Kent Drake Photography

07/22/2019

What a spectacular celebration yesterday with this amazing and humorous duo! When Shelby, Adam and myself sat down last year, there was a bond and chemistry between us that is so important in a wedding day. These two have been together for 7 years already and share so many interests, friends and more. Their light-hearted and fun demeanor transforms the room around them, and this occasion was no different.

Quite important to this story was the fact Chicago was in the midst of an epic heat wave sitting in the mid 90's. We braved the heat for their first look, and within moments it felt like the city turned the AC on. Before we knew it, the temperature had dropped nearly 20 degrees and our portrait session was in full comfortable swing. Sensing gloom on the horizon though, we made sure navigate closer to the door just in case. The first rain drop fell, we immediately went inside, and before we could make it through the lobby it was a downpour outside. You would never know it, but our day timed out literally to perfection. We even stepped inside the bar for a little elevated cocktail session.

In short, the day was great, the festivities were that and more. I couldn't be happier for Shelby & Adam, and wish them all the best in their new phase of life! Thank you to this fantastic team of partners who helped make it all happen!

Planning: Joyce Pollakoff
Venue: The Drake Hotel
Floral/Decor: Kehoe Designs
Video: Xpress Video
Band: Party Faithful / BeatMix
Makeu-Up: Bridal by Aga

07/15/2019

This weekend I was so fortunate to spend time celebrating with this amazing couple. I love being part of love stories that are built on a great foundation because it hits so close to home for my own marriage. Andrea & Matt have been together for 9 years now, with all the makings of growing up built into their relationship. They have encouraged and leaned on each other every step of the way to make themselves both better as individuals and as a couple. The nature in which they communicate, embrace and care for one another is so genuine and honest, it truly made my role a pleasure. I'm excited for the both of them as they move into the next phase of their relationship, and couldn't be happier, congratulations!

Of course we had a gorgeous, but at times hot, day here in Chicago. The Art Institute is such gorgeous venue and the city was he perfect backdrop for their ceremony. So thankful that all the pieces came together and we had a perfect day for them. Many many many thanks to the amazing team of partners who made it all happen. It was and always is a gift to work with the finest this city has to offer!

Planning: Engaging Events by Ali
Venue: Art Institute of Chicago
Hotel: Park Hyatt Chicago
Band: Becca Kaufman Orchestra / Beat Mix
Floral/Decor: Erin McDonald
Rentals: Tablescapes
Transportation: M&M Limosine
Catering: Bon Appetit

05/26/2019

Yesterday was such an amazing cap to my time getting to know Lainey & Josh. I was fortunate enough to spent time in with them on several occasion, it was always the most amazing experience. Two of the kindest souls you will ever meet, just happy to be sharing their lives together and the world around them.

A relationship years in the making that all started in the elevator of their apartment at Duke University, finally culminated in a beautiful ceremony and celebration in Chicago. Since they started dating, Josh joined the Marines and completed officer school, served and joined the corporate world, while Lainey just graduated from medical school and is now officially a Doctor. The ride isn't over for them, as Josh embarks on an MBA degree, the two have endured deployments, professional life and post-graduate study and distance, but they truly have the strongest foundation that they will build a life on. I adore watching them hold each other, it's so genuine and pure, it literally warms my heart. It's a blessing to witness love like this, and I thank them for sharing it with me.

The forecast looked to be giving us fits all week, but when Saturday rolled around, it was all sunshine. It's the most amazing city to run around and capture moments of love in, so thank you to Lainey & Josh for having me be a part of your story. Of course they even saved enough energy to pull off the most ridiculous human pyramid these eyes have ever seen. This amazing team of partners assembled a spectacular event, and I couldn't be more proud to share these experiences with you.

Congratulations Lainey & Josh, you deserve each other, and I'm so happy you found one another!

Coordination: Curate Plan Style
Venue: Peninsula Chicago
Church: 4th Presbyterian
Floral/Decor: Kehoe Designs
Transportation: VIP Valet Services
Rentals: Nuage Designs & Festive Frog
Linen: BBJ Linen
Lighting: Black Oak
Band: Time Chicago
Videography: Old North Film Co
Photobooth: Shutterbox
Stationary: Magnificent Milestones
Make-Up: Manifest Makeup

04/01/2019

A love story too good to be true. Our beautiful bride Brandy packs up and moves across the country to the wonderful city of Chicago. Her first night in her new home, she decides to pop down the street to a bar alone, and wouldn't you know it, meets the man of her dreams right then and there. You can't make it up, it's too cute and serendipitous for words, and it just makes me so happy. Little over a year later, and here we are, celebrating a lifetime of love and happiness together for them both, and this great city gets a share of the credit.

