Emma Mullins Photography

Summer is HERE!! Although the world has changed a bit since last July, I’m all about reliving those precious summer memories. One of my favorites is E&A’s lovely Firehouse Chicago wedding! From their colorful DIY decor to the unicorn bubble favors, every detail was intentional. I loved seeing their vision for a backyard summer garden party come to life!

E&A wanted a relaxed, intimate celebration close to their home, and chose to work with local vendors. There was no shortage of delicious food or beverage… including carrot cake from E’s favorite cafe and brews from Half Acre! As a fellow beer nerd, I was especially excited to see this. One of my favorite details were their custom glass jars at the lemonade stand!

These two got ready together in the Captain’s Room, surrounded by family and friends (not to mention their sweet pup Josephine!). We had just enough time to visit Hollywood Beach before their ceremony! E&A exchanged vows in the venue’s ivy-covered courtyard, underneath a neon rainbow. A dear friend officiated, and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place! Celebration continued throughout the night… note their Newlywed entrance down the fire pole! A MUST at every Firehouse Chicago wedding 🙂

E&A: Thank you again for having me last July!! I really enjoyed getting to know you both and being a part of this day. Wishing you all the happiness in your future together!

Vendor Team

Venue: Firehouse Chicago/Dress: BHLDN/Suit: Bonobos/Florals: DIY/Hair & Makeup: DIY/Invitation: Minted/DJ: Just Press Play/Caterer: City Barbeque/Beer: Half Acre Beer/Cake: Kopi Cafe

Mary Ann & Jordan’s fall wedding at The Joinery Chicago was an absolute pleasure to be a part of. From the beginning, they had envisioned an intimate, candlelit evening surrounded by friends and family. These two planned their entire wedding themselves, working with local vendors and even incorporating some DIY aspects. I loved seeing their vision come to life!

It was important to Mary Ann and Jordan that their wedding day feel like a true representation of themselves as a couple. Similarly, they wanted to find a way to honor those who were there in spirit. Every detail had its purpose! In other words, much thought went into making this day what it was.

Mary Ann’s words:

“We’re figuring out a way to get married that feels really good and natural for us. So far, that means getting married near our home in Logan Square, planning a really great dinner, lots of drinks, including one in honor of my dad using his super cheap scotch, live music – ideally, a great big, fun, loud dinner party.”

Logan Square Wedding Photos

We spent the afternoon taking photos around the neighborhood, including at Gaslight Coffee Roasters where they had their first date! A night photo at Logan Theatre was also a must. That evening, Mary Ann and Jordan exchanged vows by candlelight at The Joinery, officiated by Jordan’s uncle. The celebration that followed continued well into the night! It was a big, fun, loud dinner party indeed… in the best way possible!

Mary Ann and Jordan: Thank you again for having me in November! I really enjoyed getting to know you both and wish you nothing but happiness in your future together 🙂

Vendor Team

Venue: The Joinery/Bride’s dress: Dantela Bridal Couture/Tailor: Ette Tailor/Bride’s shoes: L’Artiste/Groom’s suit: SuitSupply/Groom’s shoes: Allen Edmonds/Florals: Flowers for Dreams/Signage: Maison Blanche/Hair Stylist: Jana Hoeller/Makeup Artist: Aviana Wyall/Stationery: Jordan (groom)/Rings: Adornment + Theory/Musicians: Bowmanville, coordinated by Brooklyn Britches/Caterer: Big Delicious Planet

Alyssa and Larry’s September Ravenswood Event Center wedding was a highlight of 2019! After getting to know these two during their summer Engagement Session, I was so excited for them to tie the knot. They planned their entire wedding themselves, incorporating the most unique DIY details! In fact, the (delicious) desserts were homemade by Larry!! Not to mention the stargazing theme added to the already romantic vibe.

After their first look at the hotel, we headed to LaBagh Woods for some gorgeous outdoor photos. This wedding party was such a fun crew! We were lucky enough to sneak in a few more photos at the venue before their ceremony began. Special thanks to Aly at REC for helping make this happen!

