What motivated you to start your business?
The Drake Oak Brook, Autograph Collection’s owners, Jim & Tely Nagle, wanted to bring the iconic property back to life in all of its grandeur. A former key factory, the hotel was originally commissioned as an extension of the famous The Drake Hotel in 1962 and became a secluded escape away from the city for decade-defining celebrities and dignitaries such as Frank Sinatra and his “Rat Pack” to Prince Charles and Arnold Palmer.
Today, the English-style estate boasts the same inviting atmosphere and timeless European ambiance across every detail including fine dining at the historic Colonial Room, traditional high tea program, Polo Lounge, an old-world lobby bar with an extensive wine menu and scotch selection; over 34,000 square feet of outdoor grounds made up of luscious gardens, a veranda, patio area, dual waterfalls and a gazebo; and Grand Ballroom. Continuing the hotel’s legacy of sophisticated gatherings along with nods to its storied history are also carried through to our modern additions from the new Aroma de Café Coffee Lounge and Wine Bar to our interactive catering stations and upcoming pool.
Tell us what makes your business different from other wedding companies?
Every detail of The Drake Oak Brook is centered around the experience of our brides. We pride ourselves in extending exceptional service as well as an abundance of beautiful outdoor spaces that create the perfect back drop for pictures, while the inside delivers the charm and elegance of modern meets history.
What is your favorite trend for weddings currently?
Today’s couples are always looking for immersive catering options and new ways to display their selection. This gives us so many creative ways to offer different culinary experiences on their big day that’s really customized to whatever the couple is craving from favorite snacks to interactive desserts. We’re known for our elevated Tapas, Churro and Bruschetta bars.
What sets your brand or business apart?
We’re known for hosting generational weddings across the same exquisite gardens frequently strolled by Sinatra himself—the most-played wedding day artist and iconic romantic artist of all time. In addition to having the only 10-acre gardens in the city, we offer other truly distinctive spaces and experiences including a whimsical Flower Room glass terrace bursting with 18,000 lbs of colorful flowers cascading across the ceiling and hand-blown by the hotel’s owner.
For rehearsal dinners, our private Sinatra Room is a cozy and immersive venue with a private bar, dark interiors and a retro phonebooth as a quirky nod to the superstar. At Aroma de Café, bridal parties can enjoy private wine tasting surrounded by original art by Salvador Dalí, Takashi Murakami and more. For further bonding before the wedding, parties can take a private “Be a Barista" class to learn the art of coffee foam and compete for the best design.
Do you do anything that is signature to your brand?
Along with a personal note to the bride ahead of the wedding, our General Manager gifts each couple with a signature seasonal hand-blown glass ornament upon arrival to the hotel. This has become a special tradition that’s cherished amongst families with multiple generations of couples that have been married at The Drake Oak Brook.
What big news do you want to share?
Our lush outdoor gardens will soon become even more enchanted with the addition of a hidden staircase behind a flowing waterfall where visitor’s will find several large seating rocks and sculptures. We are also very excited to announce the upcoming addition of an outdoor pool and accompanying cabanas. Both of these will make our outdoor areas even more welcoming during the spring and summer seasons, further making the hotel a treasured leisure escape outside of the city.
2301 York Road
Oak Brook, 60523-2332
Phone: 630-571-0000
Photography by:
