The day: Saturday, August 13, 2016. The location: Chicago’s iconic Drake Hotel. The scene: clouds breaking for a gorgeous and steamy summer day in the city.

With picture perfect skies, all were ready to seize the day and celebrate a perfect couple.

The morning kicked off with the ladies and gents gathering in two of the Drake‘s gorgeous suites overlooking Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive.  Jen Hayes from Primp Makeup and Hair Design did an incredible job making the women look amazing. Kristin La Voie Photography arrived shortly thereafter to capture the bridal parties getting ready.  Later, the team from Le Cape joined us to capture video footage.

The girls looked picture-perfect in their floor length navy blue dresses. They helped Kathryn into her gown which truly fit like a glove. Stunning was an understatement for the bride and her party.

A Stem Above arrived with luscious bouquets filled with soft blue hydrangea, open white tibet roses, majolica spray roses, and white lisianthus. Kathryn was to carry a classic white bouquet consisting of white hydrangea, garden roses, white ranunculus, and white tibet roses.

With flowers in hand (and on suits!), all were ready for the day to truly begin.  Kathryn, Michael and their parties prepared to head to the chapel and say “I do”.

Before we knew it, guests were arriving for the ceremony to begin.  The ceremony location was Chicago’s stunning Saint James Chapel and the wedding was officiated by Father Bernie from St. Anne’s in Barrington. The dramatic vaulted ceilings and stunning altar created the perfect backdrop for Kathryn and Michael.  The ceremony was filled with love, faith, and personal touches.

The two said “I do” and were off to capture some photos around the city. The Trolley Car and Bus Co. was stationed just outside the church ready to take the bridal party all around town.  The kind folks at Infinity Transportation took care of the transportation for guests throughout the day.

Back at The Drake Hotel, A Stem Above was busy creating an assortment of mixed-height centerpieces that truly embellished the beauty of the Gold Coast Ballroom. The centerpieces were filled with classic floral to match the ladies’ bouquets. The centerpieces drew your eyes up to the vaulted ceilings which embellished the dramatic pillars and scenery within the space. The room had never looked more stunning.

The cake (provided by the masterminds at Cake), not to be outdone by décor, stood four tiers high and was a classic white tower adorned with fresh flowers and a gold “Mr. & Mrs”. Every touch fit the ambiance and couple to a T.

As guests enjoyed their dinner, they toasted to the new couple and prepared for a night of dancing to come.

The energetic sounds of The Mix Music kept guests on the dance floor all night long. 

In addition to the gorgeous still images from the day, it was fun to relive the special moments through this video short created by Le Cape Weddings:

August 13th was a day filled with elegance and timeless touches; I feel so fortunate that I was able to be part of it.  We wish all the best in life, love, and happiness to Kathryn and Michael!