Emma Mullins Photography

Ywonne and Morgan’s Chicago winter wedding day was such a dream to be part of. Not many couples choose to get married in February in the city, and when I first heard from Ywonne, she said “pictures are super important to me, but not sure what options will be for taking pictures around the city if it’s cold or weather isn’t cooperative.” I was confident we would capture gorgeous imagery no matter what – and after their fall engagement session I was even more excited for wedding day.

That morning, Ywonne and Morgan got ready separately at Embassy Suites in River North. After their sweet first look inside the hotel, it was time to gather family and head to Union Station! 

Union Station Wedding Photos

We arrived at Union Station with plenty of time for portraits in all my favorite places. Ywonne and Morgan were absolutely smitten with each other, making my job super easy! If you are planning a winter wedding in Chicago, or need a backup location in case of weather, Union Station is a great option for classic, elegant wedding photos. Some of my favorite film photos from this day were taken here, too!

Osteria Via Stato Wedding

That afternoon, we made our way back to Osteria Via Stato to get ready for the ceremony. Just before guests started to arrive, a miracle happened: the skies opened up and gave us big, fluffy, white snow! Ywonne and Morgan were totally up for stepping outside for a few more portraits, making my photographer dreams come true 🙂 It was the perfect, most romantic way to celebrate their last moments of engagement. 

Morgan and Ywonne tied the knot that day inside Osteria Via Stato, a charming Italian restaurant in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. A close friend officiated the intimate ceremony, complete with personal vows. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, they made it official by candlelight and celebrated all night! Guests enjoyed a delicious meal and good company well into the evening. 

Ywonne and Morgan: Your Chicago winter wedding was the perfect way to kick off my 2025 season! Thank you again for choosing us to capture your day! All my best to you both!!

Two months ago, I had the pleasure of traveling to my hometown for Haley and Anthony’s Milwaukee elopement. There is something extra special about capturing intimate wedding days – and such a privilege to be among the handful of witnesses. Not to mention, elopements make me a bit nostalgic (my own wedding day was very similar)!

I met Haley and Anthony at the Walker’s Point home where they were staying with family for the weekend. After getting ready together upstairs, we headed out for photos in the neighborhood! The trees were in bloom, scent of spring in the air… and these two could not have been happier. Note Haley’s gorgeous spring bouquet (she arranged all the florals!).

When we returned to the house, family gathered in the upstairs living room for the ceremony to begin. Highlights include nods to family: Haley wore her mother’s vintage veil, and they exchanged rings that belonged to Anthony’s grandparents. Cousin Andrea officiated – and of course their pup Fletcher was part of the festivities! Once the knot was tied, a champagne toast was in order. I’m so excited to celebrate again with these two at their Chicago reception next weekend!

Haley and Anthony: Thank you again for having me capture your Milwaukee elopement in May!! Can’t wait to do it again very SOON 🙂

Alex and Ilya’s summer rooftop wedding at Lacuna Lofts was one of the highlights of my year. When I first heard from these two, they told me of their plans to have an intimate ceremony on the venue’s rooftop, immediately followed by a BIG party with all of their family and friends. Well, I happen to have a soft spot for intimate ceremonies, and Lacuna is one of my favorite venues in Chicago! Oh – and did I mention it’s within walking distance of their Pilsen home? I was so excited to meet these two!

I met Alex at their home while she was getting ready, and Ilya joined us shortly after for a first look outside their home. Before heading to the venue, we made sure to take photos with their cats Luna and Toby! These fur babies were dressed for the occasion – Luna in pearls and Toby in a white collar and bow tie. Ilya and Alex wanted to showcase their neighborhood in their wedding photos, so we stopped at a few favorite spots along the way. It was perfect weather for a summer wedding walk!

Lacuna Lofts Wedding

We arrived at Lacuna Lofts shortly before the intimate ceremony, officiated by Kari of Wedding Day Chicago. Once the knot was tied, it was time to celebrate! Guests began pouring in to greet these two and enjoy one of the best skyline views in Chicago. Dinner and dancing took place in La Galleria – my first time inside this space! It’s everything you’d hope for in a loft venue: exposed brick, romantic cafe lighting, and the iconic rooftop only steps away. Needless to say, the party lasted into the night!

Alex and Ilya: Thank you again for having me!! I’ve had so much fun with you two (and the kitties!) this year… all my best to you both in your future together 🙂

It’s hard to believe, but Erica and Sam’s intimate Loft Lucia wedding last year was not how they’d originally envisioned their wedding day. When I first heard from these two, they told me of their summer engagement at home, their “pride and joy” Bernese Mountain Dog Olaf, and destination wedding plans in Italy. At that point, they had recently decided to keep the festivities local instead!

Erica’s words:

“We were hopeful last July that September 2021 would be enough time to travel to Italy, but as
the date gets nearer, we’re not as confident. So, we’ve decided to pivot and have a small microwedding here in Chicago! We are hoping to have nods to Italy throughout the celebration.”

Erica and Sam got ready separately at The Hoxton in the West Loop. We set up their first look just steps outside of the hotel, and it was one of my favorite parts of the entire day! They even got their share of car horns and congratulations from passersby. Once the happy tears had dried, it was time to head to Loft Lucia!

