A Chic, Modern Wedding at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, Illinois

Karen Tye (29 and a resident physician) and David Palm (28 and a consultant) planned a formal lakefront affair using navy and gold accents paired with the bride’s favorite color: sea green.

In lieu of petals, the flower girls carried wands down the aisle, while the ring bearers toted cheeky flags that read, “Hurry up, I want cake.” Vows were exchanged waterside against a scenic backdrop that included panoramas of the city skyline. “I wanted a venue with a view of the lake, and David wanted to get married outside,” Karen says. “The planetarium was the perfect combination of our two preferences.” 

Tiers of passion fruit, almond and chocolate cake were stacked and filled with a variety of flavors, from chocolate ganache to a mint-chocolate-chip buttercream.

Clusters of white orchids popped against metallic bridesmaid dresses and Karen’s own tulle sheath. Reception tables were named for cities the couple had ventured to together, including Cartagena, Colombia, and Prague. “The names were also a nod to the incredibly diverse backgrounds of our guests,” Karen says.

Signature cocktails included a vodka grapefruit concoction mixed with salted plum puree.