Emma Mullins Photography

Another highlight from our summer is Alex and Stacey’s destination Chicago Winery wedding! These two are currently East Coasters, but first met at a Halloween party here in the Midwest while attending Northwestern University! After their spring Jersey City engagement session, I was so excited to see these two again back in Chicago.

The Gwen Chicago Wedding Photos

Alex and Stacey got ready separately that morning, before their private first look and vow exchange at The Gwen Chicago. Shortly after, the wedding party joined us for photos on the hotel terrace overlooking downtown! I loved that the bridesmaids’ dresses just happened to match the walls inside The Gwen – we had to take advantage! If you’re looking for a hotel in the River North area with indoor and outdoor photo locations, I’d highly recommend staying here.

Chicago Winery Wedding

Before long, it was time to head to Chicago Winery and get these two married. But first: tea! Stacey and Alex served hot tea to their loved ones before the ceremony space opened up to all guests. The wedding ceremony was filled with humor and personal anecdotes, and once the knot was tied these two were happy as ever! Seriously, I don’t think they stopped smiling the rest of the evening 🙂

Guests celebrated the newlyweds with delicious food, drinks, and (lots of) wine. We even got to witness Stacey’s famous cake-cutting skills! DJ Kate kept the dance floor was packed from beginning to end, and our photo booth was a hit, as usual (check out our new white rose flower wall backdrop!). I’m lucky the newlyweds agreed to step outside for a few night photos during the party!

Stacey and Alex: Thank you again for having us be part of your wedding day!! We had so much fun in August and wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

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

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!

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!

One of our favorite highlights from Summer 2024 was Neha and John’s Redfield Estate wedding. These two had been planning their wedding day for some time, and were so excited to make their union official! Remember their Chicago engagement session last summer?! I had no doubt their wedding day would be filled with laughter and joy. Between the gorgeous property, bold summer colors, and happiest couple, this day was an absolute pleasure to capture.

Redfield Estate Wedding

Neha and John got ready separately near The Redfield Estate. This historic venue is situated inside The Grove Nature Preserve in Glenview – perfect for an outdoor summer wedding! When Neha and John first decided to get married here, they were so excited about the property and all it had to offer. From the grandeur of the home to the endless greenery, sculptures, and reflecting pool… there is no shortage of beautiful photo locations.

After their first look under the majestic oak tree, these two exchanged vows privately. Soon after, friends and family joined us for photos! Their ceremony took place underneath a stone gazebo, decorated with hundreds of marigolds – a nod to Neha’s Indian heritage. Friends and family gathered to witness, and Neha’s brother did a fabulous job officiating! Finally, these two were officially official, and couldn’t have been happier. Guests celebrated the newlyweds with food, drink, and lots of dancing into the evening 🙂

Neha and John: Thank you again for having us this summer!! We had so much fun at your wedding and wish you two all the best in Married Life!

Summer 2024 has been one of our busiest seasons to date, and somehow it’s already the end of August! During these last days of summer I can’t help but look back on the year we’ve had so far, and all the happy memories we’ve had the privilege to capture. Today I’m excited to feature Miya and Dylan’s June wedding at The Library at 190 S. LaSalle! Seriously, I had been looking forward to this day even before their awesome summer engagement session from last year… This was also the first wedding we captured in black and white film (aka my first love). See if you can spot the film photos in the post!

Miya and Dylan got ready separately that morning along with their wedding parties. Both of them already in smiles before their first look, I knew it was going to be the best day! After their private vow exchange on LaSalle Street, it was time to get the party started 🙂

Millennium Park Wedding Photos

We made our way to Millennium Park with the wedding party, accidentally attending the Chicago Blues Festival during our stroll! I’m so happy the Lurie Garden was available when we arrived – this is one of my favorite Chicago photo locations, especially lush in the summertime. Miya and Dylan’s crew was a blast to spend the afternoon with! We were lucky enough to stop at a couple other iconic downtown locations before heading back to the venue.

Please note: If you’re looking to take your own wedding photos in Millennium Park, you will need to obtain a photography permit ahead of time! More information can be found here. The park hosts all kinds of events during the summer – I definitely recommend checking the Millennium Park Calendar to make sure the locations you’re hoping for will be accessible and available on your date. 

The Library at 190 S. LaSalle Wedding

That evening, Miya and Dylan were married at The Library at 190 S. LaSalle surrounded by family, friends, and stacks of books! This unique venue has quickly become one of our favorites, with a variety of picturesque photo locations (and that VIEW!). Once the knot was tied, guests were ready to celebrate with the newlyweds. In addition to a jam-packed dance floor, Miya and Dylan made sure to stock the library with plenty of board games for their guests to enjoy! A few notable games include Operation, Jenga, Connect Four, Yahtzee, and Mancala. Of course, we couldn’t say goodbye without a night photo on LaSalle and a bottle of bubbly!

