Emma Mullins Photography

Last September, I had the pleasure of photographing Brigette and Michael’s Cafe Brauer wedding in Chicago. You may remember these two from their downtown summer engagement session in 2020! Fun fact: When they originally booked their venue, Brigette and Michael lived within walking distance. But, then there was a pandemic, and – things changed a little bit. One day Michael shared news that they’d moved to Denver, and their Cafe Brauer wedding would now be a destination wedding! I was pumped!!

The day began at Hotel Lincoln with Brigette and her wedding party. There was no shortage of music or dancing… or champagne! When it was time, we hopped on a trolley to Northwestern Law School to meet up with Michael’s side. This is where Brigette and Michael first met, and I absolutely love that they decided to have their first look here! They even exchanged private vows in the courtyard, one of my favorite ways to break tradition 🙂

Lincoln Park Honeycomb Wedding Ceremony

After a quick stop for photos with the skyline (and more dancing, of course!), we made our way back to Lincoln Park. Originally having planned a Cafe Brauer wedding, Brigette and Michael opted to move their ceremony to the Lincoln Park Honeycomb! Okay – it’s not technically called the Honeycomb… but if you live in Chicago you most likely know what I mean by this! In a COVID-19 world, this was the perfect alternative to an indoor ceremony. Brigette and Michael made it official surrounded by loved ones, and even had a former professor officiate. Believe me, the celebration continued throughout the night! I’m so happy I got to capture this unforgettable day!!

Brigette and Michael: Thank you again for trusting us to capture these memories for you. It’s been a pleasure working with you two! Wishing you all the happiness in the world.

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

Kathleen and Jeremy’s spring wedding at the Emil Bach House was an absolute joy to capture! These two traveled from New Orleans to tie the knot in this iconic Frank Lloyd Wright house on Chicago’s North Side. Family and friends came from near and far to join these two for the occasion, and it could not have been more memorable 🙂

Frank Lloyd Wright House Wedding

We had access to both the Bach House and Lang House, where Kathleen and Jeremy got ready separately. As you can imagine, there is no shortage of iconic architecture on the entire property! Not to mention, the natural light in both houses is a photographer’s dream. We definitely took advantage of that for their stunning first look on the staircase! These two were ALL smiles, and a breeze to have in front of the camera. I could have photographed them inside this house all day!

Jeremy and Kathleen tied the knot in a lovely backyard ceremony officiated by one of Jeremy’s brothers. A friend played violin as they walked down the aisle, and you could just feel the love surrounding them. We even heard a generations-old story involving a silver dollar… but I couldn’t possibly repeat it! The afternoon and evening were all about celebrating these two with delicious food, drink, and great company. And I’m SO happy we got to sneak away for a few Newlywed sunset photos at the lakefront!

Kathleen and Jeremy: Thank you again for having us in May!! Your wedding day was a pleasure to be part of, and I couldn’t be happier for you two. Wishing you all the best in Married Life!!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Emil Bach House/Bride’s dress: Claire Pettibone/Bride’s shoes: Chelsea Crew/Groom’s suit: Brooks Brothers/Groom’s shoes: Allen Edmonds/Florals: Hedonia Flowers/Hair & Makeup: Deco Adamo/Bride’s rings: Melanie Casey/Groom’s ring: Ramseys/Ceremony musician: friend of the couple/DJ: DJ De La T/Videographer: Amy Lynn for EMP/Caterer: Feast & Imbibe/Donuts: Firecakes/2nd photographer: Emma C

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

Hello, friends! It’s been a while since I featured a wedding on the Blog, and I’ve got SO MANY to share!! Today I’m showcasing Tammi and Mike’s Joe’s Live Rosemont wedding from May. I got to kick off my spring season with these two, and it couldn’t have been a more memorable day!

Tammi found me through a past bride (remember Brittany & Dan?), and I was so excited to hear about the wedding she and Mike were planning. These two have been together for 19 years… yes, you read that right! Not only have they been committed for almost two decades, they share two adorable sons together. Even though their wedding day was far from the beginning of their love story, it was much anticipated by all 🙂

I met these two at Aloft hotel, just a short walk away from their venue. Mike and the boys got ready next door to Tammi before their emotional first look outside of Joe’s. Honestly, this might have been my favorite part of the entire day! After that, the countdown was ON. Mike and Tammi tied the knot on stage surrounded by loved ones, and officiated by a dear friend. Their ceremony was filled with personal touches, including Saturday Night Live exit music and their son holding the rings. Tammi even made her own wedding cake from scratch!

My favorite thing about Tammi and Mike is their totally relaxed, go-with-the flow attitude. These two were up for anything, and their wedding day was a blast because of it! I mean, they entered their reception to the National Lampoon’s cut of Holiday Road… if that doesn’t tell you how awesome this party was, I don’t know what will! The newlyweds were all smiles all day, and their wedding was an absolute pleasure to capture.

Tammi and Mike: Thank you again for having me in May!!! I had so much fun with you two and your families, wishing you all the best in the world!

