Emma Mullins Photography

Where do I begin with Ben and Laura? Their Milwaukee wedding day last summer holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. First, I’ve known Ben since we were kids… and when I heard from him in 2019 he was engaged to be married! Once I got to meet Laura, it was clear these two were a perfect match and I could not wait to capture their wedding day. Remember their romantic spring engagement session?!

The day began with Laura getting ready at their Bay View home, and Ben at a friend’s place nearby. Their first look in front of their house was one of my favorites ever – and I don’t think their smiles faded the entire day! We spent the afternoon taking photos at some of my favorite Milwaukee locations along the lakefront, and before long it was time to get these two MARRIED 🙂

I should mention that Laura and Ben’s original wedding date was set for 2020. What’s more: they just so happened to be my last original 2020 couple to finally tie the knot! Ben and Laura said I Do across the street from their home in Humboldt Park, in an intimate ceremony officiated by Ben’s dad. Once it was official, celebration was in order! Guests headed to Hubbard Park Lodge to enjoy delicious food, drink and dancing throughout the night.

Sidenote: If you’re ever looking for an authentic Wisconsin dining experience, definitely check out Hubbard Park!! Their beer garden is one of the best in Milwaukee.

Laura and Ben: THANK YOU again for trusting us to capture these moments for you!! I’m so happy to have been part of your wedding day and wish you both all the happiness in the world.

Want to see more from Ben & Laura’s Day? Check out their gorgeous Highlight Film by Vlad!

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!!

One of the happiest days from 2022 was Katherine and Robb’s wedding at Walden Chicago. Even before their awesome fall engagement session, I had been looking forward to this gorgeous day! Walden is one of Chicago’s newer venues, and just so happens to be down the street from my studio. I was so excited to finally capture a wedding day here!!

Katherine and Robb’s love story is one that can warm anyone’s heart. And – it doesn’t take long after seeing these two together to see why! One of my favorite moments from the entire day was their first look on Walden’s rooftop overlooking the Chicago skyline. Robb and Katherine chose to exchange personal vows at this time, and I swear – my eyes were tearing up and I couldn’t even hear what they were saying! Once our eyes were dry, we headed to nearby Humboldt Park (my fave!) for photos with the wedding party.

Walden Chicago Wedding

That evening, family and friends gathered at Walden to witness Katherine and Robb marry. The ceremony was officiated by their pastor, and included personal touches unique to the both of them. Once the knot was tied, they were nothing but SMILES and it was time to celebrate! Guests were eager to congratulate these two with hugs, kind words, and lots of dancing 🙂 Shout out to the Chicago Catz for keeping the party alive all night long!!

Katherine and Robb: Thank you again for having me in July! Your wedding day was an honor to be part of, wishing you all the best in your future together!!

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 🙂

Marie & Jay’s Milwaukee War Memorial Center wedding last summer was one I’ll never forget! For starters, they were already married (surprise!)… which made finally getting to celebrate even more special. This happened to be my first hometown wedding since 2019, so I was extra pumped!

I met Marie and Jay (aka John) at their venue on a beautiful July afternoon. These two got ready separately with friends and family before seeing each other for the first time. When Marie and Jay told me they wanted to have their first look on the staircase of Milwaukee War Memorial Center, I was even more excited… you’ll see why! Not only has this venue been a fixture along Milwaukee’s lakefront for decades, its architecture is a photographer’s dream. After their sweet first look, we got to explore the lakefront area and Milwaukee Art Museum campus with their wedding party, dressed in red, white, and blue! We could even spot Harbor House from where we were, the place where Jay asked Marie to marry him.

