Great Gatsby-Inspired Wedding at the Drake Hotel | Downtown Chicago | Gabrielle + Jakob

May 7, 2026

Weddings

“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

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photography LLC.