Words from the photographer: Ashley and Mike were the sweetest and most joy-filled couple. They had such a unique wedding, while keeping it elegant and classic at the same time. They were married in downtown Chicago at the Drake Hotel, and we took portraits downtown at the Wriggly Building and the Rookery. Mike cried BOTH during the first look AND while Ashley walked down the aisle. So sweet! Something super cool that they did, was they had two different ceremonies. They had a traditional military ceremony as well as a traditional Korean ceremony (called a Pyebaek). The groom wore three different outfits: his formal army uniform, his traditional Korean clothing, and a suit. The bride wore her dress as well as the traditional Korean clothing.

Two People Three Cultures:

The bride and groom both looked stunning and pulled off several styles with ease! Ashley and Mike had two separate ceremonies where the groom, Mike, changed into three different outfits and the bride, Ashley two different outfits. 

In the first part of the wedding ceremony Mike and Ashley wore traditional Korean clothing which is bright and colorful in comparison to the monochrome tone suits and dresses that many are accustomed to in western weddings. This ceremony called Pyebaek usually takes place within a few days after the official ceremony, but in the US it is typical that couples perform the ceremony before the wedding. It involves a ceremonial bow, exchange of small gifts that represent important aspects of life and the exchange of wisdom from the grooms’ (and sometimes brides family) to the couple. 

During the main ceremony Mike and Ashley performed a traditional military ceremony. Ashley had switched from the traditional Korean outfit to a beautifully crafted dress from Alice in Ivory.This scored them some awesome photos representing the important role of the military in their lives. I think we can all agree that any wedding photo can be improved by throwing a few uniforms and swords into the mix. 

After the military ceremony Mike switched once more into a suit and tie for the remainder of the wedding. The pictures really speak for themselves when we look at this couple who were highlighted by this impressive venue.

Gold Coast Ballroom at The Drake:

The easiest word to use to describe this space would be “opulent”. Every part of the Drake Hotel is beautiful from the front entrance which is sure to impress guests to the staircases which look like they belong in a fairy tale about modern monarchy.  The Drake Hotel’s Gold Coast Ballroom is almost seven thousand square feet, has nineteen foot ceilings and can hold five hundred people seated! That is only three hundred square feet less than the Buckingham Palace’s Ballroom which was where Queen Victoria hosted the world’s leaders for state events and parties. The DJ, floral designer and photographer all had to keep on their toes to keep up with such a massive venue. I hope they all brought some assistants! 

Invitation Designer: Basic Invite//Transportation: M & M Limo//Ring Designer: Sam Kee Hong Jewelry//Event Planner: Storybook Weddings & Events//Shoes:David’s Bridal//Bridesmaid Dresses:Kennedy in Blue//Apparel:Alice in Ivory//Hair Stylist:Exsalonce//DJ:Precision Sound//Cake Designer:Cake Sweet Food Chicago//Floral Designer: Juliet Tan Floral Design//Reception Venue:The Drake Hotel//Photographer: Rakoteet Photography

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