Emma Mullins Photography

In July, I was lucky enough to be part of Michael and Matt’s summer wedding day at 167 Events! This colorful day was filled with summer cocktails, bold florals, and so much love for these two grooms. They even brought their sweet pup, Nico as the ring bearer!

The day began with Matt and Michael getting ready together at The Emily Hotel. We took a quick tour of the neighborhood for some photos in Fulton Market and Kinzie Bridge (my favorite!). Before long, it was time to head to the venue!

167 Events Wedding Ceremony

This was my first wedding at 167 Events, and it did not disappoint! Michael and Matt had spoken highly of their venue leading up to wedding day, and I was super excited to see it in person. When we arrived at the rooftop, we saw the ceremony space decorated with the most colorful summer florals and a deep pink aisle runner. A select group of VIP guests sat in assigned seats, with the majority of their loved ones surrounding the stage. Oh, and did I mention the view?! This has easily become one of my new favorite wedding venues in the city! 

That evening, guests gathered at 167 Events to witness Michael and Matt join in marriage. Their two dear friends officiated the ceremony, and Nico played his role perfectly. Once the knot was tied, it was time to celebrate! The newlyweds were all smiles greeting guests and taking it all in 🙂 

Oakville Grill and Cellar Reception

As the sun began to set, we made our way next door to Oakville Cellar & Grille for speeches, dinner, and dancing. BeatMix Music provided top-notch entertainment, and the reception truly felt like a gigantic family dinner. We said goodbye by popping a bottle of bubbly outside the restaurant, of course! This day was so full of warmth and joy, and I’m so happy to have been there to capture it!

Michael and Matt: Thank you again for having me this summer!! I couldn’t be happier for you two and wish you nothing but the best!

Rose and Layne’s Chicago rooftop wedding this spring was one of the most joyful and memorable days we’ve ever captured. From the unseasonable Chicago weather to the iconic photo locations and their neverending smiles… every moment was a pleasure to be part of. Remember their South Loop engagement session from last year?! Ever since then, I knew wedding day was going to be a blast!

When I first heard from these two, they described their wedding vision as “a playful spring garden – think wild flowers, fun colored vases that we thrift, cocktails named after our cats, and hopefully some other quirky/eclectic things mixed in along the way. We are so excited to get married, celebrate the wonderful relationship we have built and do it along side our most important friends and family.”

Because most guests traveled into Chicago for the festivities, Rose and Layne were determined to showcase they city they now call home.

Downtown Chicago Wedding Photos

The day began with the brides getting ready separately at Kimpton Gray. After their stunning first look at The Rookery Building, we spent the afternoon soaking up the weather and touring downtown! This day truly felt like summer – it was one of those 80-degree April days that happens once every few years. Layne and Rose had the best time, and I’m pretty sure an entire cruise boat cheered us on!

Chicago Rooftop Wedding Ceremony

That afternoon, guests gathered at Lacuna Lofts in Pilsen to witness these two become married. The emotional rooftop ceremony seemed to perfectly match their vision! Layne and Rose made it official surrounded by loved ones, spring wildflowers, and the best skyline view in the city. Seriously – if you are looking to showcase our city to your guests, definitely schedule a tour at this venue!

Once the knot was tied, the party was ON! DJ Rachel kept the dance floor packed with awesome tunes, and yes, there was a disco ball! I’m thrilled the newlyweds let me steal them away for a few night photos with that view 🙂

Layne and Rose: Thank you again for having us this year! Your wedding day was truly one for the books, I couldn’t be happier for you both!!

Meggie and Caleb’s Firehouse Chicago wedding this spring was an absolute delight to capture. Originally scheduled for September of this year, they decided to change plans after learning that their family would be expanding this summer! I happily joined their team of vendors in shifting to a May date, and a few months later, these two were officially married 🙂

When I first heard from Meggie and Caleb, they described their wedding vision this way:

“We are queer and polyamorous, and our wedding will reflect this! We plan to include our other partners and our Chicago community as much as possible. We also have an 11-year-old kiddo who we hope will participate in some way. We hope to create traditions around the wedding and reception that feel right for us, rather than defaulting to what we’ve seen before. We also hope to create space for an intimate gathering with our friends and family before the formal ceremony.”

