Dana & Kit: A Timeless Chicago Celebration at The Drake

Some love stories get two wedding films. Dana and Kit first said their vows in an intimate micro wedding during the lockdowns of 2020, and on September 25, 2021, they celebrated the way they had always dreamed: a full, glorious wedding day at The Drake Hotel, designed for the silver screen.

The Morning: Prep & Rooftop First Look

The day began in the legendary Princess Diana Suite, where Dana and her bridesmaids prepared with glam and a morning brunch, while Kit and his groomsmen gathered in the Parkside Room. The highlight of the morning: a first look on the roof of The Drake, the city skyline as the backdrop for their first private moment of the day. The wedding party then boarded a limo bus for a cinematic tour, with footage at the Wrigley Building, 111 W. Wacker, the Riverwalk, and Michigan Avenue.

The Ceremony & Reception in the Gold Coast Ballroom

The couple exchanged vows in the opulent Gold Coast Ballroom before 144 guests, followed by cocktails in the Palm Court and an evening of high-energy celebration back under the ballroom’s historic chandeliers:

• The grand entrance: introduced as newlyweds through the French Room.
• The first dance beneath the chandeliers, followed by the Drake’s festive Champagne Parade into dinner.
• The Horah: the traditional dance that lifted the couple and brought the entire floor to life.
• Nighttime rooftop portraits: a final intimate session at 9 PM with the city lights below.
• The after-party: Club International, a grilled cheese station, and a DJ set into the early morning.

Where It Started: The 2020 Micro Wedding

A year before the ballroom, there was private house in Chicago suburbs. Dana and Kit’s lockdown micro wedding was small, brave, and full of love, and it made the Drake celebration mean even more. We were honored to film both chapters.

The Creative Team

• Videography: 312FILMS (Anna & Artem)
• Venue & catering: The Drake Chicago
• Coordination: Anthony Gowder Designs (Cassandra Vack & Amy Dunlop)
• Floral: Anthony Gowder Designs (Stephanie Gowder)
• Photography: TWA Photographic Artists
• Band: Ken Arlen Music
• DJ: Kevin Baker
• Bridal stylist: Ariana Anderson
• Cake: CAKE Chicago
• Hair: Juan Jose Herrera
• Makeup: Traci Fine

Planning a Drake wedding, or celebrating again after a micro wedding? See our Drake venue guide or check your date →

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