Emily & Tom’s Wedding at St. Michael’s & Café Brauer
Emily & Tom: A Classic Chicago Celebration
On a beautiful Friday in late October 2021, Emily and Tom celebrated their love with a wedding that perfectly captured the sophisticated and joyful spirit of Chicago. From the historic halls of The Drake Hotel to the architectural beauty of St. Michael’s and the iconic views at Café Brauer, every moment was a cinematic tribute to their journey together. Their film’s title came straight from their grand entrance song: “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).”
Morning Preparations & Personal Touches
The day began at The Drake, where the bridal suite was filled with laughter and a special birthday breakfast for Kristin, the maid of honor. We captured the quiet, nervous excitement as Tom and his groomsmen prepared, leading up to the pivotal moment Emily stepped into her dress.
The Emotional Reveals
One of the most touching sequences in the film features Emily’s first look with her father and brother, followed by her breathtaking first look with Tom at The Drake, private moments of connection that set the tone for the day’s deep emotional resonance.
The Vows at St. Michael’s
The ceremony took place at the stunning St. Michael’s in Old Town, beginning with a grand procession and concluding with a joyful front-of-church exit, the newlyweds greeted by family and friends before departing for portraits at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, Lincoln Park’s hidden Prairie School gem.
The Skyline Reception at Café Brauer
As the sun set, the celebration moved to Café Brauer. We filmed the wedding party against the world-famous skyline view from the South Pond bridge before the grand entrance to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).”
- Heartfelt tributes: moving toasts from the best man and maid of honor.
- The dances: a first dance to “Because You Loved Me,” emotional parent dances, and an anniversary dance to “The Way You Look Tonight.”
- The cake cutting: to Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E.”
- The midnight finale: a high-energy champagne spray on the dance floor and a surprise “Happy Birthday” for the maid of honor before the final song closed the night.
Videographer’s Note
This wedding was a dream to film. The transition from the traditional elegance of the church ceremony to the vibrant, modern energy of Café Brauer let us create a film that feels both timeless and contemporary, and the personal details, a birthday celebrated mid-reception, an anniversary dance honoring the longest-married couple in the room, gave the film its narrative heartbeats.
The Details
- Videography: 312FILMS
- Getting ready: The Drake Hotel
- Ceremony: St. Michael’s Old Town
- Reception: Café Brauer, Lincoln Park
Love Café Brauer? See two more celebrations there: Sarah & JD and Kelly & Tim.
Planning a Café Brauer or St. Michael’s wedding? We know both landmarks and the golden hour between them. Check your date →