I was fortunate enough to meet them late last year, and had a wonderful engagement session with them in January. There is a love here that is so genuine and honest, it was a thrill to experience it in person. As I wrapped up the night and waited for my car, I caught Todd's dad outside and he couldn't help but share how happy he is for them and what he sees in their relationship and future. This job is so fun in these ways, to be a part of peoples lives and feed off that joy. Couldn't be happier for Brandy & Todd, and all the wonderful people in their lives.

Of course this wedding was all styled out, thanks to Brandy and the stellar team assembled by Lori at Lola Event Productions. Two funky birds got to bounce a million ideas off each other and produce a chic, elegant and totally unique wedding day for their guests. Kudos to all the creativity put forth, it truly allows me to get into the zone and make some beautiful images to tell the story. Thank you to the amazing team of partners involved and of course to Brandy & Todd. Loved getting to know and spend all this time with you, cannot wait to see what your future holds. Congratulations!

Coordination: Lola Event Productions
Venue: The Langham, Chicago
Band: Gold Coast All Stars
Floral/Decor: HMR Designs
Stationary: Steracle Press
Cake: Flourish
Hair: Korena Robinson
Make Up: Andie Cumber Beauty
Officiant: Spirited Ceremonies

03/12/2019

What a thrill an dhonor to be on PartySlate's list of 21 Top Wedding Photographers in Chicago! To be in the company of so much talent no only on this list, but our city is more than professional could ever ask. Thank you PartySlate for recognizing all of our hard work!

You need someone you trust with an artistic style you admire, who’s intuitive enough to capture the right moments — find your perfect photographer on our curated list

01/02/2019

And just like that, we say goodbye to 2018 and welcomed in a brand new year! What better way to spend the NYE celebration than with familiar faces in the heart of the city?!? I was fortunate enough to meet Lexi & Mitchell two years ago for her sister's wedding, and it was such a joy to see a family continue to grow and celebrate together again last night!

Lexi & Mitchell have a wonderful connection, both falling right into their comfort zone together with truly a genuine and playful nature. Both are so charismatic, it was simply infectious. I loved all the details and styling throughout, Lexi's dress is just stunning, it was so fun to photograph her in a new space at the St. Jane Hotel and other Chicago landmarks. The confetti and kisses flew as the clock turned over, and with that a new amazing couple gets to start of their year with the most special of scenarios. My heartfelt congratulations to you both, I cannot wait to see where life takes you!

A special thanks to this amazing group of partners as well. It's a privilege to work with so many professionals around the city, and last night was no different!

Venue: St. Jane
Coordination: Estera Events
Floral/Decor: Revel Decor
Transportation: M&M Limousine Service
Band: Green Fourteen
Stationairy: Magnificent Milestones
Cake: ECBG Cake Studio
Photobooth: ShutterBox

10/07/2018

Yesterday was no doubt one for the books! The rain held off at just the right times, the light was perfect and the detailing was second to none. From the jaw dropping Ines di Santo gown, trendsetting white bridesmaid dresses to the Tuscan inspired floral and decor, it all just worked. And I mean worked! Chelle, right out of a magazine took elegance and put her stamp on it!

These two have been together for 5 years now, built a life in the city together were such a joy to celebrate. They have this natural playfulness between them, but also a foundation built on all the good stuff. Surrounded by amazing families, fun loving friends and guests, it was truly a pleasure to be a part of their lives at such an important time. I see nothing but great things for these two, and look forward to watching it all unfold as they explore life as husband and wife! All my love and congratulations to you both, and thank you for having me be a part of such an special celebration!

Of course, this team of partners pulled out all the stops. A thrill of this job is working with so many talented people, I love every opportunity I get to collaborate with the city finest!

