Nancy & Wade’s Tuesday Wedding at North Pond Restaurant

Nancy and Wade’s fall North Pond Restaurant wedding was an intimate, joy-filled evening. These two tied the knot on a Tuesday in November, two days before Thanksgiving! The date was no accident: Nancy and Wade chose to marry on what would have been Nancy’s parents’ 60th anniversary. In fact, Wade’s parents were wed the same year, only months before! I loved how they chose to honor their families in this way. A candle burned for each of their late parents during the church ceremony, with Wade’s sweet mother proudly in attendance.

Like many wedding days last fall, Mother Nature gave us a healthy dose of rain! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: no matter what the weather on your wedding day, your photos will be beautiful. I promise!! Personally I love the romantic vibe of raindrops falling, not to mention the unique photo opportunities we wouldn’t have otherwise. One of my favorites from this day was the outdoor group photo during a pause in the rain. Nancy and Wade wanted one photo with all their guests, so we gave everyone a sparkler and made it happen! Many thanks to Nathalie at North Pond for helping organize and assist.

These two have been a joy to photograph and are so obviously in love. Even their reception music consisted of love songs Wade had sent to Nancy throughout the course of their relationship. How sweet is that?! After dinner, Wade professed his feelings for his wife in front of all their guests. It was such a heartfelt moment 🙂

Nancy and Wade: Thank you again for having me last fall! It was an honor to capture your wedding day, and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

Vendor Team

Church: Luther Memorial/Venue: North Pond Restaurant/Bride’s dress: Hayley Paige from Alice in Ivory/Bride’s shoes: Christian Louboutin/Groom’s suit: Sartori Amici/Florals: Farmers Market Garden Center/Hair & Makeup: Art + Science salon/Invitation: Minted/Engagement ring: Jared/Wedding bands: family heirloom (originally Wade’s parents’ rings)/Videographer: Paul for EMP/Caterer: North Pond/Cake: Amy Beck Cake Design

Want to see more Nancy & Wade? Check out their morning Engagement Session at Garfield Park Conservatory!

North Pond Chicago wedding photo of bride and groom's sparkler exit with guests

Stylish Cheney Mansion Wedding – Lauren & Brit

One lovely day in June, I was lucky enough to capture Lauren and Brit’s intimate Cheney Mansion wedding in Oak Park. Festivities were held on a Friday evening, instantly allowing for a more cozy, intimate feel. The couple got ready separately, and their gorgeous first look took place on the mansion’s outdoor garden path. One of my favorite things about this venue is the variety of stunning photo locations (have you seen that staircase?!).

Brit and Lauren tied the knot at St. Edmund, right down the street from their reception! Following the ceremony, the newlyweds joined their guests for champagne, lawn games, and live jazz!! This was such a unique alternative to many of the receptions I’ve attended lately, and perfectly fit the vibe of the evening. The quartet entertained throughout the night!

After a delicious family-style dinner, Brit and Lauren shared their first dance under a night sky surrounded by their closest loved ones. It was clear that every single person in attendance meant something special to them. We even felt a few sprinkles toward the end of the night… but these two didn’t mind! I was more than excited to end the night with them cozying up underneath an umbrella 🙂

Lauren & Brit: Thanks again for having me in June! I loved being a part of your wedding day and wish you all the best in your future together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Elizabeth F. Cheney Mansion/Church: St. Edmund Parish/Bride’s dress: Essence of Australia/Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka/Groom’s suit: Armani//Florals: Westgate Florist/Hair stylist: Debra Petrielli/ Makeup: Laura Rose/Invitation: Hill’s Hallmark/Bride’s rings: Tacori/Groom’s ring: Lashbrook/Jeweler: Bella Cosa Jewelers/Jazz musicians: Chicago Jazz Quartet/Caterer: TwoMayToz Catering/Cake: Sugar Fixé/2nd shooter: Jake Wood

Bride and groom in greenhouse at their June Cheney Mansion wedding

Wisconsin Wedding at Silver Spring Golf Club – Melanie & Brad

Melanie & Brad’s Wisconsin Silver Spring Golf Club wedding was as lovely as could be. With thunderstorms in the forecast, we got lucky with one of the first gorgeous spring days this year! Sun was shining, flowers were in bloom, and these two could not have been happier in love. After planning this day for over a year, Melanie and Brad were more than ready to tie the knot!

Their sunrise engagement session last fall was a highlight of 2018, and I couldn’t wait to return for wedding day. In true Wisconsin fashion, a little celebrating was in order after the I-Do’s! We took a quick detour to Sobelman’s for a few pitchers of beer and impromptu “Happy Birthday” serenade to a certain groom. This wedding party was seriously a blast – Jeremy and I had so much fun with this crew!!

