Emma Mullins Photography

Michelle and Dan tied the knot last September at one of our favorite downtown venues, The Library at 190 S. LaSalle! Their joyful day included perfect Chicago weather, a romantic ceremony, and DIY details… not to mention a lively celebration with family and friends. We’re so happy to have been a part of it!

The LaSalle Chicago and Downtown Wedding Photos

Wedding day began with Michelle and Dan getting ready separately at The LaSalle Chicago. If you’re looking for a downtown Chicago hotel with great light for your wedding day, definitely consider getting a room block here! Conveniently located across the street from their venue (and some of the most iconic photo locations in the city), the afternoon was a breeze. These two had an emotional first look in front of the Financial District’s picturesque columns and gold doors, with wedding party photos to follow. How much fun was this crew?! The team had a blast taking over LaSalle Street with the wedding party for a bit while capturing these moments.

Ceremony and Celebration at The Library

After photos in the stunning lobby of 190 S. LaSalle, it was time to ride the elevator to The Library on the 40th floor. Michelle and Dan were married in a room surrounded by loved ones, a killer view, and lots of books! The romantic ceremony was officiated by Michelle’s brother, and once the knot was tied, the newlyweds were ALL smiles!!

Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a unique reception featuring one long dinner table – emphasizing the “family style” element of their day. The celebration continued into the evening with heartfelt speeches, flowing drinks, and dancing. We’re so happy the newlyweds opted to end the evening with one of our signature night photos on LaSalle Street!

Michelle and Dan: Thank you again for having us last year! Cheers to a lifetime of happiness and love!

Elizabeth and Leah’s fall Osteria Via Stato wedding was an absolute joy to be part of. These two are so clearly smitten with each other – it’s impossible to catch a moment where they’re not smiling when they’re together. Remember their Chicago Cultural Center engagement session from last year?! After that, I just knew their wedding day was going to be epic (and it was!!).

The Ivy Room Chicago Wedding Photos

Wedding day began with the brides getting ready separately at Embassy Suites hotel in River North. We were lucky enough to capture their first look in the magical, ivy-covered courtyard just across the street! You may recognize this space from The Ivy Room at Tree Studios – another of our favorite Chicago wedding venues. Special thanks to Lisa from Café Crèmerie for helping make this possible!

After an emotional first look, Elizabeth and Leah were joined by their loved ones for more photos, of course! Not only was this crew dressed to impress, but complemented by the most stunning and colorful florals! It also happened to be the most gorgeous October day in Chicago, perfect for an afternoon stroll. The party made their way downtown for some iconic city photos with the Chicago River, before heading back to the restaurant.

Osteria Via Stato Wedding

That evening, Elizabeth and Leah were married at Osteria Via Stato surrounded by candlelight, colorful florals, and their favorite people. Elizabeth’s mother did a beautiful job officiating the ceremony, which featured a handfasting ritual symbolizing the couple’s deep bond and commitment. Once the knot was (literally tied), the newlyweds jumped the broom – and it was officially official!!

Guests enjoyed delicious food, drinks, and LOTS of dancing throughout the evening. One of our favorite details from this day was the custom dessert table, including homemade Greek and Bavarian treats by family and friends. And as you may know, we can’t say goodbye without stepping outside for a night photo! I’m so happy Elizabeth and Leah agreed to let us steal them away for a few street photos with the city lights.

Elizabeth and Leah: Thank you again for having us last fall!! May your love continue to grow, shine, and inspire everyone around you. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness, you two!

In March, we kicked off 2024 wedding season with Morgan and Jarett’s LM Studio Chicago wedding! Remember their adorable Chicago engagement session last year?! I have been counting the days until their wedding ever since!

The day began with Morgan’s side getting ready at Hilton Chicago, and Jarett’s at Le Méridien down the street. After their first look on the Hilton hotel staircase, the crew took a stroll across Michigan Avenue for photos in Grant Park! The wedding party stunned in black tie attire and shades of sage, and Morgan and Jarett were all eyes on each other. Before long, it was time to head back to the studio and get these two married!!

LM Studio Chicago Wedding

That evening, Morgan and Jarett tied the knot at LM Studio surrounded by loved ones, overlooking our incredible city. Their emotional ceremony included several personal touches, such as honoring each of their mothers with a single rose. Once it was officially official, guests were ready to party… and it didn’t stop there! Friends and family enjoyed delicious food and drink, and the newlyweds were happy as can be. Not to mention the PARTY on the dance floor that lasted well into the night. Alexis was lucky enough to sneak them outside for a few night photos – some of our favorites from the entire day!

Morgan and Jarett: Thank you again for having us this year!! It was an absolute honor to be part of your day. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to 2024 – wishing you two all the happiness in the world.

It’s holiday season, and I’m feeling nostalgic for all the wonderful couples I’ve had the opportunity to work with this year. Today I am beyond excited to share Alex and John’s memorable wedding day at Renaissance Chicago Downtown! These two traveled from Washington, D.C. to get married in our fine city, a destination wedding for the majority of guests as well. After their Wisconsin engagement session last fall, I knew it was going to be an awesome day.

The day began with the grooms getting ready separately at the hotel. One of my favorite details was their identical outfits – they even honored their pup Scout in the custom lining of their suits! After their emotional first look in the Explore Room, friends joined us for a grand reveal! Shortly after, we embraced the summer rain for some epic group photos in the city. This group was a blast to hang with, and such great sports about the weather! After all, rain on your wedding day IS good luck (and allows for some super romantic photos, just saying!).

