If you know Event Shoppe, you know we love a Chicago wedding. But an Adler Planetarium wedding with a lakeside ceremony? That’s about as good as it gets.

Holly and Christian had a short wishlist for their wedding day. They wanted to get married outside (ideally with an incredible view), enjoy great food, and celebrate with their favorite people. Booking Adler, with its waterfront location and iconic views of the Chicago skyline, was a no-brainer. Food For Thought, Adler’s exclusive catering partner, delivered on the food front with a varied menu inspired by Holly’s Chinese heritage and Christian’s Mexican heritage.

The fun began with Event Shoppe and our Wedding Coordination package. Holly and Christian had already done the planning—they simply needed someone to manage vendor communication while they focused on med school and to execute every detail flawlessly so they could show up, be present, and soak it all in.

Our team relished being part of this day, which was so gorgeous it landed in Style Me Pretty. Today, we’re sharing what made it special, along with some of Lexi Benjamin's stunning captures.

Wedding flatlay with black and white stationery, vintage stamps, and Chinese fans

Bride getting ready for her Adler Planetarium wedding

Groom getting ready for his Adler Planetarium wedding

Lexi Benjamin - Chicago Wedding Photographer

Bride holding a white wedding bouquet with ranunculus, sweet peas, and peonies

Outdoor Ceremony Overlooking the Chicago Lakeshore

It’s difficult to say what we love most about an Adler Planetarium wedding, but the outdoor ceremony space is certainly a contender. Featuring one of the most coveted views in Chicago, it sets the stage for an unforgettable vow exchange, and Holly and Christian’s was exactly that.

A dramatic entrance down the planetarium steps and toward the water’s edge. Soft harp music, its notes carried across the lake on a gentle breeze. A Chinese wine-sharing ceremony symbolizing a lifetime together. Every element of the ceremony was thoughtfully chosen. Not rote repetition or a tired parade of traditions, but a meaningful reflection of Holly and Christian’s story. The ceremony was lovingly officiated by a mutual friend from the couple’s University of Chicago days.

Black and white bridal portraits in Downtown Chicago

Bridal portraits at the University of Chicago

Outdoor ceremony set-up overlooking the Chicago skyline at the Adler Planetarium

Harpist playing at an Adler Planetarium wedding

Bride walking down the aisle for her Adler Planetarium wedding

Bride and groom participating in a Chinese wine-sharing ceremony

Wedding vows overlooking the Chicago skyline at Adler Planetarium

Groom kissing bride after their Adler Planetarium wedding ceremony

An Adler Planetarium Wedding with Timeless Decor

Holly and Christian knew they wouldn’t need to do much to enhance Adler’s event space. The Solarium’s airy design and floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing sweeping lake and skyline views, speak for themselves.

To complement the space, they selected soft white linens and florals—simple yet intentional details that seemed to glow in the sunlight pouring through the glass. Greenery and touches of gold introduced subtle contrast, while a cake by Sugar Fixé Pâtisserie featured the Chinese symbol for double happiness.

Golden hour Chicago bridal portraits along Lake Michigan

Adler Planetarium wedding with white and gold decor

Chicago wedding cake by Sugar Fixe Patisserie with Chinese double happiness symbol

White flowers and greenery in a gold vase for a Chicago wedding

Guests at an Adler Planetarium wedding, balcony cocktail hour

Bride and groom in the Solarium at Adler Planetarium

Groom lifting bride for their first dance

Wedding reception at the Adler Planetarium

We’re so grateful that Holly and Christian trusted our team to manage their wedding day. Working at Adler is always a treat, and this celebration was no exception. For more Adler Planetarium wedding inspiration, take a look at Mark and Jeff’s moody, modern take on the space.

Whether you’re seeking Wedding Coordination services like Holly and Christian or want the immersive experience of Full-Service Planning, our team has your back. We’re here for the bold couples planning even bolder events: the ones blending two cultures into one unforgettable celebration, dreaming up designs Pinterest has never seen before, or leaving old traditions behind to create their own.

If that sounds like you, we’d love to connect and discuss how we can streamline the path to the Chicago wedding of your dreams. Say hi—let’s get this party started!