I loved that Mel and Brad kept some traditional aspects of their wedding day while still incorporating small personal details and DIY projects. My favorites were their custom initials (made from books!) at the card table, “Cat of Honor” nod to their feline, Phoebe, and Brad’s Green Bay Packers cuff links 🙂

Melanie and Brad: Thanks again for having us in May!! Your wedding day was such a pleasure to be a part of, I wish you both endless happiness.

Vendor Team

Venue: Silver Spring Golf Club/Church: St. Boniface/Bride’s dress: Morilee by Madeline Gardner/Bride’s shoes: Paradox London/Groom’s suit: Calvin Klein/Groom’s tie: Ties.com/Groom’s shoes: Allen Edmonds/Florals: Petals/Hair: Hair Formations/Invitation: Shutterfly/Engagement ring: Howes Diamond Jewelers/Wedding bands: Blue Nile/Transportation: Cruise-A-Palooza/DJ: Action DJs, Inc./Caterer: Silver Spring Golf Club/Doughnuts: Pick N Save grocery/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Romantic photo of bride and groom on bride at sunset during their Silver Spring Golf Club wedding

West Loop Wedding at Herbarium – Sarah & Jonathan

Sarah and Jonathan’s fall West Loop wedding at Herbarium was a most unique celebration. From the artisan favors crafted by their families, to the DIY origami invitation, every detail was intentional. One of my favorite details was Sarah’s custom manicure! It perfectly matched the venue’s wallpaper. How cool is that?!

Similarly, Sarah and Jon borrowed taxidermy dioramas from the Field Museum. Yes, you read that correctly! If you didn’t know, items from the Harris Learning Collection are regularly available for rent. Butterflies made a lovely backdrop for their dessert table.

Herbarium was the perfect space to host their intimate West Loop wedding reception. In fact, Bad Hunter happens to be Sarah’s favorite Chicago restaurant! Most importantly, Sarah and Jon wanted to share a delicious meal and memorable evening with their guests. I’d say they got their wish! Guests danced the night away while the newlyweds couldn’t keep their eyes off each other. In all, the day was truly a pleasure to be a part of.

CONGRATULATIONS, Sarah & Jon! I loved seeing this day come together, thanks again for having me at your Herbarium wedding! All my best to you both!!

Vendor Team

Hotel: The Robey Chicago/Church: Wicker Park Lutheran/Venue: The Herbarium at Bad Hunter/Bride’s Dress: BHLDN, customized by Julia Needlman/Bride’s shoes: Irregular Choice/Salon: Twisted Scissors/Hairpiece: A Bit of Love/Bride’s makeup: DIY/Earrings: J. Crew/Groom’s suit: Adrian Park/Groom’s shoes: Fluevog/Bride’s rings: Mineralogy/Groom’s ring: Jewelry by Johan/Manicurist: Astrowifey/Florist: Pollen/Catering: Herbarium/Taxidermy dioramas: The Field Museum/DJ: Nicole Yalaz/Lighting design: A Posh Production

Bride and groom's first dance under string lights at intimate Bad Hunter Herbarium wedding
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Contact

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About

Chicago wedding photographer Emma Mullins Photography in her studio with film camera

Hellooo, world!

I’m Emma (She/Her): Beer nerd, cat-whisperer, Chicago wedding photographer shooting digital and film. A true Millennial, I still own a VHS box set of Titanic and remember when people used to ask “Tupac or Biggie?” (gotta go Pac). I’ve been helping couples relive their wedding memories since 2014, and wouldn’t have it any other way. Over the years I have found this job to be unexpectedly rewarding; as photographers, the role we play in a couple’s family history is not something I take for granted.

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I currently reside in Chicago with my designer-turned-handyman partner and our two spunky felines. When I’m not photographing couples in love, I’m either hanging with these three, managing our West Town studio space, or traveling someplace new!

A Few of My Favorite Things:
  • Black coffee
  • Buttercream frosting
  • Road trips
  • Watching the sun rise
  • Pretending I sound like Mariah Carey
  • Moira Rose’s wig collection
  • Belgian beer
  • The Green Bay Packers
  • My little fam: Jeremy, Vince and Miike (Mee-kay)
  • Halloween! My favorite costume of all time was Dana Scully from The X-Files (Jeremy was the cutest Mulder).
My Approach

My relaxed, documentary approach allows couples to feel totally comfortable in front of the camera (it’s the number one thing mentioned in my Reviews!). Expect a mix of candid moments and contemporary portraiture, with the occasional embarrassing (aka HILARIOUS) dance floor photo. I will be your hype girl during portrait time (seriously!) – and just might convince you stop in the middle of downtown traffic for an epic portrait on film. We’ll get to know each other throughout the process, and it doesn’t stop on wedding day! I want to show up with hugs and handshakes – not as just another vendor.