Larry and Alyssa exchanged vows in the stunning Atrium surrounded by loved ones. A friend officiated their ceremony, and I know there wasn’t a dry eye in the place! Celebration continued with cocktails, dinner, and dancing (and dessert!). The newlyweds were all smiles all night long 🙂

Alyssa and Larry: Thank you again for having us in September!! I really enjoyed getting to know you both and had a blast at your wedding. Wishing you all the best in your future together!

Vendor Team

Venue: Ravenswood Event Center/Hotel: Skokie DoubleTree/Bride’s dress: David Tutera for Mon Cheri Bridals/Bride’s shoes: Converse/Groom’s suit: The Groomsman Suit/Bouquets: StempleShop/Florals: Fairy Godmothers/Hair & Makeup: We Only Do Pretty/Invitation: Zazzle/Bride’s rings: Stanley Brown Jewelist/Groom’s ring: Casavir Jewelry/DJ: Rachel + Kate from Toast & Jam/Videographer: Our Wedding Movie/Caterer: REC/Dessert: B’s Sweet Bites/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Ashley and Scott had been planning their Logan Square wedding at The Joinery Chicago for over a year. When their September date finally arrived, they were ready to celebrate! The Joinery was the perfect venue for the vintage, boho, “classy but casual” vibe they were going for. Add in a jewel-toned color scheme, well-dressed wedding party, and delicious Mexican cuisine… this was definitely a night to remember!

Romantic Rain

The day began with Ashley’s wedding party getting ready at Wicker Park Inn, and then braving the rainy weather on our way to The Joinery. The weather allowed us to have the most romantic first look inside the venue, overlooking the courtyard. And then, by some miracle, we had a few minutes for photos with the lush ivy wall without umbrellas (thanks, Nature!). One of my favorite things about this day was during the ceremony, when the sound of rain seemed to intensify at EXACTLY the right moment. Scott’s brother mentioned in his touching speech that it represented happy tears of their late mother, with them in spirit. There was not one dry eye among us, believe me!

The Joinery Chicago Wedding Reception

Delicious food and cocktails flowed and guests danced the night away. Scott and Ashley made sure there were plenty of late-night activities, including custom drawn portraits, Jenga, and our Photo Booth (it was a hit!). I absolutely loved getting to see this day come together, and had a blast with the entire crew. Weddings at The Joinery are always cozy, intimate, stylish, and FUN 🙂

Ashley and Scott: Thank you again for having us!! Wishing you all the happiness in your future together.

Vendor Team

Venue: The Joinery Chicago/Hotel: Wicker Park Inn/Wedding Planner: Evelyn of Naturally Yours Events/Bride’s dress: BHLDN/Bride’s shoes: Betsey Johnson/Groom’s suit: Formally Modern Tuxedo/Groom’s shoes: Too Boot/Florals: Fab Flora/Hair & Makeup: Blush & Burgundy/Invitation: Digital Cocoa, Inc./Rings: Adornment + Theory/DJ: Rachel from Toast & Jam/Custom Portraits: Doodlebooth/Photo Booth: Emma Mullins Photography/Officiant: Anne Styx, Rev For Whatev/Videographer: Lakeshore Studio 4/Caterer: Tamale Spaceship/Donuts: Doughnut Vault/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Want to see more Ashley & Scott? Check out their winter Engagement Session at Garfield Park Conservatory!

Erica and Eric’s Chicago River Roast Wedding was such a blast! It was a hot, July day in the city… exactly what you hope for when planning a summer wedding. Family and friends traveled from near and far to witness their union, and believe me, the celebration did not disappoint!

The day began with Erica and Eric getting ready separately at The Westin River North. After their happy first look on the Riverwalk, these two were eager to get the party started! We toured the city with the wedding party and got to visit some iconic locations, such as Buckingham Fountain and the skyline view outside Adler Planetarium. They even had custom drink coozies for each member of the party!

