Emma Mullins Photography

Alex and Jason’s Lacuna Lofts wedding was a highlight of our summer. Not only are these two super friendly, affectionate, and in LOVE, they know how to throw a party! Guests traveled from near and far to witness these two exchange vows and celebrate into the night.

Jason and Alex wanted to keep things local by tying the knot in their neighborhood. For instance, Jason got ready at their Pilsen home, while Alex enjoyed her morning at The W Hotel downtown. When we all met at Lacuna for their first look, sparks flew! Their stylish wedding party joined us for photos at the venue. We had a blast “staying cool” in the 100+ degree Chicago summer 🙂

These two are so clearly surrounded by love and support. This celebration would not have been what it was without the countless friends and family in attendance! The entire EMP team was present to capture their day, and it was an absolute pleasure to be a part of. One of my favorite things was the furry guest who joined us for champagne at night… you’ll see what I mean.

Alex and Jason: THANK YOU again for having us in July!! We loved your wedding and wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Lacuna Lofts/Hotel: W Chicago City Center/Wedding Planner: VS1 Events/Bride’s dress: Pronovias/Bride’s shoes: Kailee P/Groom’s suit: J. Ferrar/Florals and Decor: Elegance Decor/Hair Stylist: Pierre Melo/Makeup Artist: Monica Rogers/Invitation: Vistaprint/Engagement ring: Professional Gems Jewelry/Wedding bands: Zales/DJ: Best Life Entertainment/Videographer: Amy Lynn for EMP/Photo Booth: Emma Mullins Photography/Caterer: LM Catering/Dessert: Vanille Patisserie/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Want to see more Alex & Jason? Check out their awesome Highlight Film by Amy Lynn!

Catherine and Steven are some of the kindest, most wonderful people you will meet. Both of them so obviously head-over-heels for each other, they made my job a breeze! I’ll admit I had been eagerly anticipating this day since our quirky engagement session last summer (Skee-Ball and Bride of Chucky dolls?? Come ON!). Their intimate West Loop wedding was a joyous celebration of their love 🙂

Some of you may recognize Catherine as the Senior Editor of alternative wedding blog Offbeat Bride! This is one of my choice resources for DIY wedding inspiration and non-traditional ideas. As you can imagine, Catherine and Steven adopted a similar mindset while planning their own wedding. Some especially unique details included Catherine’s flowy ombre skirt and Steven’s custom-designed (by himself!) wedding band.

One of my favorite things about this day was seeing it all come together. Catherine and Steven wanted a low-key affair with delicious food, personal decor, and surrounded by loved ones. Brique was the perfect location! A close friend officiated the ceremony, and – as if we’d planned it all along – the unforecasted dreary weather ended just as they were saying their I-Do’s. I don’t know who was beaming more – our newlyweds or that golden sun!

Catherine and Steven: THANK YOU again for having us in May. This was a truly unforgettable day and we could not be happier for you two! Congrats again!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Brique Chicago/Hotel: Crowne Plaza West Loop/Wedding Planner: An Event Less Ordinary/Bride’s skirt: Wardrobe by Dulcinea/Bride’s top: Anna Sui/Bride’s shoes: Sole Society, DIY/Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse/Groom’s tie: Target/Florals: Leelee’s Garden/Hair & Makeup: Brooke Klay Artistry/Invitation: Minted/Bride’s rings: Madelynn Cassin Designs/Groom’s ring: Revolution Jewelry Designs/DJ: Toast & Jam/Photo Booth: Emma Mullins Photography/Caterer: Boutique Bites/Dessert: Dipsy Desserts/2nd shooter: Jake Wood

Having a winter wedding in Chicago takes some courage. Weather is especially unpredictable, daylight is limited, and outdoor ceremony locations are off-limits. But for Elissa and Tommy, the decision was an easy one! Tommy proposed on Christmas morning, and they chose to relive that magic by tying the knot the following holiday season.

Christmas Theme

When I first heard from these two, they described their Chicago loft wedding as “Old English pub during Christmastime.” If that’s not warm and cozy, I don’t know what is! Elissa and Tommy incorporated the holiday theme into various details. For instance, they exchanged Christmas gifts before their first look, and the groomsmen wore theme socks! Not to mention their pinecone cake topper (a gift from Tommy’s sister).