Sound like what you’re looking for in a Chicago wedding photographer?

Your business helps us support the following organizations:

The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame winner Emma Mullins Photography
2025 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2025 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
Best of Zola 2025 winner Emma Mullins Photography
Emma Mullins Photography named on of Chicago's top wedding photographers by Party Slate
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2025
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Pricing

We’re a great fit if you want to enjoy every moment of your wedding day without worrying about the little things. We want you to look back at your photos in years to come, and remember what it actually felt like to be there. It’s our priority to capture your day as it unfolds, while creating gorgeous imagery (and having an absolute blast) along the way!

All wedding photography collections include: 

  • A professionally edited digital download gallery and online print shop, where you can download, share, print, and gift your images
  • Exclusive weddings guide, including tips for planning your engagement session and local vendor recommendations
  • Customized photography timeline to make sure we capture all the moments you want to remember forever
  • Unlimited communication leading up to your wedding day, including a final consultation in person or over Zoom
  • Expert guided experience by an award-winning wedding photography team
  • More fun than you think you’ll have taking photos on your wedding day (seriously!)

Hiring Emma was hand-down the best money we spent on our Chicago wedding! We had so much fun… it felt very natural, not (at all) forced. Highly recommended, 10/10 would do again!

Taylor W.

The photos absolutely blew me away. I feel like we got an amazing deal for the level of quality and professionalism she provided.

Evan G.

She definitely captured who we are as a couple and I’m so excited that we got this opportunity to work with her.

Natalie G.

She will go above and beyond for you. We couldn’t recommend this team enough.

Claire W.

I’m still not over how beautiful these pictures came out!! Our family still talks about how great she was for the wedding day and I HIGHLY recommend her to anyone and everyone!

Jessika M.

I know I am using a lot of superlatives and exclamation points, but this is all authentic. Emma made what could have been an extremely stressful day and night, flow so smoothly.

Emily H.

What we got was a perfect snapshot of the day. You can hear the laughs just looking at the photos.

Eliza B.

Grooms on chairs surrounded by guests during Hora dance at Renaissance Chicago Downtown summer wedding reception

Wedding Photography

Starting at $5000

Collections are customized for each couple based on the unique details of their day. Associate photographer collections also available.

Just married bride and groom walk down aisle after Loft Lucia rooftop wedding ceremony

Microweddings

Starting at $3600

Includes four hours of coverage for 30 guests or fewer

Bride and groom exchange vows during intimate Grant Park Rose Garden wedding ceremony in September

Elopements


Starting at $2750

Includes three hours of coverage for 15 guests or fewer

Candid Chicago City Hall elopement photo of bride and groom during summer 2020

City Hall Elopements


Starting at $1800

Up to two hours of coverage at Chicago City Hall (includes 24 hour sneak peek gallery!)

Including videography and additional items, couples invest an average of $10,000 in our services.

For detailed Wedding Photography pricing and availability:

My current Wish List includes photographing a Las Vegas elopement and a surprise wedding! If you are planning either I would LOVE to chat!!!

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

Film Photography
starting at $500 per roll

One complimentary roll of film is included with all Primary Collections. Full and partial day coverage options available.

Engagement sessions 
starting at $900

Special rate available to Wedding Clients

Wedding Album
starting at $1200

Special rate available at booking

Videography
services starting at $3000

Available in addition to photography services only.

Surprise Proposals
starting at $1000

Up to 60 minutes of coverage (includes 24 hour sneak peek gallery!)

Print Box
starting at $1600

Special rate available at booking

Currently offering Family + Maternity sessions to existing clients only.

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Travel Dates

Traveling is my thing.

I don’t know what I would do with myself if I couldn’t explore new places. After a three-year hiatus, my free time is constantly filled with travel dates! Not only does traveling fuel my creativity, it encourages me to learn and grow as a citizen of this planet.

So far I have photographed weddings throughout the Midwest, Mexico, Hawaii, Italy, Utah, San Francisco, New York City, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. But don’t worry: the list is growing! If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, get in touch ASAP. Destination wedding coverage begins at $9500 including two photographers, travel and accommodations.

Bucket List locations include New Zealand, Italy (take me back!), Iceland, Portugal, and South Africa. Custom pricing available for Bucket List locations. Just ask!

Keep an eye on upcoming travel dates to book your destination wedding or session!!

Upcoming Travel Dates:

2025

January-February
Mexico City

March
Three Oaks, MI
San Francisco, CA

April
Paris

May
St. Joseph, MI

June
Milwaukee, WI

July-August
Mexico City

December
St. Lucia

2026

January
Oaxaca

March
London

April
United Kingdom
Ireland

May
Dublin
Northern Ireland