Emma Mullins Photography

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 🙂

Vendor Team

Venue: Lacuna Lofts / Planner: Wedding Day Chicago / Bride’s dress: Romona Keveza / Bride’s shoes: Loeffler Randall / Groom’s suit: Indochino / Florist: A Vintage Bloom / Hair & Makeup: Pin Me Up Chicago / Stationery: Zola / Engagement ring: Ivy & Rose Vintage / DJ: Style Matters / Caterer: LM Catering / Second Photographer: Trevor

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!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Loft Lucia / Hotel: The Hoxton / Planner: Wedding Day Chicago / Bride’s dress: Jenny Yoo / Bride’s shoes: Loeffler Randall / Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss / Florist: Primrose / Hair & Makeup: Diem Angie / Stationery: Poppy, Peach and Pine / Wedding bands: Cottage Jewelry / Live Band: Bluewater Kings Band / Caterer: Paramount Events / Cake: Broken Tart

And just like that, it’s the end of November. I’m positive many would agree that this year has absolutely FLOWN by!! There are countless wedding days and happy couples I am eager to share… and I will soon enough (promise!). As we head into the holiday weekend, I could not think of a better couple to feature than Hannah and Chris.

Like so many newlyweds who tied the knot this year, Chris and Hannah’s wedding day was a long time coming. Their gorgeous Chicago rooftop wedding ceremony was originally scheduled for May 2020. Shortly before the day arrived, they made the difficult decision to postpone the festivities. Exactly one year later, they finally made it official at one of my favorite Chicago wedding venues, Ignite Glass Studios!

Hannah and Chris got ready separately before their stunning first look along the Chicago River. The weather was perfect for photos downtown, and we received our fair share of cheers from passersby! If you couldn’t tell, these two are a dream to photograph together. Seriously – it was as if no time had passed since their Engagement Session in 2019!

After their intimate rooftop ceremony, the newlyweds finally got to celebrate with friends and family. My favorite was their romantic first dance in the Urban Garden! Of course, no Ignite Glass Studios wedding is complete without a glass-blowing demonstration – or a night photo on the rooftop! In all, it was the happiest day… and if you ask me: well worth the wait 🙂

Hannah and Chris: Thank you again for having me in May!! Your wedding day was an absolute pleasure to capture, I couldn’t be happier for you two.

Vendor Team

Venue: Ignite Glass Studios/Wedding Planner: Wedicity/Bride’s dress: The Crystal Bride/Bridesmaid dresses: Bridesmaids Social/Groom’s suit: The Groomsman Suit/Florals: Hedonia Flowers/Hair & Makeup: Pin Me Up Chicago/Invitation: Minted/Jeweler: Alexis Russell/DJ: Kate from Toast & Jam/Caterer: Amazing Edibles/Cake: Alliance Bakery/2nd photographer: Emma C

On a Thursday in August, I was lucky enough to witness Minal and Drew tie the knot at stunning Loft Lucia, steps away from their home. Like many 2020 couples, these two ended up changing their original wedding plans completely. Friends and family were to travel to Chicago from three different continents for the multi-day festivities, and unfortunately, this was no longer a possibility. But don’t worry, there’s a happy ending! After cancelling original plans, Minal and Drew decided to add a new member to their family. Meet puppy Winston! They unanimously agree that the adorable golden retriever has made it all worth it 🙂

After months of waiting patiently, these two were finally able to solidify Plan B at Loft Lucia. And honestly, their intimate Microwedding day could not have been more perfect! A handful of close friends were able to join them, making the celebration extra special. After their first look on the rooftop of their West Loop home, we said goodbye to Winston and headed down the street for their ceremony.

Minal and Drew put much effort into coordinating a ceremony live-stream for guests who could not attend. Their families were able to join from different parts of the world, and even their Rabbi connected virtually! The ceremony was complete with personal vows, and both Indian and Jewish traditions. Once the knot was tied it was time to CELEBRATE. And believe me, that’s exactly what they did!

Minal and Drew: Thank you again for having me in August!! I could not be happier for the two of you, and can’t wait to celebrate again when the time comes. Mazel Tov!

