Emma Mullins Photography

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!

James and Gretchen’s November wedding at Sarabande Chicago was one for the books. When I first heard from these two, they told me about they met during the pandemic, their mutual love of reality TV, and James’ bait-and-switch surprise proposal when Gretchen thought she was treating him to a birthday dinner. All of this, along with the warm way the interacted with each other (and entertaining proposal story) had me convinced: their wedding day was going to be AWESOME. And guess what? It was!!

The day began with Gretchen getting ready at Hotel Zachary across from Wrigley Field, and James at their home nearby. I loved photographing all their little details – and little pearls! – before James joined us at the hotel for their sweet first look! Before long, these two were ready to get the party started. We were out the door and headed to Lincoln Park for photos with the wedding party!

Lincoln Park Wedding Photos

As you may know, Lincoln Park is Chicago’s largest and most visited park – and for good reason! The central location, stunning Nature Boardwalk, and skyline view cannot be beat. Because of this, a photography permit is required to take wedding photos in the park. If you’re dreaming of your own Lincoln Park wedding photos, you can find more information on obtaining a permit here!

When we arrived at the park with the wedding party, we headed straight to the Honeycomb. This crew was a blast to hang with – I could have spent the entire afternoon with them! All of a sudden we noticed a few raindrops (it was not in the forecast, I swear!!), but luckily we had brought our collection of umbrellas, just in case! I may be biased, but I always love the way the clear umbrellas look in wedding photos… especially when you have your heart set on outdoor photos. Plus, rain on your wedding day is good luck, of course!

Sarabande Chicago Wedding

That afternoon we arrived at Sarabande with just enough daylight for more photos of the crew. It had stopped raining (yay!), and we got some outdoor playtime before guests began to arrive. Later that evening, James and Gretchen were married by candlelight surrounded by their loved ones. A dear friend officiated the ceremony, and we learned of a bet that James made with his friend Tony that he’d never get married. The wager: 12 cases of beer! Gretchen and James said “I Do” and the celebration continued well into the evening… including Tony’s payment (which resulted in numerous shotgunned beers during dinner, oh my!). 

We couldn’t say goodbye without a night photo, my favorite way to end a wedding day. Our good luck raindrops came back for one last dance… with the happiest Newlyweds you ever did see! I absolutely loved being part of this day, and am excited to be back at Sarabande Chicago later this year!

Gretchen and James: Thank you again for having us last year!! Your wedding day was a joy to capture, I wish you nothing but happiness in your future together!

Today we’re throwing it back to Kate and Ben’s October wedding celebration at The Dalcy! This day was filled with personal details, gorgeous fall weather, and neverending smiles. And after their romantic winter engagement session the year before, I expected nothing else!

Ben and Kate got ready separately at The Westin River North, a prime location for photos overlooking the Chicago River. After a typical downtown photo adventure, it was time to get these two married! We headed up north to St. Ben’s with just enough time to spare before the ceremony began.

St. Benedict Church Ceremony

It’s no accident that Kate and Ben chose to marry at St. Ben’s in North Center. Fun fact: this also happens to be where Kate’s parents first met years ago! From a photographer’s standpoint, it did not disappoint (cathedral ceiling? yes please!). These two were all smiles throughout the ceremony, and once the knot was tied, it was time to party!!

The celebration kicked off with Four Star Brass Band performing for guests outside the church, followed by the happy newlyweds. One of my favorite parts of this day was the Second Line that followed – a nod to Ben’s New Orleans roots! The parade led us around the block, and eventually into busses headed straight to The Dalcy. Fun fact: we made such a commotion that the neighbors posted about it on Reddit!

The Dalcy Wedding Reception

Centrally located in the West Loop neighborhood, The Dalcy has become one of my favorite Chicago wedding venues over the years. With its spacious terrace and city views, multiple indoor and outdoor photo locations, and top notch food and drink from Aba – it’s the perfect place to bring loved ones together. Not to mention the elegance of this space is guaranteed to impress!

The newlyweds danced the night away with their guests, and couldn’t have been happier. And – remember that these two are champagne connoisseurs?! Of course, we had to pop a celebratory bottle on the street! I’m obsessed with how these night photos turned out and so happy they let me steal them away for a few 🙂

Kate and Ben: Thank you again for having us last October!! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and all the best in Married Life!

Happy Halloween, friends!!! I have been waiting over a year to feature Kirsten & Andrew’s Halloween-inspired October wedding, and am SO excited to finally share. These two officially tied the knot in 2020, and then got to celebrate with friends and family exactly two years later! What’s more, their reception took place at one of Chicago’s most unique venues (one of my favorites!), the International Museum of Surgical Science. For anyone planning a Halloween wedding in Chicago: this is the perfect venue for you!!

