The Drake Hotel Wedding | Great Gatsby-Inspired Wedding | Gabrielle + Jakob

May 7, 2026

Weddings

As wedding photographers in Chicago, we’re constantly inspired by celebrations that fully embrace the energy, romance, and timeless beauty of the city. This Gatsby-inspired Drake Hotel wedding was exactly that. From candlelit vows in one of Chicago’s most iconic ballrooms to an unforgettable reception, Gabrielle and Jakob’s day felt cinematic from beginning to end.

Collection of photos from The Drake Hotel wedding

“I love her, and that’s the beginning and end of everything.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Magic was in the air. As the dim candles flickered across the floor, Jakob stood still, taking in the moment. Gabrielle glided across the floor, escorted by her father, towards the new life and the new adventure she was about to begin with her beloved. Although the streets of downtown Chicago were just on the other side of the walls, the crowds and traffic were a distant thought, as Gabrielle and Jakob joined hands at the altar inside the ballroom of The Drake Hotel, ready and prepared to make every single one of their dreams come true.

The morning sun dawned over Chicago, the destination of not only Gabrielle and Jakob’s friends and families, but also their hopes and dreams that had steadily grown over the past year. Although their suites were floors apart, Gabrielle and Jakob could feel each other’s anticipation growing as they neared the moment they would finally see each other for the first time. After donning his ensemble, an elegant mix of Dolce and Dior, Jakob took to the streets of downtown Chicago to spend a few quiet moments in thought as he waited for his bride under the shadow of the Fourth Presbyterian Church. While he waited, Gabrielle, a picture of elegance, stunned all who witnessed her in the exquisite Leah Da Gloria gown “Marie” before she was whisked away by the surprise transportation her family blessed her with on her way to their intimate first look. The excitement was palpable as Gabrielle found herself almost bouncing in anticipation as Jakob turned to see her for the first time. After a few precious moments together, including an adorable outburst of awe from children passing by, Gabrielle and Jakob set out for a downtown Chicago wedding portrait session that can only be described as “perfectly iconic.” From city streets to the Chicago skyline, these two Hollywood natives were now in the spotlight, owning every single moment in front of the camera. Across town, as they made their way back to the Drake Hotel Chicago, the teams of HMR Design, the Gilded Aisle, and the hotel staff were finishing the final touches on a Drake Hotel ballroom design straight out of Gabrielle’s wildest dreams. With their guests seated and expectant, Gabrielle and Jakob shared vows that alone could have brought the hardest hearts to tears, culminating in shouts and celebration as they walked back down the candle-lit aisle as the newest Mr. and Mrs. Reeder. The spectacle had only begun, as cocktail hour brought stunning surprises: a champagne skirt receptionist welcoming every guest and lampshade girls elegantly escorting them to their tables. The Chicago wedding reception space itself deserved its own applause, as the decor and tones evoked the timeless romance of the Chicago of yesterday. Gabrielle and Jakob stunned all with their first dance as the Reeders, and as their guests began the celebration in the ballroom, the bride and groom ascended to the Drake’s highest floor for one last portrait session amidst the iconic Chicago skyline, the city that would forever be the backdrop of their incredible story.

Gabrielle and Jakob, nothing could have prepared us for the flood of emotions we felt over this past weekend with you two. It seems like only yesterday we were on our first Zoom call as you shared your vision of your downtown Chicago wedding at the Drake Hotel, and frankly, it was even more spectacular than we ever could have imagined. To witness a love like yours is a gift, and it was the greatest honor to be recipients of that gift alongside your friends and family.

All our best!

J + A

Exterior of The Drake Hotel wedding venue in downtown Chicago Wedding portrait in downtown Chicago

Getting Ready at The Drake Hotel

The day began at The Drake Hotel, where anticipation quietly filled the halls as Gabrielle and Jakob prepared for the celebration ahead. From elegant details to emotional moments shared with family and friends, the morning carried a sense of excitement that only continued to build with each passing hour.

Surrounded by the timeless charm of one of Chicago’s most iconic hotels, every part of the morning felt cinematic in the best way. As final touches came together and the city buzzed just outside their windows, it was clear this Drake Hotel wedding was going to be something unforgettable from beginning to end.

Marquee at The Drake Hotel wedding venue in Chicago Bride getting ready with her mother at The Drake Hotel

First Look + Wedding Portraits at Fourth Presbyterian Church

Set against the historic beauty of Fourth Presbyterian Church and the energy of downtown Chicago, Gabrielle and Jakob’s first look felt unbelievably romantic. The quiet emotion of finally seeing each other for the first time created a pause in the middle of an otherwise fast-moving day — one that neither of them seemed ready to end.

From tree-lined walkways to iconic Chicago streets, their wedding portraits blended classic elegance with the unmistakable energy of the city. Every location seemed to reflect a different part of their story, creating images that felt timeless, editorial, and completely true to them.

Bride and groom have first look at Fourth Presbyterian Church in downtown Chicago Downtown Chicago wedding portrait of bride and groom The Drake Hotel wedding party walking to venue Black and white shot of The Drake Hotel exterior

The Drake Wedding Ceremony

Inside the candlelit ballroom of The Drake Hotel, Gabrielle and Jakob exchanged vows surrounded by the people who know and love them most. While downtown Chicago carried on just outside the windows, the ceremony itself felt intimate and entirely centered on the two of them.

The warm glow of candlelight, the emotion woven throughout their vows, and the overwhelming joy that followed their first kiss made the entire space feel magical. It was a ceremony that balanced grandeur and intimacy beautifully, which was the perfect reflection of their relationship and vision for the day.

The Drake Hotel wedding ceremony in grand ballroom Bride arrives to wedding ceremony at The Drake Hotel

The Drake Hotel Wedding Reception

As guests entered the ballroom for the reception, The Drake Hotel was transformed into a celebration that felt both timeless and unforgettable. Inspired by the romance of old Chicago, the evening blended elegant details with playful surprises that kept guests immersed in the experience from start to finish.

From the breathtaking ballroom design to the energy on the dance floor, every moment of the reception felt intentional and full of life. As the night unfolded beneath the glow of the city skyline, Gabrielle and Jakob celebrated surrounded by the people who helped shape their story — ending the evening in the same iconic Chicago setting where it all began.

Newlyweds pose with champagne skirt receptionist during cocktail hour at The Drake Hotel wedding Great Gatsby inspired details at Chicago wedding Bride and groom share their kiss during wedding at the Drake Hotel Chicago The Drake Hotel wedding reception in gold coast ballroom Great Gatsby inspired wedding reception design at The Drake Hotel Lampshade girls at Gatsby inspired wedding in Chicago Newlyweds kiss next to custom wedding cake at The Drake Hotel Groom dips bride during first dance at The Drake Hotel wedding reception Guests toast to the newlyweds at The Drake Hotel gold coast ballroom Bride and groom rooftop portraits at The Drake Hotel wedding