themed decor (they are both English teachers) to their homemade wedding cake by Will’s sister, no detail was left out! We ended the evening with a night photo on Jolene and Will’s rooftop (the very same place where they got engaged!).

Jolene and Will: Thank you again for having me in July!! Wishing you the happiest marriage filled with books, travel, and delicious beer 🙂

Vendor Team

Venue: Revolution Brewery / Hotel: TheWit / Bride’s dress: Monique Lhuillier / Bride’s shoes: Toms / Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse / Hair Stylist: Emily Rae Bridal Hair / Makeup Artist: Alyssa Diana Makeup / Engagement ring: ShopClementine / Bride’s ring: Brightsmith / Groom’s ring: Manly Bands / Florist: Ooh-Ahh Floral Design / Second Photographer: Joe U

It may not surprise you that this year, Chicago neighborhood engagement sessions have been more popular than ever. Lots of couples are choosing to stay close to home, which, in my opinion, is never a bad idea! I always encourage couples to personalize this session – whether we visit the place of your first date, hang around the neighborhood, or chow down on classic Chicago hot dogs. At Jackie and Mike’s engagement session, we did all three!

I met these two at Commonwealth Tavern in Roscoe Village, where they each grabbed a pint of Great Lakes Christmas Ale. Oh – have I mentioned they’ll be tying the knot at my favorite Chicago brewery next fall?! I can’t wait!! We sat at the same table where they first met years ago, and after beers it was time to adventure. These two were total champs with the brisk fall weather – and we got to visit some of their favorite neighborhood spots! Special thanks to the staff at both Commonwealth and Byron’s Hot Dogs for letting us take photos inside!

After sunset, we decided to swing by Music Box Theatre (another mutual favorite of ours) for some iconic night photos. Mother Nature even gave us a light snowfall to play with! These are some of my favorite photos from our entire session, I’m so happy we stopped here!

Jackie and Mike: I had a blast hanging out with you two at our session! Your wedding day is going to be SO much fun, I’m already getting excited for it all 🙂

Looking for more Chicago neighborhood engagement inspo? Check out these other favorite sessions on the Blog!

Megan & Taylor: Rogers Park | James & Maya: Logan Square | Caitlin & Brett: Lincoln Square |
Libby & Avi: Lakeview | Kaitlyn & John: Wicker Park | Alex & Jack: West Loop

Amanda and Jon’s Destihl Brewery wedding last summer was one I’ll never forget! As fellow beer nerds AND cat lovers, we got along right off the bat. Remember their snowy winter engagement session?? It was a perfect contrast to what Mother Nature would bring on wedding day.

Amanda and Jon chose to tie the knot at one of their favorite Illinois breweries surrounded by their favorite people. Although it rained all morning in Normal (yes it IS good luck…), the clouds parted in time for some stunning outdoor photos at a nearby forest preserve. I loved the wedding party fashion and mismatched bridesmaids dresses (note Amanda’s Maid of Honor in floral print!). These two exchanged vows on the brewery’s lawn, officiated by a longtime family friend. You could just feel the joy surrounding them 🙂

I loved how much personalization went into this wedding. The majority of decor items (including those bouquets!) were handmade by Amanda with the help of family and friends. In addition, many food items were DIY (and secret family recipes!). The made-from-scratch dessert spread was definitely a highlight of the evening!

Amanda and Jon: THANK YOU again for having us in August! Wishing you a future full of love, delicious beer, and cute cats forever.

Vendor Team

Venue: Destihl Brewery/Hotel: Hyatt Place Bloomington Normal/Bride’s dress: Jade Bridal/Bride’s shoes: Abound/Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse/Personal Florals: family friend/Ceremony Florals: Vera & Buck/Rentals: Spruce Rentals/Hair & Makeup: Fox & Hounds Day Spa/Save the Date coaster: Nesting Project Paper/Bride’s rings: Slowack Jewelry/Groom’s ring: Black Badger/DJ: Ryan Nolan/Caterer: Destihl Brewery/Dessert: Bride’s mother, uncle, grandmother/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Kathia and Todd. Where do I begin with these two?! Not only did I have the honor of photographing their intimate Metropolitan Brewery wedding – they’re also dear friends. In fact, some of you may recognize the handsome salt-and-pepper bearded officiant… Jeremy (MY other half) often tags along to weddings as my second photographer, but thanks to the Universal Life Church, on this day he got to officiate! He and Todd have known each other for – 18 years! – and we were thrilled to play such important roles on this wedding day.

With close friends and family present, Kathia and Todd wed one Sunday morning in October along the Chicago River. Their ceremony was intimate, joyful, and so them. Kathia’s family traveled from Mexico to witness them tie the knot! Todd’s daughter presented the rings, they said their I-Do’s, and celebration continued at Metropolitan Brewing with fresh beer and pizza. Sounds pretty awesome, right?! Well – it was!!

Shout out to the staff at Metropolitan for helping make this day what it was. We had a blast and will definitely be back soon 🙂

Kathia and Todd: Thank you again for asking me to document your wedding day. This was such a fun afternoon!! All the best to you both in your future together… P.S. Board games soon?!

Vendor Team

Venue: Metropolitan Brewing/Bride’s dress: Adriana Papell/Bride’s shoes: Steve Madden/Groom’s suit: Kenneth Cole//Florals: Village Flower Shop/Decor: Mother of the Groom/Hair & Makeup: DIY/Pizza: Piece Pizzeria/Cake + Cupcakes: The Pastry Palace Chicago

Carla and Ben’s tropical-themed Begyle Brewing wedding was unique in so many ways. When we first met, they had a pretty clear vision of how they wanted the day to look and feel. After hearing about their unique ideas, I was all in! The countdown to wedding day had already begun 🙂

Carla’s words:

“We are channeling mid-century modern tiki vibes….so think clean design, lots of white and gold, and tropical foliage. Our venue is a brewery loft space, with exposed brick and a big windows overlooking Ravenswood Ave (Malt Row). We are going for an intimate, casual, nonreligious CELEBRATION with only our closest family and friends.” 

See what I mean?! Some of you know that I’m a big fan of tiki-anything, and also a huge craft beer nerd. I’m so happy the stars aligned so that I could capture their wedding day!

Carla’s project-managing skills definitely came into play while planning their wedding, which was attended by family and friends from all over. Everything came together “on-theme” – they even had their guests wear tropical prints and Hawaiian shirts! One of my favorite details was incorporating speeches from their wedding party into the ceremony. This allowed the reception to have a very laid-back vibe with no strict agenda. Guests enjoyed fresh beer, food and games while dancing the night away!

Ben and Carla: Thank you again for having me! This was such a unique day to be a part of and I wish you so much happiness in your marriage.

Vendor Team

Venue: Begyle Brewing/Dress: BHLDN/Suit: Zara/Groom’s Tie: Louis Vuitton/Groomsmen’s Hawaiian shirts: Reyn Spooner/Rings: Brilliant Earth/Florist: Details in Bloom/Invitation: Minted.com/Tiki Centerpieces: TikiMaster.com/Day-of Coordinator: Jenny Cunningham/Caterer: Big Star/Dessert: Doughnut Vault

Want to see more Ben & Carla? Check out their sunny spring Engagement Session!