Emma Mullins Photography

My wedding season kicked into full swing this year with Katie & Natalie’s June Ravenswood Event Center wedding. One of my favorite venues in Chicago, these two planned their celebration on all three floors! In short, that means a gorgeous, light-filled ceremony, an intimate cocktail hour, and dinner in the venue’s colorful showroom. This first floor is probably my favorite – complete with vintage cars and neon signs! The perfect place to party the night away… which this crowd was especially good at 🙂

Natalie and Katie’s wedding day was a much-anticipated celebration of their union amongst family and friends. Natalie’s aunt officiated the ceremony, and after reading their own vows I don’t think there was one dry eye in the building! With each stolen glance, each heartfelt speech (one in rap form!), and the love this couple shares, the EMP team were more than honored to be there.

Katie and Natalie: Thank you again for having us!! Best wishes to you both for a lifetime of happiness together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Ravenswood Event Center/Dresses: Eddy K Italia, White One Bridal/Florals: DIY/Custom Nikes: Nike.com/Hair Stylist: Kellie McIntire/Makeup Artist: Vanessa Rose Makeup/Invitation: designed by Katie/Wedding Bands: Persin & Robbin/Engagement Rings: Karat Jewelry Group, Jared/DJ: Cage & Aquarium/Videographer: Amy Lynn for EMP/Caterer: REC/Cake: Molly’s Cupcakes

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

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

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!

Lynn and Marker’s June Ivy Room Chicago wedding was fashionable, elegant, and overflowing with happy tears. These two were together for a decade before tying the knot, and their wedding was an all-around celebration!

The entire day included unique personal touches. For instance, they exchanged heartfelt gifts before the ceremony (note Lynn’s bridal sneakers). Additionally, their virtually identical vows were not planned – how sweet is that?! My personal favorite detail was the custom cake topper featuring their beloved pup Jake!

After a decadent dinner and heartfelt speeches, these two were ready to hit the dance floor. When the bride changes into Nikes, you know it’s going to be a party! Champagne flowed and guests celebrated into the night. I’m lucky the newlyweds let me steal them away for a few night portraits in the courtyard! As gorgeous as this venue is during the day, it absolutely dazzles at night 🙂

Vendor Team

Lynn and Marker: thanks again for having me document your day – I had so much fun! CONGRATULATIONS to you both!!

Venue: The Ivy Room at Tree Studios/Hotel: Dana Hotel and Spa/Dress: BHLDN/Tux: Banana Republic/Hair and Makeup: Rare Bird Beauties/Rings: Droste’s Jewelry Shoppe/Bride’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman/Bride’s Sneakers: Nike Air Max 270/Earrings: Oscar de la Renta/Cuff links: family heirloom/Invitation: Minted/Bow Ties: The Tie Bar/Groom’s Shoes: Johnston & Murphy/Florist: A Stem Above/Cake and Desserts: Defloured Bakery/Cake topper: The Knot/DJ: Toast & Jam/Videographer: With Love Productions

Last month I had the privilege of participating in Styled Shoots Across America‘s Chicago shoot at Navy Pier Crystal Gardens. Photographing a Crystal Gardens wedding is an absolute dream – just look at this place!! While the weather outside still hadn’t reached “spring,” we had all the tropical vibes to ourselves 🙂 An incredibly talented team of vendors came together to make this shoot possible. Special thanks to our stunning models Willow, Anna and Patrick!

Styled shoots like this one are always an exercise in getting creative. There were about 20 photographers on site, so you can imagine the pressure! All of us in the same place while simultaneously trying to capture our perfect images. Yes, this can be quite a challenge at times, but one that I’m 100% up for! Thankfully, I was able to surprise myself and create some images I’m really proud of. Below are some of my favorites from the day.

Enjoy!!