Wedding Planner: Clementine Custom Events (Julissa)
Venue: Revel Motor Row (Revel Space)
Hotel: The Langham, Chicago
Floral/Decor: Revel Decor
Catering: Limelight Catering
Band: SWAY Chicago
Lighting: Sound Investment
Videography: Mirar Weddings
Bridal Attendant: The Dress Doctor
Hair/Make Up: Tamara Lathrop Granath

09/24/2018

Another fabulous weekend here in Chicago as I was fortunate enough to take part in the celebration of Amy & Willie's love at the Chicago Athletic Association! Two of the happiest and most genuine people I've had the fortune of meeting, it was an absolute pleasure see them come together after a morning of building anticipation. Two real estate professionals, it was only fitting we were immersed in some of the finest works in Chicago architecture, of course something I am right at home with. The only thing missing was their rescue dog, but of course he was part of our engagement session last fall.

The weather has turned here in the city, and that early warm sunset gave us the most beautiful light. The muted purple, pink and green tones of the floral and decor were the perfect compliment to a season in change. The party was something else as well. One of the most in tense Horah dances I've been a part of, with flying twin brothers and flaming hats, it's remarkable we all made it out unscathed! I couldn't be happier for you both, Amy & Willie, and thank you for including me in your journey to marriage! You are a wonderful match and I wish you nothing but the best in your new lives ahead!

Thank you to this amazing team of partners as well. Would be thrilled to work with all of you any time, any where!

Planner: Joyce Pollakoff
Venue: Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Floral/Decor: StemLine Creative
Make Up: Aga Kaskiewicz
Band: Entourage (Arlen Music Productions)
Video: Xpress Video Productions
Photobooth: Fotio
Placecard Board: Reenie Rose

09/16/2018

Yesterday was a gift, there is no other way to put it. In a way, selfishly for me because of the passion I was able to experience, but ultimately for these two souls I shared their experience with. I love playing witness to love, family and celebration, it's truly why I do what I do. That said, on occasion you feel the grip of love we can have on each other, and it leaves you breathless. With Hannah & Stan, this was one of those days. A long relationship, build on more than I will ever know, so deeply rooted it's contagious. A decade plus of shared friends, family and experiences all came to a head at my favorite spaces in this city. Perfect weather paired with amazing styling, it all just worked.

I still can't get over Hannah's dress, "stunning" would even begin to do justice. The farm table and greenery of the decor was so fitting for this Bohemian bride & chic groom, the inspiration was right there for the taking. Their playful nature was a joy to capture, and our portraits somehow hover on that line of glamour editorial magazine and a Sears studio shoot. I want to wish them both the absolute best as they venture into their next stage of life. Thank you for letting me share in your celebration and capture so many fun and beautiful moments along the way!

Thank you to these amazing partners as well, what a fantastic group of talent in this city to collaborate with:

Event Planner: Christina Currie Events, Inc.
Venue: Special Events at The Field Museum
Floral/Decor: Kehoe Designs
Catering: Food For Thought
Band: Stitely Entertainment
Bridal Styling: The Wedding Dresser
Cake: Amy Beck Cake Design, LLC
Cinematography: Smiling Toad Productions
Lighting: Frost Chicago
Transportation: VIP Valet Services, Inc.

09/03/2018

The weather on Labor Day weekend has been less than ideal in Chicago this year, but Sunday the clouds parted and Melissa & Jeff were gifted with the perfect day for a city wedding! I absolutely loved getting to see these two fall right into their comfort zone after their first look and Jeff's smiled didn't recede one bit all day long. A deep love is there and it's such a pleasure to watch people look into each other's eyes and melt inside. Couldn't have asked for two kinder people along with families and friends to spend the day with!

Of course I loved all the architectural and design elements throughout the day, a true glimpse at all this fantastic city has to offer. Melissa's dream was to have a wedding with a full dance floor, and boy did she get her wish. Such an amazing crew of guests and partners, everyone showed up to show out, really was a pleasure to be a part of it all! Congratulations again to you, Melissa & Jeff, you deserve the world and I know you have it with each other!

Thank you to the great team that came together yesterday, always great to share the scene with such great people.

Event Planner: Designer Event Chicago
Venue: Morgan MFG.
Hotel: JW Marriott Chicago
Floral/Decor: HMR Designs
Lighting: Diamond Event Group
Catering: Entertaining Company
Transportation: M&M Limousine Service
Band: The Gold Coast All Stars
Cinematography: Imagination Designers
Hair: Magnificent Brides
Attendant: The Wedding Dresser