Emma Mullins Photography

What can I say about Jessika and Matthew? I first heard from these two around this time last year, when they were planning a wedding ceremony and celebration in 2022. After a few conversations, and with the state of the world, they decided to completely switch gears and get married last September instead! Of course, I’m SO happy they did 🙂

Jess and Matt tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Grant Park with their immediate families present. Jessika got ready at their South Loop home, while Matthew was at The Ritz-Carlton. Lucky for me, I got to see my girl Nala again (remember this sweetie from their spring engagement session?!) – then it was time to head out for their first look!

Looking stylish as ever, Matt and Jess met up at the Art Institute of Chicago for their first look and a private vow exchange. This was one of my favorite moments of the entire day! In fact, we basically had the entire gardens to ourselves… which never happens!! After stopping at a few iconic downtown locations, it was finally time to make it official. We arrived at the Rose Garden in Grant Park with perfect timing, and they were married in golden light surrounded by loved ones. The evening concluded with a stroll to Italian Village for a delicious wedding dinner!

Jessika and Matthew: Thank you again for having us in September!! Your intimate wedding day was truly a joy to capture, I wish you all the best in Married Life!

Vendor Team

Venue: Grant Park Rose Gardens / Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton / Planner: Samandra Diaz / Bride’s dress: Vera Wang White / Bride’s shoes: LK Bennett / Groom’s suit: Express / Florist: Steve’s Flower Market / Hair & Makeup: Priscilla’s Hair Salon / Jeweler: John Buechner Jewelry / Reception Venue: Italian Village / Second Photographer: Jeremy

On a lovely spring morning in March, I was honored to attend Jake and Zoe’s intimate Cafe Brauer wedding. In fact, along with my Associate-in-Training (hi Dana!), we were the only official guests! Zoe and Jake had been planning a grand celebration in New Orleans for their wedding day. When 2020 happened, they were certain of one thing: they were going to get married that day no matter what!

Zoe’s words:

“Even though our wedding will be a small affair, we wanted a dramatic and beautiful location. We’re excited to have an intimate wedding and exchange vows with just each other — and then we’ll have a party with our friends and family once it’s safe.”

If you’re looking for a dramatic and beautiful place to get married in Chicago, look no further than Cafe Brauer! This historic building is a true Chicago landmark, right in the middle of Lincoln Park. Which means, of course, plenty of prime photo locations all within walking distance (and easy rain plan, too!). I am not at all surprised that these two decided to exchange vows here!

Jake and Zoe got ready separately before meeting for their emotional First Look. Zoe was lucky enough to have her mom join us at the hotel in the morning – these are some of my favorite moments from the whole day! When we arrived at Cafe Brauer, the couple exchanged handwritten love letters before seeing each other for the first time. These two warned me there might be some tears… and they weren’t joking! After their personal vows, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place. It always seems like intimate weddings tend to get more emotional… and they are my absolute favorite to photograph for this reason 🙂

Zoe and Jake: THANK YOU again for having me capture these beautiful moments for you. Your wedding day was a pleasure to be a part of! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Cafe Brauer/Hotel: Waldorf Astoria/Bride’s dress: BHLDN/Bride’s shoes: A New Day/Groom’s suit: Suit Supply/Groom’s tie: purchased in Italy/Florals: Flowers for Dreams/Officiant: Wedding Day Chicago/Hair & Makeup: We Only Do Pretty/Stationery: Shutterfly, Zazzle/Bride’s rings: Phil Greengus/Groom’s ring: Grown Rings/Cake: Bittersweet

Happy NEW YEAR’S EVE, friends!!! Wow, what a year it’s been. Don’t worry, I won’t go on about the challenges of 2020 and how that completely transformed the wedding world. I will, however, share my favorite moments and images from the past 12 months… as is tradition! And just like every other year, it was NOT EASY to pick my faves.

Spoiler alert: if we photographed your wedding or engagement session this year, you are IN HERE!!

Highlights from 2020 include:

• Working with new venues as well as some favorites, including: Renaissance Chicago Downtown, Firehouse Chicago, Indian Hill Club, Loft Lucia, Starved Rock Lodge, Sunset Ridge Country Club, Boulder Ridge Country Club, Joliet Birdhaven Greenhouse, and Kenilworth Union Church
• My first Chicago City Hall wedding during COVID-19
• My first ever Michigan wedding at a dream house in Union Pier
• An adorable Valentine’s Day engagement session
• A Halloween elopement
• My first round of Mini Sessions for Positive Change! Participants helped raise over $2,000 for organizations Black Lives Matter, Equal Justice Initiative, Brave Space Alliance, and Color of Change. I’ve included a few photos from these sessions below 🙂
• Our first Behind-the-Scenes video!!! If you haven’t already, check it out!
• Expanding the team to include more talented Associate photographers and videographers
• Photographing the 2nd-ever wedding officiated by my guy, Jeremy
• My first visit to Soldier Field (don’t worry guys, I’m still a Packers fan…)
• My first WEDMKE show! (Pre-pandemic, of course)
• An insanely gorgeous styled shoot down the street from my studio
• Meeting some awesome new couples, and getting to work with familiar faces, too!

