Ali and Adam don’t have the usual wedding story. They had been engaged for years when they decided they were just ready to be married. So they put together a beautiful elopement with a church ceremony followed by a private dinner at Hotel Blackhawk. From the sweet surprises they arranged for each other to the quality time they spent together throughout the day, their elopement was exactly what they hoped for.

Getting Married at Hotel Blackhawk

Hotel Blackhawk is a gorgeous venue in Davenport, Iowa. It has an elegant aesthetic that feels timeless, not dated. This hotel has beautiful suites available, so you can hold your entire wedding day in one place. The blue, gold, and cream interiors balance sleek and inviting elements.

A few of the most beautiful areas in Hotel Blackhawk include

• The Lobby: This space is everything you’d hope for in a historic hotel. Imagine your first look at the foot of a marble staircase with Art Deco railings.
• The Gold Room: This ballroom has stunning architectural details. It’s ideal for large weddings. The towering ceilings and tall windows make it an ideal space for floral installations, too. 
• Bix Bistro: Hotel Blackhawk’s resident restaurant has a private dining room that you can rent for elopements and intimate weddings. It has a cozy, modern speakeasy atmosphere. 

If you’re considering holding your wedding at Hotel Blackhawk, here are some helpful logistics to consider.

• Average Cost: $11,000
• Capacity: 300 guests
• Venue Type: Indoor

Hotel Blackhawk has a long history in Davenport. It opened in 1915, which accounts for the Art Deco influence in the lobby. As a high-end hotel, it hosted a number of prestigious guests before falling into disrepair. In 2010, a St. Louis-based developer announced plans to renovate the hotel. They focused on updating the amenities without losing the Art Deco charm. Now Hotel Blackhawk is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection of hotels.

If you want to show your wedding guests the best of Davenport, Hotel Blackhawk’s location couldn’t be better. It’s within walking distance of the symphony, Figge Art Museum, riverside parks, and multiple theaters. There are so many beautiful places to take wedding party photos and portraits with your partner.

An Elopement Full of Sweet Surprises

Ali and Adam’s Hotel Blackhawk elopement was full of sweet surprises that showed just how intentional they are in their relationship. They started the day together in their hotel room. Before Ali put on her wedding dress, Adam headed down to the lobby. They found the perfect medium between a relaxed morning together and that heart-stopping first look moment. The lobby was the perfect place for a first look with its elegant marble and bright sunlight.

As a wedding present, Ali ordered Adam a specialty bottle of bourbon. She loved seeing the pure joy on his face when he opened the box. I could tell she’d put so much care into getting him something that would be really meaningful to him.

Adam had a surprise for Ali, too! He arranged to have a horsedrawn carriage ride from their church ceremony to their private dinner at Hotel Blackhawk. It brought a fairytale moment to their winter wedding. You can see in the pictures just how excited Ali was to see the horses waiting outside the church.

At Hotel Blackhawk, Ali and Adam had a private dinner following their ceremony. This gave them the chance to really relax and be themselves. They toasted to their marriage over an incredible meal and soaked in the glowy newly married feelings.

Wedding Photos as Natural as the Moment

Whenever I photograph a wedding, I want my clients to feel a sense of comfort and ease in front of the camera. That’s why most of my photos are candid. A more documentary approach lets you forget that I’m there so you can focus on being in the moment with your people. 

Ali and Adam’s wedding photos reflect that approach. You get a sense of authenticity. Most of the photos are unposed. Instead of stressing about photos, they enjoyed their time together. They trusted me to document the moments that mattered. 

Would you like me to document your wedding? I’m an Iowa wedding photographer. Along with my husband, Christian, we document meaningful moments with your favorite people. Inquire with me here! 

Thank you to the vendors who helped make this elopement so special.
Photography: Olivia Katherine Photography
Venue: Hotel Blackhawk