Emma Mullins Photography

Jessie and Rick’s Osteria Via Stato wedding last spring was full of unforgettable moments. It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know these two, from our mutual love of Dark Matter coffee, enthusiasm for Halloween, and obsessions with our fur babies. After their dreamy fall engagement session in Humboldt Park, I was counting the days til they made it official!

Virgin Hotels Wedding Photos

On wedding day, Jessie and Rick got ready separately downtown. Fun fact: these two first met while working together at Virgin Hotels Chicago, so of course we had to return for their first look! Huge thanks to Tricia and the Virgin Hotels team for making this possible for us. The city views from Cerise are always spectacular – and it was so fun to commemorate this moment here. 

After their first look, we visited some iconic Chicago photo locations downtown. Of course, onlookers cheered them on and offered congratulations everywhere we turned! These two were ALL smiles, and I’m so happy we got to enjoy a lovely spring afternoon in the city.

Osteria Via Stato Wedding

That evening, Jessie and Rick were married at Osteria Via Stato in the heart of River North. Surrounded by candlelight, fresh florals, and their dearest loved ones, these two said I Do (and Let’s Party)! Guests enjoyed music and dancing by Mariachi EDC, and cocktails were flowing. A delicious family-style dinner was served, followed by the traditional “giant cannoli” in lieu of wedding cake! Forever impressed by D’Amato’s Bakery – if you have not tried their cannolis, you are missing out!

The dance floor remained packed from the first song until the last – not to mention the photo booth and flower wall! I’m lucky I was able to pull the newlyweds off the dance floor for some romantic night photos on State Street. These are some of my favorites from the entire day!

Jessie and Ricky: Thank you again for having us last year! Your wedding day was truly memorable and a pleasure to capture. Wishing you all the happiness in the world.

Another highlight of 2025 was Vivienne and Zach’s Lincoln Park wedding at Salvatore’s. These two planned an intimate celebration in their current hometown of Chicago, inviting loved ones from near and far. After their downtown Chicago sunrise engagement session, I could not wait to get these two behind my lens again!

Lincoln Park Conservatory

On wedding day, Zach got ready at their River North home, while Vivienne and her party began in nearby Lincoln Park. Zach traveled to Vivienne for an intimate first look, and then we headed out for portraits at Lincoln Park Conservatory. These two were all eyes on each other – plus, I could have played with Vivienne’s veil all day! I really enjoyed having this special time with just the two of them, allowing time and space to create memories together. For any couples considering a private photo time on wedding day, I highly recommend this!

Downtown Chicago Wedding Party Photos

We made our way downtown to meet their crew for photos at some of the most picturesque Chicago locations. The skyline, the sparkling water, and gorgeous September weather created the best backdrop for classic city photos. Their stylish wedding party brought the energy, and were a blast to hang with all afternoon! Not to mention, the way that Zach and Vivienne look at each other makes my job all too easy. Finally, it was time to head to Salvatore’s and get these two married!  

Salvatore’s Wedding

That evening, Vivienne and Zach were married in a romantic ceremony at Salvatore’s in Lincoln Park. A close friend led the ceremony, complete with personal stories that had guests in laughter and tears. Once it was official, Vivienne and Zach could not stop smiling! Celebration continued throughout the evening with delicious dinner, drinks, and a lively dance floor. Highlights include their impressive first dance, and a romantic sparkler photo to end the evening.

Vivienne and Zach: Thank you again for having me in September! It has been such a pleasure getting to know you both and seeing your wedding day vision come to life. All my best in your future together!!

Summer weddings in Chicago have our heart. The city is vibrant and full of life, and every weekend there’s something fun happening. The chances of you getting congratulated by strangers on your wedding day are about 100%. Emma and Tyler tied the knot at Cafe Brauer over Labor Day weekend, and their day was no exception!

LondonHouse Chicago Cupola

After getting ready separately that morning, Emma and Tyler met for their first look at the iconic LondonHouse Cupola! If you’re not familiar, this structure on top of LondonHouse Chicago is one of the most unique and romantic photo locations in the city. Emma stunned in her Sareh Nouri gown, and Tyler in his custom Marigold suit! These two rocked their rooftop photos with panoramic views of the city, and even stopped on Michigan Avenue for a some classic street photos before heading to the venue.

Cafe Brauer Wedding

Cafe Brauer is easily one of our favorite wedding venues in Chicago. Nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park, this historic space offers a timeless blend of dramatic architecture and natural beauty. It’s also a prime location to get married if you’re planning to have lots of traveling guests! Not only is the park itself a sight to see, it’s enjoyable for a stroll any time of year. Emma and Tyler tied the knot that evening surrounded by loved ones, underneath hundreds of hanging twinkling candles. Once it was official, these two were ready to celebrate! Arlen Music kept the dance floor alive as usual, and we ended the night with a lively sparkler exit with the venue’s iconic neon sign.