Firehouse Chicago Wedding

As you may guess, their vision came together beautifully. We met these two at Firehouse Chicago on the most lovely spring afternoon, getting ready together with loved ones. Caleb’s stepfather officiated the emotional ceremony, which included meditative breathing, personal vows, and a moment to honor their family. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place!

That evening, the Newlyweds spent time visiting with their guests in the venue’s lovely garden. Highlights include delicious food and mocktails, heartfelt speeches, and an impressive first dance to get the party started! We even got to take a few impromptu maternity photos in the garden… how cute are they?! This day was a celebration not only Meggie and Caleb’s marriage, but the love and support of their community and growing family. It was truly a pleasure to document and be part of.

Meggie and Caleb: Thank you again for having us in May!! We couldn’t be more excited for you two and all that’s to come!

It’s holiday season, and I’m feeling nostalgic for all the wonderful couples I’ve had the opportunity to work with this year. Today I am beyond excited to share Alex and John’s memorable wedding day at Renaissance Chicago Downtown! These two traveled from Washington, D.C. to get married in our fine city, a destination wedding for the majority of guests as well. After their Wisconsin engagement session last fall, I knew it was going to be an awesome day.

The day began with the grooms getting ready separately at the hotel. One of my favorite details was their identical outfits – they even honored their pup Scout in the custom lining of their suits! After their emotional first look in the Explore Room, friends joined us for a grand reveal! Shortly after, we embraced the summer rain for some epic group photos in the city. This group was a blast to hang with, and such great sports about the weather! After all, rain on your wedding day IS good luck (and allows for some super romantic photos, just saying!).

Renaissance Chicago Downtown Wedding

That evening, John and Alex tied the knot in a moody, candlelit ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Once the glass was broken, guests were more than eager to celebrate these two! Delicious food and beverage flowed throughout the evening, from cocktail hour to dessert martinis. The Gold Coast All Stars filled the dance floor during the East-Coast style reception… which, if you didn’t know, includes multiple band sets between speeches and courses. Of course, the grooms looked dapper as ever in their white tuxedos! We’re lucky we got to steal them away for a few photos with those espresso martinis 🙂

Alex and John: Thank you again for having us capture your day!! We couldn’t be happier for you two and wish you a lifetime of love and joy!

Want to see more John and Alex? Check out their gorgeous Highlight Film by Amy Lynn!

This past October, I was thrilled to capture Kevin and Brandon’s wedding day at Ovation Chicago. Some of you know these two have had lots of practice in front of my camera: including Brandon’s surprise proposal in March 2021 and their Chicago engagement session last summer! It’s always a pleasure hanging out with these two, and I have been counting the days until their wedding ever since we first met.

Wedding day began with Kevin and Brandon getting ready separately with their parties before meeting up at Ovation. Here, the grooms put on their custom suits together in private, allowing for a big reveal with the wedding party! From there, it was off to Olive Park for some iconic photos with the skyline. We returned just in time for these two to walk down the aisle 🙂

Ovation Chicago Wedding

Kevin and Brandon were married that evening in a romantic, candlelit ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Their mutual friend Allie (who also helped plan Brandon’s proposal!) officiated the ceremony, which included Filipino traditions as well. Once the knot was tied, guests were ready to CELEBRATE the newlyweds into the night! Some favorite details from their reception include the Filipino folk dancers, their choreographed first dance, and Salsa dance lessons during the band break! (Yep, lots of dancing!!)

Kevin and Brandon: Thank you again for trusting me to capture these moments for you!! I absolutely loved being part of the wedding planning story and couldn’t be happier for you two. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

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!!

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

Last fall, I was honored to capture Nick and Michael’s joyful wedding day at The Dalcy! This was my first wedding at the gorgeous West Loop venue, and believe me, it did not disappoint. In fact, Michael is on staff at The Dalcy and Aba – which made this day extra special!! Of course, the ambiance and decor was on point, but the most memorable detail was the abundance of love and support for these two grooms. It was an unforgettable day from beginning to end!

I met Michael and Nick at The Westin where they got ready together in their suite. While rain was in the forecast, we were somehow able to dodge the showers just in time for photos downtown! (Thanks Nature!!) These two and their wedding party were all smiles as we stopped at some of my favorite iconic Chicago locations. Oh – and did I mention it was a Friday? We basically had Olive Park to ourselves… a rare occurrence during wedding season! The skyline view was a perfect last stop on our way to the venue.

Sidenote: I always love when couples choose to get ready together on their wedding day! It’s such a unique way to break tradition while personalizing your day.

