Emma Mullins Photography

Summer is HERE!! Although the world has changed a bit since last July, I’m all about reliving those precious summer memories. One of my favorites is E&A’s lovely Firehouse Chicago wedding! From their colorful DIY decor to the unicorn bubble favors, every detail was intentional. I loved seeing their vision for a backyard summer garden party come to life!

E&A wanted a relaxed, intimate celebration close to their home, and chose to work with local vendors. There was no shortage of delicious food or beverage… including carrot cake from E’s favorite cafe and brews from Half Acre! As a fellow beer nerd, I was especially excited to see this. One of my favorite details were their custom glass jars at the lemonade stand!

These two got ready together in the Captain’s Room, surrounded by family and friends (not to mention their sweet pup Josephine!). We had just enough time to visit Hollywood Beach before their ceremony! E&A exchanged vows in the venue’s ivy-covered courtyard, underneath a neon rainbow. A dear friend officiated, and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place! Celebration continued throughout the night… note their Newlywed entrance down the fire pole! A MUST at every Firehouse Chicago wedding 🙂

E&A: Thank you again for having me last July!! I really enjoyed getting to know you both and being a part of this day. Wishing you all the happiness in your future together!

Vendor Team

Venue: Firehouse Chicago/Dress: BHLDN/Suit: Bonobos/Florals: DIY/Hair & Makeup: DIY/Invitation: Minted/DJ: Just Press Play/Caterer: City Barbeque/Beer: Half Acre Beer/Cake: Kopi Cafe

My wedding season kicked into full swing this year with Katie & Natalie’s June Ravenswood Event Center wedding. One of my favorite venues in Chicago, these two planned their celebration on all three floors! In short, that means a gorgeous, light-filled ceremony, an intimate cocktail hour, and dinner in the venue’s colorful showroom. This first floor is probably my favorite – complete with vintage cars and neon signs! The perfect place to party the night away… which this crowd was especially good at 🙂

Natalie and Katie’s wedding day was a much-anticipated celebration of their union amongst family and friends. Natalie’s aunt officiated the ceremony, and after reading their own vows I don’t think there was one dry eye in the building! With each stolen glance, each heartfelt speech (one in rap form!), and the love this couple shares, the EMP team were more than honored to be there.

Katie and Natalie: Thank you again for having us!! Best wishes to you both for a lifetime of happiness together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Ravenswood Event Center/Dresses: Eddy K Italia, White One Bridal/Florals: DIY/Custom Nikes: Nike.com/Hair Stylist: Kellie McIntire/Makeup Artist: Vanessa Rose Makeup/Invitation: designed by Katie/Wedding Bands: Persin & Robbin/Engagement Rings: Karat Jewelry Group, Jared/DJ: Cage & Aquarium/Videographer: Amy Lynn for EMP/Caterer: REC/Cake: Molly’s Cupcakes

Want to see more Katie & Natalie? Check out their awesome Highlight Film by Amy Lynn!

I cannot express enough wonderful things about Natalie and Ana’s Chicago loft wedding at Concord Fifty-Five in August. From our first meeting, I knew we’d be a perfect fit! These two love to travel, and they planned to wed exactly one year after the date Ana proposed in Central Park. Every detail was purposeful, from the signage to the centerpieces to the color scheme. And, bonus: just look at the way they gush over each other! I could not wait to photograph their wedding 🙂

Many aspects of their wedding day were either handmade or personal in some way. In fact, most decor items were repurposed from the Nashville Flea Market – one of their favorite trips together! Others were salvaged and shined up for the occasion with help from family members. Guests enjoyed delicious food from Café con Leche in Logan Square, where Ana and Natalie had their first date! Finally, we ended the night with a dazzling sparkler exit photo including all their guests. What an incredible scene to be a part of.

Ana & Natalie: Thank you again for having me capture your wedding day!! You two were a joy to work with and I wish you forever happiness. CONGRATS again to you both!

Vendor Team

Venue: Concord Fifty-Five/Both brides’ dresses: David’s Bridal/Both brides’ shoes: Steve Madden/Hair + Makeup: Chicago Avenue Salon/Engagement and wedding bands: Zales/Florals: Sprout/Officiant: Erika the Officiant/Caterer: Café con Leche/DJ: Angels With an Edge/Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

A few weeks ago I met with a handful of Chicago vendors for what turned into a super fun, super-chic bridal shoot at Great Central Brewing Company. If you don’t know this place, definitely check it out! The tap room is a gorgeous, naturally-lit space with exposed brick and taps from several Chicago-area breweries. And rumor has it, they just got a shuffleboard table 🙂

We unanimously thought this would be a perfect space for our styled shoot. The idea was to embrace the brewery atmosphere while showing how it transforms into an elegant event space. We also wanted to showcase the tables and benches made of reclaimed farm wood. Steve’s Flower Market did an incredible job with the copper arch and centerpieces… and that bouquet!! Our two brides stunned in convertible dresses and jumpsuit by Jenny Yoo.

This was the first styled shoot I had a hand in designing, and I’m so excited with how it turned out! I think it’s a great representation of what a Great Central Brewing Company wedding could look like.

Vendor Team

Venue: Great Central Brewing Company/Planner: Urban Allure Events/Invitation Suite: Simply Scripted Ink/Florals: Steve’s Flower Market/Cake: ECBG Cake Studio/Dresses + Jumpsuit: Jenny Yoo/Hair: Unwana Rose/Makeup: Julia Simone/Models: Mara + Samantha

Want to see more styled shoots? Check out the following:

Alternative Warehouse 109 Styled Shoot
Door County Winery Styled Shoot