Emma and Tyler: Thank you again for having us this year! Your Chicago summer wedding day was awesome, we are so happy to have been there to capture it. Congrats again to you both!!

Another highlight from our summer is Alex and Stacey’s destination Chicago Winery wedding! These two are currently East Coasters, but first met at a Halloween party here in the Midwest while attending Northwestern University! After their spring Jersey City engagement session, I was so excited to see these two again back in Chicago.

The Gwen Chicago Wedding Photos

Alex and Stacey got ready separately that morning, before their private first look and vow exchange at The Gwen Chicago. Shortly after, the wedding party joined us for photos on the hotel terrace overlooking downtown! I loved that the bridesmaids’ dresses just happened to match the walls inside The Gwen – we had to take advantage! If you’re looking for a hotel in the River North area with indoor and outdoor photo locations, I’d highly recommend staying here.

Chicago Winery Wedding

Before long, it was time to head to Chicago Winery and get these two married. But first: tea! Stacey and Alex served hot tea to their loved ones before the ceremony space opened up to all guests. The wedding ceremony was filled with humor and personal anecdotes, and once the knot was tied these two were happy as ever! Seriously, I don’t think they stopped smiling the rest of the evening 🙂

Guests celebrated the newlyweds with delicious food, drinks, and (lots of) wine. We even got to witness Stacey’s famous cake-cutting skills! DJ Kate kept the dance floor was packed from beginning to end, and our photo booth was a hit, as usual (check out our new white rose flower wall backdrop!). I’m lucky the newlyweds agreed to step outside for a few night photos during the party!

Stacey and Alex: Thank you again for having us be part of your wedding day!! We had so much fun in August and wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

Want to see more from Alex & Stacey’s wedding day? Check out their gorgeous Highlight Film by Amy Lynn!

Rose and Layne’s Chicago rooftop wedding this spring was one of the most joyful and memorable days we’ve ever captured. From the unseasonable Chicago weather to the iconic photo locations and their neverending smiles… every moment was a pleasure to be part of. Remember their South Loop engagement session from last year?! Ever since then, I knew wedding day was going to be a blast!

When I first heard from these two, they described their wedding vision as “a playful spring garden – think wild flowers, fun colored vases that we thrift, cocktails named after our cats, and hopefully some other quirky/eclectic things mixed in along the way. We are so excited to get married, celebrate the wonderful relationship we have built and do it along side our most important friends and family.”

Because most guests traveled into Chicago for the festivities, Rose and Layne were determined to showcase they city they now call home.

Downtown Chicago Wedding Photos

The day began with the brides getting ready separately at Kimpton Gray. After their stunning first look at The Rookery Building, we spent the afternoon soaking up the weather and touring downtown! This day truly felt like summer – it was one of those 80-degree April days that happens once every few years. Layne and Rose had the best time, and I’m pretty sure an entire cruise boat cheered us on!

Chicago Rooftop Wedding Ceremony

That afternoon, guests gathered at Lacuna Lofts in Pilsen to witness these two become married. The emotional rooftop ceremony seemed to perfectly match their vision! Layne and Rose made it official surrounded by loved ones, spring wildflowers, and the best skyline view in the city. Seriously – if you are looking to showcase our city to your guests, definitely schedule a tour at this venue!

Once the knot was tied, the party was ON! DJ Rachel kept the dance floor packed with awesome tunes, and yes, there was a disco ball! I’m thrilled the newlyweds let me steal them away for a few night photos with that view 🙂

Layne and Rose: Thank you again for having us this year! Your wedding day was truly one for the books, I couldn’t be happier for you both!!

Summer 2024 has been one of our busiest seasons to date, and somehow it’s already the end of August! During these last days of summer I can’t help but look back on the year we’ve had so far, and all the happy memories we’ve had the privilege to capture. Today I’m excited to feature Miya and Dylan’s June wedding at The Library at 190 S. LaSalle! Seriously, I had been looking forward to this day even before their awesome summer engagement session from last year… This was also the first wedding we captured in black and white film (aka my first love). See if you can spot the film photos in the post!

Miya and Dylan got ready separately that morning along with their wedding parties. Both of them already in smiles before their first look, I knew it was going to be the best day! After their private vow exchange on LaSalle Street, it was time to get the party started 🙂

Millennium Park Wedding Photos

We made our way to Millennium Park with the wedding party, accidentally attending the Chicago Blues Festival during our stroll! I’m so happy the Lurie Garden was available when we arrived – this is one of my favorite Chicago photo locations, especially lush in the summertime. Miya and Dylan’s crew was a blast to spend the afternoon with! We were lucky enough to stop at a couple other iconic downtown locations before heading back to the venue.

