Intimate Virgin Islands Elopement at St. Thomas – Jennifer & Daniel

While vacationing in St. Thomas in January, I had the opportunity to photograph Jennifer and Daniel’s intimate Virgin Islands elopement on the beach! Jeremy and I were swimming in Magens Bay when I saw someone setting up what looked like white curtains in the sand. A few minutes later it dawned on me: “Someone’s getting married here today! There’s going to be a wedding on the beach!!”

I jumped out of the water, introduced myself to the groom and officiant, and asked if they wouldn’t mind if I grabbed my Fujifilm to capture their ceremony. As I predicted, the festivities were scheduled around sunset. The light was getting softer, and the bride was on her way! To my luck, they agreed.

Daniel and Jennifer’s ceremony was brief but intimate, surrounded by a handful of their family and friends in paradise. There is something so personal and emotional about an intimate wedding ceremony. With all eyes on this couple, you could feel the support for the love that they share. Even never having met these two, I still got teary-eyed behind the lens! I have no doubt that they are meant to spend the rest of their lives together.

I captured their champagne toast and cake cutting (it was piña-colada flavored!), and then left the newlyweds to celebrate with their guests. How lucky I am to have been a part of this! Daniel & Jennifer: thank you for the opportunity to capture these moments! I wish you all the happiness in your future together.

Want to have your own Virgin Islands Elopement?

There are several companies on the islands who assist couples in their own intimate beach weddings. Packages may include a variety of perks, such as your bouquet, wedding cake, and newlywed champagne toast. Remember, even if your package includes a photographer, you can always provide your own!

For more info and inspiration, check out the following:
Island Bliss Weddings
Secret Harbour Beach Resort
Flawless Weddings and Events

Vendor Team

Ceremony Location: Magens Bay Beach/Officiant: Michael Motylinski/Bouquet: Roses Too/Cake: Island Sweet Stuff

Beach wedding ceremony location for intimate Virgin Islands elopement

4 Replies to “Intimate Virgin Islands Elopement at St. Thomas – Jennifer & Daniel”

  1. Only photographers would accept a last minute contract when they’re in vacation, haha! They were lucky to stumble on you, you did a wonderful job 🙂

  2. Becca says:

    I love the story behind this. They are so lucky to have this beautiful moment documented by you. ❤️

  3. Emma says:

    Oh my goodness! Thanks for your comments – this was truly a joy to photograph. An unexpected treat 🙂

  4. These are wonderful!

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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).
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. 

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
2024 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2023 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
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
2025 Couples' Choice Awards 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
Best of Zola 2025 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 begin at $5000, 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. Associate photographer collections also available.

Couples invest an average of $7500 in our photography services.

For detailed Wedding Photography 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 $900. Special rate available to Wedding Clients.

Surprise Proposal coverage starts at $1000.

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, 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!

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:

2025

January-February
Mexico City

March
San Francisco

April
Paris

May
St. Joseph, MI

June
Milwaukee, WI

August
Mexico City

December
St. Lucia

2026

March
London

April
United Kingdom
Ireland

May
Northern Ireland