Emma Mullins Photography

A Jazz Era Celebration

Jen and Sean’s September wedding at Wildman BT felt like a glamorous 1920’s party brought to life. Guests arrived in their best Jazz Era fashion, and the entire day carried that vintage sparkle. The theme was came as no surprise – if you’ll remember from their Garfield Park Conservatory engagement session, these two met while swing dancing! Lori of VR Inspirations carried out their wedding vision beautifully at this stunning venue, one of our top favorites in Chicago. Jen and Sean also offered their own personal touches, including stationery handmade by Sean, and gold feather fans made by Jen for her wedding party.

Downtown Chicago Wedding Photos

Their day began in the West Loop, where Sean and Jen got ready separately with their wedding parties. After their first look on the hotel terrace, we headed to Union Station and the Financial District for some iconic Chicago wedding photos. We had a blast with this crew all afternoon – from having a vogue moment to strutting their stuff, and a few pro dance moves, of course! Jen and Sean even shared a romantic dance in the street before it was time to head to Wildman BT. 

Wildman BT Wedding

When we arrived at the venue, the sun was beaming and energy was high. It’s always a treat to be back at Wildman BT – not only are the staff SO friendly and helpful (we’re neighbors!), it’s truly one of the most unique, photogenic event locations in the city. I love every opportunity to create photos inside this gorgeous space!

That evening, Jen and Sean tied the knot in a heartfelt ceremony, complete with personal vows and a Cairn-building ceremony. A family member officiated, and these two were all eyes on each other. Once the knot was tied, guests enjoyed custom cocktails and delicious drinks in the Jazz Era style! One of my favorite details were the subtle nods to their cat Barley, who, unfortunately, was not invited. 

The celebration continued with bites from The Food Truck Hub, live music by Naomi & Her Handsome Devils, and swing dancing lessons for their guests. Naturally, the Newlyweds danced the night away in each others’ arms.

Jen and Sean: Thank you for inviting us to capture your incredible day! We absolutely loved every moment of your Wildman BT wedding, and celebrating this new chapter with you both.

Creative Partners

Planner: VR Inspirations / Venue: Wildman BT / Beauty Team: Diem Angie / Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Suit: NL Suits / Live Band: Naomi & Her Handsome Devils / Caterer: Chicago Food Truck Hub / Transportation: Pontarelli Chicago / Videographer: Amy Lynn + George for EMP

Want to see more of Jen & Sean’s day? Check out their Highlight Film below!

Gretchen and Michael’s Bristol Renaissance Faire wedding was more fun than I could have dreamed. I don’t get to photograph a lot of theme weddings, and this one made up for that!

When Gretchen was a little girl, she told her mother that she’d get married at the Renaissance Faire. Although she may not remember saying this – she was right!

Gretchen and Michael’s wedding was a full-on Renaissance affair. The ceremony took place over Labor Day weekend at the Cotswold Commons area of the fairgrounds. Gretchen and her family have attended Bristol’s Renaissance Faire almost every year, and she even wore her late grandparents’ wedding rings pinned to her dress in their memory during her ceremony. The officiant dressed as a monk, bridesmaids wore DIY faery wings and flower crowns, and all the groomsmen wore color-coordinated capes. The couple incorporated a Medieval wine ceremony into their wedding as a symbol of their lives uniting as one. Guests waved wands and tossed lavendar at the happy newlyweds during the recessional, and “Huzzah, huzzah!” was the common affirmation throughout the day.

I’m so happy to have been a part of this unique wedding day! Michael and Gretchen are a fun-loving couple who incorporated imagination and fantasy into their Wisconsin wedding day. Congrats again, you two!

Creative Partners

Bride’s dress and veil: The Bridal Event/Crown: One Curtain Road/Groom’s cape: Medieval Collectibles/Groom’s hat: Wizards Wardrobe at the Faire/Groom’s attire: Majestic Velvets/Faery wings: handmade by bridal party/Food: Bristol Renaissance Faire/Dessert: Robin’s Nest Cakery/Florist: Sunnyside Florist/Rings: Rogers & Hollands/Invitation: Marlene’s Wedding Accessory

This spring I participated in a Great Gatsby wedding styled shoot at a private residence in Hyde Park. This was not my first styled shoot, but it was my first time experiencing one this extravagant! From the settings to the hors d’oeuvres to the models, everything was flawlessly executed! Would you believe our bride and groom had never met before this day?! To say they had chemistry would be an understatement.

In a nutshell, about ten photographers participated. We took turns rotating through different sections of the house. There was a bride getting ready in one room, and a groom and wedding party in another. Oh, and plenty of champagne. The models seemed to appreciate that 🙂

Below are some of my favorite images from the entire day, including a few bloopers and behind-the-scenes photos (this is what it looks like when several wedding photographers compete for the best shot!). Creativity was a necessity. Of course this is something we’ve become accustomed to in a competitive industry. You never know what your shooting conditions will be like – and I’m always up for a good challenge 🙂

Huge shout out to Nicee and Nicole for putting this whole thing together!

Creative Partners

Lead photographer: Miss Motley Photography /Event planner & stylist: Nicole Marie Events / Floral design: City Scents Floral / Makeup: Dawn “Bliss” Norman / Hair stylist: Chez Delali Salon / Dress designer: Suzette Opara – 828 Collection / Wedding gown: Edith Élan / Men’s attire: Jojayden Custom Suits / Jewelry: Estylo Jewelry/ Gramaphone: Zap Prop Rentals / Equipment rental: Classic Party Rental / Linens: BBJ Linen / Mixologist: Elizabeth Tyler / Paper goods: AGD Studios / Caterer: Dream Chef Catering / Cake: Cake Life Chicago / Doughnuts: Bon Vivant Cakes / Cookies: Gimme Sugar Creative Cookies / Cake pops and Apples: The Sweet Hustle / Luxury Car: Fivewest Chauffeur