Vintage-Inspired Salvage One Wedding – Emily & John

This year’s wedding season officially began with Emily and John’s Salvage One wedding in March. These two have been together for years, and a pleasure in front of the camera! The best thing about working with Emily and John is how obviously in love they are… thanks for making my job easy, guys!

On wedding day, we unanimously decided to have their first look at Salvage One. Ever since their December engagement session, I had been eagerly anticipating wedding day! The natural light in this venue is killer and it’s filled with vintage artifacts and pieces. Finally, it was time for church… but not before stopping at the local CTA station for a few iconic Chicago photos with the wedding party!

Second Presbyterian Wedding Ceremony

That afternoon, John and Emily were married at Second Presbyterian Church on Chicago’s south side. Their ceremony was filled with unique personal touches, including the same ring bearer pillow from Emily’s grandmother’s wedding. The gothic architecture of this building is a fantastic photo backdrop – not to mention the stunning Tiffany windows! Once the knot was tied, these two were ALL smiles and ready to celebrate 🙂

Salvage One Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, the newlyweds wanted nothing more than for family and friends to gather and celebrate with them at Salvage One. Delicious food and local beer was also a top priority – and I’d say they got their wish! Local brews served at the reception include Off Color, Pollyanna, and Argus Brewing. One of my favorite details is their homemade wedding cake, made specially for them by a dear friend. Guests danced the night away, and we didn’t say goodbye without a night photo in the courtyard, of course!

Emily and John: A million thank yous for trusting me to capture your wedding day! Wishing you all the best in your future together.

Vendor Team

Hotel: Springhill Suites River North/Church: Second Presbyterian/Dress: Amy Kuschel/Shoes: Nina/Suit: rented from The Black Tux /Rings: Brilliant Earth, Blue Nile/Invitation Design: the groom/Florals: Gratitude Heart Garden/Caterer: Honky Tonk BBQ/Cake: friend of the couple/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Bride and groom enjoy a newlywed moment on vintage couch at Chicago Salvage One wedding

11 Replies to “Vintage-Inspired Salvage One Wedding – Emily & John”

  1. Chris Ramos says:

    Beautiful work! Love city weddings! and that last image with the chicago lit up in the back… <3

  2. These are gorgeous, Emma!! <3

  3. Your use of light is beautiful and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the shot with the blurry van behind them!

    1. Emma says:

      Yes!! Couples who don’t mind playing in traffic always leads to good stuff.

  4. Lisa-Marie says:

    You captured their wedding beautifully Emma! Stepping out of the box to shoot in unusual locations was such a good initiative. Those photos at the train station and at Salvage One are simply amazing 🙂

  5. Emma says:

    Thanks so much, all! It was such a fun day to be a part of.

  6. Hanna says:

    I’m obsessed with the big church and city vibes!

  7. Carla says:

    Emma, these are incredible! It looks like such a gorgeous day with a couple that is completely in love.

  8. Becca says:

    Gorgeous, Emma!

  9. Ann says:

    Gorgeous photos, Emma. I especially love the ones in Second Presbyterian Church which is a perfect wedding ceremony site.

    1. Emma says:

      Thanks Ann! The church was one of my favorites, their bridal suite and stained glass make for incredible photos. I also love the balcony views!

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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; as photographers, the role we 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).
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?

Your business helps us support the following organizations:

The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame winner Emma Mullins Photography
2025 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2025 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
Best of Zola 2025 winner Emma Mullins Photography
Emma Mullins Photography named on of Chicago's top wedding photographers by Party Slate
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2025
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Pricing

We’re a great fit if you want to enjoy every moment of your wedding day without worrying about the little things. We want you to look back at your photos in years to come, and remember what it actually felt like to be there. It’s our priority to capture your day as it unfolds, while creating gorgeous imagery (and having an absolute blast) along the way!

All wedding photography collections include: 

  • A professionally edited digital download gallery and online print shop, where you can download, share, print, and gift your images
  • Exclusive weddings guide, including tips for planning your engagement session and local vendor recommendations
  • Customized photography timeline to make sure we capture all the moments you want to remember forever
  • Unlimited communication leading up to your wedding day, including a final consultation in person or over Zoom
  • Expert guided experience by an award-winning wedding photography team
  • More fun than you think you’ll have taking photos on your wedding day (seriously!)

Hiring Emma was hand-down the best money we spent on our Chicago wedding! We had so much fun… it felt very natural, not (at all) forced. Highly recommended, 10/10 would do again!

Taylor W.

The photos absolutely blew me away. I feel like we got an amazing deal for the level of quality and professionalism she provided.

Evan G.

She definitely captured who we are as a couple and I’m so excited that we got this opportunity to work with her.

Natalie G.

She will go above and beyond for you. We couldn’t recommend this team enough.

Claire W.

I’m still not over how beautiful these pictures came out!! Our family still talks about how great she was for the wedding day and I HIGHLY recommend her to anyone and everyone!

Jessika M.

I know I am using a lot of superlatives and exclamation points, but this is all authentic. Emma made what could have been an extremely stressful day and night, flow so smoothly.

Emily H.

What we got was a perfect snapshot of the day. You can hear the laughs just looking at the photos.

Eliza B.

Grooms on chairs surrounded by guests during Hora dance at Renaissance Chicago Downtown summer wedding reception

Wedding Photography

Starting at $5000

Collections are customized for each couple based on the unique details of their day. Associate photographer collections also available.

Just married bride and groom walk down aisle after Loft Lucia rooftop wedding ceremony

Microweddings

Starting at $3600

Includes four hours of coverage for 30 guests or fewer

Bride and groom exchange vows during intimate Grant Park Rose Garden wedding ceremony in September

Elopements


Starting at $2750

Includes three hours of coverage for 15 guests or fewer

Candid Chicago City Hall elopement photo of bride and groom during summer 2020

City Hall Elopements


Starting at $1800

Up to two hours of coverage at Chicago City Hall (includes 24 hour sneak peek gallery!)

Including videography and additional items, couples invest an average of $10,000 in our services.

For detailed Wedding Photography pricing 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!!!

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

Film Photography
starting at $500 per roll

One complimentary roll of film is included with all Primary Collections. Full and partial day coverage options available.

Engagement sessions 
starting at $900

Special rate available to Wedding Clients

Wedding Album
starting at $1200

Special rate available at booking

Videography
services starting at $3000

Available in addition to photography services only.

Surprise Proposals
starting at $1000

Up to 60 minutes of coverage (includes 24 hour sneak peek gallery!)

Print Box
starting at $1600

Special rate available at booking

Currently offering Family + Maternity sessions to existing clients only.

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Travel Dates

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, San Francisco, 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!), Iceland, Portugal, and South Africa. Custom pricing available for Bucket List locations. Just ask!

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

Upcoming Travel Dates:

2025

January-February
Mexico City

March
Three Oaks, MI
San Francisco, CA

April
Loire Valley, France
Paris

May
St. Joseph, MI

June
Milwaukee, WI

July-August
Mexico City

December
St. Lucia

2026

January
Oaxaca

March
London

April
United Kingdom
Ireland

May
Dublin
Northern Ireland