The Dalcy Wedding Ceremony

Nick and Michael were married in a romantic candlelit ceremony at The Dalcy surrounded by loved ones. A dear friend officiated their ceremony, which was filled with laughter and happy tears. By the time they were pronounced married, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place! Guests were ready to celebrate with the newlyweds, and The Bluewater Kings kept the party going all night!! I’m lucky I got to pull the grooms away from the dance floor for a night photo on Fulton Street!

Michael and Nick: Thank you again for having us in October!! Your wedding day was an absolute joy to be part of. Wishing you the happiest marriage and future together 🙂

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!

Alissa and Melissa’s spring Mercantile Hall wedding could not have been more beautiful, in every sense of the word! These two had been planning their wedding since late 2019, after their separate proposals to each other. When their day finally arrived, everyone was ready to celebrate!

We got lucky with sunny spring skies and perfect Wisconsin weather, which made for lovely outdoor photos around the venue. The all-female wedding party were stunning in purple, not to mention their pre-ceremony rainbow flannels! Mel and Alissa got ready separately, with their emotional first look along the ivy wall at the venue’s Urb Garden. The couple were married in an outdoor ceremony by Mel’s aunt Liz, and the entire day was full of love and happy tears.

Some of my favorite details from this day include the brides’ matching wedding bands, identical shoes, and the paint-pouring ceremony which included Melissa’s two daughters. The four of them created a colorful canvas to signify the official blending of their families. And, of course – we couldn’t miss the opportunity for photos with Suesanna in the courtyard! Their romantic first dance as newlyweds was a perfect way to kick off the evening. I don’t think Alissa and Mel stopped smiling the entire day – it was an absolute honor to be a part of.

Alissa and Mel: Thank you again for having us in May!!! Your wedding day was such a joy to capture, I couldn’t be happier for you two. Cheers to a lifetime together 🙂

Vendor Team

Venue: Mercantile Hall/Getting Ready Location: The Coffee House at Chestnut + Pine/Mel’s Dress: Essence of Australia/Alissa’s Dress: Stella York/Shoes: Nina/Florals: B’s Bouquets/Hair Stylist: Silhouette Salon/Makeup Artist: Melissa Ann Makeup Artist/Invitation: Minted/Jeweler: David Liska/Ceremony musicians: Violin by Vicki/DJ: Milwaukee Airwaves/Caterer: Chef David’s Catering/2nd photographer: Jeremy

Last month, I was thrilled to be part of a styled shoot at one of Chicago’s newest event spaces, Wildman BT! This venue happens to be down the street from my studio, and after touring it back in September, I could not wait to shoot inside. It won’t take much scrolling to figure out why! The historic building has been completely restored, featuring exposed brick, skylights, and a larger-than-life projector screen. Additionally, the 12,000 square foot space can be divided as needed with custom drapery. How cool is that?! If you’re searching for a unique Chicago loft wedding venue, you need to check this place out!

Don’t get me wrong, every vendor involved in this shoot did an incredible job. Shout out to Kristina and Sam of Wedicity for putting this together so flawlessly (and Sam for stepping in as officiant!). I have always been a fan of bold and colorful decor, and am in love with the jewel tones they chose to incorporate! Other highlights include delicious snacks from Feast & Imbibe. Ever heard of a pizza cigar appetizer? Me neither… until this shoot! They did smell delicious, and according to our grooms, tasted even better!

Which brings me to: Esteban and Evan. These two could not have been more perfect as our Groom & Groom! It’s always a treat to meet new couples, and they were an absolute joy to work with. Not to mention how they totally rocked their Fake Wedding Day looking dapper as ever! Thanks again for being a part of this, guys!!

If you hadn’t guessed, this shoot was an awesome way to end my 2020 season. I’m a big fan of the Chicago loft wedding vibe, and this place has it ALL 🙂 Get to scrolling and see for yourself!

Vendor Team

Venue: Wildman Boiler & Tank Co./Planning: Wedicity/Apparel: The Groomsman Suit/Florals: Hedonia Flowers/Hair & Makeup: Rare Bird Beauties/Invitation: XO Art & Design/Wedding bands: Hitched/Caterer: Feast & Imbibe/Cake: ECBG Studio/Rentals: Tablescapes/Champagne Wall: Bubbly Events/Linens: BBJ Linen