Vendor Team

Venue: Joe’s Live/Hotel: Aloft Chicago O’Hare/Bride’s dress: David’s Bridal/Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka/Groom’s suit: The Black Tux/Florals: Fifty Flowers/Hair & Makeup: Tamara Makeup/Invitation: Zola/Jeweler: Helzberg Diamonds/Live Band: Wedding Banned/Caterer: Bub City/Cake: DIY

Alyssa and Larry’s September Ravenswood Event Center wedding was a highlight of 2019! After getting to know these two during their summer Engagement Session, I was so excited for them to tie the knot. They planned their entire wedding themselves, incorporating the most unique DIY details! In fact, the (delicious) desserts were homemade by Larry!! Not to mention the stargazing theme added to the already romantic vibe.

After their first look at the hotel, we headed to LaBagh Woods for some gorgeous outdoor photos. This wedding party was such a fun crew! We were lucky enough to sneak in a few more photos at the venue before their ceremony began. Special thanks to Aly at REC for helping make this happen!

Larry and Alyssa exchanged vows in the stunning Atrium surrounded by loved ones. A friend officiated their ceremony, and I know there wasn’t a dry eye in the place! Celebration continued with cocktails, dinner, and dancing (and dessert!). The newlyweds were all smiles all night long 🙂

Alyssa and Larry: Thank you again for having us in September!! I really enjoyed getting to know you both and had a blast at your wedding. Wishing you all the best in your future together!

Vendor Team

Venue: Ravenswood Event Center/Hotel: Skokie DoubleTree/Bride’s dress: David Tutera for Mon Cheri Bridals/Bride’s shoes: Converse/Groom’s suit: The Groomsman Suit/Bouquets: StempleShop/Florals: Fairy Godmothers/Hair & Makeup: We Only Do Pretty/Invitation: Zazzle/Bride’s rings: Stanley Brown Jewelist/Groom’s ring: Casavir Jewelry/DJ: Rachel + Kate from Toast & Jam/Videographer: Our Wedding Movie/Caterer: REC/Dessert: B’s Sweet Bites/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Jenn and TJ’s Chicago Galleria Marchetti wedding was a much anticipated event. After a year-plus engagement, these two were ready to tie the knot and celebrate! TJ proposed on a private Chicago River cruise, and I met these two shortly after. Check out their unique 2018 Engagement Session commemorating that day!

Wedding day was filled with joy and support from friends, family and loved ones. Jenn and TJ’s first look took place down the street from their home, with their adorable pup Sunny, of course! We traveled to a few iconic locations (including my fave, Garfield Park Conservatory) before heading to the ceremony. I’m sure you can tell from the photos, but their hilarious wedding party was one for the books!

Overcast skies opened up like clockwork for their outdoor ceremony at La Pergola. The space looked incredible with hanging greenery and candlelight. Champagne was flowing and guests celebrated with the newlyweds into the night 🙂

TJ and Jenn: Thanks again for having us in September!! Your day was a joy to capture and we wish you both nothing but happiness.

Vendor Team

Venue: La Pergola at Galleria Marchetti/Hotel: Aloft River North/Wedding Planner: Grace from Lionhearted Events/Bride’s dress: BHLDN/Bride’s shoes: J Crew/Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse/Florals: Steve’s Flower Market/Hair & Makeup: Zea Salon/Invitation: Minted/Rings: Ethan Lord Jewelers/Ceremony musicians: Signature Ensemble/DJ: Music by Design/Videographer: Paul for EMP/Cake: Mariano’s/Cupcakes: Nothing Bundt Cakes

See more from Jenn & TJ’s wedding day in their Highlight Film!

When I first heard from Brittany and Jonathan about their Museum of Surgical Science wedding, I was immediately intrigued. They had been together for several years, and were even technically married by the time we met! It’s true… these two made it official in October 2018 so that Brittany could follow Jon to Switzerland for work. They still wished to celebrate with friends and family in Chicago, on what would be a perfect fall evening. And – guess what? It just so happened to fall on their one year anniversary!

Brittany and Jon planned much of their wedding from overseas. Brittany crafted much of the DIY decor, including the florals and table centerpieces. One of my favorite details were Jon’s T-Rex cuff links, reminiscent of their Field Museum engagement session earlier that week! Their “Books and Space” theme grew from Brittany’s love of Medieval literature and Jon’s dream of becoming an astronaut 🙂

This day was such a pleasure to be a part of. From the friends and family in attendance to the unique decor, the day was so full of love. Brittany and Jonathan just radiate when they’re together… making my job easy! I don’t think there was a dry eye during their ceremony.

Thanks again for having me, you two!! Cheers to a lifetime of happiness and adventure together.

Vendor Team

Venue: International Museum of Surgical Science/Hotel: Claridge House/Bride’s dress: Morilee Madeline Gardner/Bride’s shoes: Steve Madden/Groom’s suit: The Black Tux/Cuff Links: The Tie Bar/Florals: DIY/Hair & Makeup: Pin Me Up Chicago/Invitation: Minted/Rings: AAA Jewelry and Diamond Exchange/Caterer: Beyond Catering

Ariel and Aaron’s summer Ignite Glass Studio wedding took place on a beautiful Thursday in August. Their prayers for nice weather paid off – there was not a cloud in the sky! It happened to be the first day of the Chicago Air and Water Show, but these two didn’t need the additional entertainment. This eventful wedding day was filled emotion, tradition, and loved ones from near and far.

