Emma Mullins Photography

It’s finally starting to feel like SPRING here in Chicago! Sierra and Kyle will tie the knot in just a few weeks, and today I’m starting the countdown with their Chicago Riverwalk engagement session 🙂

Chicago Riverwalk Engagement

We met outside the Chicago Theatre and made our way to the Riverwalk. These two were all about each other, and adorable as can be! I loved strolling along the river with these two, stopping at some of my favorite locations along the way. We made our way to classic LaSalle Bridge just in time to catch the golden sunshine! Fun fact: Sierra and Kyle will tie the knot next month just down the street!

Lincoln Park Engagement

As the sun began to set, we headed north to Lincoln Park for more greenery and nature vibes. Many of you know that this is one of the best locations in Chicago if you’re looking for fresh air, wildlife, and a skyline view! They even got to break for romantic storytime on the Nature Boardwalk… a nod to their book-themed wedding celebration next month!

Full Moon at the Beach

We couldn’t let the evening end without stopping at North Avenue Beach! By the time we arrived, it was Blue Hour and the city lights were on (my fave!). The best part was, up in the purple-blue sky, a full moon was illuminating the water like I’d never seen. These are easily some of the most romantic engagement photos I’ve captured in this location! 

Sierra and Kyle: I had so much fun during your engagement session! Can’t wait to do it again very soon!!

I’m excited to finally share Kasia and Jonathan’s epic summer Chicago engagement photos! These two will tie the knot in just a couple of months, and I’m getting super excited to capture their day. When I first heard from them, they wanted a mix of candid and editorial photos from their wedding… and I think this session was perfect practice! What better place in this city to capture this vibe than the Art Institute, am I right?!

Art Institute of Chicago Engagement Photos

If you’ve been following my Blog for some time, you know that one of my top photo locations in the city is the Art Institute of Chicago. The outdoor gardens are gorgeous, and inside is a perfect alternative in case of Chicago weather. I’ve been a member for years – which has been a lifesaver on wedding days, too! Naturally, we’ll feel like we can spend the entire day inside this place… and I’m so glad Kasia and Jonathan were up for exploring the galleries! Some of my favorite portfolio pieces of 2023 came from this session.

South Loop Engagement Photos

After the Institute, we headed to the South Loop to meet their pup, Riggs! We took a stroll among the Agora Sculptures, a 2006 installation by late Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz. It didn’t take long for Riggs to warm up to the camera, as you can see! Rumor has it he might make an appearance on wedding day… crossing my fingers I get to see that puppy face again!

As the sun began to set, we made our way to the lakefront for some romantic summer photos with the Chicago skyline. This session truly had it all: world-class art, the cutest pup, iconic downtown locations, romance and FUN! These two were a treat in front of the camera, and I can’t wait to do it again soon.

Kasia and Jonathan: Thanks for such an awesome summer session! Your wedding day this spring is going to be awesome 🙂

As the holiday season (aka Engagement Season) approaches, I wanted to share a favorite Chicago engagement session from this year! Not only were Sean and Michael a joy to work with, we made it to THREE different picturesque locations… each with its own unique vibe. These two couldn’t keep their eyes off each other, and were up for trying all my ideas! If that’s not a recipe for a fun and successful session, I don’t know what is!

We met in September on Sean and Michael’s One Year Engagement-iversary (awww!) for photos downtown, starting at the lovely Venteux Cafe. Sean wanted a romantic European café setting, and I think we nailed it! Also – how perfect are their outfits for this setting?! They coordinated so perfectly! Big thanks to Ashley and the staff at Venteux for allowing us to take photos inside. After a couple of lattés and some iconic photos on Michigan Avenue, we headed back to their neighborhood.

Chicago Neighborhood Engagement Photos

Many of you know that Humboldt Park is one of my favorite photo locations in the city, and it just so happened to be on our way to Michael and Sean’s home! Of course we had to stop for a few. The Formal Garden never disappoints (also somehow coordinating perfectly with their outfits), and we remembered Chance the Snapper over by the lagoon!

Finally, it was time to go home and meet their pup, Goose! I absolutely love when couples choose to include their pets in their engagement photos, and Goose was easily a highlight of theirs. We took a walk around the neighborhood and even captured some photos inside… including a few with shy kitty Liffey (not pictured!). Before we said goodbye, they showed me photos from Michael’s surprise proposal in Hawaii the year before. I am SO excited for these two to tie the knot next year!!