I met these two at the Humboldt Park lagoon for their first look, which just so happened to be the exact spot where they were married. With their adorable Corgi Margot, we took some family photos around the park with the most beautiful golden light! Andrew stunned in his orange suit while Kirsten’s moody florals were the perfect compliment to her wedding jewelry (all from Asrai Garden!). One thing I love about these two is their giddy newlywed energy… you’d never know they had already been married for two years!

International Museum of Surgical Science Wedding

When the sun began to set, we made our way to the museum to greet family and friends. Guests enjoyed vegan appetizers and cocktails while wandering the museum and congratulating the newlyweds. If you can’t tell from the photos, there is SO much to see here! From centuries-old surgical tools to human skeletons and medical devices… not to mention the galleries of art! I am lucky that Kirsten and Andrew agreed to take a few portraits with the graphic murals 🙂

Highlights from their celebration include stationery designed and printed by Andrew, vegan everything (including ice cream cake!), and Halloween-inspired decor. Their custom cake topper by Fiber Friends honored the memory of a Corgi in each one of their lives. The awesome Kari of Wedding Day Chicago actually officiated their 2020 ceremony, and returned as their planner for this event! It was truly a stylish and joyful way to celebrate, and I couldn’t be happier for these two.

Kirsten and Andrew: Thanks again for having me capture your celebration last year! Cheers to many more anniversaries, celebrations, and Halloweens!!!

One year ago today, I had the pleasure of capturing Caitlyn and Ray’s wedding at one of my favorite Chicagoland venues, Warehouse 109! This long-anticipated day could not have been more full of love for these two. When I first heard from Caitlyn, she told me the story of how they met, lost touch, and then reconnected a couple years later. They instantly became inseparable, and Ray proposed in their backyard on the 4th of July!

Wedding day began with Caitlyn getting ready in the bridal suite. Their emotional first look in the venue’s courtyard included their three kids, one of my favorite moments from the entire day! Ray and Caitlyn chose to exchange vows privately during this time, and before we knew it, it was time to walk down the aisle!

Warehouse 109 Wedding

That afternoon, Caitlyn and Ray were married in the outdoor garden at Warehouse 109 surrounded by family and friends. We got lucky with gorgeous fall weather… a perfect pairing for their newlywed smiles! After the knot was tied, guests moved to the warehouse for appetizers, yard games, and delicious barbeque. The night was complete with more games, speeches, and lots of DANCING!! I’m so happy I got to steal the Newlyweds away for a few night photos outside the venue 🙂

Caitlyn and Ray: Thank you again for having us last fall!! Wishing you a very HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, and many more years to come!

Want to see another fall wedding at Warehouse 109? Check out the post below!

Brittany & Dan Wedding

It’s starting to feel more like fall, and I can’t help but reminisce over Ellie and Dylan’s wedding at Saddle & Cycle Club last October! These two traveled from Portland, Oregon to get married in our city, and the team was delighted to capture their day.

When I first heard from Ellie and Dylan, they wrote:

“We met growing up (lived only a few blocks away from each other) and first started dating when we were 13! We went our separate ways for college but reconnected at our 5-year high school reunion and fell back in love. Now, at age 27, we are so excited to officially tie the knot after all these years!”

We absolutely love documenting stories like this, and I just knew it was going to be the happiest day. Ellie and Dylan got ready separately that morning in Lincoln Park, before their sweet first look on Lakeshore Drive. Chicago weather was perfect for a quick stop at North Avenue Beach with the wedding party before heading to the venue!

Saddle & Cycle Club Wedding

That evening, Dylan and Ellie were married on the terrace of the club surrounded by loved ones. Honestly, I don’t think either of them stopped smiling the entire day! Once the knot was officially tied, celebration was in order… and this crew knows how to PARTY!! Guests enjoyed custom cocktails, dinner and dancing with the newlyweds into the evening. Shout out to our friends at TVK Orchestra for keeping the party going all night!

Ellie and Dylan: Thank you again for having us last year!! We couldn’t be happier for you both and wish you many more years of Married Life 🙂

Annie and Luke’s fall wedding at Independence Grove has a special place in my heart. Not only was it my final wedding of 2022, I was so excited for these two to tie the knot! This day had been a long time coming (they’ve known each other since high school!), and I knew it was going to be good 🙂

Wedding day began at the Hilton in Lake Forest, with Annie and Luke getting ready separately with their parties. As a former October bride, I always love seeing fall wedding details and decor come together! The wedding party fashion was on point, not to mention the gorgeous bride and handsome groom. One of my favorite parts of their day was their emotional first look at home, surrounded by fall foliage. Of course, we made sure to take some family photos with pups Kain and Ava – who you may remember from their spring engagement session!

