Emma Mullins Photography

Catherine and Steven are some of the kindest, most wonderful people you will meet. Both of them so obviously head-over-heels for each other, they made my job a breeze! I’ll admit I had been eagerly anticipating this day since our quirky engagement session last summer (Skee-Ball and Bride of Chucky dolls?? Come ON!). Their intimate West Loop wedding was a joyous celebration of their love 🙂

Some of you may recognize Catherine as the Senior Editor of alternative wedding blog Offbeat Bride! This is one of my choice resources for DIY wedding inspiration and non-traditional ideas. As you can imagine, Catherine and Steven adopted a similar mindset while planning their own wedding. Some especially unique details included Catherine’s flowy ombre skirt and Steven’s custom-designed (by himself!) wedding band.

One of my favorite things about this day was seeing it all come together. Catherine and Steven wanted a low-key affair with delicious food, personal decor, and surrounded by loved ones. Brique was the perfect location! A close friend officiated the ceremony, and – as if we’d planned it all along – the unforecasted dreary weather ended just as they were saying their I-Do’s. I don’t know who was beaming more – our newlyweds or that golden sun!

Catherine and Steven: THANK YOU again for having us in May. This was a truly unforgettable day and we could not be happier for you two! Congrats again!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Brique Chicago/Hotel: Crowne Plaza West Loop/Wedding Planner: An Event Less Ordinary/Bride’s skirt: Wardrobe by Dulcinea/Bride’s top: Anna Sui/Bride’s shoes: Sole Society, DIY/Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse/Groom’s tie: Target/Florals: Leelee’s Garden/Hair & Makeup: Brooke Klay Artistry/Invitation: Minted/Bride’s rings: Madelynn Cassin Designs/Groom’s ring: Revolution Jewelry Designs/DJ: Toast & Jam/Photo Booth: Emma Mullins Photography/Caterer: Boutique Bites/Dessert: Dipsy Desserts/2nd shooter: Jake Wood

Kathia and Todd. Where do I begin with these two?! Not only did I have the honor of photographing their intimate Metropolitan Brewery wedding – they’re also dear friends. In fact, some of you may recognize the handsome salt-and-pepper bearded officiant… Jeremy (MY other half) often tags along to weddings as my second photographer, but thanks to the Universal Life Church, on this day he got to officiate! He and Todd have known each other for – 18 years! – and we were thrilled to play such important roles on this wedding day.

With close friends and family present, Kathia and Todd wed one Sunday morning in October along the Chicago River. Their ceremony was intimate, joyful, and so them. Kathia’s family traveled from Mexico to witness them tie the knot! Todd’s daughter presented the rings, they said their I-Do’s, and celebration continued at Metropolitan Brewing with fresh beer and pizza. Sounds pretty awesome, right?! Well – it was!!

Shout out to the staff at Metropolitan for helping make this day what it was. We had a blast and will definitely be back soon 🙂

Kathia and Todd: Thank you again for asking me to document your wedding day. This was such a fun afternoon!! All the best to you both in your future together… P.S. Board games soon?!

Vendor Team

Venue: Metropolitan Brewing/Bride’s dress: Adriana Papell/Bride’s shoes: Steve Madden/Groom’s suit: Kenneth Cole//Florals: Village Flower Shop/Decor: Mother of the Groom/Hair & Makeup: DIY/Pizza: Piece Pizzeria/Cake + Cupcakes: The Pastry Palace Chicago

When Katelyn and Corbin told me they were planning a Chicago Cultural Center civil ceremony, I was so excited! Elopements and smaller wedding ceremonies are always my favorite to capture, and theirs was no exception. If you’re not familiar, the Chicago Cultural Center dedicates one Saturday every month to civil ceremonies for ten lucky couples. Ceremonies last about 3-5 minutes and cost a mere TEN DOLLARS. It’s true! Just takes some planning ahead (not too much!) and a little luck 🙂

Katelyn and Corbin met in Pittsburgh and moved to Chicago together three years ago. Their families traveled from all over the country to spend the day with them! The couple got ready with friends at their Humboldt Park home before heading downtown. After their ceremony, the three of us got to spend the afternoon visiting some favorite Chicago locations! Corbin and Katelyn are members at The Art Institute of Chicago, so photos in the gardens were a must.

Finally, it was time to regroup with family and head to Bridgeport. If you live in Chicago and haven’t been to The Duck Inn, trust me – you are missing out! The food and cocktails here are beyond fabulous, and the staff were awesome. This was exactly what Katelyn and Corbin wanted: an intimate, relaxed wedding reception with delicious food and great company. Way to go, you two! Thanks again for having me document your Nuptial Fest!!

