Today, I’m bursting with excitement to share the incredible love story of  Annie + Chase’s Drake Hotel Chicago Wedding that I had the honor of capturing. From a day of  romance, love letters, military traditions, and a stunning choreographed first dance, this classic Chicago wedding is beyond dreamy and full of inspiration for any classic Chicago wedding couple.

Picture this: a beautiful sunny day in Chicago, birds chirping, love in the air, and the enchanting Drake Hotel as the backdrop for a fairytale wedding. As a wedding photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a better canvas to paint the love story of Annie and Chase.

Now, get this – they had this adorable tradition of writing love letters to each other! I mean, how incredibly romantic is that? I may or may not have had to wipe away a tear or two behind my camera when I was photographing them reading the letters. Shh, don’t tell anyone!

But the romance didn’t stop there. Chase, being the dashing groom that he is, serves in the military and decided to wear his military blues for the ceremony and incorporate military traditions into their wedding day. The wedding ceremony at Holy Name Church took on a whole new level of amazing photo opts as they incorporated a sword exit! Yes, you read that right – a sword exit.

We made our way to The Drake Hotel for the reception Simply Azure Events and Juliet Tan Floral Design transformed the ballroom into the dreamiest space to celebrate their wedding day. Not only was the space insanely beautiful but Annie and Chase put in some serious effort to choreograph their first dance. As the music started, they glided across the dance floor with grace and poise, making it look like a scene straight out of a Hollywood movie with lifts and spins. Seriously their dance moves were a-maz-ing!

Throughout the day, love was the constant theme that tied everything together. From the heartfelt letters to each other to how these two interacted with their friends and family to the laughter-filled toasts, you could feel the love surrounding Annie and Chase.

This wedding was what I call a unicorn wedding. It was so special to witness such extraordinary love and to be surrounded with the most amazing friends and family as Annie and Chase started their marriage together in Chicago. These two, without a doubt, have a love that will stand the test of time, and I am so grateful that I could be their wedding photographer.

Photography: Brittany Bekas | Event Planning: Simply Azure Events | Venue : Drake Hotel Chicago | Church : Holy Name Cathedral | Band : Rendezvous | Video : With Love Productions | Hair : Style Onsite | Makeup : Reiman Condron Beauty | Floral : Juliet Tan Floral Design | Cake : Cake Chicago

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Are you planning an estate wedding in Chicago or Florida? If so, I might be the perfect wedding photographer to document your wedding. Hi, I am Brittany, and I am a fine art film photographer specializing in lifestyle wedding photography. I travel worldwide photographing beautiful weddings, elopements, proposals, and engagements, but most of the time you can find me in Southwest Florida (where I am based) or in Chicago (my hometown). My light and airy editing style and candid, joyful photos are what I am best known for. Interested in working together? Contact the studio for more information.