It’s been a challenging year for us all, that’s for certain. But even with the countless changes of plans and difficult decisions, couples are still getting married and having the time of their lives. I am so, so grateful for the opportunity to capture every moment and every memory. Cue my favorite phrase of this year, say it with me: LOVE ISN’T CANCELLED.

Hope you enjoy!! Cheers to 2021!!!

Like so many engaged couples, Jenny and Michael made the difficult decision to postpone their 2020 wedding plans in the face of COVID-19. Also like many couples, they decided to still be legally wed this year! Their Chicago City Hall elopement was the perfect solution.

Jenny’s words:

“We have basically decided that we are tired of not being married. We have been engaged for a long time now (since November 2017), and not being able to have our wedding this summer was frustrating, so… we are going to get our butts to the courthouse!“

Once it was safe to do so, Jenny and Michael made a date with Marriage Court and the countdown was ON!! Needless to say, I was thrilled that they asked me to tag along. After their ceremony (note the custom face masks!), we celebrated with downtown Newlywed photos in the city where they fell in love 🙂 We even got to stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, where their love story began years ago!

CONGRATS again, Jenny and Michael!! Always a pleasure hanging out with you two, excited we get to do it again next year!

Are you planning a Chicago City Hall elopement during the COVID-19 pandemic? Here’s what to expect:

• Marriages are scheduled by appointment only, and limited to 20 per day Monday-Saturday. Call 312-603-5660 to schedule yours.
• You will be asked Wellness Screening questions and given a temperature check upon entering the building.
• Face masks are required in the building at all times (yes, even during your ceremony).
• Up to two guests may join you during the ceremony (including your photographer!).

You can find more information on the Cook County Circuit Court web site HERE.

Chris and Anne’s downtown Chicago elopement took place on the six year anniversary of the day they met. Anne’s sister officiated the ceremony, attended by immediate family only. It was important to them that their two dogs Coorah and Luka be a part of the day, from their first look to “standing” next to them at the altar! One of my favorite details were the flower crowns Anne handmade for them to complement their pearl leashes.

After the ceremony we hopped on a trolley and headed straight to the happiest place on earth Stan’s Donuts! In fact, Chris acquired a Lifetime Supply of Stan’s just by being lucky… and celebration was in order. The staff even set aside a whole box of Anne’s favorite (Raspberry Bismark) even though it wasn’t on the Monday menu! How great is that?!

When we’d finished treating ourselves, it was time for some fun newlywed portraits downtown. These two were an absolute joy to photograph (just look at them!). What’s more, we had some choice downtown portrait locations all to ourselves 🙂

Anne and Chris: I had so much fun on your elopement day! Thanks again for having me document these moments. May your future be filled with infinite happiness (and donuts, of course!). 

Vendor Team

Ceremony site: Montrose Harbor/Dress: I Do Designer Bridal Consignment/Suit: custom from Indochino/Engagement ring: family heirloom/Wedding bands: eMerakiStudio and Sterlings Silver Shop/Hair: Tigerlilie Salon/Makeup: Elizabeth Artistry

Looking for more Chicago Elopement inspiration? Check out other intimate weddings on my Blog:

Katelyn & Corbin’s Cultural Center Civil Ceremony
Liz & Jen’s Lincoln Park Elopement
Katy & Justin’s Surprise Holiday Elopement
Alice & Harry’s Destination Chicago Elopement

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

I was absolutely thrilled when Alice asked me to document her destination Chicago elopement. She and Harry planned to visit from London and get married at City Hall… without telling a soul. This is so my style – I thought. How spontaneous! How romantic! And to top it off, she was the first bride to discover me through Instagram! Of course I wanted to be a part of it.

We met in person for the first time on wedding day. Appointments are not accepted at Cook County Marriage Court, so we were prepared for anything. Luckily, the wait was not long, and we had a chance to get acquainted before their ceremony. After a few minutes with the judge, these two were officially married!!

This was Alice’s first time in Chicago, but not Harry’s. In fact, he’s a seasoned Cubs fan! Needless to say, there was quite a bit of excitement in the air (okay, for several reasons) – we even took some Newlywed photos near the fountain at Daley Plaza. Of course, the blue water was in honor of the Cubs!

I scouted a photo route based on ideas from Alice and Harry. Locations pictured include Cloud Gate, Chicago Theatre, and the Chicago Riverwalk. We even had time to break for a Chicago dog at Lillie’s on the Park! Our session concluded in Logan Square with some street art and a Just Married cocktail. Shout out to Estereo for accommodating us!

Alice and Harry – it was so wonderful meeting you both, I’m honored to have shared in your destination Chicago elopement. Can’t wait to catch up next time you’re in town!