Please note: If you’re looking to take your own wedding photos in Millennium Park, you will need to obtain a photography permit ahead of time! More information can be found here. The park hosts all kinds of events during the summer – I definitely recommend checking the Millennium Park Calendar to make sure the locations you’re hoping for will be accessible and available on your date. 

The Library at 190 S. LaSalle Wedding

That evening, Miya and Dylan were married at The Library at 190 S. LaSalle surrounded by family, friends, and stacks of books! This unique venue has quickly become one of our favorites, with a variety of picturesque photo locations (and that VIEW!). Once the knot was tied, guests were ready to celebrate with the newlyweds. In addition to a jam-packed dance floor, Miya and Dylan made sure to stock the library with plenty of board games for their guests to enjoy! A few notable games include Operation, Jenga, Connect Four, Yahtzee, and Mancala. Of course, we couldn’t say goodbye without a night photo on LaSalle and a bottle of bubbly!

Miya and Dylan: Thank you again for having us this year!! We had so much fun at your wedding and couldn’t be happier for you two. Cheers to the best in Married Life!!!

Kasia and Jonathan’s wedding day was an absolute honor to capture. From their gorgeous Bond Chapel ceremony at the University of Chicago campus to the evening reception at Lacuna Lofts, loved ones were eager to congratulate and celebrate with these two! We even had a chance to stop at some of Chicago’s most iconic photo locations in between.

Bond Chapel Wedding Ceremony

Kasia and Jonathan got ready separately that morning before their emotional first look outside the chapel. We were super lucky to see some spring blooms on campus, even in late March! Because Jonathan is a staff member at the University, the location had special meaning to both of them. Father Andrew officiated the ceremony, and once the knot was tied, these two were ALL smiles!! Their church exit says it all… I can still smell the spring air and feel the joy!

Lacuna Lofts Reception

That evening, friends and family gathered at Lacuna Lofts to celebrate Kasia and Jonathan. The space was a perfect fit for Kasia, a talented artist herself! The spring air turned moody just in time for some epic rooftop photos with the skyline – one of the best views in the city! Guests enjoyed delicious food and drink before dancing the night away. And to top it all off, we were able to step outside for a sparkler exit on the rooftop! My absolute favorite way to end a wedding day 🙂

Kasia and Jonathan: Thank you again for having us this year!! Your wedding day was a pleasure to be part of, wishing you all the happiness in the world!

In December, I had the pleasure of wrapping our 2023 season with Ellen and Sean’s wedding at City View Loft! These two got engaged last February, and spent most of last year planning the most festive, romantic, and joyful celebration. I absolutely loved that every detail had a unique and personal touch! Their wedding day was truly a representation of their love for each other, as well as the most important people in their lives.

Downtown Chicago Wedding Photos

Ellen and Sean both got ready at the Springhill Suites in River North, and after their first look on Hubbard they were ALL smiles! We soon departed for a city tour with the wedding party to some of my favorite downtown Chicago locations. The holiday lights (and Sean’s custom suit!) made for the most festive December wedding photos! Finally, it was time to head to the venue so these two could make it official 🙂

City View Loft Wedding

Later that evening, Ellen and Sean were wed in the downstairs loft space known as Kitchen Chicago. A dear friend officiated the ceremony, which included the traditional Irish ring warming! Once the knot was tied, guests enjoyed delicious food, cocktails, and the Newlyweds’ favorite board games. One of my favorite details were the custom puzzle pieces on each dinner table, which formed a handwritten love letter to their loved ones. Such a creative and personal touch… these two thought of everything! I’m lucky they agreed to brave the (mild) December weather for a few romantic night photos before we said goodbye!

Ellen and Sean: Thank you again for having us last year! Your wedding day was a dream to be part of, wishing you all the happiness in the world.

Looking back on this year’s weddings has been nostalgic… but also feels like just yesterday! Mary and Wyatt’s June wedding day is no exception. With the 12+ months of anticipation leading up to this day, I was more than excited for them to finally tie the knot! Remember their October engagement session?! I knew it was going to be a gorgeous day.

These two got ready separately at the J.W. Marriott downtown, blocks from Pazzo’s where they would celebrate their marriage later that evening. But first: it was time to head to church!