Milwaukee War Memorial Center Wedding

Guests began to take their seats outside the venue, overlooking Milwaukee’s Lakefront. Marie and Jay renewed their vows in a beautiful ceremony officiated by a family friend. After they said “I Do” (again) – it was time to party!! The newlyweds enjoyed cocktails and conversation with their guests on the outdoor terrace, and the celebration continued with dinner and dancing throughout the night! I’m lucky I got to steal them away from their reception for a few photos on Calatrava bridge, my absolute favorite Milwaukee photo location 🙂

Marie and Jay: Thank you again for having us last summer! It was an honor to capture these memories for you and be part of this day. Wishing you a long and happy Married Life!!!

Maureen and Peter’s summer Columbus Park Refectory wedding was a celebration MANY were looking forward to! These two traveled from San Francisco to tie the knot in our fine city, with family and friends joining from all over. It was of utmost importance that Peter and Mo were surrounded by their favorite people on this day. I’m so lucky to have been there to capture it all!

The day began with Maureen and Peter getting ready separately with their families… and checking the weather a lot, too! In fact, we felt a few raindrops as we arrived at the church (yes, it IS good luck!!). The ceremony at St. Clement could not have been more picturesque – seriously, this is one of my favorite churches in Chicago! Once the knot was tied, their smiles grew wide, and it was time to PARTY.

Columbus Park Refectory Wedding Reception

Next stop: Columbus Park. Shout out to Mother Nature for clearing up the skies just in time for outdoor photos on the property! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: The Chicago Park District is an awesome option if you’re looking for unique outdoor space to host an event. Columbus Park in particular is home to two natural waterfalls, a large lagoon, and historic building with Spanish-style architecture. What’s not to love?! The wedding party’s colorful florals were a perfect compliment to the lush green landscape, and of course we had to take advantage of the summer scenery.

Finally, after plenty of delicious food and drink, it was time for Maureen and Peter to let loose with their guests on the dance floor. It’s no secret that this was the moment they’d been waiting for… and The Chicago Players kept the party going all night long! Truly a night to remember, that’s for sure 🙂

Peter and Mo: Thanks again for having us in July!! We had so much fun on your wedding day and wish you all the best in the world!

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

Do you believe in fate? Like, REALLY believe in it? If the answer is no, I have a feeling that might change after reading this post. Kristal and Brian’s story is one that could be the premise of a film – a Real Life definition of serendipity. A perfect series of events led up to their wedding day.

In their words:

“Our story is a lifetime of missed connections, perfect timing, and fate… Stories like this are said to be called twin flames or mirrored souls, when one soul splits into two bodies that find each other. We have actually been somewhat connected our whole lives.”

Long story short, Kristal and Brian’s families had been acquaintances since they were children. As teenagers, they went to the same high school AND worked at the same movie theatre, and somehow never crossed paths. When they eventually met through a dating app in 2019, they started to make these connections. And get this: Thanks to social media, they even found photos of themselves dancing together at a club from ten years earlier… and neither of them remembers the encounter!! You’d better BELIEVE those photos resurfaced on wedding day… printed large for guests to view during the ceremony 🙂

Galleria Marchetti Wedding

As you can imagine, their June wedding at La Pergola was a much-anticipated event! Brian and Kristal got ready on separate floors of a sweet AirBnb in the West Loop. Their emotional first look took place on the rooftop of their home… including their pup Astro! The summer rain began to fall as soon as Brian turned to see Kristal, and to be honest, this was one of my favorite parts of the entire day.

When we arrived at the venue, romance was in the air. I absolutely LOVED the Roaring 20’s vibe of their decor… perfectly executed by Him & Her Vintage! Kristal and Brian made sure to work with local vendors, some who they even knew personally (shout out to Gurnee Donuts!). From beginning to end, this day was bursting with so much joy, romance, and LOTS of dancing.

Kristal and Brian: It was an absolute honor to be part of your wedding day. Thank you again for trusting my team to capture these memories for you!! Wishing you all the best in your future together.

Want to see more Kristal & Brian? Check out Amy Lynn’s Highlight Film!

