Emma Mullins Photography

Earlier this spring, I was back in California for an exclusive editorial shoot at Filoli wedding venue produced by WedVibes. A group of top-notch industry professionals came together to make this day possible, and it truly exceeded all of my expectations. Not only was this my first WedVibes shoot, but I was lucky enough to meet owners Daria and Alina! These two don’t attend every editorial, and it was so wonderful to meet them in person. The entire WedVibes team was a pleasure to work with!

Filoli Wedding Venue

From a photographer’s perspective, Filoli was an absolute dream venue to work at. Situated on over 650 acres of land near the California coast, this historic house was once a private residence, opening to the public in 1975 as a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Filoli gets its name from combining the first two letters of the following:

“Fight for a just cause.
Love your Fellow Man.
Live a Good Life.”

The above personal motto comes from Mr. William Bourn, original owner of the Filoli grounds. With such a rich history celebrating the surrounding land, it’s no surprise the grandeur of the venue lives up to its name.

WedVibes Editorial Shoot

Our day started at 8am with a warm up (read: dance party) led by Alina. In the morning, photographers were split into groups and rotated between different “scenes” – such as groom prep, bride getting ready, and stationery details. We each had a chance to direct the models and get creative with them! Shantel and Darrion stunned as our newlyweds, while Eric & Elisa and Andrew & Bri killed it as the wedding party. If you’re a photographer looking to expand your portfolio and hire a model couple, I highly recommend reaching out to any of these professionals.

The afternoon included a stunning ceremony in the California sunshine, mobile bar and custom cocktails, wedding party photos, newlywed portraits, reception details, and celebration. That sounds like a lot – and it was! But somehow the day seemed to go by super fast (kind of like a real wedding!).

Community Over Competition

The main highlight of this shoot may seem like the portfolio, but in my opinion, the connections we made with other photographers and vendors are far more important. There truly was a sense of community, camaraderie and support among us unlike other group editorials I have experienced. The production team took amazing care of us throughout the day, making sure we were fed, hydrated, and had plenty of sunscreen! Shout out to Makeup Artist Kayla for stepping in as officiant during the ceremony… and Alina for bringing the tunes all day 🙂

I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to attended this editorial, and couldn’t be more grateful for the experience. Thank you again, Daria, Alina and WedVibes Team!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Filoli / Production Team: WedVibes / Planner: Hoopes Events / Models: Shantel & Darrion / Models: Eric & Elisa / Models: Andrew & Bri / Getting Ready Dress: Delfina Balda / Ceremony Dress: Besa Bridal / Bridesmaid Dresses: Transplant Vintage / Jeweler: Bracken Jewelers / Florist: Amy West Floral Design / Hair Stylist: Jennica Leys Artistry / Hair Stylist: Natalia Kozlova / Makeup Artist: Kayla Kollection / Makeup Artist: Yana Kavalerchik / Stationery: Autumn Rose Paper Co. / Mobile Bar: Mitik / Rentals: Chairs 4 Events / Cake: Emma Cakery

Over the summer, I was lucky enough to capture Megan & Eric’s CD&ME wedding in Frankfort, Illinois! Their day was filled with joy, love and good vibes all around. Besides the gorgeous June weather, these two were absolutely glowing the entire day! Remember their adorable Chicago engagement session last spring? I was so excited for them to finally make it official!

Megan’s words:

“We met our sophomore year of college by being on the same dorm floor and eventually both joining the same intramural beach volleyball team. We became instant friends turned best friends and eventually partners on 6/22/19.” (Awww!) “We will be lucky enough to get married on our exact 5 year anniversary and we are very excited!!“

CD&ME Wedding

In case you were wondering, my first time visiting this venue did not disappoint. From the variety of indoor and outdoor photo locations to the wonderful staff, I can see why Eric and Megan chose this as their wedding venue! There are actually two event spaces here – Megan and Eric had The Loft.

The emotional ceremony took place outside in front of an outdoor gazebo, officiated by a friend. Once the knot was tied, guests enjoyed cocktails and bites on the outdoor patio and inside the warehouse! One of my favorite details was the accidental “Bloom” theme (aka Eric’s last name)… of course we had to take advantage of the surrounding florals for newlywed photos 🙂

That evening, the Blooms celebrated their love with stories, dinner, and dancing with their loved ones. These two could not have been happier, and I’m so happy to have been a part of their day!

