Emma Mullins Photography

Happy New Year’s Eve, friends! I’m pretty sure I say this every year, but it’s been nearly impossible to choose the Best of 2023 after such an incredible season. Of course, the past 12 months have flown by faster than ever… but looking back has been truly nostalgic!

This year we decided to take a limited number of weddings in order to better serve each and every couple. As a result, I have been able to build up our sister company P&M studio (give us a follow!), as well as say YES to more short-term opportunities (like surprise proposals, my FAVE!). No doubt 2023 would not have been the same without my amazingly talented team: Alexis, Amy Lynn, George, Trevor, Dan, Jess, Nohemi, Chrissy, Kate, and Jeremy. I’m lucky to get to work with such kind, professional, and skilled individuals who want the best for our awesome couples.

Highlights from 2023:

• Number of weddings captured: 33
• Elopements captured: 1
• Engagement sessions: 22
• Surprise proposals: 4 (including my first boat proposal!)
• Wedding films created: 17
• Weddings in my hometown (Milwaukee): 2
• Wedding Day Rainbows: 2 (okay, they were on the same day… but still worth mentioning!)
• Our first wedding with Albanian traditions
• My first Chicago Hot Dog Unity Ceremony
• First celebrity wedding guest
• Countless fur babies and some human babies too
• Got to see multiple former EMP couples at weddings this year!
• Working with some favorite vendors
• Working in some gorgeous new venues as well as some old favorites (list below!)

The images below are a collection of our top favorite moments and portfolio pieces from this year. We are beyond grateful to work with such wonderful couples and be part of your life events! From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to give a gigantic THANK YOU to every couple who trusted us to capture your memories in 2023. We could not be more honored, grateful, and thrilled for you all 🙂

CHEERS to a Happy and Healthy 2024!!!

Featured Venues:

Adler Planetarium / Chicago Athletic Association Hotel / Bridgeport Art Center / Cafe Brauer / Rockwell on the River / Wildman BT / The Gage / Mitchell Park Domes / Fairlie / Renaissance Chicago Downtown / Garfield Park Conservatory / Ovation / The Arbory / Holy Name Cathedral / Pazzo’s / Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool / Biltmore Country Club / Walden / Cindy’s Rooftop / Warehouse 109 / South Branch Tavern & Grille / North Pond / Emil Bach House / Our Lady of Mount Carmel / St. Benedict / Salvage One / Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club / Lincoln Park Conservatory

As I sit here writing this post, I just keep thinking about how truly incredible this year has been. No doubt that 2022 has gone by especially fast… I still can’t believe that tomorrow it will be over! I couldn’t be more grateful for all of the couples we had the opportunity to serve, whether that meant capturing their wedding day, their wedding celebration, or commemorating another milestone in life. This year has kept my team and I on our toes more than ever – but I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Let’s recap, shall we?!

2022 Recap:

• I got to photograph my final few weddings rescheduled from 2020! WOOHOO!!!
• Number of weddings captured: 42 (including three receptions and one Hindu/Jewish double wedding)
• Engagement sessions: 31
• Wedding films created: 37 (including two Live Stream recordings)
• Sessions in my home state: 4 (including one wedding)
• Fur babies I got to meet: countless!
• Turtles I got to meet: 1
• My first Baraat
• My first couple with exactly the same name (Hi Alexes!)
• First bride with the same name as me (Hi Emma!)
• First engagement session crashed by the Tamale Guy
• First Divvy bike engagement session
• Got to work at some gorgeous new venues with wonderful vendors, as well as some old favorites (list below!)

Below you’ll find a collection of favorite candid moments and portfolio pieces from this year. As always, it was not easy to choose! My sincerest gratitude to each and every couple who has trusted my team to document these once-in-a-lifetime events. We absolutely love what we do, and can’t wait to do it again in 2023 🙂

Wishing a safe and Happy New Year to YOU!!!

Featured Venues:

Adler Planetarium | Walden | Chicago History Museum | Artifact Events | Independence Grove | Lacuna Lofts | ROOF on theWit | Bottom Lounge | LondonHouse | Blumen Gardens | Half Acre Brewery | Wilder Mansion | International Museum of Surgical Science | Salvage One | Firehouse Chicago | Garfield Park Conservatory | Bridgeport Art Center | Morton Arboretum | The Drake Oak Brook | Art Institute of Chicago | Saddle & Cycle Club | Ovation | Greenhouse Loft | Starved Rock Lodge | Cafe Brauer | Rockwell on the River | Madonna della Strada Chapel | Bridle Barn & Gardens | Cantigny Park | Halim Museum | City Winery | Hubbard Park Lodge

Happy 2022, friends!!! Before this year’s season begins (…tomorrow), I wanted to officially share my faves from 2021. Most of you know that last year was hands-down the BUSIEST ever for all wedding professionals… and (spoiler alert!) 2022 is headed in the same direction! Though it was a bit of a whirlwind, I truly enjoyed looking back on all the memories we captured over the past 12 months. Believe me, it was NOT easy to narrow these down for the post!

Similar to years’ past, I’ve selected a mix of my favorite portfolio pieces, but also my favorite moments. Some of these couples waited for years to get married, and many have had multiple wedding dates. I couldn’t be happier to see them finally get to celebrate 🙂

2021 in a Nutshell:

• Number of weddings captured: 46 (including 3 elopements)
• Engagement sessions: 27
• Surprise proposals: 5
• Anniversary sessions: 1
• Weekday weddings: 8
• Worked with some favorite “friendors” – and made some new ones!
• Got to work at some gorgeous new venues and old favorites (list below!)

