Emma Mullins Photography

LeAnne & Jeff’s Friday the 13th wedding day was an absolute blast! When I first heard from LeAnne, I knew we were going to be a great fit. She described her and Jeff’s relationship with eloquence and detail – mentioning how he “had been shamelessly flirting” with her since they first met! She eventually agreed to a date, and so their love story began.

LeAnne and Jeff decided on a Friday the 13th wedding because… “Why not? We already have the black cats.” It’s true! After their black cats were inseparable after 3 days of living together, that pretty much sealed the deal. Many details were designed and handmade by LeAnne, including…. The couple were married by a close friend on stage at Viper Alley, and the entire day was one big celebration.

One of my favorite things about LeAnne & Jeff’s wedding day was the KARAOKE!! They even had their favorite bar DJ at their wedding, and he kept the party alive into the night. Shout out to Fred from Alice’s! When newlyweds get up on stage and perform at their own wedding, I’m a happy photographer 🙂 Not to mention, LeAnne and Jeff have skills!! It was so much fun watching them perform with their friends and family, a memorable night indeed.

LeAnne & Jeff: THANK YOU again for having me capture your Friday the 13th wedding! This was such a fun celebration and I loved seeing it all come together. All the best to you both in your future together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Viper Alley/Bride’s dress: David’s Bridal/Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka/Groom’s suit: Michael Kors/Florals: Bella Flora/Hair & Makeup: Total Image Bridal/Invitation: Tinyprints (designed by bride) /DJ: Tape Me I’m Yours/Wedding Bands: Donna Jewelry/DJ: Fred, Tape Me I’m Yours/Photo Booth: Concept One/Caterer: Viper Alley/Cake + Dessert: Nothing Bundt Cakes/Second Shooter: Jeremy

Kathia and Todd. Where do I begin with these two?! Not only did I have the honor of photographing their intimate Metropolitan Brewery wedding – they’re also dear friends. In fact, some of you may recognize the handsome salt-and-pepper bearded officiant… Jeremy (MY other half) often tags along to weddings as my second photographer, but thanks to the Universal Life Church, on this day he got to officiate! He and Todd have known each other for – 18 years! – and we were thrilled to play such important roles on this wedding day.

With close friends and family present, Kathia and Todd wed one Sunday morning in October along the Chicago River. Their ceremony was intimate, joyful, and so them. Kathia’s family traveled from Mexico to witness them tie the knot! Todd’s daughter presented the rings, they said their I-Do’s, and celebration continued at Metropolitan Brewing with fresh beer and pizza. Sounds pretty awesome, right?! Well – it was!!

Shout out to the staff at Metropolitan for helping make this day what it was. We had a blast and will definitely be back soon 🙂

Kathia and Todd: Thank you again for asking me to document your wedding day. This was such a fun afternoon!! All the best to you both in your future together… P.S. Board games soon?!

Vendor Team

Venue: Metropolitan Brewing/Bride’s dress: Adriana Papell/Bride’s shoes: Steve Madden/Groom’s suit: Kenneth Cole//Florals: Village Flower Shop/Decor: Mother of the Groom/Hair & Makeup: DIY/Pizza: Piece Pizzeria/Cake + Cupcakes: The Pastry Palace Chicago

Sam and Eric’s Chicago wedding at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro took place down the street from their home. Friends and family traveled from all over to celebrate with them – and what a celebration it was! After their colorful spring engagement session I KNEW this was going to be a fun party 🙂

When I first heard from Sam, she was so excited to marry Eric. He had surprised her with an engagement ring the day before a Paris vacation, and she was absolutely thrilled! One of the first decisions they made was to include their pups, Penny and Scout, in the festivities. Although they weren’t able to attend the ceremony, a First Look appearance was the perfect alternative (aren’t they adorable?!). Check out the pups on their stationery, too!

Handmade details included the flower girl baskets and dog collars (both by Eric’s mom), place card easels (made by Eric) and reception signs crafted by a friend. Sam’s good friend Justin officiated the ceremony, and the party started right after “I Do!”

Sam & Eric: Thanks again for having me last September! I had such a blast on your wedding day. Wishing you all the happiness in your future together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro/Hotel: Hotel Lincoln/Bride’s dress: independent designer, purchased from Gilt/Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka/Groom’s suit: Indochino/Florals: The Flower Girl Company/Hair & Makeup: Blush & Burgundy/Save the Dates: easyprintPD/Invitation: JALprints/Bride’s rings: Zales/Groom’s ring: his father’s/DJ: Zach from Green Line Talent/Caterer: Mrs. Murphy & Sons/Desserts: Sweet Mandy B’s

Sarah and Jonathan’s fall West Loop wedding at Herbarium was a most unique celebration. From the artisan favors crafted by their families, to the DIY origami invitation, every detail was intentional. One of my favorite details was Sarah’s custom manicure! It perfectly matched the venue’s wallpaper. How cool is that?!

Similarly, Sarah and Jon borrowed taxidermy dioramas from the Field Museum. Yes, you read that correctly! If you didn’t know, items from the Harris Learning Collection are regularly available for rent. Butterflies made a lovely backdrop for their dessert table.