River Roast Wedding

Early that evening, Eric and Erica said I Do in the Monarch Room surrounded by loved ones. Their ceremony was classic, elegant, and SO full of joy – in fact, some of my favorite ceremony photos of all time are from this day!

Once the knot was tied, guests enjoyed gorgeous weather while sipping cocktails along the Chicago River. The night continued with delicious food, dancing, and the biggest Newlywed SMILES!! Eric and Erica wanted a classic Chicago wedding, and I’d say it came together perfectly. I was even lucky enough to capture their first piggy-back ride as husband and wife 🙂

Erica and Eric: Thank you again for having me in July!! This was such a fun day to capture, wishing you both all the happiness in the world.

Vendor Team

Venue: River Roast Chicago/Hotel: The Westin River North/Bride’s dress: Madeline Gardner/Bride’s shoes: Nina/Groom’s suit: Alexandre of England/Florals: Florist and Hound Design/Hair Stylist: Joey Zaprzal, Hairchology/Makeup Artist: Angela Makeup/Invitation: XOXO Invites/Rings: Imperial Jewelry Company/DJ: O’Dea Entertainment/Caterer: River Roast/Cake: Bittersweet Pastry Shop

Want to see more Erica & Eric? Check out their spring engagement session with surprise Chicago fog!

Jenn and TJ’s Chicago Galleria Marchetti wedding was a much anticipated event. After a year-plus engagement, these two were ready to tie the knot and celebrate! TJ proposed on a private Chicago River cruise, and I met these two shortly after. Check out their unique 2018 Engagement Session commemorating that day!

Wedding day was filled with joy and support from friends, family and loved ones. Jenn and TJ’s first look took place down the street from their home, with their adorable pup Sunny, of course! We traveled to a few iconic locations (including my fave, Garfield Park Conservatory) before heading to the ceremony. I’m sure you can tell from the photos, but their hilarious wedding party was one for the books!

Overcast skies opened up like clockwork for their outdoor ceremony at La Pergola. The space looked incredible with hanging greenery and candlelight. Champagne was flowing and guests celebrated with the newlyweds into the night 🙂

TJ and Jenn: Thanks again for having us in September!! Your day was a joy to capture and we wish you both nothing but happiness.

Vendor Team

Venue: La Pergola at Galleria Marchetti/Hotel: Aloft River North/Wedding Planner: Grace from Lionhearted Events/Bride’s dress: BHLDN/Bride’s shoes: J Crew/Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse/Florals: Steve’s Flower Market/Hair & Makeup: Zea Salon/Invitation: Minted/Rings: Ethan Lord Jewelers/Ceremony musicians: Signature Ensemble/DJ: Music by Design/Videographer: Paul for EMP/Cake: Mariano’s/Cupcakes: Nothing Bundt Cakes

See more from Jenn & TJ’s wedding day in their Highlight Film!

When I first heard from Brittany and Jonathan about their Museum of Surgical Science wedding, I was immediately intrigued. They had been together for several years, and were even technically married by the time we met! It’s true… these two made it official in October 2018 so that Brittany could follow Jon to Switzerland for work. They still wished to celebrate with friends and family in Chicago, on what would be a perfect fall evening. And – guess what? It just so happened to fall on their one year anniversary!

Brittany and Jon planned much of their wedding from overseas. Brittany crafted much of the DIY decor, including the florals and table centerpieces. One of my favorite details were Jon’s T-Rex cuff links, reminiscent of their Field Museum engagement session earlier that week! Their “Books and Space” theme grew from Brittany’s love of Medieval literature and Jon’s dream of becoming an astronaut 🙂

This day was such a pleasure to be a part of. From the friends and family in attendance to the unique decor, the day was so full of love. Brittany and Jonathan just radiate when they’re together… making my job easy! I don’t think there was a dry eye during their ceremony.

Thanks again for having me, you two!! Cheers to a lifetime of happiness and adventure together.