Guests traveled from all over the world to join Ariel and Aaron as they entered into marriage. Neither of them native Chicagoans, these two met in our city by chance. Now they call Chicago home, and getting married here was so intentional! After about a week of separation before their wedding, Ariel and Aaron were reunited during their rooftop Bedeken. The courtyard wedding ceremony was immediately to follow.

Some of my favorite details from this day include their DIY ceremony program The Newlywed Times, their lively dance floor (I don’t think one guest remained seated), and of course the epic Donut Wall (Ariel’s favorite!). Guests even got a live glass-blowing demonstration by the artists at Ignite during the reception! How cool is that?! Their only portrait request was to replicate a black-and-white wartime photo

Getting to know Ariel and Aaron was an absolute pleasure. As some of the most friendly, generous people you will ever meet, their wedding day had no shortage of smiles! Seriously – when these two are together, you can just feel the love 🙂 I think each and every vendor who helped make this wedding day come together would agree!

Ariel and Aaron: Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for having us in August!! Your wedding was a joy to capture, I wish you nothing but the best in your future together. Mazel Tov!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Ignite Glass Studio/Hotel: St. Jane/Wedding Planner: Wedicity/Bride’s dress: purchased at Something New Bridal, tailored by Ette/Bride’s shoes: Converse/Groom’s suit: Ted Baker/Florals: YJ Decorating/Hair Stylist: Pin Me Up Chicago/Makeup: Family member/Invitation: Zola.com/Rings: New York Jewelers/Violinist: Ruby Harris/DJ: DJ Chicago/Caterer: Zelda’s Catering/2nd photographer: Jeremy

My wedding season kicked into full swing this year with Katie & Natalie’s June Ravenswood Event Center wedding. One of my favorite venues in Chicago, these two planned their celebration on all three floors! In short, that means a gorgeous, light-filled ceremony, an intimate cocktail hour, and dinner in the venue’s colorful showroom. This first floor is probably my favorite – complete with vintage cars and neon signs! The perfect place to party the night away… which this crowd was especially good at 🙂

Natalie and Katie’s wedding day was a much-anticipated celebration of their union amongst family and friends. Natalie’s aunt officiated the ceremony, and after reading their own vows I don’t think there was one dry eye in the building! With each stolen glance, each heartfelt speech (one in rap form!), and the love this couple shares, the EMP team were more than honored to be there.

Katie and Natalie: Thank you again for having us!! Best wishes to you both for a lifetime of happiness together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Ravenswood Event Center/Dresses: Eddy K Italia, White One Bridal/Florals: DIY/Custom Nikes: Nike.com/Hair Stylist: Kellie McIntire/Makeup Artist: Vanessa Rose Makeup/Invitation: designed by Katie/Wedding Bands: Persin & Robbin/Engagement Rings: Karat Jewelry Group, Jared/DJ: Cage & Aquarium/Videographer: Amy Lynn for EMP/Caterer: REC/Cake: Molly’s Cupcakes

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

Catherine and Steven are some of the kindest, most wonderful people you will meet. Both of them so obviously head-over-heels for each other, they made my job a breeze! I’ll admit I had been eagerly anticipating this day since our quirky engagement session last summer (Skee-Ball and Bride of Chucky dolls?? Come ON!). Their intimate West Loop wedding was a joyous celebration of their love 🙂

Some of you may recognize Catherine as the Senior Editor of alternative wedding blog Offbeat Bride! This is one of my choice resources for DIY wedding inspiration and non-traditional ideas. As you can imagine, Catherine and Steven adopted a similar mindset while planning their own wedding. Some especially unique details included Catherine’s flowy ombre skirt and Steven’s custom-designed (by himself!) wedding band.

One of my favorite things about this day was seeing it all come together. Catherine and Steven wanted a low-key affair with delicious food, personal decor, and surrounded by loved ones. Brique was the perfect location! A close friend officiated the ceremony, and – as if we’d planned it all along – the unforecasted dreary weather ended just as they were saying their I-Do’s. I don’t know who was beaming more – our newlyweds or that golden sun!

Catherine and Steven: THANK YOU again for having us in May. This was a truly unforgettable day and we could not be happier for you two! Congrats again!!

Vendor Team

Venue: Brique Chicago/Hotel: Crowne Plaza West Loop/Wedding Planner: An Event Less Ordinary/Bride’s skirt: Wardrobe by Dulcinea/Bride’s top: Anna Sui/Bride’s shoes: Sole Society, DIY/Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse/Groom’s tie: Target/Florals: Leelee’s Garden/Hair & Makeup: Brooke Klay Artistry/Invitation: Minted/Bride’s rings: Madelynn Cassin Designs/Groom’s ring: Revolution Jewelry Designs/DJ: Toast & Jam/Photo Booth: Emma Mullins Photography/Caterer: Boutique Bites/Dessert: Dipsy Desserts/2nd shooter: Jake Wood