Miya and Dylan: Thank you again for having us this year!! We had so much fun at your wedding and couldn’t be happier for you two. Cheers to the best in Married Life!!!

Anybody else dreaming about summer? Look no further: Madeleine and Justin’s Ovation wedding was full of happy faces summer vibes! As you may recall from their fall neighborhood engagement session, these two are a breeze in front of the camera and super fun to hang out with. I already knew their wedding day was going to be awesome (and SPOILER ALERT… it was!).

Publishing House Bed and Breakfast

Madeleine and Justin got ready separately at The Publishing House B&B, one of Chicago’s most unique locations for photos and private events. Each of their parties had a full floor to themselves, allowing separation when necessary (but also making this part of the day super convenient!). Justin and Mads exchanged letters and gifts before their first look on the staircase, one of many picturesque locations in the building. Before we knew it, we were headed downtown for some iconic Chicago photos with the wedding party!

Pro tip: If you LOVE the look of this place for your wedding day, contact them ASAP! They book up well in advance.

Ovation Wedding

We arrived at Ovation with just enough time to take a spin with the venue’s Rolls Royce! This part of the day is always a highlight for any Ovation wedding, whether you opt for photos before the ceremony or after. Madeleine and Justin couldn’t keep their eyes off each other, looking stylish as ever. Shout out to Spencer for being the perfect chauffeur and designated driver!

Later that evening, Madeleine and Justin were married under the venue’s stunning skylight in a heartfelt ceremony officiated by a dear friend. Their sweet pup Oly even made a cameo appearance… he almost stole the show! Once the knot was tied, guests enjoyed delicious food, cocktails, and lots of dancing, of course! The celebration continued into the night, and the Newlyweds were ALL smiles 🙂

Madeleine and Justin: Thank you again for having us in July!! We had the best time at your wedding, wishing you all the best in Married Life!

Want to see more from Mads and Justin’s Ovation wedding? Check out their gorgeous Highlight Film by George!

Aviva and Ben. Where do I begin with these two?! Their summer Skyline Loft wedding at Bridgeport Art Center was truly a dream, complete with a double rainbow (it’s true!). You may remember them from Ben’s surprise proposal in the summer of 2021… and I was fortunate enough to be there on wedding day, too!

One of my favorite things about Aviva and Ben is the pure joy that radiates whenever they’re together. Of course, this makes it easy on the photographer (thanks, guys!) – not to mention a treat to capture! The day began at Hotel Lincoln, across the street from the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool where Aviva said YES two summers earlier. After their private first look and rooftop photos at The J. Parker, we were off!

Chicago Wedding Party Photos

On our way to the venue, we made a quick stop with the wedding party was Kinzie Bridge. Besides being an iconic Chicago photo location (especially in the summer), it’s a meaningful one for Aviva and Ben. This wedding party was up for a good time, and I’m so happy we had a chance to stop here! And – lucky us, when we arrived at Bridgeport Art Center, the Sculpture Garden happened to be available for photos. Did we take advantage? You bet we did!

Skyline Loft Wedding Ceremony

Finally, it was time for the ceremony to begin. Ben and Aviva were married underneath the Chuppah in the venue’s gorgeous loft space, surrounded by the love and support of their guests. Once the glass was broken, it was time to celebrate!! I don’t think their smiles faded the rest of the day. We were even greeted with a summer shower immediately after stepping outside for newlywed photos, and these two were great sports. In case you didn’t know, rain on your wedding day IS good luck 🙂

That evening, family and friends enjoyed delicious food, drink and dancing with the newlyweds. Ben and Aviva were on Cloud Nine and the party didn’t stop there! I’m thankful they agreed to take a night photo with me after dark to show off their dance moves. No rain this time!

Aviva and Ben: THANK YOU again for having us capture your memories in June!! It’s been an absolute joy to be there from the beginning of your engagement through wedding day. Wishing you nothing but the best in Married Life!

Priya and Nitin’s summer wedding at Fairlie was one for the books! I’m so excited to share this colorful, happy day – complete with two outfits, Indian traditions, and some of my favorite wedding photos in the West Loop. Having been friends for over a decade, these two filled the entire venue with loved ones eager to celebrate with them. I’m so lucky to have been there to capture it all!