Independence Grove Wedding

Truly, Independence Grove couldn’t have been a more perfect location for Annie and Luke to tie the knot. When I first heard from these two, Annie described it like this:

“We are so excited to get married at a beautiful county forest preserve that is super close to us and our parents’ homes. We love going for walks there and it’s absolutely gorgeous in the fall… There are ponds all over and tons of trails and you can ride boats on the water. We love the outdoors, and wanted this wedding to be as easy as possible for our families, so we are thrilled about this location!”

Highlights from the day include perfect fall foliage, an arcade-themed wedding cake, and specialty cocktails in honor of their pets! This entire day was truly one to remember, and I’m so happy to have been a part of it.

Annie and Luke: Thank you again for having us in October!! It has been such a joy getting to know you both, wishing you all the best in your future together.

Last fall, I had the honor of capturing Nikki and Danny’s gorgeous Morton Arboretum wedding at Meadow Lake! The weather could not have been more beautiful, and the fall colors were just beginning to show. It was everything you could possibly want for a late September wedding!

These two have a particularly unique love story that was shared throughout the day. In their own words:

“We met in November of 2020 during the crazy COVID-19 year… and really got to know each other because there was nothing open, and no activities to do! We love this part of our story because it’s a testament to how we took a potentially rough time period and turned it into something positive and amazing.”

On wedding day, Nikki and Danny got ready separately before their sweet first look at the Arboretum. After that, these two were all smiles! We had a blast exploring the property with their stylish wedding party before heading to the lake for the ceremony.

Morton Arboretum Wedding

As the sun began to set, Nikki and Danny were married in an outdoor ceremony underneath the iconic Oak tree. One of my favorite details was the sand ceremony with Nikki’s daughters, symbolizing their unity as a family. Once the knot was tied, guests were ready to celebrate with the newlyweds! Food, drinks, and dancing in the Ginkgo Room did not disappoint 🙂

Nikki and Danny: Thank you again for having me in September!! I’m so happy to have been a part of your wedding day, all my best to you both!

This past October, I was thrilled to capture Kevin and Brandon’s wedding day at Ovation Chicago. Some of you know these two have had lots of practice in front of my camera: including Brandon’s surprise proposal in March 2021 and their Chicago engagement session last summer! It’s always a pleasure hanging out with these two, and I have been counting the days until their wedding ever since we first met.

Wedding day began with Kevin and Brandon getting ready separately with their parties before meeting up at Ovation. Here, the grooms put on their custom suits together in private, allowing for a big reveal with the wedding party! From there, it was off to Olive Park for some iconic photos with the skyline. We returned just in time for these two to walk down the aisle 🙂

Ovation Chicago Wedding

Kevin and Brandon were married that evening in a romantic, candlelit ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Their mutual friend Allie (who also helped plan Brandon’s proposal!) officiated the ceremony, which included Filipino traditions as well. Once the knot was tied, guests were ready to CELEBRATE the newlyweds into the night! Some favorite details from their reception include the Filipino folk dancers, their choreographed first dance, and Salsa dance lessons during the band break! (Yep, lots of dancing!!)

Kevin and Brandon: Thank you again for trusting me to capture these moments for you!! I absolutely loved being part of the wedding planning story and couldn’t be happier for you two. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

Jake and Jen’s fall Blumen Gardens wedding was one of the most memorable days I’ve ever captured. From our very first meeting, I was so excited to meet these two in person and see their vision come together! As a fellow cat person, theatre person, and former October bride, I knew we’d be a perfect match from the start 🙂

Wedding day began with Jake and Jen’s parties getting ready together at the venue. If you’re not familiar, Blumen Gardens is a unique garden center, design studio, and shop located in Sycamore, Illinois. Lucky for us, they also happen to host weddings! My favorite thing about this venue is the variety of locations… and the fact that it is absolutely gorgeous in the fall. After their emotional first look in the conveyor room, it was time to explore! There is no doubt that Jen and Jake’s happiness is contagious… I could have spent hours taking photos of these two in that space.

Blumen Gardens Wedding

That evening, guests gathered for the outdoor ceremony in the garden center. Jake and Jen were married surrounded by their favorite people, in a ceremony officiated by a close friend. I love how interactive their ceremony was – from mid-ceremony hugs to the ring warming! It’s clear how important each and every person’s presence was to them in that moment.

Once the knot was tied, the party was ON!! Guests enjoyed vegetarian tacos and custom cocktails inside the event space, and then danced the night away with the newlyweds. Every moment of this day was an absolute pleasure to capture, I’m so happy to have been a part of it!

Jake and Jen: THANK YOU again for having us in October! Wishing you and your fur-babies all the happiness in the world.