Elegant Chicago Winter Wedding

Katie and Michael’s classic and elegant Chicago winter wedding took place amidst the twinkling lights and festive ambiance of the holiday season. The wedding weekend kicked off with a rehearsal dinner and welcome party at The Drake Hotel the night before the main event. Against the backdrop of the hotel adorned in holiday finery, friends and family gathered to toast to the upcoming nuptials of Katie and Michael. As I captured these precious moments, the warmth and love surrounding the couple was evident.

I love when I have the opportunity to capture not just the wedding, but the entire wedding weekend experience. Getting to know the couple and their family and friends on a deeper level means so much to me. In fact, through our conversations I discovered that Katie and Michael’s dad, as well as Michael himself, have the name Michael Anthony, which became a running joke throughout their wedding. Making these connections and relationships with my clients is truly priceless.

Elegant Chicago Winter Wedding at The Drake Hotel

holiday decorations at The Drake Hotel in Chicago

Getting Wedding Ready

Anticipation and excitement filled the air as Katie and her bridesmaids prepared for the day’s events in The Drake Hotel’s luxurious Princess Diana Suite. Katie was a positively beautiful bride in her Mark Ingram gown, with its timeless silhouette and exquisite texture. Her classic style was complemented by her clean, white long-stemmed rose bouquet.

Katie and Michael shared the sweetest first look outside the hotel, which was a must for a winter wedding. With the sun setting earlier, we got as many outdoor portraits as we could during this time. First looks are great because it naturally allows for more photo time of the bride and groom. It is also a great point of connection for the couple in the midst of a busy day.

The couple’s wedding ceremony took place at the breathtaking Holy Name Cathedral, a place with deep familial ties and special significance for both Katie and Michael as Katie’s parents exchanged vows there and Michael’s parents are members of the church. It is a stunning church with beautiful details and architecture.

bridesmaid helping bride carry wedding dress

guests entering church for wedding ceremony

Wedding Reception at The Drake

Following the ceremony, guests gathered at The Drake for a cocktail hour filled with laughter and joy. As I mingled among the crowd, capturing candid and heartfelt moments, it was clear that Katie and Michael’s love had touched the hearts of everyone in attendance. The entire wedding was VERY Katie and Michael – classic, elegant, and timeless in every way.

white flower centerpieces and candles at Elegant Chicago Winter Wedding

The Drake Hotel exudes timeless elegance and sophistication, making it the perfect venue for couples like Katie and Michael who envision an elegant and timeless wedding experience. The historic grandeur of the venue provides an undeniable charm. From the ballrooms to its opulent decor and architectural details, The Drake is a truly distinctive Chicago wedding venue. Katie and Michael’s wedding reception took place in the Gold Coast Room, which overlooks Lake Michigan. This is the largest ballroom at The Drake Hotel, which was decorated to perfection with timeless and elegant details. Low-sitting, white flower arrangements were placed at the center of tables intermixed with flickering candles creating a romantic atmosphere.

The holiday decor added an extra layer of warmth and festivity to the celebration. Winter weddings have a unique charm that sets them apart from weddings held during other seasons. As colder weather typically encourages people to gather indoors, it brings with it a feeling of warmth, togetherness, and intimacy, which is exactly the atmosphere of Katie and Michael’s wedding. They embraced the holiday decor which was beautifully placed throughout the Hotel, from the cozy textures, twinkling Christmas lights, and the elegant candlelight decorating the reception.

As the evening drew to a close, Katie opted for a quick dress change – a gorgeous, shimmery dress, with fun fur accents at the bottom, that paired wonderfully with her fur shaw. After changing, the newlyweds snuck away for a private moment atop the rooftop of The Drake. Against the backdrop of the glittering city lights, they embraced each other as I captured a few more wedding portraits to cap off the day.

Katie and Michael’s winter wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and togetherness. The timeless and elegant details paired with the pure love shared between the newlyweds and all their guests made for an unforgettable wedding. Katie and Michael, thank you for choosing me to capture your winter wedding day. I wish you both all the happiness as you embark on this new chapter in your lives together!