Emma Mullins Photography

One of our favorite highlights from Summer 2024 was Neha and John’s Redfield Estate wedding. These two had been planning their wedding day for some time, and were so excited to make their union official! Remember their Chicago engagement session last summer?! I had no doubt their wedding day would be filled with laughter and joy. Between the gorgeous property, bold summer colors, and happiest couple, this day was an absolute pleasure to capture.

Redfield Estate Wedding

Neha and John got ready separately near The Redfield Estate. This historic venue is situated inside The Grove Nature Preserve in Glenview – perfect for an outdoor summer wedding! When Neha and John first decided to get married here, they were so excited about the property and all it had to offer. From the grandeur of the home to the endless greenery, sculptures, and reflecting pool… there is no shortage of beautiful photo locations.

After their first look under the majestic oak tree, these two exchanged vows privately. Soon after, friends and family joined us for photos! Their ceremony took place underneath a stone gazebo, decorated with hundreds of marigolds – a nod to Neha’s Indian heritage. Friends and family gathered to witness, and Neha’s brother did a fabulous job officiating! Finally, these two were officially official, and couldn’t have been happier. Guests celebrated the newlyweds with food, drink, and lots of dancing into the evening 🙂

Neha and John: Thank you again for having us this summer!! We had so much fun at your wedding and wish you two all the best in Married Life!

Creative Partners

Venue: Redfield Estate / Hotel: Hilton Chicago/Northbrook / Planner: Creatively Yours / Bride’s dress: Family heirloom / Groom’s suit: Indochino / Florist: FlowersFlowers / Hair Stylist: Hair by Midhath / Stationery: Minted / Jeweler: Vrai / DJ: Elegant Sound and Lighting / Caterer: Ashyana Banquets / Cake: ECBG Studio / Second Photographer: Alexis

Priya and Nitin’s summer wedding at Fairlie was one for the books! I’m so excited to share this colorful, happy day – complete with two outfits, Indian traditions, and some of my favorite wedding photos in the West Loop. Having been friends for over a decade, these two filled the entire venue with loved ones eager to celebrate with them. I’m so lucky to have been there to capture it all!

The day began at Fairlie with Priya and Nitin getting ready separately. After an emotional first look on the staircase, we ventured out to the city for photos with the wedding party, aka Priya’s daughter, Nya! These three were a blast to hang with, and before we knew it, it was time to head back for the ceremony 🙂

Indian Wedding Ceremony

That afternoon, guests gathered under the venue’s gorgeous skylights to watch Priya and Nitin commit themselves to each other in a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony. I love that they chose to include many traditional elements in their ceremony, while also making it personal to them! Highlights include the Puja ceremony welcoming Nitin’s family, Nya walking Priya down the aisle, and their first kiss on the mandap. Once it was official, the newlyweds stole away in the Tuk Tuk (a perk of getting married at Fairlie!).

West Loop Wedding Photos

One of my favorite parts of this day was getting the newlyweds to myself for some epic West Loop wedding photos! We stopped by some favorite neighborhood spots, including the Chicago mural by Sentrock. After a little bubbly in their reception outfits, we returned to Fairlie to celebrate with their loved ones. Special thanks to Anup for being the best chauffeur!

Fairlie Reception

Finally, Priya and Nitin were introduced as MARRIED and celebration continued into the evening. Guests enjoyed delicious Indian food, custom cocktails, and lots of dancing!! It truly was the most perfect summer evening, complete with outdoor mingling and endless stories of the newlyweds. I couldn’t be happier for these two, and am grateful I was able to share in their joy this summer.

Priya and Nitin: Thank you again for having us in July! All my best to you both in Married Life!!

Creative Partners

Venue: Fairlie / Planner: J2R Events / Ceremony attire: Manyavar Mohey / Reception Dress: Pooja Koshti Clothing / Bride’s shoes: Pnina Tournai / Reception Suit: Indochino / Decorator: JD Event Design / Beauty Team: Brushed Agency / Jeweler: Andaaz Jewelers / DJ: Dreamhouse Productions / Caterer: Jigar’s Kitchen / Second Photographer: Jeremy

On a Thursday in August, I was lucky enough to witness Minal and Drew tie the knot at stunning Loft Lucia, steps away from their home. Like many 2020 couples, these two ended up changing their original wedding plans completely. Friends and family were to travel to Chicago from three different continents for the multi-day festivities, and unfortunately, this was no longer a possibility. But don’t worry, there’s a happy ending! After cancelling their original plans, Minal and Drew decided to add a new member to their family. Meet puppy Winston! They agree that the adorable golden retriever has made it all worth it.

After months of waiting patiently, these two were finally able to solidify Plan B at Loft Lucia. And honestly, their intimate Microwedding day could not have been more perfect! A handful of close friends were able to join them, making the celebration extra special. After their first look on the rooftop of their West Loop home, we said goodbye to Winston and headed down the street for their ceremony.