Megan and Eric: Thank you again for having us in June!! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

Vendor Team

Venue: CD&ME / Hotel: Wingate by Wyndham / Bride’s dress: Diana’s Bridal / Bride’s shoes: PALSCOU / Groom’s suit: The Black Tux / Florist: Heaven Flowers Gifts / Hair & Makeup: Erica Davis Salon / Stationery: The Knot / Engagement ring: Rogers & Hollands / Bride’s ring: LCC Jewelry / Groom’s ring: Thorum / DJ: Sound Sonic Entertainment / Caterer: Dancing Marlin / Dessert: Creative Cakes / Second Photographer: Nohemi

September is here, and today I’m throwing it back to one of our favorite September weddings ever. Elaine and Jeremy tied the knot at South Branch Tavern & Grille one year ago this week! We’re thrilled to have been there to capture this happy day… starting with getting ready at the J.W. Marriott and ending with a PARTY on the dance floor 🙂

When I first heard from Elaine, she described their wedding vision this way:

“The ‘theme’ is sort of fall vibes, but no pumpkin spice lattes. Earthy colors, lots of foliage, burnt sienna, deep greens, neutrals and pops of gold (I think). We are definitely not having a traditional wedding. It’s at a bar so I guess you could say we want it to feel sort of like a party.”

Spoiler alert: it felt EXACTLY like a party!! Guests were excited to celebrate these two even before the ceremony started.

South Branch Tavern & Grille Wedding

That evening, Jeremy and Elaine were married outside South Branch Tavern surrounded by their loved ones. It was one of those perfect Chicago-weather days: the kind you can never plan for, but also will never forget. Once they said I Do, the celebration was in full swing! Family and friends enjoyed delicious food, great company, and custom cocktails named after the newlyweds’ cats. But the party didn’t stop there… DJ Alli kept the dance floor alive, and if you ask me, Elaine’s reception dress stole the show. Nohemi and Trevor did an awesome job capturing the joy of this day and night!

Elaine and Jeremy: Thank you again for having us last year!! We couldn’t be happier for you two – wishing you the very best in Married Life!

Vendor Team

Venue: South Branch Tavern & Grille / Hotel: J.W. Marriott / Bride’s dress: WToo / Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka / Florist: Flowers for Dreams / Hair Stylist: Epoch Salon / Makeup Artist: Mariia Bedratenko / DJ: Toast & Jam / Dessert: Crumbl Cookies / Associate Photographer: Nohemi / Second Photographer: Trevor

In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, I’m delighted to share Allison and Joe’s lucky Irish love story! Not only have I known Allison since we were kids (it’s true!), meeting Joe and seeing them together has been an absolute delight. Needless to say, their summer Cantigny wedding day holds a special place in my heart.

In their own words:

“Allison and Joe met by chance at a restaurant in Dublin, Ireland. Joe had just finished a work trip in Germany and Italy, Allison had just finished a work trip in Denmark, and both had decided to spend a week of vacation in Ireland before heading back to the States. Joe picked the restaurant because it had a cool red door. Allison picked the restaurant because it was featured in her guide book.

Joe arrived first and after being told that they did not serve food at the bar, sat down to have a drink and re-evaluate his options. Allison walked in and also asked if she could eat at the bar, and when Joe chimed in that he had also asked to eat there, she immediately recognized his accent as American. Turns out he was from Chicago, where Allison was planning to move later that year from San Francisco!

Two dinners for one turned into one dinner for two…”

And I think we all know where the story goes from there! They even met a woman that night who claimed to predict the future, and guess what she said to them?? Yep – their marriage was in the cards from the very first day they met 🙂

Cantigny Wedding Day

Allison and Joe finally made it official in the South Grove at Cantigny Park. Their summer ceremony was officiated by a family member, and I don’t think there was a dry eye among us! Once the knot was tied, guests enjoyed cocktail hour at the First Division Museum, in honor of Joe’s service. The evening was filled with delicious food, drinks, dancing… and the occasional reference to fortune tellers and Ireland, of course!

