Claire & Mark’s Fall Destination Wedding in Union Pier, Michigan

I will never forget Claire and Mark’s destination Michigan wedding. These two changed plans over the summer due to unforeseen circumstances (sound familiar?). Instead of the chic downtown Chicago soirĂ©e they had planned, they secured a private residence in their home state for their immediate families. If I say so myself: this was an absolute dream wedding! In fact, Claire designed much of the decor herself! With the help of an A+ Vendor Team, the dream became reality.

Union Pier, Michigan Wedding

The gorgeous property was located on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, including a private beach. Claire’s eldest sister officiated the private ceremony, and I know there wasn’t a dry eye among us! After the knot was tied, the newlyweds chose to celebrate with champagne on the beach (and photos, of course!). Claire and Mark joined their guests for a cocktails and romantic first dance as the sun set over the lake 🙂

Something I loved about this wedding was that every single detail was personalized. Travel is a mutual love of Mark and Claire’s, which they tied into their wedding day as much as possible. The dessert spread included French macarons and also mochi, a nod to their engagement in Japan. Fun fact: Mochi is also the name of their adorable pup, who celebrated her first birthday on Claire & Mark’s wedding day! If you don’t remember this smiley girl from their Engagement Session, her happy birthday photos are just as sweet!!

Claire and Mark: Thank you again for having us capture your Michigan wedding in October!! Wishing you all the happiness in your married life!

Vendor Team

Venue: Yellow Bird Vacations/Bride’s dress: Provonias/Bride’s veil: Untamed Petals/Bride’s shoes: Sole Society/Groom’s suit: The Black Tux/Florals: Field & Florist/Hair & Makeup: Jen and Colette from Hannah Elisabeth Beauty/Invitation: Bride’s sister/Engagement ring: Windy City Diamonds/Wedding bands: Dana Rebecca Designs/Caterer: Spire Catering & Event Planning/Cake: Black Currant Bakehouse/Mochi: Patisserie Tomoko/Macarons: LadurĂ©e/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Thinking of downsizing your wedding to immediate family only? Check out what these other couples have done!

Megan & Taylor’s Elopement | Erin & Evan’s Microwedding | Melanie & Spencer’s Elopement

Romantic photo of bride and groom at their destination Michigan wedding in Union Pier

2 Replies to “Claire & Mark’s Fall Destination Wedding in Union Pier, Michigan”

  1. paige says:

    So beautiful. Is this a private residence or is this location available to rent?

    1. Emma says:

      It’s a private residence! Available for rent on Yellow Bird Vacations, link in the post 🙂

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About

Chicago wedding photographer Emma Mullins Photography in her studio with film camera

Hellooo, world!

I’m Emma (She/Her): Beer nerd, cat-whisperer, Chicago wedding photographer shooting digital and film. A true Millennial, I still own a VHS box set of Titanic and remember when people used to ask “Tupac or Biggie?” (gotta go Pac). I’ve been helping couples relive their wedding memories since 2014, and wouldn’t have it any other way. Over the years I have found this job to be unexpectedly rewarding; the role we ultimately play in a couple’s family history is not something I take for granted.

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I currently reside in Chicago with my designer-turned-handyman partner and our two spunky felines. When I’m not photographing couples in love, I’m either hanging with these three, managing our West Town studio space, or traveling someplace new!

A Few of My Favorite Things:
  • Black coffee
  • Buttercream frosting
  • Road trips
  • Watching the sun rise
  • Pretending I sound like Mariah Carey
  • Moira Rose’s wig collection
  • Belgian beer
  • The Green Bay Packers
  • My little fam: Jeremy, Vince and Miike (Mee-kay)
  • Halloween! My favorite costume of all time was Dana Scully from The X-Files (Jeremy was the cutest Mulder).
About You

You want stunning, true-to-life wedding photos that look and feel like YOU. You don’t want to feel stiff or look too “posed.” Naturally, you love the look of film and value the art of photography. Future You wants to look back on photos from your wedding day and remember what it felt like to actually be there. And most importantly, you want to ENJOY your wedding day while we capture the good stuff.

Whether you thrive in the spotlight or cringe at the thought of being photographed, we’ll be there to capture your memories. And let’s be honest: your wedding day is going to be AWESOME. No matter what goes according to plan or how many things surprise you, at the end of the day you’ll be married to Your Person. And, spoiler alert: that’s what this is all about!

My Approach

My relaxed, documentary approach allows couples to feel totally comfortable in front of the camera (it’s the number one thing mentioned in my Reviews!). Expect a mix of candid moments and contemporary portraiture, with the occasional embarrassing (aka HILARIOUS) dance floor photo. I will be your hype girl during portrait time (seriously!) – and just might convince you stop in the middle of downtown traffic for an epic portrait on film. We’ll get to know each other throughout the process, and it doesn’t stop on wedding day! I want to show up with hugs and handshakes – not as just another vendor.

Sound like what you’re looking for in a Chicago wedding photographer? Inquire about your wedding HERE!

Emma Mullins Photography embraces diversity and inclusivity. We are LGBTQIA+ friendly and honored to serve humans of every background, gender and identity. 

The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame winner Emma Mullins Photography
2024 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
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2022 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2021 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2020 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2019 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2018 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2023 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2022 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2020 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2019 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2018 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2024
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2023
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2022
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2021
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2020
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2019
Emma Mullins Photography named on of Chicago's top wedding photographers by Party Slate
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Pricing

Wedding Photography services are customized for each couple based on the unique details of their day. All photography collections include a professionally edited digital download gallery and online print shop, where you can download, share, print, and gift your images.

Wedding Day coverage with Emma starts at $5000, including an engagement session and complimentary roll of film. Full and partial coverage options available.

Associate Collections start at $4500, including two photographers and an engagement session. Full and partial coverage options available.

For detailed pricing and availability:

Wedding Album pricing starts at $1100. Special rate available at booking.

Videography services start at $3000.

Film Photography starts at $500 per roll. Full and partial coverage options available.

Engagement sessions start at $750. Special rate available to Wedding Clients.

Microwedding coverage starts at $3600.

Elopement coverage starts at $2750.

City Hall Elopements start at $1800.

Other sessions offered include Lifestyle, Maternity, Content + Branding and other life events! Contact me for rates and availability.

My current Wish List includes photographing a Las Vegas elopement and a surprise wedding! If you are planning either I would LOVE to chat!!!

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Travel

Traveling is my thing.

I don’t know what I would do with myself if I couldn’t explore new places. After a three-year hiatus, my free time is constantly filled with travel dates! Not only does traveling fuel my creativity, it encourages me to learn and grow as a citizen of this planet.

So far I have photographed weddings throughout the Midwest, Mexico, Hawaii, Italy, Utah, New York City, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. But don’t worry: the list is growing! If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, get in touch ASAP. Destination wedding coverage begins at $9500 including two photographers, travel and accommodations.

Bucket list locations include New Zealand, Italy (take me back!), Portugal, and South Africa. Custom pricing available for Bucket List locations… just ask!

Inquire about your destination wedding HERE!

Silhouette of palm trees at Venice Beach, California with colorful sunset

Keep an eye on upcoming travel dates to book your destination wedding or session!!

Upcoming Travel Dates:

2024

April
New York City
Jersey City, NJ
Milan, Italy
Lake Como, Italy

May
New York City

June
Milwaukee, WI

September
Los Angeles, CA

October
Playa del Carmen
Tulum

November
San Francisco, CA

2025

January-February
Mexico City

March
Redwood Park, CA

April
United Kingdom
Ireland

May
St. Joseph, MI

June
Milwaukee, WI

September
Italy