James & Maya’s Winter Minimony Adventure in a Chicago Blizzard

Today’s post is dedicated to Maya and James! These two have been an absolute joy to get to know and work with over the past year. Remember their awesome pizza-and-milkshake themed Engagement Session?? After that, I could not wait for their wedding day! But of course, like many couples, the dream wedding they had planned for 2020 would not be possible. Though we’re still waiting for a time to celebrate safely with family and friends, these two didn’t want to wait any longer to be married! Early this year, they told me of their plans to wed privately on the anniversary of their first date. I couldn’t help but get excited again!!

James and Maya committed to having the Best Day Ever no matter what. Even with a few last-minute curveballs from Life, these two rolled with the punches. And – I don’t think they ever stopped smiling!! Sadly, I was in quarantine on Minimony Day… but we were lucky enough to have associate Dana take over. (Thank you, Dana!) After a private Zoom ceremony officiated by James’ brother, Dana joined the Newlyweds for photos and cake cutting. Finally, it was time to brave the weather…

It’s true what they say: when you wish for snow at your winter minimony, you just might get a BLIZZARD!! The weather gods heard Maya’s request – which made for the most unique Chicago wedding photos. Dana was there to capture every moment, from the romantic portraits in Lincoln Park to a traditional wedding day snowball fight 🙂 They even made a snowy friend at the park!

Maya and James: Thank you again for having us in January!! I am so, so happy for you two and can’t wait to finally celebrate together!

Vendor Team

Indoor venue: AirBnb/Bride’s jumpsuit: David’s Bridal/Groom’s suit: Joseph Abboud/Groom’s tie: My Bowtiful Creations/Florals: Mother of the Bride/Hair: Trixie Girl Blow Dry Bar/Makeup: DIY/Jeweler: Rogers & Hollands/Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Bride and groom kiss under honeycomb in the snow during their Chicago winter minimony

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About

Chicago wedding photographer Emma Mullins of Emma Mullins Photography

Hellooo, world!

I’m Emma (She/Her): Beer nerd, cat-whisperer, Schitt’s Creek-obsessed Chicago wedding photographer. I’ve been helping couples relive their wedding memories since 2014, and wouldn’t have it any other way!

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
  • Belgian beer
  • The Green Bay Packers
  • My little fam (Jeremy, Miike and Vince)
  • Halloween (the holiday – not the movie. Okay, the movie’s pretty good too.)
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.” And most importantly, you want to ENJOY your wedding day while we capture all the good stuff! 

Whether you thrive in the spotlight or cringe at the thought of being photographed, we are 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!). 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 LGBTQ+ friendly and happy 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
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
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 Day coverage averages at $7500 (couples typically spend between $6000-$9000). Associate Collections begin at $4000. All Collections include a fully edited digital download gallery, print release, custom photography timeline, and Welcome Guide to ensure the BEST possible photography experience!

Photography collections are fully customizable to meet your needs. For detailed pricing and availability, inquire HERE.

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

Videography services begin at $3000, with Live Streaming at $1250. More information can be found HERE.

Photo Booth rental begins at $750. Learn all about the booth HERE!

Microwedding coverage begins at $3600.

Elopement coverage begins at $2750.

Surprise Proposal coverage begins at $900.

Destination wedding coverage begins at $9000, including travel and accommodations.

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

Things on my current Wish List include photographing a Las Vegas elopement and destination wedding in Italy! If you are planning either I would LOVE to chat!!!