couple kissea after their wedding ceremony on the way to drake hotel

Marlee and Johnny’s wedding day at Chicago’s iconic Drake Hotel started before they even arrived for hair and makeup! After a lovely ceremony rehearsal at Saint Clements Church, their photographer Sandra swept them off for a quick photo session along the lakeside to memorialize the moment, and then everyone met for dinner and drinks. Focusing on their family and friends’ full guest experience, this couple chose to welcome their friends and family with a lively welcome party at Orsos Restaurant. Many of our couples are opting to host larger welcome parties to greet traveling guests in lieu of lavish rehearsal dinners for just the wedding party, and we are here for it!! Any excuse to party.

The morning of the wedding started off with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from a stunning Drake Hotel suite. The ladies began their pampering sessions with hair and makeup services from Rare Bird Beauties. The gentlemen took it a little easier with some sports betting in their own private suite. Before we knew it, it was time to dash off to the park for the couple’s first look.

Our talented photo and video teams didn’t need to work hard to make this beautiful couple have fun and celebrate their love, it was obvious from the start they were having the best day of their lives. We were even lucky enough to share the morning with their puppy, Miss Belle, thanks to the fantastic puppy concierge services of Luxe Dog Nanny.

After photos in the park, we rounded up the crew and headed off to Saint Clement in Lincoln Park for the ceremony. Such a beautiful church, with stately marble columns and floors and stunning frescos around the perimeter. Not a dry eye in the house as the ceremony commenced. Then guests were welcomed back to the Drake Hotel for a lively cocktail hour, followed by dinner and dancing.

The Drake Hotel, located in downtown Chicago on the Mag Mile, has been an iconic landmark since its opening in 1920. Designed by renowned architect Benjamin Marshall, it quickly became a symbol of luxury and elegance, hosting notable guests such as Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill. Throughout its history, The Drake has undergone several renovations, preserving its historic charm while adapting to modern standards. Today, it stands as a premier destination offering exquisite accommodations and timeless hospitality in the heart of the Windy City.

Marlee and Johnny’s wedding reception started in The French Room for cocktails. This space features a meticulously crafted ceiling and intricately painted column molding that harmonizes with its silk wall coverings, crystal-basket ceiling chandeliers, satin damask draperies, and bespoke carpeting, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled luxury and sophistication. Guests are sure to be excited to enter this space! As Marlee and Johnny’s friends and family joined cocktail hour, a talented pianist serenaded them from the entryway. We featured their pup Belle on custom napkins at the bar, alongside their favorite drinks (the Miller High Life and Dirty Martini). Guests were invited to sign their guest book and marvel at their full size mirror that doubled as a seating chart.

Once the cocktail hour wrapped, we welcomed guests into the famous Gold Coast Ballroom with a soft bell. As soon as guests were seated and the wedding party introduced, the Drake’s Hospitality Team performed their iconic Champagne Parade. If you haven’t seen this happen in person, you wouldn’t want to miss it!!

Every table had a unique centerpiece of flowers, candles, and geodesic vases. The color palette was soft and muted, but highlighted the Drake Ballroom’s opulence well. At every place setting, we left a sweet treat to mark the 5.5 Cinco de Mayo date - a tiny bottle of custom labeled tequila bottle from the couple!

Guests enjoyed a delicious three course meal, finished off by a stunning dessert spread. Marlee and her family supplemented the Drake’s delicious options with some of their own family recipes. Guests were even invited to take some of their favorites home in a little doggy bag at the end of the night! (All puns intended.)

Before the party ended, we snuck the couple up to the rooftop to snag their iconic photo in front of the Drake Hotel rooftop sign! An opportunity no Drake couple wants to miss out on. Then we arrived back downstairs in the ballroom just in time for our Taco Bell late night snacks to arrive.

An absolutely stunning evening of dinner, dancing, and revelry I’m sure no one will ever forget. It was such an honor to be a part of Marlee and Johnny’s special day!!