Sean and Michael: Thanks again for going on this engagement session adventure with me! You two are a joy to photograph, can’t wait to do it again next year 🙂

Today we’re throwing it back to Kate and Ben’s Chicago winter engagement session last year! These two are getting ready to tie the knot this weekend, and I couldn’t be more excited to capture it all 🙂

We met downtown for photos at some iconic locations that were meaningful to them, including Orleans Street Bridge. Outdoor sessions in the winter can be tricky, but Kate and Ben were all for it! One of my favorite things about winter sessions is that the downtown locations are more accessible for photos… and this was no exception. I even got them dancing in the street!

When the sun began to set, we took a quick break to stay warm and an outfit change. I learned that Ben and Kate were champagne enthusiasts… hence the bottle of bubbly they’d been carrying around for photos! They popped it open to celebrate in front of our skyline, and we got to enjoy one of the most romantic and colorful winter sunsets. I am SO excited to do it all again in a few days!

Kate and Ben: I had so much fun during your Chicago winter engagement session last year! Your wedding day is going to be awesome, see you SOON!!

Today we’re throwing it back to Katherine and Robb’s epic Chicago fall engagement session! These two are getting married in ONE WEEK (!!!), so I thought this would be the perfect way to start the countdown 🙂

I met Katherine and Robb downtown on a beautiful November afternoon. We started near the Wrigley Building and Chicago Riverwalk, which is where they got engaged only weeks before! These are some of the most iconic city photo locations, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather. We talked about their favorite desserts, Robb’s surprise proposal, and all the times Katherine has been a bridesmaid (15!!). I had such a blast hanging out with these two!

After our downtown adventure, it was time for ice cream! We stopped by Jeni’s in Lincoln Park for a quick treat and stroll around the neighborhood. When the sun began to set, we headed to the park for some of my favorite golden hour photos of all time. Seriously – take that golden glow, prime foliage, skyline view, and then add Katherine and Robb… this was a dream Chicago fall engagement session! I cannot wait for their wedding next Friday!!

Looking to schedule your own Chicago fall engagement session?

I don’t blame you! As you can imagine, fall is an extremely popular time of year for engagement photos. If you have your heart set on prime colors, I recommend scheduling with your photographer ASAP!

Juliette and Matt’s romantic Chicago engagement session last summer was one for the books! When I first heard from these two, they were recently engaged and wanted to celebrate with photos in our great city at night. Of course, I was on board! Matt and Juliette had been together for over a decade, and were taking their time with wedding plans due to the state of the world. Spoiler alert: They DID elope this past March (in Hawaii!!), and get to celebrate with family and friends in Chicago this weekend! I can’t wait to see these two again and capture it all.

Our session began with cocktails at Frasca, the same place Juliette and Matt had their first date! We then headed to Lincoln Park for nature and skyline views. Truly, these are some of my all-time favorites from this location. Maybe it was the timing, or the fact that we basically had the park to ourselves… but I’m pretty sure it was the romance between Juliette and Matt 🙂

Sidenote: If you’re looking for a photo location with a mix of city and nature, Lincoln Park is a win!! Not only does this park have a variety of backgrounds, it always looks picturesque no matter what time of year, and whatever the weather. Highly recommend!

As the sun began to set, we headed downtown for some epic night photos in the city. Juliette and Matt were naturals in front of the camera, and I’m so happy they were into the nighttime vibe! After a stroll along the riverwalk, we headed to Grant Park for our final destination. A night photo at Buckingham Fountain was the perfect way to end our evening! Fun fact: As of last weekend, the fountain is officially on for the season!

Juliette and Matt: Thanks again for having me last summer! Can’t wait to finally celebrate your marriage this weekend!!!

At the end of April, I finally had a chance to hang out with Maddy and Max! I met these two at their downtown home for formal Chicago engagement photos with their pup, Frank 🙂 We went for a stroll around some favorite spots in their neighborhood – including the tulip garden outside their building! Max and Maddy looked absolutely stunning, not to mention they were ALL smiles. Frank couldn’t keep his paws off of them!

When it was time to say goodbye to Frank, the three of us walked to Michigan Avenue for some iconic Chicago engagement photos. Downtown was especially beautiful this evening with the spring blooms and golden light! Our timing could not have been more perfect. We talked about wedding plans, their Grand Canyon engagement, and all exciting things to come. These two were a blast to spend the evening with – and a treat to have in front of my lens! I don’t think I could pick a favorite photo from our session if I tried!

The weather began to change, which was our cue to head toward the lakefront. We made it to North Avenue Beach just in time for champagne with the skyline before a sudden Chicago downpour! Maddy and Max were smart to stay dry… but I was stranded with my cameras until the rain let up. When it did, guess what appeared in the sky?! A colorful RAINBOW over Lake Michigan and our beautiful city. If that’s not the sign of a fabulous session, I don’t know what is!

Maddy and Max: I loved everything about your formal Chicago engagement session! Can’t wait for you to tie the knot in December!!!