Loft Lucia Wedding

Sam and Erica wanted their wedding day to be simple, laid-back, and intimate. Oh – the perfect Chicago weather didn’t hurt, either! I absolutely love that we were able to walk to their venue for the ceremony (stopping for photos along the way, of course!). In the evening, Erica and Sam were married in an emotional rooftop ceremony officiated by a dear friend. Olaf was the BEST ring bearer, and almost stole the show! Just kidding… he sure was cute though!! Guests celebrated with the newlyweds over delicious food, cocktails, and dancing. It was truly one of the happiest days I’ve had the pleasure to capture 🙂

Erica and Sam: Thank you again for having me in September! Your wedding day was such a joy to be part of, wishing you both a happy and healthy future together. Give Olaf a big hug from me!!

What can I say about Jessika and Matthew? I first heard from these two around this time last year, when they were planning a wedding ceremony and celebration in 2022. After a few conversations, and with the state of the world, they decided to completely switch gears and get married last September instead! Of course, I’m SO happy they did 🙂

Jess and Matt tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Grant Park with their immediate families present. Jessika got ready at their South Loop home, while Matthew was at The Ritz-Carlton. Lucky for me, I got to see my girl Nala again (remember this sweetie from their spring engagement session?!) – then it was time to head out for their first look!

Looking stylish as ever, Matt and Jess met up at the Art Institute of Chicago for their first look and a private vow exchange. This was one of my favorite moments of the entire day! In fact, we basically had the entire gardens to ourselves… which never happens!! After stopping at a few iconic downtown locations, it was finally time to make it official. We arrived at the Rose Garden in Grant Park with perfect timing, and they were married in golden light surrounded by loved ones. The evening concluded with a stroll to Italian Village for a delicious wedding dinner!

Jessika and Matthew: Thank you again for having us in September!! Your intimate wedding day was truly a joy to capture, I wish you all the best in Married Life!

Terrence and Shawn’s Cindy’s Rooftop wedding in September was one for the books. When I first heard from these two, they told me of how they met, their dog Clover, and 2019 engagement. Like many other couples, their original wedding plans were affected by the pandemic… which brings us to Cindy’s!

After a little re-planning, these two decided to tie the knot in an intimate ceremony at one of Chicago’s most iconic locations. Shawn and Terrence got ready with their families at the stunning Chicago Athletic Association Hotel overlooking downtown. They read personal letters to each other before meeting on the marble staircase for their happy first look! Before the ceremony, we had a chance to take photos inside the hotel and in the gardens at Art Institute of Chicago (my fave!). This crew was a blast to hang with – I love that they included their siblings as the wedding party!

Finally, it was time to get these two married. Terrence’s father officiated the ceremony on Cindy’s terrace, and I don’t think there was a dry eye among us! As soon as the knot was tied, cheers and applause erupted from their guests… and also patrons at the restaurant!! It was truly an unforgettable moment. Positive energy filled the air for these two the entire evening 🙂

Terrence and Shawn: Thank you again for having me in September!! Your Cindy’s Rooftop wedding was a highlight of my season. I wish you nothing but the best in Married Life!

Want to see more Terrence & Shawn? Check out their Sunrise Engagement Session featuring pup Clover!

I’m so excited to share Jolene & Will’s summer Revolution Brewing wedding! I met these two early last year, shortly after their New Year’s Day rooftop engagement. Their plan was to have a fun, intimate wedding in their neighborhood surrounded by their favorite people. What’s not to love about that?!

Jolene’s words:

“We love beer almost as much as we love books; pretty much all our travels are Beercations… Revolution Brewpub is the perfect place for us to have our wedding. It feels like our backyard!”

Of course, it’s always a treat to hear from fellow Beer Nerds… and I love that they wanted to tie the knot so close to home! After their downtown spring engagement session, I was counting the days until their wedding.

Wedding day was an ADVENTURE. We started the day downtown at TheWit, with the happiest first look on their outdoor terrace. After stopping at a few iconic photo locations, we found ourselves in the middle of Chicago weather! These two and their party were total champs, even with the last minute detour and change of plans. And – lucky us – we were still able to get some awesome photos in Logan Square… in all kinds of weather!

Revolution Brewing Wedding

That evening, Jolene and Will were married in an intimate ceremony at Revolution, officiated by a friend. Once the knot was tied, the summer brews began to flow! One of my favorite things about their wedding day was all the personalized details. From the book-themed decor (they are both English teachers) to their homemade wedding cake by Will’s sister, no detail was left out! We ended the evening with a night photo on Jolene and Will’s rooftop (the very same place where they got engaged!).

Jolene and Will: Thank you again for having me in July!! Wishing you the happiest marriage filled with books, travel, and delicious beer 🙂

In June, I had the pleasure of capturing Katie and Brad’s intimate Little Goat Diner wedding ceremony. These two had originally hoped for a destination wedding in the Italian countryside, but the world had other plans. Nevertheless, they were committed to tying the knot… and I’m so happy they decided to do so right here in Chicago!