The day began at Fairlie with Priya and Nitin getting ready separately. After an emotional first look on the staircase, we ventured out to the city for photos with the wedding party, aka Priya’s daughter, Nya! These three were a blast to hang with, and before we knew it, it was time to head back for the ceremony 🙂

Indian Wedding Ceremony

That afternoon, guests gathered under the venue’s gorgeous skylights to watch Priya and Nitin commit themselves to each other in a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony. I love that they chose to include many traditional elements in their ceremony, while also making it personal to them! Highlights include the Puja ceremony welcoming Nitin’s family, Nya walking Priya down the aisle, and their first kiss on the mandap. Once it was official, the newlyweds stole away in the Tuk Tuk (a perk of getting married at Fairlie!).

West Loop Wedding Photos

One of my favorite parts of this day was getting the newlyweds to myself for some epic West Loop wedding photos! We stopped by some favorite neighborhood spots, including the Chicago mural by Sentrock. After a little bubbly in their reception outfits, we returned to Fairlie to celebrate with their loved ones. Special thanks to Anup for being the best chauffeur!

Fairlie Reception

Finally, Priya and Nitin were introduced as MARRIED and celebration continued into the evening. Guests enjoyed delicious Indian food, custom cocktails, and lots of dancing!! It truly was the most perfect summer evening, complete with outdoor mingling and endless stories of the newlyweds. I couldn’t be happier for these two, and am grateful I was able to share in their joy this summer.

Priya and Nitin: Thank you again for having us in July! All my best to you both in Married Life!!

This summer went by particularly quickly, and one of our biggest highlights was Alana and Brett’s Rockwell on the River wedding! The anticipation was for this day was all too real… from their plan to arrive at the ceremony on a riverboat to the DIY wine-themed decor, I couldn’t wait to see their vision come to life. These two even split their time between Chicago and Arizona during the planning process, which made it even more exciting when the day finally arrived!

The day began at The Westin in River North, with Alana and Brett getting ready separately with their parties. Like many summer wedding days in this city, rain was in the forecast… but we hadn’t seen a drop so far! We were lucky enough to have time for photos along the Riverwalk before Mother Nature intervened… just enough for a good luck shower! After that, the skies cleared and we were on our way.

Chicago Riverboat Cruise

One of my favorite parts of Alana and Brett’s wedding day was our Riverboat cruise to the venue. If there’s one thing I can say about these two, it’s that they truly do love Chicago! What better way to celebrate your wedding day than cruise along the river with your favorite people?! Chicago Cycleboats was the perfect way to get from downtown to Rockwell on the River, and ended up being such a fun and unique way to spend the afternoon.

Rockwell on the River Wedding

That evening, Alana and Brett were married on the outdoor terrace at Rockwell on the River surrounded by loved ones. Remember how I said these two love Chicago? Their unity ceremony consisted of building a classic Chicago hot dog together (yes, with all the toppings)! Their friend Charlie did a fabulous job officiating, and once the knot was tied, it was time to PARTY. From the flowing food and drinks to the packed dance floor, the celebration didn’t stop all night!

Alana and Brett: Thank you again for having us this summer!! It has been such a pleasure getting to know you two and watching your wedding day dreams come true 🙂 Wishing you the very best in Married Life!

In the spirit of summer weddings, I am thrilled to finally share Emma and Brendan’s August wedding at Greenhouse Loft! Everything about this day makes me smile, from the color palette to the lakefront and their epic champagne pop at the end of the night. One of my favorite details was including their sweet tortoiseshell cat Midge in photos at home!

I met Emma and Brendan at their Lincoln Park apartment on a beautiful Chicago summer afternoon. They had just finished hosting their families for lunch and were starting to get ready (with Midge, of course!). After their first look on the staircase, we headed to the lakefront for photos with family. One of Brendan and Emma’s favorite pastimes is running together… and Diversey Harbor just happens to be on their running route! These are some of my favorite photos from the entire day – I’m pretty sure Emma’s purple dress was made for twirling in the sunshine 🙂

Greenhouse Loft Wedding

That evening, guests gathered in the garden at Greenhouse Loft to witness Emma and Brendan tie the knot. The lovely outdoor ceremony was officiated by Emma’s brother, and once they said I Do, it was time to PARTY!! The newlyweds were all smiles as they greeted loved ones, and the celebration continued into the night. Guests dined on barbecue and summer hand pies from Bang Bang, and the newlyweds danced the night away! I’m so lucky to have been part of this happy day!

Emma and Brendan: Thank you again for having me last year!! I had so much fun with you two on your wedding day. Wishing you all the happiness in the world.