Want to be like Katelyn & Corbin?

Are you engaged? Is a big, elaborate wedding day not for you? Civil ceremonies like Katelyn and Corbin’s are by appointment only and must be made in person. Find more info on how to have your own Chicago Cultural Center civil ceremony HERE!

Vendor Team

Ceremony Venue: Chicago Cultural Center/Reception Venue: The Duck Inn/Bride’s dress: Silver Moon Vintage/Groom’s suit: Richard’s Fabulous Finds/Florals: A New Leaf/Rings: G.V. Jewelry/Caterer: The Duck Inn/Cake: Moody Tongue

Rachel and Mike’s Chicago restaurant wedding at The Bristol was planned in a mere nine weeks. It’s true! Mike proposed on Mother’s Day of this year, and these two were so excited to wed they just couldn’t wait! They wanted their celebration to include those closest to them, as well as delicious food and a cocktail-centric reception. The Bristol was the perfect choice!

We stopped for portraits at Wrigley Field (a must for them), Salvage One (my happy place!) and some favorite Bucktown murals before heading to the ceremony. One thing I loved about this wedding was how family-focused the entire day was. Mike and Rachel made sure that each parent, sibling, and niece played a role in their wedding day, reflecting the importance of family in their lives. Not to mention, they even allowed time for a cameo appearance by their adorable Goldendoodle, Maisie!

I had a blast getting to know Rachel and Mike and photographing their wedding this summer. I’m also completely in awe of their dedication and love for one another! Seriously – in nine weeks, these two planned a wedding, a honeymoon, moved in together, got married, and vacationed in Paris. Whew! I guess it’s true what they say: when you’re in love, anything is possible 🙂

CONGRATS again, Rachel and Mike!! All the best to you both in your future together!

Vendor Team

Venue: The Bristol/Bride’s dress: BHLDN/Bride’s shoes: Bella Belle (Maisie!)/Hair: Teezd Hair Salon/Makeup Artist: Outer Beauty/Groom’s suit: SuitSupply/Rings: Blue Nile/Florist and decorator: Ivy Leaf Studio/Signage: groom’s father/Caterer: The Bristol/Cake: Alliance Bakery

Carla and Ben’s tropical-themed Begyle Brewing wedding was unique in so many ways. When we first met, they had a pretty clear vision of how they wanted the day to look and feel. After hearing about their unique ideas, I was all in! The countdown to wedding day had already begun 🙂

Carla’s words:

“We are channeling mid-century modern tiki vibes….so think clean design, lots of white and gold, and tropical foliage. Our venue is a brewery loft space, with exposed brick and a big windows overlooking Ravenswood Ave (Malt Row). We are going for an intimate, casual, nonreligious CELEBRATION with only our closest family and friends.” 

See what I mean?! Some of you know that I’m a big fan of tiki-anything, and also a huge craft beer nerd. I’m so happy the stars aligned so that I could capture their wedding day!

Carla’s project-managing skills definitely came into play while planning their wedding, which was attended by family and friends from all over. Everything came together “on-theme” – they even had their guests wear tropical prints and Hawaiian shirts! One of my favorite details was incorporating speeches from their wedding party into the ceremony. This allowed the reception to have a very laid-back vibe with no strict agenda. Guests enjoyed fresh beer, food and games while dancing the night away!

Ben and Carla: Thank you again for having me! This was such a unique day to be a part of and I wish you so much happiness in your marriage.

Vendor Team

Venue: Begyle Brewing/Dress: BHLDN/Suit: Zara/Groom’s Tie: Louis Vuitton/Groomsmen’s Hawaiian shirts: Reyn Spooner/Rings: Brilliant Earth/Florist: Details in Bloom/Invitation: Minted.com/Tiki Centerpieces: TikiMaster.com/Day-of Coordinator: Jenny Cunningham/Caterer: Big Star/Dessert: Doughnut Vault

Want to see more Ben & Carla? Check out their sunny spring Engagement Session!

Chris and Anne’s downtown Chicago elopement took place on the six year anniversary of the day they met. Anne’s sister officiated the ceremony, attended by immediate family only. It was important to them that their two dogs Coorah and Luka be a part of the day, from their first look to “standing” next to them at the altar! One of my favorite details were the flower crowns Anne handmade for them to complement their pearl leashes.

After the ceremony we hopped on a trolley and headed straight to the happiest place on earth Stan’s Donuts! In fact, Chris acquired a Lifetime Supply of Stan’s just by being lucky… and celebration was in order. The staff even set aside a whole box of Anne’s favorite (Raspberry Bismark) even though it wasn’t on the Monday menu! How great is that?!

