Emma Mullins Photography

Last September, I had the pleasure of photographing Brigette and Michael’s Cafe Brauer wedding in Chicago. You may remember these two from their downtown summer engagement session in 2020! Fun fact: When they originally booked their venue, Brigette and Michael lived within walking distance. But, then there was a pandemic, and – things changed a little bit. One day Michael shared news that they’d moved to Denver, and their Cafe Brauer wedding would now be a destination wedding! I was pumped!!

The day began at Hotel Lincoln with Brigette and her wedding party. There was no shortage of music or dancing… or champagne! When it was time, we hopped on a trolley to Northwestern Law School to meet up with Michael’s side. This is where Brigette and Michael first met, and I absolutely love that they decided to have their first look here! They even exchanged private vows in the courtyard, one of my favorite ways to break tradition 🙂

Lincoln Park Honeycomb Wedding Ceremony

After a quick stop for photos with the skyline (and more dancing, of course!), we made our way back to Lincoln Park. Originally having planned a Cafe Brauer wedding, Brigette and Michael opted to move their ceremony to the Lincoln Park Honeycomb! Okay – it’s not technically called the Honeycomb… but if you live in Chicago you most likely know what I mean by this! In a COVID-19 world, this was the perfect alternative to an indoor ceremony. Brigette and Michael made it official surrounded by loved ones, and even had a former professor officiate. Believe me, the celebration continued throughout the night! I’m so happy I got to capture this unforgettable day!!

Brigette and Michael: Thank you again for trusting us to capture these memories for you. It’s been a pleasure working with you two! Wishing you all the happiness in the world.

Vendor Team

Venue: Cafe Brauer / Hotel: Hotel Lincoln / Planner: Natalie Gudel / Bride’s dress: Anna Kara / Bride’s shoes: Loeffler Randall / Groom’s suit: Generation Tux / Florist: Flower Firm / Hair Stylist: Reed Hairstyling / Makeup Artist: Kiss This Makeup / Stationery: Raise Your Words Design / Engagement ring: Family heirloom / Groom’s ring: Family heirloom / Bride’s ring: Acredo / Live Band: TVK Orchestra / Caterer: Tigerlily Events / Cake: Sweet Mandy B’s / Second Photographer: Meg

When I first heard from Brittany and Jonathan about their Museum of Surgical Science wedding, I was immediately intrigued. They had been together for several years, and were even technically married by the time we met! It’s true… these two made it official in October 2018 so that Brittany could follow Jon to Switzerland for work. They still wished to celebrate with friends and family in Chicago, on what would be a perfect fall evening. And – guess what? It just so happened to fall on their one year anniversary!

Brittany and Jon planned much of their wedding from overseas. Brittany crafted much of the DIY decor, including the florals and table centerpieces. One of my favorite details were Jon’s T-Rex cuff links, reminiscent of their Field Museum engagement session earlier that week! Their “Books and Space” theme grew from Brittany’s love of Medieval literature and Jon’s dream of becoming an astronaut 🙂

This day was such a pleasure to be a part of. From the friends and family in attendance to the unique decor, the day was so full of love. Brittany and Jonathan just radiate when they’re together… making my job easy! I don’t think there was a dry eye during their ceremony.

Thanks again for having me, you two!! Cheers to a lifetime of happiness and adventure together.

Vendor Team

Venue: International Museum of Surgical Science/Hotel: Claridge House/Bride’s dress: Morilee Madeline Gardner/Bride’s shoes: Steve Madden/Groom’s suit: The Black Tux/Cuff Links: The Tie Bar/Florals: DIY/Hair & Makeup: Pin Me Up Chicago/Invitation: Minted/Rings: AAA Jewelry and Diamond Exchange/Caterer: Beyond Catering

Patrick and Eliza’s stunning Chicago Athletic Association wedding was much anticipated, to say the least! After a two-plus year engagement, they were ready to tie the knot! (Check out their engagement session from last August here!) Family and friends traveled from near and far to celebrate these two, and believe me: a celebration it was.

When I first heard from Eliza and Patrick, I immediately knew we’d be a great fit. It was clear that the people surrounding them and all the little moments were more important than looking like the cover of a magazine (although they could be… have you seen these two together??! Fire AND style!). Since that’s basically my photography style in a nutshell, I’d say we were a perfect match 🙂

There are so many moments from this day that I will never forget. From their intimate first look in the White City Ballroom to the emotional ceremony… I don’t think there was one dry eye (seriously)! The weather even cooperated for some lovely garden photos at the Art Institute of Chicago. One of my favorite moments was our champagne night cap on Madison Avenue (shout out to Regina for helping make this happen!). One thing’s for certain: this day was all about making memories.

Eliza and Patrick: THANK YOU so much for having us this year!! You two were a joy to photograph and I wish you nothing but happiness in your journey together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Chicago Athletic Association Hotel/Wedding Planner: Regina of Amelia Cole Events/Bride’s dress: Rita Vinieris/Bride’s shoes: Journee, Vans/Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse/Florals: Flowers for Dreams/Hair & Makeup: Bridal Brigade/Invitation: Minted/Bride’s rings: Noémie, Brilliant Earth/Groom’s ring: Bellyssa Jewelry/DJ: Okyne Medialab/Cake: Cake Chicago/Catering: CAA/Dessert: CAA/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Mary and William’s Thalia Hall wedding in June was a big, joyous celebration. I met these two during the beginning stages of planning their New York style wedding. If you’re unfamiliar, a “New York style” wedding reception has regular dancing in between courses. For instance, the band or DJ plays a set, then salads are served. Then speeches, then dancing, then entrées. Then dancing, dessert, and… you get the idea. DJ Timmy kept the party roaring into the night!

Mary met William through his younger brother Andrew, who would officiate their wedding ceremony. In their college days, Mary and Andrew were paired as lab partners at Notre Dame University… want to know why?! They have the same last name! After years of friendship, Mary finally crossed paths with William. The relationship that developed is what would lead us to this day 🙂

From their first look on the Chicago Riverwalk, these two couldn’t keep their eyes off each other. Because they’re big fans of Land and Sea Department, it only made sense that they’d tie the knot here (read about all the perks below!). Their romantic candlelit ceremony on stage was one to remember… Mary’s brother even serenaded them with a surprise song!

Perks of a Thalia Hall wedding

What’s not to love? Food, beverage, and ambiance are top notch. You get to marry your person on stage (or off-stage, if you prefer) in one of Chicago’s most unique neighborhoods. There are plenty of places inside Thalia Hall to enjoy a private moment together – I recommend sneaking up to the balcony together and taking it all in! Staff is always a pleasure to work with – plus you have Punch House downstairs for your afterparty.

Mary and William: Thank you again for having me! I’ll never forget this incredible day. Wishing you two lifetimes of happiness together.

Vendor Team

Hotel: Virgin Hotels Chicago/Venue: Thalia Hall/Dress: Willowby by Watters (Reagan gown)/Suit: Bonobos Tuxedo/Florals: Flowers for Dreams/Linens: Tablescapes/Dessert: 16″ on Center/DJ: Tim from Toast & Jam/2nd Shooter: Joe U