Vendor Team

Host: Styled Shoots Across America/Planning & Design: Heather Benge Events/Assistant Coordinator: Urban Allure Events/Venue: The Crystal Gardens/Flowers: Intrigue Teaches/Cake: Chicago Custom Cakes/Decor: Boho Blush/Makeup: Makeup by Natalie/Hair: Unfading Beauty by Julia/Linens: Nuage Designs/Stationary: Emery Ann Design/Calligraphy: Things Unseen Designs/Jewelry: Lindsay Marie Design/Lollipops: Flour & Fig/Paper Flowers: Floral by Emily Jane/Gowns: Alyssa Kristin Bridal/Shoes: David Tutera Footwear/Models: Willow Star, Anna DeBlecourt & fiancé

Nicole and Jason’s City Winery Chicago wedding was everything they’d hoped it would be: a cozy, intimate affair surrounded by their favorite people. These two were so excited to finally marry each other when the day arrived! The winery’s Barrel Room was the perfect setting for a romantic candlelit ceremony.

We were lucky enough to set up their first look at the Cerise rooftop overlooking Chicago! The three of us braved the crisp October weather together for photos (Nicole in her mom’s vintage fur!). Nicole and Jason wanted portraits in some iconic Chicago locations that were also meaningful to them. I am so happy we had time for some fun photos in the West Loop before their ceremony!

Highlights

Highlights from the day include Nicole’s wedding gift to Jason, a silver airplane paperweight reminiscent of their spontaneous first date. She also donned a lovely gold pin as her guardian angel, in memory of her late father. It was so sweet! A few pink roses in Nicole’s bridal bouquet represented other loved ones who had passed… something I’d never seen before. I loved this unique way to memorialize those who were there in spirit.

One other first for me at this wedding: a cameo appearance by a certain Frank Sinatra doll! I’m so happy to have been there to capture this moment, and Jason’s hilarious reaction. The doll’s significance is a secret safe with me… you’ll have to use your imagination 🙂

Thanks again for having me, Nicole and Jason!! I enjoyed every moment of your wedding day (not to mention the killer dance party!). All my best to you both in your future together.

Vendor Team

Getting Ready location: Virgin Hotels/Bride’s dress: Hayley Paige/Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka/Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss/Rings: James Allen/Invitation: Minted/Hair: Erin Graham/Makeup: Evy Papadopoulos/Officiant: Michael Moody/Cake: City Winery/DJ: Katy from Toast & Jam/Florist: Redberry Floral Designs

This year’s wedding season officially began with Emily and John’s Salvage One wedding in March. These two have been together for years, and a pleasure in front of the camera! The best thing about working with Emily and John is how obviously in love they are… thanks for making my job easy, guys!

On wedding day, we unanimously decided to have their first look at Salvage One. Ever since their December engagement session, I had been eagerly anticipating wedding day! The natural light in this venue is killer and it’s filled with vintage artifacts and pieces. Finally, it was time for church… but not before stopping at the local CTA station for a few iconic Chicago photos with the wedding party!

Second Presbyterian Wedding Ceremony

That afternoon, John and Emily were married at Second Presbyterian Church on Chicago’s south side. Their ceremony was filled with unique personal touches, including the same ring bearer pillow from Emily’s grandmother’s wedding. The gothic architecture of this building is a fantastic photo backdrop – not to mention the stunning Tiffany windows! Once the knot was tied, these two were ALL smiles and ready to celebrate 🙂

Salvage One Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, the newlyweds wanted nothing more than for family and friends to gather and celebrate with them at Salvage One. Delicious food and local beer was also a top priority – and I’d say they got their wish! Local brews served at the reception include Off Color, Pollyanna, and Argus Brewing. One of my favorite details is their homemade wedding cake, made specially for them by a dear friend. Guests danced the night away, and we didn’t say goodbye without a night photo in the courtyard, of course!

Emily and John: A million thank yous for trusting me to capture your wedding day! Wishing you all the best in your future together.

Vendor Team

Hotel: Springhill Suites River North/Church: Second Presbyterian/Dress: Amy Kuschel/Shoes: Nina/Suit: rented from The Black Tux /Rings: Brilliant Earth, Blue Nile/Invitation Design: the groom/Florals: Gratitude Heart Garden/Caterer: Honky Tonk BBQ/Cake: friend of the couple/2nd shooter: Jeremy