Vendor Team

Venue: International Museum of Surgical Science/Hotel: Claridge House/Bride’s dress: Morilee Madeline Gardner/Bride’s shoes: Steve Madden/Groom’s suit: The Black Tux/Cuff Links: The Tie Bar/Florals: DIY/Hair & Makeup: Pin Me Up Chicago/Invitation: Minted/Rings: AAA Jewelry and Diamond Exchange/Caterer: Beyond Catering

Patrick and Eliza’s stunning Chicago Athletic Association wedding was much anticipated, to say the least! After a two-plus year engagement, they were ready to tie the knot! (Check out their engagement session from last August here!) Family and friends traveled from near and far to celebrate these two, and believe me: a celebration it was.

When I first heard from Eliza and Patrick, I immediately knew we’d be a great fit. It was clear that the people surrounding them and all the little moments were more important than looking like the cover of a magazine (although they could be… have you seen these two together??! Fire AND style!). Since that’s basically my photography style in a nutshell, I’d say we were a perfect match 🙂

There are so many moments from this day that I will never forget. From their intimate first look in the White City Ballroom to the emotional ceremony… I don’t think there was one dry eye (seriously)! The weather even cooperated for some lovely garden photos at the Art Institute of Chicago. One of my favorite moments was our champagne night cap on Madison Avenue (shout out to Regina for helping make this happen!). One thing’s for certain: this day was all about making memories.

Eliza and Patrick: THANK YOU so much for having us this year!! You two were a joy to photograph and I wish you nothing but happiness in your journey together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Chicago Athletic Association Hotel/Wedding Planner: Regina of Amelia Cole Events/Bride’s dress: Rita Vinieris/Bride’s shoes: Journee, Vans/Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse/Florals: Flowers for Dreams/Hair & Makeup: Bridal Brigade/Invitation: Minted/Bride’s rings: Noémie, Brilliant Earth/Groom’s ring: Bellyssa Jewelry/DJ: Okyne Medialab/Cake: Cake Chicago/Catering: CAA/Dessert: CAA/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Ariel and Aaron’s summer Ignite Glass Studio wedding took place on a beautiful Thursday in August. Their prayers for nice weather paid off – there was not a cloud in the sky! It happened to be the first day of the Chicago Air and Water Show, but these two didn’t need the additional entertainment. This eventful wedding day was filled emotion, tradition, and loved ones from near and far.

Guests traveled from all over the world to join Ariel and Aaron as they entered into marriage. Neither of them native Chicagoans, these two met in our city by chance. Now they call Chicago home, and getting married here was so intentional! After about a week of separation before their wedding, Ariel and Aaron were reunited during their rooftop Bedeken. The courtyard wedding ceremony was immediately to follow.

Some of my favorite details from this day include their DIY ceremony program The Newlywed Times, their lively dance floor (I don’t think one guest remained seated), and of course the epic Donut Wall (Ariel’s favorite!). Guests even got a live glass-blowing demonstration by the artists at Ignite during the reception! How cool is that?! Their only portrait request was to replicate a black-and-white wartime photo

Getting to know Ariel and Aaron was an absolute pleasure. As some of the most friendly, generous people you will ever meet, their wedding day had no shortage of smiles! Seriously – when these two are together, you can just feel the love 🙂 I think each and every vendor who helped make this wedding day come together would agree!

Ariel and Aaron: Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for having us in August!! Your wedding was a joy to capture, I wish you nothing but the best in your future together. Mazel Tov!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Ignite Glass Studio/Hotel: St. Jane/Wedding Planner: Wedicity/Bride’s dress: purchased at Something New Bridal, tailored by Ette/Bride’s shoes: Converse/Groom’s suit: Ted Baker/Florals: YJ Decorating/Hair Stylist: Pin Me Up Chicago/Makeup: Family member/Invitation: Zola.com/Rings: New York Jewelers/Violinist: Ruby Harris/DJ: DJ Chicago/Caterer: Zelda’s Catering/2nd photographer: Jeremy

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!