Oh – we also MOVED in 2021!! More on our new(ish) studio space in West Town coming SOON…

I am beyond grateful to each and every couple who has invited us into your lives, trusting my team to capture your memories last year. It absolutely means the world, and we couldn’t have done it without YOU! For the first time ever, we are starting a new year almost fully booked through December. Which means: If you’re getting married in 2022, get in touch ASAP!

Wishing you all a safe and happy 2022!!!

Featured Venues:

Rockwell on the River | Artifact Events | Michigan Shores Club | Cafe Brauer | Cindy’s Rooftop | Mid-America Club | Royal Sonesta Chicago | Joe’s Live | The Dalcy | Little Goat | Milwaukee War Memorial Center | Greenhouse Loft | Revolution Brewing | The Four Seasons Chicago | Columbus Park Refectory | City Hall Events | Alice Millar Chapel | Glessner House | Grant Park Rose Garden | Mercantile Hall | Renaissance Chicago Downtown | Halim Time & Glass Museum | Gallery 1028 | Ignite Glass Studios | Loft Lucia | Galleria Marchetti | Chicago Athletic Association Hotel | Viceroy Chicago | Salvage One | Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro

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

What exactly is a “First Look?” These days, any wedding photographer will tell you it’s when a couple decides to see each other on wedding day before their ceremony.

Some of you may be gasping at the thought of this (it’s against tradition!!) – others might consider the trend old news. But truthfully, having a First Look on wedding day has become one of the most important decisions a couple will make. The result is usually a combination of tears and laughter… but always full of emotion.

Even though there are many advantages to having First Look, it’s not the best decision for every couple. There are plenty of arguments both for and against a First Look, and most of the time I am 100% FOR it. Below you’ll find seven of my favorite reasons to have a First Look!

1. Logistics.
   You want to spend as much of your wedding day together as possible. Especially for ceremonies that are later in the day, I always encourage couples to have a First Look early on. Everyone tells you your wedding day will be over before you know it, and – they’re right! If you’re apart until 6 pm, that’s a large portion of the day you could spend making sweet wedding memories.
   
2. Lighting.
   This reason has 100% to do with photography. Depending on what time of year you’re getting married, the sun will set anywhere between 4:30 and 8:30pm. Keep in mind that for ceremonies later in the day, there won’t be time for natural light photos of you and your partner if you don’t have a First Look. What does this mean? No gorgeous greenery, no fall colors, no sunshine, no golden hour. Yes, we can take separate solo portraits, family and wedding party photos during daylight, but every single Newlywed photo from your wedding day will be taken with artificial light. If that’s not the aesthetic you’re going for, definitely consider (an earlier ceremony or) having a First Look!
   
3. Privacy.
   It’s a moment you can enjoy together, alone. As the guests of honor you’ll have places to be, and a timeline to keep up with. Yes – your day will be filled with your favorite people, but there won’t be much opportunity for just the two of you together. Having a First Look guarantees a few moments of privacy on your wedding day. Some couples even choose to exchange personal vows during this time (in lieu of the ceremony), which makes for really unique and intimate photos.
   
4. Nerves.
   Let’s face it: your wedding day is kind of a big deal. There’s a lot going on – the result of months of planning and decision-making. Of course you want it to be perfect! No matter how your emotions may be running, any nerves will melt away the moment you see each other (pinky swear!!). We’ve seen it time and time again. First Looks are one of my favorite things to photograph for this reason.
   
5. More photos!
   This might seem like an easy one, but it’s worth mentioning. If you have a First Look you’ll get an extra set of portraits together that wouldn’t exist otherwise.
   
6. Stage fright.
   Remember I mentioned that these things get emotional? Imagine experiencing that moment in front of 100+ guests with all eyes on YOU. Be prepared to let those emotions run while on display – or not allow yourself to experience them fully. Even if you don’t consider yourself an outwardly emotional person, wedding days can be completely unpredictable (yep – you might cry!). If this does not sound appealing to you, I highly recommend a First Look.
   
7. Authenticity.
   Have you been dreaming about the look on your partner’s face as you walk down the aisle? Or, as they walk down the aisle toward you? Trust me: that moment will still be REAL and still be emotional. They will be just as excited to see you at that moment whether you’re apart all day or spend it together.

Bonus Reason: We Like To Party!

It’s true: With a First Look, you’ll have the option to complete ALL your formal/posed/family/group photos before the ceremony even begins. What does that mean? Once it’s officially official, you can relax, let loose, and ENJOY the party you’ve been planning for so long, alongside your loved ones. Once that ring is on your finger, not having to worry about an agenda or chasing daylight may be exactly what you need! By this point, you can rest assured that we’ve already captured countless candid moments and the formal shots you wanted. Now you can just focus on the fun stuff! Any additional Newlywed Photos (yes, we’ll definitely get some of those) are just an added bonus 🙂

Don’t believe me? See for yourself! Below are several first looks we’ve photographed, and a few ceremony first looks for comparison. Meaning: there’s a mix of couples who did see each other before the ceremony, and some couples who didn’t.

Can you tell the difference?! Let me know!

Featured couples and venues include:

Mary & William, Thalia Hall / Emily & John, Salvage One / Carly & Matt, Chevy Chase Country Club / Amanda & Rob, Rivers Restaurant / Erica & Eric, River Roast / Melissa & Anand, Room 1520 / Alex & Jason, Lacuna Events / Alissa & Mel, Mercantile Hall / Jessika & Matthew, Grant Park / Ben & Carla, Begyle Brewing / Eliza & Patrick, Chicago Athletic Association / Katie & Natalie, Ravenswood Event Center / Ada & Brendan, TheWit / Kristal & Brian, Galleria Marchetti / Dana & Noah, ARIA Minneapolis / Jenn & TJ, Galleria Marchetti / Rachel & Jon, Cozumel, Mexico / Ariel & Aaron, Ignite Glass Studios / Justin & Lani, Cancun, Mexico

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!!!