Last summer, Alex and Jack tied the knot at City Hall Events in Chicago’s West Loop! Originally planned for August 2020, there was no doubt they were ready to PARTY when the timing was right. After all, Jack and Alex DID start dating when they were 13 years old… yes, you read that correctly! I loved hearing their story and getting to witness them tie the knot surrounded by family and friends.

Their day began with Alex getting ready at her sister’s home, and Jack at their home a few blocks away. Of course, that meant that Jack also got to hang with their pup Bruno before meeting up with Alex! Remember this adorable guy from their summer engagement session?! We decided to keep their First Look in the neighborhood, at the stunning Formal Gardens in Humboldt Park! I’m SO happy we did this – it was one of my favorite first looks to date. After a romantic stroll in the park, it was time to meet up with the wedding party in the West Loop and get these two MARRIED 🙂

City Hall Events Wedding

The ceremony space was filled with candlelight and greenery, and the most stunning skylights you will ever see. Jack’s uncle officiated the ceremony, and after the I-Dos it was time to celebrate! Guests enjoyed local food and drink, and then danced the night away. I’m lucky to have pulled the Newlyweds away for a night photo with the Chicago skyline during a break in the music!

Alex and Jack: THANK YOU again for having us in August – I loved everything about your wedding day. Wishing you all the best in your future together!

Check out Amy Lynn’s Highlight Film to see more from their day!

I’m so excited to share Jolene & Will’s summer Revolution Brewing wedding! I met these two early last year, shortly after their New Year’s Day rooftop engagement. Their plan was to have a fun, intimate wedding in their neighborhood surrounded by their favorite people. What’s not to love about that?!

Jolene’s words:

“We love beer almost as much as we love books; pretty much all our travels are Beercations… Revolution Brewpub is the perfect place for us to have our wedding. It feels like our backyard!”

Of course, it’s always a treat to hear from fellow Beer Nerds… and I love that they wanted to tie the knot so close to home! After their downtown spring engagement session, I was counting the days until their wedding.

Wedding day was an ADVENTURE. We started the day downtown at TheWit, with the happiest first look on their outdoor terrace. After stopping at a few iconic photo locations, we found ourselves in the middle of Chicago weather! These two and their party were total champs, even with the last minute detour and change of plans. And – lucky us – we were still able to get some awesome photos in Logan Square… in all kinds of weather!

Revolution Brewing Wedding

That evening, Jolene and Will were married in an intimate ceremony at Revolution, officiated by a friend. Once the knot was tied, the summer brews began to flow! One of my favorite things about their wedding day was all the personalized details. From the book-themed decor (they are both English teachers) to their homemade wedding cake by Will’s sister, no detail was left out! We ended the evening with a night photo on Jolene and Will’s rooftop (the very same place where they got engaged!).

Jolene and Will: Thank you again for having me in July!! Wishing you the happiest marriage filled with books, travel, and delicious beer 🙂

Catherine and AJ’s summer Greenhouse Loft wedding was an absolute delight! It doesn’t take long to see that these two are clearly a perfect match for each other. Friends and family traveled from near and far to celebrate with these two… and it was the most joyful Chicago wedding!

One thing I loved about Catherine and AJ’s wedding day was how personalized it was. From walking down the aisle together to serving cake from their favorite neighborhood bakery (shout out to Jennivee’s!), every detail was intentional. These two tied the knot in a fleeting ceremony as summer fell down outside the venue’s floor-to-ceiling windows (it was awesome!). We later learned about the family rivalry on AJ’s side – a competition for the shortest wedding ceremony! AJ and Catherine were married in a quick nine minutes… but his parents still hold the record with seven. Even though there were no trophies to award, it was still a winning day all around!

Delicious food and drink flowed throughout the night, and the rain let up in time for some gorgeous outdoor portraits (thanks, Nature!). This day was truly a joy to capture, I’m so happy to have been a part of it 🙂

Congrats again, Catherine and AJ! Wishing you the very best Married Life!!!