Early Summer Wedding at Adler Planetarium

Not many places in Chicago can have skyline views, golden hour, and a beautiful dinner scene all in one place, but the Adler Planetarium is one of them. For Katelyn and Eric, it was the perfect setting for an early summer Chicago wedding that brought their favorite people together in one of their favorite cities.

Katelyn is originally from Long Island, and Eric is from Las Vegas. They met and fell in love while attending medical school, but Chicago had already become a favorite getaway spot for the two of them. So when it came time to decide where they wanted to celebrate their wedding, they both knew Chicago was the perfect place to bring their family and friends together. And if you are going to get married in Chicago, why not choose an iconic venue that shows off the city at its best?!

We started the day at the Fairmont Chicago, right in the heart of Millennium Park, where Katelyn and Eric got ready. Having a beautiful downtown hotel as the starting point for the day meant we were surrounded by classic Chicago architecture and gorgeous city views from the very beginning.

From there, we headed to the Federal Building Columns for Katelyn and Eric’s first look. The grand columns created such a timeless backdrop for their first moments together before we explored the surrounding area for a few portraits.

Next, we made our way to the Art Institute of Chicago South Garden for wedding party and family portraits. The gardens offer another beautiful side of the city, with elegant landscaping and classic architecture that worked perfectly with Katelyn and Eric’s colorful wedding day style. And then it was time for the Adler Planetarium!

Adler Planetarium Wedding

Their sunset ceremony at the Adler Planetarium was everything you could hope for from a Chicago wedding. With the city skyline behind them and the evening light setting over Lake Michigan, it was one of those settings that reminds you exactly why Chicago is such a special place to photograph weddings!

The Adler Planetarium is such an incredible Chicago wedding venue because the views are truly part of the experience. From the lake and skyline during cocktail hour to the warm glow of sunset, guests were able to enjoy some of the very best scenery Chicago has to offer while celebrating Katelyn and Eric.

I also loved the colorful palette Katelyn put together for the day. Everything felt bright, joyful, and full of personality, right down to the cutest little details. It was such a fun contrast to the classic architecture and neutral tones throughout their Chicago wedding locations.

When it came time for the reception, the celebration really came to life! Guests gathered around the dance floor for Katelyn and Eric’s entrance as husband and wife, and a saxophone player met them on the dance floor to kick off the party. The two of them started dancing, and before long, all of their guests were joining in. It was the kind of entrance that immediately set the tone for the rest of the evening.

After dinner, they added another incredibly personal touch to the reception. Each of their aunts and uncles was given a minute on the dance floor to dance to their own wedding song. It was such a sweet way to honor the generations and relationships that helped shape Katelyn and Eric’s story, and it gave everyone another reason to celebrate together.

A True Celebration of Chicago

From the Fairmont Chicago to the Federal Building Columns, the Art Institute South Garden, and finally the Adler Planetarium, their wedding day was a true celebration of Chicago. Every location offered something different, but together they created a wedding gallery that feels timeless, colorful, and completely their own.

Katelyn and Eric may have come from opposite sides of the country, but Chicago has become a special place for them. Choosing the Adler Planetarium for their wedding gave them exactly what they were hoping for: an iconic Chicago setting where their family and friends could gather, celebrate, and experience a little bit of the city they both love.

What a beautiful way to celebrate becoming husband and wife! Congratulations again, Katelyn and Eric!

VENDOR TEAM CREDIT | Venue: Adler Planetarium | Planner: Five Grain Events | Florals: Flowers for Dreams | Photographer: Kim Ritchie Photography | Hair & Makeup: Elana Darrus Makeup & Hair | Getting Ready: Fairmount Chicago | Event Production: MDM Entertainment | Saxophone: Jeffrey Stevenson | DJ: Clik Entertainment | Bride’s Gown: Allure Bridals at Lace Bridal Couture | Bride’s Veil: Bellissima Veils & Headpieces | Bridesmaids: Birdy Grey, Azazie, & Revelry | Tuxes: Friar Tux | Hospitality & Catering: Food For Thought | Stationery: Minted | Transportation: Midwest Transit System

Kim Ritchie Photography is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Chicagoland, specializing in weddings, seniors, and corporate headshots captured in a timeless style. Want to work together? Reach out here and follow along on social to see what’s happening behind the scenes!

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