Herbarium was the perfect space to host their intimate West Loop wedding reception. In fact, Bad Hunter happens to be Sarah’s favorite Chicago restaurant! Most importantly, Sarah and Jon wanted to share a delicious meal and memorable evening with their guests. I’d say they got their wish! Guests danced the night away while the newlyweds couldn’t keep their eyes off each other. In all, the day was truly a pleasure to be a part of.

CONGRATULATIONS, Sarah & Jon! I loved seeing this day come together, thanks again for having me at your Herbarium wedding! All my best to you both!!

Vendor Team

Hotel: The Robey Chicago/Church: Wicker Park Lutheran/Venue: The Herbarium at Bad Hunter/Bride’s Dress: BHLDN, customized by Julia Needlman/Bride’s shoes: Irregular Choice/Salon: Twisted Scissors/Hairpiece: A Bit of Love/Bride’s makeup: DIY/Earrings: J. Crew/Groom’s suit: Adrian Park/Groom’s shoes: Fluevog/Bride’s rings: Mineralogy/Groom’s ring: Jewelry by Johan/Manicurist: Astrowifey/Florist: Pollen/Catering: Herbarium/Taxidermy dioramas: The Field Museum/DJ: Nicole Yalaz/Lighting design: A Posh Production

Venue: Halim Time & Glass Museum/Portrait location: Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool/Bride’s dress: Pronovias/Groom’s suit: Tommy Hilfiger/Florals: Jackson Floral Design/Hair: Rafael at Genacelli East Studio/Makeup: The Beauty Paige/Chuppah: VIP Events Decor/Invitation: Design Voyage/Rings: Marshall Pierce & Company/Caterer: in-house/Cake: Alliance Bakery/2nd shooter: Joe U

Looking for a venue to host YOUR wedding?

Look no further! The Halim Museum is one of the most unique spaces in the local wedding scene. The museum opened in September 2017, and is home to over 1,000 clocks and 80 stained glass pieces from around the world. Catering is done in-house, and the rooftop views alone are worth the visit! I’d highly recommend this place to anyone planning a wedding in the Chicago area.

Rachel and Mike’s Chicago restaurant wedding at The Bristol was planned in a mere nine weeks. It’s true! Mike proposed on Mother’s Day of this year, and these two were so excited to wed they just couldn’t wait! They wanted their celebration to include those closest to them, as well as delicious food and a cocktail-centric reception. The Bristol was the perfect choice!

We stopped for portraits at Wrigley Field (a must for them), Salvage One (my happy place!) and some favorite Bucktown murals before heading to the ceremony. One thing I loved about this wedding was how family-focused the entire day was. Mike and Rachel made sure that each parent, sibling, and niece played a role in their wedding day, reflecting the importance of family in their lives. Not to mention, they even allowed time for a cameo appearance by their adorable Goldendoodle, Maisie!

I had a blast getting to know Rachel and Mike and photographing their wedding this summer. I’m also completely in awe of their dedication and love for one another! Seriously – in nine weeks, these two planned a wedding, a honeymoon, moved in together, got married, and vacationed in Paris. Whew! I guess it’s true what they say: when you’re in love, anything is possible 🙂

CONGRATS again, Rachel and Mike!! All the best to you both in your future together!

Vendor Team

Venue: The Bristol/Bride’s dress: BHLDN/Bride’s shoes: Bella Belle (Maisie!)/Hair: Teezd Hair Salon/Makeup Artist: Outer Beauty/Groom’s suit: SuitSupply/Rings: Blue Nile/Florist and decorator: Ivy Leaf Studio/Signage: groom’s father/Caterer: The Bristol/Cake: Alliance Bakery

Carla and Ben’s tropical-themed Begyle Brewing wedding was unique in so many ways. When we first met, they had a pretty clear vision of how they wanted the day to look and feel. After hearing about their unique ideas, I was all in! The countdown to wedding day had already begun 🙂

Carla’s words:

“We are channeling mid-century modern tiki vibes….so think clean design, lots of white and gold, and tropical foliage. Our venue is a brewery loft space, with exposed brick and a big windows overlooking Ravenswood Ave (Malt Row). We are going for an intimate, casual, nonreligious CELEBRATION with only our closest family and friends.” 

See what I mean?! Some of you know that I’m a big fan of tiki-anything, and also a huge craft beer nerd. I’m so happy the stars aligned so that I could capture their wedding day!

Carla’s project-managing skills definitely came into play while planning their wedding, which was attended by family and friends from all over. Everything came together “on-theme” – they even had their guests wear tropical prints and Hawaiian shirts! One of my favorite details was incorporating speeches from their wedding party into the ceremony. This allowed the reception to have a very laid-back vibe with no strict agenda. Guests enjoyed fresh beer, food and games while dancing the night away!

Ben and Carla: Thank you again for having me! This was such a unique day to be a part of and I wish you so much happiness in your marriage.

