Classic Wedding at The Drake from Bellissima Photography + Exquisite Designs

Abby Capalbo
September 25, 2013
Categories: Real Weddings, Romantic, Traditional Elegance

I’ve professed my love for Chicago weddings a time or two on this blog, but I don’t think I’ll stop any time soon. Mostly when I come across a wedding like this one at The Drake. It’s the definition of Chicago chic, and the exact reason why I will never tire of weddings in the windy city. It’s filled to the brim with gorgeous florals from Exquisite Designs, a gorgeous cake from Amy Beck Cake Design that almost looks too pretty to eat, and it’s all captured beautifully by Bellissima Photography – making me fall head over heels for Chicago weddings all over again. See why here.

Colors

Settings

Ballroom Weddings Religious Institution

Styles

Classic Weddings

From the Bride… Brian and I chose the Drake because we love Chicago and wanted to incorporate a Chicago theme as much as we could and felt The Drake has so much history behind it and is one of the most famous hotels in the city. We had looked at a lot of places and when we walked into the Gold Coast Room, it was the first and only place Brian really loved so I knew we had to have it there.

It was also important to me to have our ceremony at a Catholic Church because I grew up going to Catholic schools and when I moved to the city, I joined Holy Name as a parishioner and knew I wanted to get married there. It also has so much history and beauty behind it so it tied in well with The Drake.

I chose my vendors mostly on referrals. I met with 3 vendors each and whoever I felt most comfortable with and had a connection with, I selected them. I knew they would be a big part of how our day played it out so it was important I clicked with them and had a good relationship with them.

Brian and I met indirectly through a mutual friend. He was out with our friend and I ran into them and Brian saw me and thought I was cute and the next day our friend called me telling me that and we met up again on St Patrick’s Day and the rest is history. We both share a lot of the same interests-being active and outside, similar tastes in food, both working for our families companies and the importance of family to both of us. I’m a little more vocal and outgoing, while he is quiet, so we balance one another well.

He proposed to me on February 1, 2012 in St Lucia. We had gone out on an excursion that day and I was so tired and wanted to just order room service and relax that night and he was extremely insistent that we eat at the hotel restaurant. I finally gave in and got dressed with no make up on and not drying my hair. We ate dinner and then he suggested we go down by the pool to overlook the ocean and when we got down there, they had two champagne glasses and candles and he proposed!