The Drake Hotel Wedding in Downtown Chicago, IL | Julie + Frank

There are some things in this world that stand the test of time. While most people think of art that has hung on walls of museums throughout the world when they hear the word “timeless,” our minds tend to drift to the love we see between our couples on their wedding day. When our groom gasps the first time he sees his bride. When tears fall as family and friends recount the first time they heard “I’m going to marry them someday” from the bride or groom. As experienced wedding photographers in Chicago, these moments will never become old-fashioned or outdated — and it’s moments like these that punctuate Julie and Frank’s The Drake Hotel wedding in downtown Chicago.

Julie and Frank’s iconic Chicago wedding began and ended at one of Chicago’s most famous historic locations: The Drake Hotel. While Julie and her girls enjoyed the exquisite “Princess Diana Suite,” Frank and his groomsmen were treated to the cityscape views of the “Al Capone Room”. Even the constant threat of rain could not ruin the day, as their first look was transported from the city streets to a private moment where Frank could openly express how blown away he was at his bride to be. Their personal trolley carried them off to St. Michaels’, a church in the old town that had special significance for Julie. The ornate confessionals that lined the walls of the church had been lovingly handcrafted by her grandfather, and it almost felt as if his blessing was upon the entire ceremony.

From that point on, Frank did not leave Julie’s side. From the ceremony to their photo tour of the city, the beauty of the day paled in comparison to Julie and Frank’s smiles now that they were finally married. They eventually arrived back at the Drake, where Julie’s “cocktail hour change over” took place as she prepared for the rest of the evening. The staff of the Drake did not disappoint, as the Grand Ballroom glowed with a sense of awe and wonder as Julie and Frank were able to privately enjoy the room before the reception celebration began.

Julie and Frank, we cannot believe that the journey we began with you on a tiny beach in South Haven has finally come to its joyful conclusion. Over the last year or so, we have learned how kind and thoughtful you both are, and we have found ourselves receiving so many blessings from simply being a small part of your beautiful love story. Julie’s dad said it best during his speech, you two are truly the “A-Team,” and after meeting so many of your friends and family over the weekend, we can confidently say that your dad is not alone in his opinion of you two. So here’s to you and your love, may it grow greater with the days, and deeper with the years.

All our best!

J + A

 

Getting Ready at The Drake Hotel

The morning at The Drake Hotel set the tone for everything that followed: calm, intentional, and full of quiet anticipation. With its historic charm and iconic views, it offered the perfect backdrop for both Julie and Frank to settle into the day with their closest people by their side. There’s something about getting ready in a space like this that makes the entire experience feel elevated from the very start.

 

St. Michael’s Catholic Church Wedding Ceremony

Julie and Frank’s ceremony at St. Michael’s Catholic Church was filled with meaning in a way that only truly personal spaces can hold. From the moment guests stepped inside, there was a quiet reverence to the day. For Julie especially, walking into a space that held her family’s craftsmanship and legacy made the moment even more powerful. It was a ceremony that felt deeply rooted, heartfelt, and completely centered on what matters most.

 

Downtown Chicago Wedding Portraits

After the ceremony, Julie and Frank stepped out into the energy of downtown Chicago for portraits with their wedding party. Even with the unpredictable weather, the city showed up for them in the best way, creating a backdrop that felt both iconic and intimate. There was an ease between them that made each frame feel natural and effortless, like the rest of the world had faded into the background. It’s always something special when a couple can feel completely present with each other in the middle of a city that never slows down.

 

The Drake Hotel Wedding Reception

Returning to The Drake Hotel for their reception felt like stepping into something truly timeless. The Grand Ballroom was nothing short of breathtaking, glowing with soft light and anticipation as the evening began to unfold. Before guests entered, Julie and Frank shared a quiet moment together in the space, which made the celebration ahead feel even more meaningful.

As the night carried on, the room quickly filled with laughter, movement, and the kind of energy that only comes from being surrounded by your favorite people. Every detail came together seamlessly, but what stood out most was the joy that never left Julie and Frank’s faces. It was a celebration that felt elegant, full of life, and completely true to them from beginning to end.

 

Julie and Frank’s The Drake Hotel Wedding Team

• Photography: Josh and Andrea Photography
• Ceremony Venue: St. Michael Catholic Church
• Reception Venue + Catering: The Drake Hotel
• Videography: Old North Film Company
• Planning: Big City Bride
• Wedding Dress: Dimitra’s Bridal Couture
• Floral Design: Juliet Tan Floral Design
• Ring: Gabriel Jewelers
• Shoes: Jimmy Choo
• Hair: Erin Graham Hair
• Makeup: Shannon O’Brien Weddings
• Cake: Cake Chicago
• Live Band: Bluewater Kings Band
• Menswear: The Black Tux
• Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Anthropologie Weddings

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photography LLC.