Vendor Team

Venue: Begyle Brewing/Dress: BHLDN/Suit: Zara/Groom’s Tie: Louis Vuitton/Groomsmen’s Hawaiian shirts: Reyn Spooner/Rings: Brilliant Earth/Florist: Details in Bloom/Invitation: Minted.com/Tiki Centerpieces: TikiMaster.com/Day-of Coordinator: Jenny Cunningham/Caterer: Big Star/Dessert: Doughnut Vault

Want to see more Ben & Carla? Check out their sunny spring Engagement Session!

Lynn and Marker’s June Ivy Room Chicago wedding was fashionable, elegant, and overflowing with happy tears. These two were together for a decade before tying the knot, and their wedding was an all-around celebration!

The entire day included unique personal touches. For instance, they exchanged heartfelt gifts before the ceremony (note Lynn’s bridal sneakers). Additionally, their virtually identical vows were not planned – how sweet is that?! My personal favorite detail was the custom cake topper featuring their beloved pup Jake!

After a decadent dinner and heartfelt speeches, these two were ready to hit the dance floor. When the bride changes into Nikes, you know it’s going to be a party! Champagne flowed and guests celebrated into the night. I’m lucky the newlyweds let me steal them away for a few night portraits in the courtyard! As gorgeous as this venue is during the day, it absolutely dazzles at night 🙂

Vendor Team

Lynn and Marker: thanks again for having me document your day – I had so much fun! CONGRATULATIONS to you both!!

Venue: The Ivy Room at Tree Studios/Hotel: Dana Hotel and Spa/Dress: BHLDN/Tux: Banana Republic/Hair and Makeup: Rare Bird Beauties/Rings: Droste’s Jewelry Shoppe/Bride’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman/Bride’s Sneakers: Nike Air Max 270/Earrings: Oscar de la Renta/Cuff links: family heirloom/Invitation: Minted/Bow Ties: The Tie Bar/Groom’s Shoes: Johnston & Murphy/Florist: A Stem Above/Cake and Desserts: Defloured Bakery/Cake topper: The Knot/DJ: Toast & Jam/Videographer: With Love Productions

At the end of May, an incredibly talented group of wedding vendors came together at Warehouse 109 in Plainfield, Illinois. I had the idea for this shoot shortly after learning about the venue, which is now one of my favorites to shoot in! (I’d love to photograph a real wedding here one day – hint, hint!) Once my vision was there, Alexis of Lillian Rose Events helped it all come together. Wedding planning MAGIC!!

We wanted to feature the quirkiness of the venue with an edgier, alternative vibe. Details included a black diamond engagement ring, bridesmaid jumpsuit, donut table, and custom framed vinyl records from First Dance Vinyl! The venue’s vintage motorcycle wall and Airstream were a must – not to mention their newest addition: a mint green camper out front! Even though it rained during most of our shoot, we were able to capture the ceremony against a stormy sky. It was especially lush and colorful outside during a break in the rain. The weather also allowed us to capture some really romantic newlywed portraits at dusk! They are some of my favorites from the entire shoot 🙂

A million THANK YOUs to the venue staff, vendors and models who helped make this shoot possible!! Had a blast working with you all, we created some of my favorite work to date.

Enjoy!

Vendor Team

Planning + Styling: Lillian Rose Events/Rentals + Styling: Rustique Swan/Hair: Unwana Rose/Makeup: Meghana Prasad/Florals: May Floral/Stationary + Calligraphy: Lullabelle Design/Bride’s attire: Mignonette/Bridesmaid’s attire: Brideside/Groom’s attire: The Groomsman Suit/Ties: The Tie Bar/Cufflinks: Arrowhead Leatherwork/Linens: BBJ Linen/Jewelry: Squasht Boutique/Groom’s ring: Raven’s Refuge/Black diamond ring: Mirta/Vinyl Records: First Dance Vinyl/Donuts: Do-Rite Donuts

A few weeks ago I met with a handful of Chicago vendors for what turned into a super fun, super-chic bridal shoot at Great Central Brewing Company. If you don’t know this place, definitely check it out! The tap room is a gorgeous, naturally-lit space with exposed brick and taps from several Chicago-area breweries. And rumor has it, they just got a shuffleboard table 🙂

We unanimously thought this would be a perfect space for our styled shoot. The idea was to embrace the brewery atmosphere while showing how it transforms into an elegant event space. We also wanted to showcase the tables and benches made of reclaimed farm wood. Steve’s Flower Market did an incredible job with the copper arch and centerpieces… and that bouquet!! Our two brides stunned in convertible dresses and jumpsuit by Jenny Yoo.

This was the first styled shoot I had a hand in designing, and I’m so excited with how it turned out! I think it’s a great representation of what a Great Central Brewing Company wedding could look like.

Vendor Team

Venue: Great Central Brewing Company/Planner: Urban Allure Events/Invitation Suite: Simply Scripted Ink/Florals: Steve’s Flower Market/Cake: ECBG Cake Studio/Dresses + Jumpsuit: Jenny Yoo/Hair: Unwana Rose/Makeup: Julia Simone/Models: Mara + Samantha

Want to see more styled shoots? Check out the following:

Alternative Warehouse 109 Styled Shoot
Door County Winery Styled Shoot