Emma Mullins Photography

More summer nostalgia this month with Meg and Pat! Emma C had a blast at their Pilsen engagement session in June… and it just so happens they’ll be married in THREE DAYS!!! We first met Meg and Pat last year at Alex and Jack’s wedding, and time has been flying ever since.

I love that Meg and Pat wanted to take engagement photos in a location that’s meaningful to them. This is something we always encourage couples to think about when planning a session! Pilsen is where Meg and Pat shared their first home together, and we were lucky enough to take photos at some of their favorite places. Shout out to the staff at Thalia Hall for allowing us to use the space at Dusek’s and Punch House 🙂

After some delicious cocktails, it was time to hit the town! These three got to take advantage of the neighborhood’s colorful murals, and an evening stroll through El Paseo Community Garden. Everything you could possibly want in a summer Pilsen engagement session! For their final stop, they decided on golden hour photos with the skyline view at Ping Tom Memorial Park.

Thanks again for having us, Meg and Pat! I can’t wait to see all the photo magic from this weekend!!

Mary and William’s Thalia Hall wedding in June was a big, joyous celebration. I met these two during the beginning stages of planning their New York style wedding. If you’re unfamiliar, a “New York style” wedding reception has regular dancing in between courses. For instance, the band or DJ plays a set, then salads are served. Then speeches, then dancing, then entrées. Then dancing, dessert, and… you get the idea. DJ Timmy kept the party roaring into the night!

Mary met William through his younger brother Andrew, who would officiate their wedding ceremony. In their college days, Mary and Andrew were paired as lab partners at Notre Dame University… want to know why?! They have the same last name! After years of friendship, Mary finally crossed paths with William. The relationship that developed is what would lead us to this day 🙂

From their first look on the Chicago Riverwalk, these two couldn’t keep their eyes off each other. Because they’re big fans of Land and Sea Department, it only made sense that they’d tie the knot here (read about all the perks below!). Their romantic candlelit ceremony on stage was one to remember… Mary’s brother even serenaded them with a surprise song!

Perks of a Thalia Hall wedding

What’s not to love? Food, beverage, and ambiance are top notch. You get to marry your person on stage (or off-stage, if you prefer) in one of Chicago’s most unique neighborhoods. There are plenty of places inside Thalia Hall to enjoy a private moment together – I recommend sneaking up to the balcony together and taking it all in! Staff is always a pleasure to work with – plus you have Punch House downstairs for your afterparty.

Mary and William: Thank you again for having me! I’ll never forget this incredible day. Wishing you two lifetimes of happiness together.

Vendor Team

Hotel: Virgin Hotels Chicago/Venue: Thalia Hall/Dress: Willowby by Watters (Reagan gown)/Suit: Bonobos Tuxedo/Florals: Flowers for Dreams/Linens: Tablescapes/Dessert: 16″ on Center/DJ: Tim from Toast & Jam/2nd Shooter: Joe U