When we’d finished treating ourselves, it was time for some fun newlywed portraits downtown. These two were an absolute joy to photograph (just look at them!). What’s more, we had some choice downtown portrait locations all to ourselves 🙂

Anne and Chris: I had so much fun on your elopement day! Thanks again for having me document these moments. May your future be filled with infinite happiness (and donuts, of course!). 

Vendor Team

Ceremony site: Montrose Harbor/Dress: I Do Designer Bridal Consignment/Suit: custom from Indochino/Engagement ring: family heirloom/Wedding bands: eMerakiStudio and Sterlings Silver Shop/Hair: Tigerlilie Salon/Makeup: Elizabeth Artistry

Looking for more Chicago Elopement inspiration? Check out other intimate weddings on my Blog:

Katelyn & Corbin’s Cultural Center Civil Ceremony
Liz & Jen’s Lincoln Park Elopement
Katy & Justin’s Surprise Holiday Elopement
Alice & Harry’s Destination Chicago Elopement

Liz and Jen’s Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool wedding ceremony was everything they wanted it to be: intimate, peaceful, and surrounded by loved ones. If you’re into nature, this is the perfect spot for a romantic ceremony! These two planned the entire day themselves, and it came together seamlessly.

Jen and Liz began their wedding morning at Hotel Lincoln. When I arrived to meet them, they were in matching plaid (how great is that?)! They got ready for their wedding together, one of my absolute favorite ways to break tradition. Meanwhile, their guests gathered to greet them at the Lily Pool. Luckily we had just enough time to stop at the J. Parker rooftop for some photos before heading to their ceremony.

Their wedding day was filled with unique personal touches. For instance, a childhood friend of Liz performed the heartfelt ceremony. It was perfect! I love how emotional smaller wedding ceremonies tend to be. Truly, I don’t think there was a dry eye among us.

After the ceremony, the three of us celebrated with newlywed photos in Lincoln Park. We even got to reminisce their first date at Lincoln Park Zoo! If one thing is clear, it’s that these two have each other’s hearts. Their smiles did not fade the entire morning 🙂

Want to have your own Caldwell Lily Pool wedding?

I don’t blame you! This stunning location is one of Chicago’s best kept secrets. Consequently, intimate weddings are popular here! The Lily Pool is part of the Lincoln Park Conservancy, and it regularly hosts wedding ceremonies with 30 guests or less. Learn more and reserve your date HERE.

Liz and Jen: Thank you again for having me capture your wedding day! It was truly an honor. Wishing you so much happiness in your married life.

Vendor Team

Getting Ready: Hotel Lincoln/Ceremony: Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool/Dress: Tadashi Shoji from BHLDN/Blazer: Sumissura/Suit pants: Calvin Klein/Florist: Sprout Home/Rings: Sparkles Fine Jewelry (Liz’s ring custom made with Jen’s grandmother’s diamond)/Invitation: Vistaprint

While vacationing in St. Thomas in January, I had the opportunity to photograph Jennifer and Daniel’s intimate Virgin Islands elopement on the beach! Jeremy and I were swimming in Magens Bay when I saw someone setting up what looked like white curtains in the sand. A few minutes later it dawned on me: “Someone’s getting married here today! There’s going to be a wedding on the beach!!”

I jumped out of the water, introduced myself to the groom and officiant, and asked if they wouldn’t mind if I grabbed my Fujifilm to capture their ceremony. As I predicted, the festivities were scheduled around sunset. The light was getting softer, and the bride was on her way! To my luck, they agreed.

Daniel and Jennifer’s ceremony was brief but intimate, surrounded by a handful of their family and friends in paradise. There is something so personal and emotional about an intimate wedding ceremony. With all eyes on this couple, you could feel the support for the love that they share. Even never having met these two, I still got teary-eyed behind the lens! I have no doubt that they are meant to spend the rest of their lives together.

I captured their champagne toast and cake cutting (it was piña-colada flavored!), and then left the newlyweds to celebrate with their guests. How lucky I am to have been a part of this! Daniel & Jennifer: thank you for the opportunity to capture these moments! I wish you all the happiness in your future together.

Want to have your own Virgin Islands Elopement?

There are several companies on the islands who assist couples in their own intimate beach weddings. Packages may include a variety of perks, such as your bouquet, wedding cake, and newlywed champagne toast. Remember, even if your package includes a photographer, you can always provide your own!

For more info and inspiration, check out the following:
Island Bliss Weddings
Secret Harbour Beach Resort
Flawless Weddings and Events

Vendor Team

Ceremony Location: Magens Bay Beach/Officiant: Michael Motylinski/Bouquet: Roses Too/Cake: Island Sweet Stuff