Minal and Drew put much effort into coordinating a ceremony live-stream for guests who could not attend. Their families were able to join from different parts of the world, and even their Rabbi connected virtually! The ceremony was complete with personal vows, and both Indian and Jewish traditions. Once the knot was tied it was time to CELEBRATE. And believe me, that’s exactly what they did!

Minal and Drew: Thank you again for having me in August!! I could not be happier for the two of you, and can’t wait to celebrate again when the time comes. Mazel Tov!

Creative Partners

Venue: Loft Lucia/Bride’s dress: BHLDN/Bride’s shoes: BHLDN/Groom’s suit: Suit Supply/Florals: XO Design Co./Wedding bands: Huffords Jewelry/Caterer: Paramount Events

Want to see more Minal & Drew? Check out their formal Indian Engagement Session!

Last month, I finally got to hang out with Minal and Drew for their Chicago Indian wedding photos. To say I was excited would be an understatement! After making the decision to cancel the multi-day June wedding they’d been planning, we waited patiently to determine what was next. These two knew they wanted to be married this year, and wanted it to be meaningful. As soon as they were able to obtain their Marriage License, we were back on the planning track!

Nine days before they tied the knot, we met downtown for their stunning formal engagement session. Instead of incorporating a wardrobe change on wedding day, they decided to use this opportunity to capture Chicago Indian wedding photos! What a genius idea – and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how these turned out!! Minal and Drew traveled to India for their wedding clothes last year, and am so happy they had a chance to dress in them before wedding day.

My favorite thing about this session is that it really seemed to kick off their wedding festivities. The next nine days seemed to fly by… and their ceremony did not disappoint! Stay tuned for more from Minal & Drew’s Microwedding at Loft Lucia SOON 🙂

Looking to obtain a Marriage License in Cook County during COVID-19? More information available HERE.

To say Humboldt Park is in my backyard is… not an exaggeration at all! You can find me there on a weekly basis either running, bicycling, or chasing alligators (what’s up, Chance?). So, when Amrita and Patrick told me about their Indian fusion wedding in the park, my head filled with ideas!

Because they had already officially tied the knot, all these two wanted was to celebrate. Amrita designed and created the decor herself, and even made personal gifts for their family! One of the many ways she chose to honor her late father was by repurposing his wedding band as her own.

Humboldt Park Wedding

Something I truly love about wedding days is the unexpected, and this is one I’ll never forget. Just as the outdoor ceremony was about to begin, Mother Nature decided to join us! The sky burst open, rain fell down, and guests raced inside to take cover. As a result, Amrita and Pat exchanged vows under a tent to the romantic sound of summer rain. Kudos to planner Rachel from Ohana Events for making it happen!!

Guests celebrated all night with food, drink, dance, and so much love. I’m lucky I got to steal them away for a few newlywed photos in the park before dark! Pat and Amrita were on cloud nine through it all… I mean, what’s not to smile about?!

Amrita and Pat: Thanks again for having us in July! Your wedding day was a blast to capture, we wish you all the BEST 🙂

Creative Partners

Venue: National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture/Wedding Planner: Ohana Events/Bride’s Lehenga and Groom’s Indian attire: Bejee Collections/Bride’s dress: David’s Bridal/Florals: Stephanie Treppler/Hair & Makeup: Danyel Nicole Beauty/Invitation: Paper Source/Bride’s Engagement ring: Mociun/Bride’s wedding band: Family heirloom/Groom’s ring: Fiancée Jewellers/Dhol player: Noah Nellore/DJ: Dream House Productions/Videographer: Brian and Jeremy for EMP/Caterer: D’Absolute Events

Want to see more Amrita & Pat? Check out their Highlight Film below!

September has always been my biggest wedding month. This year, I got to start it off with Melissa & Anand’s Room 1520 wedding! Their awesome fusion wedding day included both Hindu and Catholic traditions. In fact, they had TWO ceremonies, two wardrobe changes, two sets of formal photos… and one giant CELEBRATION!! This was such a fun day to be a part of, from beginning to end.

One of my favorite things about Anand and Melissa is that they are ALWAYS smiling together 🙂  Ever since their May engagement session, I have been so, so excited to capture their wedding day! Family and friends traveled internationally to witness their union, including some familiar 2017 newlyweds (pictured below!). From their first dance to Justin Timberlake’s Morning Light to the Crêpe bar for dessert, the festivities did not disappoint! Many thanks to the incredible vendor team that helped make this day possible.

Melissa and Anand: Thank you again for having me!! I had a blast getting to know you both and wish you so much happiness.

Creative Partners

Venue: Room 1520/Planner: Annie from Urban Allure Events/Bride’s Saree: from India/Bride’s Dress: BHLDN/Hair + Makeup: We Only Do Pretty/Henna: Grace at Thread Away/Florist: Fasan Florist/Invitation: Minted/Rings: Diamonds on Wabash/Design: Elegant Event Lighting/Caterers: Cocina Fusion, Godavari Restaurant/DJ: Michael from Cage & Aquarium/Photobooth: Grin + Bear Booth/2nd shooter: Joe U