Allison and Joe: Thank you again for having us in August! Your wedding was such a pleasure to capture and I’m honored to have been a part of it. Super happy for you two, wishing you all the best!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Cantigny / Planner: Sarah Kathleen Events / Bride’s dress: Hayley Paige / Bride’s shoes: New York Transit / Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse / Florist: Branching Out / Hair & Makeup: Total Image Bridal / Stationery: Vistaprint / Bride’s rings: Fallers Jewellers / Groom’s ring: Stonebrook Jewelry / Ceremony Musicians: Cousins of the Bride / Live Band: Bluewater Kings Band / Cake: DeEtta’s Bakery / Second Photographer: Jeremy

Kathleen and Jeremy’s spring wedding at the Emil Bach House was an absolute joy to capture! These two traveled from New Orleans to tie the knot in this iconic Frank Lloyd Wright house on Chicago’s North Side. Family and friends came from near and far to join these two for the occasion, and it could not have been more memorable 🙂

Frank Lloyd Wright House Wedding

We had access to both the Bach House and Lang House, where Kathleen and Jeremy got ready separately. As you can imagine, there is no shortage of iconic architecture on the entire property! Not to mention, the natural light in both houses is a photographer’s dream. We definitely took advantage of that for their stunning first look on the staircase! These two were ALL smiles, and a breeze to have in front of the camera. I could have photographed them inside this house all day!

Jeremy and Kathleen tied the knot in a lovely backyard ceremony officiated by one of Jeremy’s brothers. A friend played violin as they walked down the aisle, and you could just feel the love surrounding them. We even heard a generations-old story involving a silver dollar… but I couldn’t possibly repeat it! The afternoon and evening were all about celebrating these two with delicious food, drink, and great company. And I’m SO happy we got to sneak away for a few Newlywed sunset photos at the lakefront!

Kathleen and Jeremy: Thank you again for having us in May!! Your wedding day was a pleasure to be part of, and I couldn’t be happier for you two. Wishing you all the best in Married Life!!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Emil Bach House/Bride’s dress: Claire Pettibone/Bride’s shoes: Chelsea Crew/Groom’s suit: Brooks Brothers/Groom’s shoes: Allen Edmonds/Florals: Hedonia Flowers/Hair & Makeup: Deco Adamo/Bride’s rings: Melanie Casey/Groom’s ring: Ramseys/Ceremony musician: friend of the couple/DJ: DJ De La T/Videographer: Amy Lynn for EMP/Caterer: Feast & Imbibe/Donuts: Firecakes/2nd photographer: Emma C

Want to see more from their wedding day? Check out Kathleen & Jeremy’s Highlight Film by Amy Lynn!

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

Jane and John’s Wisconsin Hubbard Park Lodge wedding took place on a lovely summer evening. Connecticut is their home, but because Jane is from – well, Janesville – they decided to make their wedding a destination Midwest getaway. Hubbard Park Lodge is one of my favorite spots in Milwaukee for a fish fry (and now weddings!), and not far from where I grew up. They always have my favorite beer on tap and there is never a shortage of polka music. Feels like home 🙂

I love when a venue can host both the ceremony and reception. Jane and John tied the knot on a perfect August afternoon along the Milwaukee River. A longtime friend officiated. Friends contributed with various readings and musical talents (seriously – they are talented!), and the officiant did a fabulous job keeping everyone on their toes. Jane wore a sash hand-stitched by her mother, including a single blue bead as her something blue. One of the most memorable parts of the ceremony was when Jane’s father stood up from his wheelchair to walk her down the aisle. Even though he recently survived a bicycle accident, he didn’t let that stop him. Of course, he received a standing ovation! I’m pretty sure there wasn’t a dry eye on the lawn!

After golden hour portraits Jane and John joined cocktail hour in the new beer garden on premises, and finally the reception. Friends and family said many beautiful words, gave hugs, and everyone present thoroughly enjoyed each others’ company. There was something about the positive energy in the room I’ll never forget.

Jane and John: Thanks again for having me in August! I’m so grateful to have captured these moments for you. Wishing you nothing but happiness in your future together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Hubbard Park Lodge/Bride’s Dress: BHLDN (Hitherto)/Groom’s Suit: Jos. A. Bank/Florals: Urban Sense/Invitation: Vistaprint/Dessert: Simma’s Bakery/Polka Band: Tom Brusky Band