The Kennedy Wedding —
University Club of Chicago

BY KARLIE DRU, CHICAGO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER · WEDDING STORIES

Some weddings stop you in your tracks. The kind where every single detail feels intentional, every room takes your breath away, and the love between two people fills every corner of the space. That was the Kennedy wedding — and it was everything. 🖤

Set against the backdrop of one of Chicago's most iconic landmarks, the University Club of Chicago, this celebration was a masterclass in modern elegance. Think soaring Gothic ceilings, candlelit grandeur, and a couple who wore it all effortlessly.

The Ceremony

The day began at Saint Alphonsus Church — a stunning historic parish on the North Side that set a tone of timeless reverence. There's something so powerful about exchanging vows in a space that has witnessed generations of love, and this ceremony was no exception. I was absolutely holding it together behind the lens. Barely. 🥹

The Details

Every great wedding is built on a foundation of incredible vendors, and this team delivered. Paris Events brought the vision to life with their signature seamless planning, while Bloom Baby Florals created arrangements that felt lush, romantic, and utterly alive. The florals perfectly balanced the architectural drama of the University Club's storied rooms — I kept stopping to photograph them even when no one was looking.

Beauty was handled flawlessly by Rare Bird Beauties, and the bride looked stunning in a gown from Our Shop Bridal — finished with a spritz of Jo Malone London fragrance and heirloom earrings passed down through her family. A detail like that? It says everything. 🤍 The groom was sharp as ever in a tux from The Black Tux, and rings from Joel Singer Jewelry sealed the deal beautifully.

“Heirloom earrings passed down through her family. A detail like that says everything.”

The Celebration

Once the reception doors opened, the energy was electric. Velocity Band Chicago kept the dance floor packed all night long — because what's a wedding without a band that makes you forget your heels hurt? 💃

And for the late-night crowd? Portillo's made a very welcome appearance. Hot dogs and Italian beef at midnight is the most Chicago thing imaginable, and honestly — it's peak wedding perfection. I may have had two. 😅

Stationery by Minted Weddings tied every paper detail together beautifully, and the cake — handled in-house by the University Club — was as stunning as everything else.

The Venue

There are few venues in this city that command the presence the way the University Club of Chicago does. From its ornate Michigan Room to its cathedral-like ceilings, it is a space that makes every moment feel significant. For a couple with impeccable taste, it was the only choice.

And can we just take a moment to appreciate the history here? 🤍

The building was completed in 1909 and is arguably the first Gothic skyscraper in Chicago — designed by architect Martin Roche who completely shocked everyone when he showed up with Gothic Revival plans instead of the modern style everyone expected. The members were stunned. And then they said yes. Obviously.

The centerpiece Cathedral Hall was modeled after Crosby Hall in London and is adorned with stunning stained glass windows and seals representing Harvard, Yale, Princeton and other distinguished universities from around the world. You genuinely feel the weight of that history the moment you walk in.

It was also the first club in Chicago to voluntarily admit women. A trailblazer in every sense.

Throughout its history the University Club has welcomed luminaries including Tom Hanks, Nancy Pelosi, Renée Fleming and Pete Townshend to its halls. And now — the Kennedys. We think they fit right in. 🖤

This is not just a beautiful room. It is a piece of Chicago history. And getting to photograph a wedding here — every single time — feels like a privilege. Congratulations to the Kennedys — wishing you a lifetime full of love and late-night Portillo's runs.