top of page
Mike Zabrin

The Drake Hotel Grand Ballroom wedding

This past August, we had the honor of performing for Catherine and Sam’s stunning wedding in the iconic Grand Ballroom at The Drake Hotel in Chicago. The evening was filled with love, elegance, and an unforgettable energy that carried throughout the day. With our seven-piece band at full power, the night was an incredible celebration that we were thrilled to be a part of.


Ceremony and Room Flip

The day began with a heartfelt ceremony in the Grand Ballroom, beautifully adorned with soft floral arrangements and chandeliers that set a romantic tone. After the ceremony, the room was transformed during the cocktail hour to create an inviting reception space, complete with a dance floor ready for an epic celebration. Leading up to their big day, our team worked seamlessly with the venue staff to ensure our setup was completed on time, blending into the schedule flawlessly.

Drake hotel chicago wedding
Breathtaking floral arch at the altar and gold Chiavari chairs lined up for guests, all beneath the grandeur of the room’s chandeliers. Photo: Ian Remple Photography
weddings at the drake hotel chicago
The transformed Grand Ballroom, featuring a spacious dance floor, luxurious chandeliers, and tables set with stunning floral centerpieces and glowing candles. Photo: Ian Remple Photography

The Band’s Setlist and Special Songs

Our seven-piece band brought the house down during the reception, playing everything from classic hits to the couple’s custom song requests. Catherine and Sam made use of our music planning app, which allowed them to connect their Spotify or Apple Music accounts and provide us with the exact versions of songs they wanted. This included not just their dancing selections but also music for key moments like the grand entrance, cake cutting, and even their ceremony. Having everything centralized in the app made planning fun and stress-free—way better than dealing with spreadsheets!

Every detail was thought through with the help of the app’s To-Do list, ensuring we had all the information we needed to prepare. It even allows couples to check off tasks once completed, so there’s never any confusion about what’s left to do.


One of the most memorable parts of the night was closing the evening with a live performance of "As The World Caves In" by Matt Maltese. It was a touching and emotional moment that perfectly encapsulated the day’s magic.


Venue and Décor Highlights

The Drake’s Grand Ballroom provided an unmatched backdrop for Catherine and Sam’s big day. From the towering floral arrangements at the ceremony to the elegant table settings at the reception, every detail was impeccable. The room’s timeless elegance and warm lighting made it a dream setting for both the ceremony and the lively dance party that followed.


Behind the Scenes

We’d like to give a huge shoutout to the incredible team at Olive Fine Weddings for their impeccable planning and coordination, as well as Ian Remple for capturing the day so beautifully in photos.

drake hotel grand ballroom
This photo showcases our seven-piece band mid-performance, with the energy and joy radiating from our talented singers and musicians. The stage is adorned with the Funktastic Productions logo, surrounded by elegant floral arrangements. Photo: Ian Remple Photography

Our Chicago Wedding Entertainment

Catherine and Sam’s wedding was a night to remember, and we were so grateful to be part of it. From their thoughtful song selections to the energy of the crowd, it was everything a celebration should be.

If you’re looking for the best Chicago wedding bands, a band for your wedding, or an unforgettable wedding band in Chicago, IL, Funktastic Productions is here to make your day extraordinary. Our seamless music planning app lets you plan every song with ease, whether it’s for the grand entrance, cake cutting, ceremony, or the ultimate dance party. If you’re dreaming of combining a DJ music band with live musicians, we’ve got you covered! Let us bring the magic to your big day!


bottom of page