Chicago Loft Wedding

That evening, Tommy and Elissa exchanged vows in an intimate candlelit ceremony on the longest night of the year. Elissa stunned in her Sarah Seven gown, and Tommy’s welcome speech could not have been more perfect. From the inevitable Santa hats to the surprise guest singer (Tommy’s dad), it was a Very Married Christmas indeed 🙂 Shout out to the talented vendor team who helped make this day what it was!

Elissa and Tommy: Thank you again for having me in December!! I absolutely loved being part of your wedding day and wish you all the happiness in the world.

Vendor Team

Venue: Gallery 1028/Hotel: The Viceroy/Wedding Planner: JPB Designs/Bride’s dress: Sarah Seven/Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka/Bride’s earrings: Melinda Rose/Groom’s suit: Jos. A. Bank/Christmas socks: Amazon.com/Florals: Studio AG Design/Hair: Hair and Lashes by Kaedi/ Makeup: Gilliann Charnstrom/Invitation: Minted/Engagement ring: Mon Ami Jewelry/Wedding Bands: Blue Nile, Zales/Bridesmaids dresses: Dessy Collection/Live Band: Bluewater Kings Band/Caterer: Calihan Catering/2nd Photographer: Jeremy

Want to see more Tommy & Elissa? Check out their summer Bucktown Engagement Session!

I cannot express enough wonderful things about Natalie and Ana’s Chicago loft wedding at Concord Fifty-Five in August. From our first meeting, I knew we’d be a perfect fit! These two love to travel, and they planned to wed exactly one year after the date Ana proposed in Central Park. Every detail was purposeful, from the signage to the centerpieces to the color scheme. And, bonus: just look at the way they gush over each other! I could not wait to photograph their wedding 🙂

Many aspects of their wedding day were either handmade or personal in some way. In fact, most decor items were repurposed from the Nashville Flea Market – one of their favorite trips together! Others were salvaged and shined up for the occasion with help from family members. Guests enjoyed delicious food from Café con Leche in Logan Square, where Ana and Natalie had their first date! Finally, we ended the night with a dazzling sparkler exit photo including all their guests. What an incredible scene to be a part of.

Ana & Natalie: Thank you again for having me capture your wedding day!! You two were a joy to work with and I wish you forever happiness. CONGRATS again to you both!

Vendor Team

Venue: Concord Fifty-Five/Both brides’ dresses: David’s Bridal/Both brides’ shoes: Steve Madden/Hair + Makeup: Chicago Avenue Salon/Engagement and wedding bands: Zales/Florals: Sprout/Officiant: Erika the Officiant/Caterer: Café con Leche/DJ: Angels With an Edge/Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

September has always been my biggest wedding month. This year, I got to start it off with Melissa & Anand’s Room 1520 wedding! Their awesome fusion wedding day included both Hindu and Catholic traditions. In fact, they had TWO ceremonies, two wardrobe changes, two sets of formal photos… and one giant CELEBRATION!! This was such a fun day to be a part of, from beginning to end.

One of my favorite things about Anand and Melissa is that they are ALWAYS smiling together 🙂  Ever since their May engagement session, I have been so, so excited to capture their wedding day! Family and friends traveled internationally to witness their union, including some familiar 2017 newlyweds (pictured below!). From their first dance to Justin Timberlake’s Morning Light to the Crêpe bar for dessert, the festivities did not disappoint! Many thanks to the incredible vendor team that helped make this day possible.

Melissa and Anand: Thank you again for having me!! I had a blast getting to know you both and wish you so much happiness.

Vendor Team

Venue: Room 1520/Planner: Annie from Urban Allure Events/Bride’s Saree: from India/Bride’s Dress: BHLDN/Hair + Makeup: We Only Do Pretty/Henna: Grace at Thread Away/Florist: Fasan Florist/Invitation: Minted/Rings: Diamonds on Wabash/Design: Elegant Event Lighting/Caterers: Cocina Fusion, Godavari Restaurant/DJ: Michael from Cage & Aquarium/Photobooth: Grin + Bear Booth/2nd shooter: Joe U