Vendor Team

Venue: Loft Lucia/Bride’s dress: BHLDN/Bride’s shoes: BHLDN/Groom’s suit: Suit Supply/Florals: XO Design Co./Wedding bands: Huffords Jewelry/Caterer: Paramount Events

Want to see more Minal & Drew? Check out their formal Indian Engagement Session!

Alex and Jason’s Lacuna Lofts wedding was a highlight of our summer. Not only are these two super friendly, affectionate, and in LOVE, they know how to throw a party! Guests traveled from near and far to witness these two exchange vows and celebrate into the night.

Jason and Alex wanted to keep things local by tying the knot in their neighborhood. For instance, Jason got ready at their Pilsen home, while Alex enjoyed her morning at The W Hotel downtown. When we all met at Lacuna for their first look, sparks flew! Their stylish wedding party joined us for photos at the venue. We had a blast “staying cool” in the 100+ degree Chicago summer 🙂

These two are so clearly surrounded by love and support. This celebration would not have been what it was without the countless friends and family in attendance! The entire EMP team was present to capture their day, and it was an absolute pleasure to be a part of. One of my favorite things was the furry guest who joined us for champagne at night… you’ll see what I mean.

Alex and Jason: THANK YOU again for having us in July!! We loved your wedding and wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Lacuna Lofts/Hotel: W Chicago City Center/Wedding Planner: VS1 Events/Bride’s dress: Pronovias/Bride’s shoes: Kailee P/Groom’s suit: J. Ferrar/Florals and Decor: Elegance Decor/Hair Stylist: Pierre Melo/Makeup Artist: Monica Rogers/Invitation: Vistaprint/Engagement ring: Professional Gems Jewelry/Wedding bands: Zales/DJ: Best Life Entertainment/Videographer: Amy Lynn for EMP/Photo Booth: Emma Mullins Photography/Caterer: LM Catering/Dessert: Vanille Patisserie/2nd shooter: Jeremy

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

Venue: Halim Time & Glass Museum/Portrait location: Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool/Bride’s dress: Pronovias/Groom’s suit: Tommy Hilfiger/Florals: Jackson Floral Design/Hair: Rafael at Genacelli East Studio/Makeup: The Beauty Paige/Chuppah: VIP Events Decor/Invitation: Design Voyage/Rings: Marshall Pierce & Company/Caterer: in-house/Cake: Alliance Bakery/2nd shooter: Joe U

Looking for a venue to host YOUR wedding?

Look no further! The Halim Museum is one of the most unique spaces in the local wedding scene. The museum opened in September 2017, and is home to over 1,000 clocks and 80 stained glass pieces from around the world. Catering is done in-house, and the rooftop views alone are worth the visit! I’d highly recommend this place to anyone planning a wedding in the Chicago area.

September has always been my biggest wedding month. This year, I got to start it off with Melissa & Anand’s Room 1520 wedding! Their awesome fusion wedding day included both Hindu and Catholic traditions. In fact, they had TWO ceremonies, two wardrobe changes, two sets of formal photos… and one giant CELEBRATION!! This was such a fun day to be a part of, from beginning to end.

One of my favorite things about Anand and Melissa is that they are ALWAYS smiling together 🙂  Ever since their May engagement session, I have been so, so excited to capture their wedding day! Family and friends traveled internationally to witness their union, including some familiar 2017 newlyweds (pictured below!). From their first dance to Justin Timberlake’s Morning Light to the Crêpe bar for dessert, the festivities did not disappoint! Many thanks to the incredible vendor team that helped make this day possible.

Melissa and Anand: Thank you again for having me!! I had a blast getting to know you both and wish you so much happiness.

Vendor Team

Venue: Room 1520/Planner: Annie from Urban Allure Events/Bride’s Saree: from India/Bride’s Dress: BHLDN/Hair + Makeup: We Only Do Pretty/Henna: Grace at Thread Away/Florist: Fasan Florist/Invitation: Minted/Rings: Diamonds on Wabash/Design: Elegant Event Lighting/Caterers: Cocina Fusion, Godavari Restaurant/DJ: Michael from Cage & Aquarium/Photobooth: Grin + Bear Booth/2nd shooter: Joe U