Holy Name Cathedral Ceremony

Mary and Wyatt were married at Holy Name Cathedral, one of Chicago’s most iconic Catholic churches. I love its Gothic architecture and dramatic cathedral dome! These two were all smiles during the ceremony, not to mention the bubble exit outside the church doors. Waiting for us in the courtyard was their pup Leo, a welcome addition to family photos!

Pazzo’s Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, we made it to Pazzo’s – stopping for photos and bubbly along the way, of course! The evening was filled with elegance, from the venue to the florals, and stylish newlyweds who only had eyes for each other. Mary and Wyatt had a chance to show off their dance moves… from their choreographed first dance to the PARTY with all of their guests! This wedding had it all – including a shot of Malört during the Best Man’s speech 🙂

Mary and Wyatt: Thank you again for having us capture your memories this year!! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together!

It’s such a treat to reminisce about Lauren and Sam’s June Adler Planetarium wedding! These two truly had a wedding day adventure, and I’m so happy to have been there to capture it. The day began with them getting ready separately at The Gwen, and their joyful first look on the hotel’s terrace! Once Sam and Lauren were together, it was ALL smiles for the rest of the day 🙂

Rolls Royce Wedding Photos

Shortly after their first look, our own private car pulled up to the hotel and our adventure began! Driver Peter took us on a downtown tour in a classic 1957 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud I, stopping for photos in a few iconic spots along the way. We even had time to swing by Sam and Lauren’s home for photos with their pup Flora! Isn’t she the sweetest?! Finally, it was time to arrive at the venue in style and for these two to make it official!

Adler Planetarium Wedding

Lauren and Sam were married in under a golden sky on Chicago’s lakefront, steps outside the Adler Planetarium. A family friend officiated the ceremony, which included personal vows and the most vibrant spring florals. That evening, the Newlyweds got to celebrate with loved ones inside the Solarium and outside overlooking our city’s epic skyline. The dance party did NOT disappoint, and Lauren and Sam were as in love as ever. I’m so lucky to have been part of this happy day!

Lauren and Sam: Thank you again for trusting us to capture your memories this year! I wish you the very best in Married Life!!!

I absolutely loved being part of Rachel and Joe’s September wedding at City Winery Chicago. You may recall from their University of Illinois engagement session that they’ve known each other since pre-school… Needless to say, the day had been much anticipated! Originally from Illinois, these two traveled from New Jersey to tie the knot in our awesome city.

The day began with Rachel and Joe getting ready separately at Hyatt House in the West Loop. After their romantic first look on the hotel terrace, we headed out for a downtown adventure! I’m so happy these two wanted photos in some of my favorite Chicago locations – in particular LaSalle Street bridge and the gardens at Art Institute of Chicago.

City Winery Chicago Wedding

That evening, family and friends gathered in the stunning outdoor garden area at City Winery Chicago. Rachel and Joe said I Do in warm, golden light, in a ceremony officiated by a friend. Guests enjoyed cocktails and local wine in the garden followed by dinner and (lots of) dancing in the Barrel Room! One thing I love about City Winery is the variety of swoon-worthy photo locations. We made sure to take advantage of our surroundings for plenty of Newlywed photos, including champagne to end the evening!

Rachel and Joe: Thank you again for having us in September!! It’s been a delight getting to know you two these past years. Wishing you nothing but the best in Married Life 🙂

Last September I had the pleasure of capturing Stephanie and Patrick’s Chicago wedding day, starting at the historic Madonna della Strada Chapel at Loyola University. Both their ceremony and reception locations held much significance to them, having met as students at Loyola years ago!

Stephanie’s words:

“We are so thrilled to be having our wedding ceremony at the campus at Madonna della Strada Chapel. It means a lot to us since we did meet there, and Patrick also popped the question at Loyola as well! There is a lot of sentimental value that Loyola holds for us!”

Stephanie and Patrick arrived at Madonna della Strada just in time for a first look before the ceremony began. This stunning church had no shortage of photogenic angles… and SO much light! I think it’s safe to say it’s a wedding photographer’s dream church. After they said I Do, we got to explore campus with the wedding party and then headed downtown!

Osteria Via Stato Wedding Reception

Celebrating their marriage at Osteria Via Stato was so intentional for Stephanie and Patrick. As avid travelers and self-proclaimed “big foodies,” their mutual favorite place in the world is… you guessed it, Italy! Having their family and friends gather at this Chicago restaurant was the next best thing to traveling overseas together. Of course, the food did not disappoint – if you live in Chicago and have never had a meal here, you are missing out! Guests enjoyed delicious dinner, dancing, and a late-night gelato bar 🙂

Stephanie and Patrick: Thank you again for having us last year!! I absolutely loved seeing your vision come to life and wish you all the happiness in your future together.