Kayla & Mike’s Summer Splendor Wedding at Adler Planetarium

Kayla and Mike’s July wedding was a radiant celebration of summer, style and Chicago’s unmistakable charm. Set against the striking architecture of the Adler Planetarium, the couple blended vibrant, sun-drenched florals with sleek, modern design. From wicker lanterns casting a warm glow over the reception to a dazzling Navy Pier fireworks finale, every detail reflected their vision of summer splendor in the heart of Chicago.

The path to their wedding day began not in Chicago, but in the most romantic city in the world: Paris. On a week-long vacation, Mike orchestrated a dreamy rooftop proposal on the fifth day of their trip. After navigating unexpected weather delays and rescheduling the proposal moment with a photographer and cellist, Mike’s plan eventually came together perfectly. A sunset ride in a vintage Rolls Royce set the stage for a proposal on the rooftop of The Peninsula Hotel in Paris, with the City of Light glowing all around them. Kayla, caught in the magic of the moment, jokingly asked, “Are you sure?” before saying yes. “Mike technically said yes first!” she laughed.

Though they now call Northwest Indiana home, Kayla always dreamed of a Chicago wedding. “I lived in Chicago before meeting my husband, and I’ve wanted a wedding in the city ever since,” she shared. So, with many guests traveling from out of town, Kayla and Mike chose the Adler Planetarium to highlight the best of Chicago. The venue’s panoramic views of the skyline and the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan created an awe-inspiring backdrop. Plus, the planetarium’s distinctive elements, like its floating planet installations, added a unique touch that guests couldn’t stop raving about.

For the design, Kayla envisioned a wedding that celebrated summer’s vibrant warmth while complementing the sleek, structural beauty of the planetarium. “I wanted lush florals in creams and whites, with shades of pink, orange, red, and yellow to bring a summery, soft look to the very structural building,” she shared. Inspired by the earthy tones of a terracotta pot but avoiding autumnal hues, she worked closely with Avant Gardenia to bring her vision to life.

The result was a striking juxtaposition of vibrant florals against the linear, glass-heavy architecture of the planetarium. One standout feature was the hanging wicker lantern installation in the reception space. “We were on the fence about it, but I’m so glad we included it. Those lanterns were the statement piece that truly transformed the venue,” Kayla said.

As the evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks show over Navy Pier, Kayla and Mike soaked in the magic of the moment — a perfect finale to a day that blended their love for each other with Chicago’s summer charm. From lush florals to iconic skyline views, every detail created an unforgettable experience for their guests and themselves.