Brad and Katie got ready separately at Nobu Hotel, steps away from the rooftop where they’d marry that afternoon. (I LOVE that we could see Little Goat’s rooftop from their hotel suite!) Lucky for us, the afternoon rain let up just in time for portraits around the neighborhood. We walked to some of my favorite spots in the West Loop, and Katie and Brad were all smiles! Before long, it was time to get these two married 🙂

The intimate rooftop ceremony was officiated by a mutual friend, and couldn’t have been more lovely. One of the things Katie and Brad were excited for in Italy was the delicious food and drink (who wouldn’t be?!), so it only made sense to choose Little Goat as an alternative. If you’re not familiar, Little Goat Diner is among the dozens of recommended restaurants in Chicago’s Restaurant Row. Naturally, the refreshments were a highlight of the evening! Brad gave a heartfelt toast to their guests before dinner, and we even had a chance for sunset photos between courses. All in all, it was the most wonderful Chicago wedding day anyone could ask for!

Katie and Brad: Thank you again for having me in June! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together.

On a lovely spring morning in March, I was honored to attend Jake and Zoe’s intimate Cafe Brauer wedding. In fact, along with my Associate-in-Training (hi Dana!), we were the only official guests! Zoe and Jake had been planning a grand celebration in New Orleans for their wedding day. When 2020 happened, they were certain of one thing: they were going to get married that day no matter what!

Zoe’s words:

“Even though our wedding will be a small affair, we wanted a dramatic and beautiful location. We’re excited to have an intimate wedding and exchange vows with just each other — and then we’ll have a party with our friends and family once it’s safe.”

If you’re looking for a dramatic and beautiful place to get married in Chicago, look no further than Cafe Brauer! This historic building is a true Chicago landmark, right in the middle of Lincoln Park. Which means, of course, plenty of prime photo locations all within walking distance (and easy rain plan, too!). I am not at all surprised that these two decided to exchange vows here!

Jake and Zoe got ready separately before meeting for their emotional First Look. Zoe was lucky enough to have her mom join us at the hotel in the morning – these are some of my favorite moments from the whole day! When we arrived at Cafe Brauer, the couple exchanged handwritten love letters before seeing each other for the first time. These two warned me there might be some tears… and they weren’t joking! After their personal vows, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place. It always seems like intimate weddings tend to get more emotional… and they are my absolute favorite to photograph for this reason 🙂

Zoe and Jake: THANK YOU again for having me capture these beautiful moments for you. Your wedding day was a pleasure to be a part of! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Cafe Brauer/Hotel: Waldorf Astoria/Bride’s dress: BHLDN/Bride’s shoes: A New Day/Groom’s suit: Suit Supply/Groom’s tie: purchased in Italy/Florals: Flowers for Dreams/Officiant: Wedding Day Chicago/Hair & Makeup: We Only Do Pretty/Stationery: Shutterfly, Zazzle/Bride’s rings: Phil Greengus/Groom’s ring: Grown Rings/Cake: Bittersweet

I will never forget Claire and Mark’s destination Michigan wedding. These two changed plans over the summer due to unforeseen circumstances (sound familiar?). Instead of the chic downtown Chicago soirée they had planned, they secured a private residence in their home state for their immediate families. If I say so myself: this was an absolute dream wedding! In fact, Claire designed much of the decor herself! With the help of an A+ Vendor Team, the dream became reality.

Union Pier, Michigan Wedding

The gorgeous property was located on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, including a private beach. Claire’s eldest sister officiated the private ceremony, and I know there wasn’t a dry eye among us! After the knot was tied, the newlyweds chose to celebrate with champagne on the beach (and photos, of course!). Claire and Mark joined their guests for a cocktails and romantic first dance as the sun set over the lake 🙂

Something I loved about this wedding was that every single detail was personalized. Travel is a mutual love of Mark and Claire’s, which they tied into their wedding day as much as possible. The dessert spread included French macarons and also mochi, a nod to their engagement in Japan. Fun fact: Mochi is also the name of their adorable pup, who celebrated her first birthday on Claire & Mark’s wedding day! If you don’t remember this smiley girl from their Engagement Session, her happy birthday photos are just as sweet!!

Claire and Mark: Thank you again for having us capture your Michigan wedding in October!! Wishing you all the happiness in your married life!

Vendor Team

Venue: Yellow Bird Vacations/Bride’s dress: Provonias/Bride’s veil: Untamed Petals/Bride’s shoes: Sole Society/Groom’s suit: The Black Tux/Florals: Field & Florist/Hair & Makeup: Jen and Colette from Hannah Elisabeth Beauty/Invitation: Bride’s sister/Engagement ring: Windy City Diamonds/Wedding bands: Dana Rebecca Designs/Caterer: Spire Catering & Event Planning/Cake: Black Currant Bakehouse/Mochi: Patisserie Tomoko/Macarons: Ladurée/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Thinking of downsizing your wedding to immediate family only? Check out what these other couples have done!

Megan & Taylor’s Elopement | Erin & Evan’s Microwedding | Melanie & Spencer’s Elopement