Renaissance Chicago Downtown Wedding

That evening, John and Alex tied the knot in a moody, candlelit ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Once the glass was broken, guests were more than eager to celebrate these two! Delicious food and beverage flowed throughout the evening, from cocktail hour to dessert martinis. The Gold Coast All Stars filled the dance floor during the East-Coast style reception… which, if you didn’t know, includes multiple band sets between speeches and courses. Of course, the grooms looked dapper as ever in their white tuxedos! We’re lucky we got to steal them away for a few photos with those espresso martinis.

Alex and John: Thank you again for having us capture your day!! We couldn’t be happier for you two and wish you a lifetime of love and joy!

Want to see more John and Alex? Check out their gorgeous Highlight Film by Amy Lynn!

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!

In September, I finally got to meet Lauren and Ryan in person for their Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown wedding! They chose Chicago as their wedding destination because of its central location… but also our iconic skyline. I knew that with our mutual love for this city we were going to be a perfect fit!

Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown Wedding

Lauren and Ryan got ready separately at the Royal Sonesta before an emotional first look on the rooftop terrace. These two chose to exchange personal vows before their official ceremony… one of my favorite ways to personalize any wedding day! With their siblings as their wedding party, we walked to some favorite photo locations only steps from the hotel. Chicago weather was our friend, and I’m so happy we had a chance to capture these moments!

Finally, it was time to get these two married! Lauren and Ryan were married on the hotel’s rooftop terrace overlooking our city, surrounded by family and friends. Their mutual friend Jared officiated the event – who just so happens to be the reason Ryan and Lauren met in the first place! Once the knot was tied, it was time to celebrate! I don’t think either of them stopped smiling the entire evening.

Lauren and Ryan: Thank you again for having us last year! I’m so honored to have been a part of your wedding day, wishing you a happy and healthy marriage in the years to come.

This year I got to kick off Memorial Day weekend with Megan and Jack’s wedding at ROOF on theWit! These two were an absolute delight to spend the day with, and – in their words – so obviously “obsessed” with one another 🙂 They traveled from Wisconsin to tie the knot in the middle of downtown Chicago, and the day was just bursting with joy from beginning to end.

Megan and Jack got ready separately with their parties at theWit hotel. After their private first look on the hotel terrace, these two did not stop smiling! We had a blast walking around the Loop for photos with the wedding party, and even got to snag a few at ROOF before the ceremony. This was the first wedding I’ve captured in the space, which is gorgeous both in daytime and at night!

theWit Hotel Wedding

In true Megan and Jack fashion, their ceremony was complete with personal vows, happy tears, and lots of laughter. They even got to sample their custom margarita cocktail (freshly shaken by the bartender/officiant) before their guests! Once it was official, the party was ON. Guests enjoyed food, drinks, dancing, and live music during the cocktail-style reception… the Gold Coast All Stars kept the party going all night long!!

Megan and Jack: THANK YOU again for having us in May!! We had so much fun on your wedding day and wish you both nothing but the best!

Want to see more Megan & Jack? Check out their gorgeous Highlight Film by Amy Lynn!

Brittany and Adrian’s September wedding at Royal Sonesta Chicago River North was much-anticipated, to say the least! Guests traveled to Chicago from near and far to celebrate with these two as they tied the knot in our dear city. You may recall from their fall engagement session that Adrian and Brittany met at a University of Illinois football game! I was not at all surprised at the frequent pops of orange and blue in their wedding details.

We arrived at the downtown hotel to capture Brittany and Adrian getting ready separately. These two were dressed to the nines, of course – and their wedding party was no exception! Their happy first look on the Chicago Riverwalk was one of my favorite moments from the entire day, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stop at some other iconic locations nearby. After an emotional ceremony, these two were ready to PARTY! Our night concluded with popping champagne outside of Rock Bottom Brewery, another place they visited on the day they met 🙂

Highlights

Some highlights from the day include Brittany’s surprise choreographed dance with her dad, and honoring their mothers with a rose during the ceremony. They also had many unique DIY details, such as naming table numbers after places they’ve traveled together! Oh – and I will never forget their epic first dance to Robyn’s Show Me Love!!! This made my night… you’d better believe I was singing along to EVERY word.

Pro tip: Want to know what it felt like to be at this wedding? Play the song while scrolling through the images in this post!

Brittany and Adrian: Thank you again for having us in September! I will never forget your awesome wedding day… wishing you both the very best in Married Life!!!

Sarah and Luke’s Mid-America Club wedding in October was one for the books! These two were engaged at the Grand Canyon in 2018, and I got to visit for their NYC engagement session the following year. Since then, these two moved from New York to Chicago, re-planned their original 2020 wedding (twice!), and officially tied the knot in their new hometown.

Luke and Sarah got ready separately at The Fairmont, steps from their wedding venue. The weather could not have been more perfect… I mean, who doesn’t love downtown Chicago in the fall?! The wedding party received their fair share of congratulations from passersby in Millennium Park, and before long, it was finally time to get these two MARRIED.

If you’re not familiar with the Mid-America Club, you should know that it’s located 80 stories above ground level, and the views are spectacular. Sarah and Luke were married in a room overlooking the entire city, surrounded by family and friends. One of my favorite moments was Luke playing the piano as Sarah walked toward him down the aisle! Though many from Luke’s side were unable to travel from England for the festivities, I’m so happy they could join the ceremony virtually. Once the knot was tied, the Newlyweds were ALL smiles 🙂

The reception consisted of food, drink, dancing… and Luke giving his own Best Man’s speech (it’s true!). This was truly a night to remember, and I’m so happy the team could be there to capture it all.

Sarah and Luke: CONGRATULATIONS to you both!!! Thank you again for having us capture these memories for you, we wish you nothing but the best in Married Life!