Sparks Fly: Emily and Emily at The Adler Planetarium
With non-traditional bridal gowns and a guest dress code of all black-and-white, Emily and Emily’s Adler Planetarium wedding was a showstopper. “Aesthetically, it made for amazing photos and videos,” said the brides. “It was so much fun to see all of our loved ones participate with our request and dressed to the nines!”
The Couple
To address the obvious, both partners in this relationship are named Emily. Which has been equal parts fun and confusing, the women admit. Both Emily C and Emily B attended Loyola University Chicago, but that is not where they began their relationship. They met through mutual friends while on a trip to New Orleans. Fitting considering their shared love of travel! A friendship turned into a long-distance relationship as Emily C began a career as a travel nurse and Emily B was living in New York City. After a bit of cross-country courtship, the two made sure they ended up living in the same city together. And the rest is history!
Chicago Sets the Scene
The couple selected the Adler Planetarium in the heart of Chicago for a number of reasons. It was Chicago that brought them together, and they admit that they wouldn’t be who they are without Loyola and the city. These New Yorkers needed Chicago to be front and center for their big day! Besides that romantic reasoning, it was logistically perfect, considering Chicago is just about the halfway mark between their two families. Emily B was raised in Southern California while Emily C hails from Buffalo, NY – both with lively, large-knit families. They wanted to have a wedding that reflected the things they cherish most, including their loved ones, the city that bonded them, good food and drink and, of course, dancing.
Chicago was an obvious presence throughout the wedding. The skyline was the backdrop for the ceremony and Navy Pier fireworks were a special treat midway through the reception. With the city playing such a huge role in their overall theme, the couple chose to have understated florals. A variety of white flowers framed in greenery did the trick. When the city and venue are as bold as this, maximalist decor isn’t necessary.
The Venue
Besides the presence of Chicago in the Adler Planetarium’s environment, the venue felt representative of the couple. Self-confessed “big nerds,” the couple thought it was apt they get married at a museum. It was important to them that the Adler kept the museum open to their wedding guests so that they could explore during cocktail hour. After all, what’s a museum wedding without access to all its wonders?
While the reception space was enclosed in glass, guests had the option to step out onto the terrace for fresh air, the skyline views and the Navy Pier fireworks. Luckily, Chicago’s unpredictable August weather behaved and the day was as gorgeous and clear as they come.
The Festivities
Emily and Emily opted for a non-traditional cake – one made of cheese wheels from The Cheese Maven Chicago. For those with a sweet tooth, the brides provided a dessert bar filled with cake pops and macaroons. With dancing as a “must” for the festivities, MDM Entertainment played hits throughout the decades. Every single guest danced the night away! The reception really captured the spirit of the couple’s personalities, the love they have for their guests and the love they share for the city of Chicago. All of this made for a night they’ll never forget.
VENDORS
PHOTOGRAPHER Candice C. Cusic Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER Empyrean Arts
GETTING READY VENUE The Gwen
VENUE Adler Planetarium
FLORAL & DECOR MKuzma Designs
PLANNER Food For Thought
HAIR & MAKEUP Patty McGuire Hair & Makeup Artists
EMILY’S GOWN (GOLD) J Mendel
EMILY’S GOWN (PINK) Monique Lhuillier
JEWELRY Verstolo
STATIONERY Minted
CATERING Food for Thought
CHEESE WHEEL CAKE The Cheese Maven Chicago
DESSERTS Lady Bug by Annette
ENTERTAINMENT MDM Entertainment
