Emma Mullins Photography

Mary and Wyatt’s Chicago engagement session last year was one for the books! I met these two in late October at one of my favorite locations in the city, the Garfield Park Conservatory. Turns out it was only a few days before their Engagement-iversary: Wyatt proposed to Mary the previous Halloween! And in exactly ONE MONTH, they will officially be married. Let the countdown begin!

Lucky for us, Chicago weather allowed for photos both inside and outside the conservatory that day. We got to browse lush ferns and desert plants, and Mary and Wyatt were smitten as can be! When the sun began to set, we headed to North Avenue Beach for some iconic Chicago engagement photos with the skyline. I love that this location was personal to them as well… it’s where they first met years before! The colorful sunset was icing on the cake 🙂

Mary and Wyatt: I had so much fun at your Chicago engagement session last year!! Your wedding day is going to be absolutely beautiful, I can’t wait!

Happy 2023, friends!! I’m excited to share Alana and Philip’s Chicago winter engagement session as my first post of the new year. I met these two through Katherine and Robb – you may recognize Philip as a groomsmen in their wedding last summer! These two will wed in North Carolina this June, but wanted to commemorate their city with engagement photos. Of course, I was more than happy to help them out!

We started at my home away from home, the Garfield Park Conservatory. Besides being a popular wedding day portrait location, I always recommend starting here for a winter engagement session! I was thrilled when Alana and Philip expressed similar affection toward this place – they even considered tying the knot here! We had a blast exploring each greenhouse, talking wedding plans, and discussing our green thumbs (in my case, whatever is the opposite of green). These two are so clearly over the moon about each other, I don’t think they stopped smiling for a second!

After a lovely time at the conservatory, we headed to North Avenue Beach. Here we experienced Chicago weather in all its glory – I’m pretty sure we were in the middle of an actual cloud! Luckily we were still able to see the skyline, and the photos we created are some of my favorites to date. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: you can not go wrong with this portrait location! There is something so unique and stunning about Chicago’s lakefront no matter the time of year (or the weather!).

Alana and Philip: Thank you again for having capture these moments for you! You two were a dream to work with, I know your wedding this year is going to be beautiful. Congrats again!!

One of the highlights of my year was getting to see Mahala and Marla walk down the aisle together. I first heard from these two in 2019, when they were each focusing on grad school and their long-distance relationship. Three years, two PhDs, and one pandemic later, they finally got to have the wedding they’d been planning for years! I’m so happy to have been there to capture the beauty and joy of this day.

The festivities began at First United Church of Oak Park, Mahala’s childhood church! Marla and Mahala got ready separately there, sharing a first look in the outdoor garden before the ceremony. Some of my favorite moments were Mahala’s brother performing a song during the ceremony, and their fun bubble exit on the way to the reception!

Garfield Park Conservatory Wedding Reception

If you’re familiar with the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, it should come as no surprise that photographers absolutely LOVE this space. Mahala and Marla’s wedding was actually the first time I’d taken photos there since January of 2020! We visited all the rooms together (The Fern Room is my fave!) including the in-bloom Monet Garden outside of Horticulture Hall. The space alone is a photographer’s dream, but… when newlyweds look at each other like this?? I could have taken photos of them together all day!

The evening was filled with delicious food and drink, heartfelt words from friends and family, and LOTS of dancing. I was lucky enough to steal them away for a few night photos in the Desert House! This day went by so, so fast and I’m lucky to have been a part of it 🙂

Mahala and Marla: Thank you again for having me capture this day for you! I’m so happy you finally got to have the wedding of your dreams. All my best to you both!!

Vendor Team

Ceremony Venue: First United Church of Oak Park / Reception Venue: Garfield Park Conservatory / Suit: Bindle & Keep / Florist: Taylor Augustine / Stationery: Minted / Wedding bands: Automic Gold / Wedding bands: Jennie Kwon Designs / Ceremony Musicians: Bride’s brother / Caterer: Corky’s Catering / Cake: Courageous Bakery / Second Photographer: Emma C

Want to see more Mahala & Marla? Check out their sweet Valentine’s Day engagement session on the Blog!

Jenn and TJ’s Chicago Galleria Marchetti wedding was a much anticipated event. After a year-plus engagement, these two were ready to tie the knot and celebrate! TJ proposed on a private Chicago River cruise, and I met these two shortly after. Check out their unique 2018 Engagement Session commemorating that day!

Wedding day was filled with joy and support from friends, family and loved ones. Jenn and TJ’s first look took place down the street from their home, with their adorable pup Sunny, of course! We traveled to a few iconic locations (including my fave, Garfield Park Conservatory) before heading to the ceremony. I’m sure you can tell from the photos, but their hilarious wedding party was one for the books!

Overcast skies opened up like clockwork for their outdoor ceremony at La Pergola. The space looked incredible with hanging greenery and candlelight. Champagne was flowing and guests celebrated with the newlyweds into the night 🙂

TJ and Jenn: Thanks again for having us in September!! Your day was a joy to capture and we wish you both nothing but happiness.

Vendor Team

Venue: La Pergola at Galleria Marchetti/Hotel: Aloft River North/Wedding Planner: Grace from Lionhearted Events/Bride’s dress: BHLDN/Bride’s shoes: J Crew/Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse/Florals: Steve’s Flower Market/Hair & Makeup: Zea Salon/Invitation: Minted/Rings: Ethan Lord Jewelers/Ceremony musicians: Signature Ensemble/DJ: Music by Design/Videographer: Paul for EMP/Cake: Mariano’s/Cupcakes: Nothing Bundt Cakes

See more from Jenn & TJ’s wedding day in their Highlight Film!