One of my favorite parts of this wedding wasn’t the skyline view or the iconic Honeycomb dome for their People’s Gas Pavilion wedding ceremony, though both were beautiful. It was watching two families celebrate traditions from different cultures in a way that felt completely natural. The Chinese tea ceremony created intimate moments with family before the reception, while the flower garland exchange reflected the bride’s Bangladeshi heritage. Together, those traditions made the day feel deeply personal.
Farzana and Zuyi met at the University of Illinois, where they both studied in the College of Engineering. That’s where their relationship started and where they realized how clearly they saw the best in each other. Years later, their People’s Gas Pavilion wedding in Chicago became a beautiful celebration of two cultures coming together as one new family.
Zuyi was born in China and Farzana in Bangladesh. While their day included plenty of Western elements for their People’s Gas Pavilion wedding ceremony, they made sure to weave in meaningful traditions from both of their backgrounds throughout. Weddings like this one are some of my favorites to photograph. They don’t just blend two heritages, they create something entirely new. And it was so wonderful to see both families fully embracing every part of the celebration.
A huge shoutout to Anna and Nancy at Aisle AI Weddings, who coordinated every detail and moving part of this multicultural wedding day.
Getting Ready at Hotel Lincoln
Farzana and Zuyi got ready at Hotel Lincoln, which sits right at the edge of Lincoln Park. From their hotel window, you could already see their ceremony venue, the People’s Gas Pavilion, locally nicknamed “the Honeycomb”, waiting for them across the park. It made the morning feel especially anticipatory.
Farzana’s dress was stunning, with delicate purple floral embroidery, and Zuyi looked sharp in a custom blue suit.
A First Look on the Rooftop
Before the ceremony, we did a first look on the rooftop of Hotel Lincoln, which gave us panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park, and the John Hancock. It was a quiet, private moment for just the two of them before the day kicked into high gear…exactly the kind of breath you want before a big celebration.
The People’s Gas Pavilion Wedding Ceremony
Everything was set for their outdoor People’s Gas Pavilion wedding ceremony. Guests were welcomed with ice-cold nonalcoholic cocktails from Abu Sauce and mingled before taking their seats under the dome.
The ceremony itself was deeply emotional for both families. Farzana and Zuyi exchanged thoughtful, personal words in front of their closest friends and family. Tears rolled down Zuyi’s face, and looking around, you could see plenty of guests quietly wiping their own tears away too. They closed the ceremony with a beautiful tradition of placing floral garlands around one another. A meaningful nod to their cultural heritage and a moment of pure joy after the weight of the vows.
Cocktail Hour and Portraits in Lincoln Park
After the ceremony, guests stayed under the People’s Gas Pavilion dome for cocktail hour, with the Chicago skyline in view and sandwiches and doughnuts from Do-Rite going around. While they mingled, we slipped away with the wedding party for a few creative portraits.
We took some shots on the bridge over the South Pond…a popular spot for Chicago wedding photos thanks to the postcard worthy skyline view.
These extended family members flew in from the other side of the world…through cancellations and delays. But they made it!
Then we continued to the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond, just the bride and groom this time. It’s a little nature oasis tucked right into the city, and we pulled a permit as required. The reward was a serene, natural backdrop that felt miles away from downtown.
A Traditional Chinese Wedding Attire Change
After portraits, Farzana and Zuyi returned to the hotel to change into traditional Chinese wedding attire. Their outfits were more intricate than most traditional Chinese wedding dresses I’ve photographed, and the change took some time. The couple made sure to have space in the timeline because it mattered, and it was worth every minute. The bridesmaids changed into new outfits as well.
A Chicago Restaurant Wedding at HaiSous
From there, we headed to Pilsen, the neighborhood just next to Chinatown, for the reception at HaiSous. Farzana and Zuyi rented out the entire restaurant for the evening, and we were treated to their Executive Chef, Thai Dang, preparing the wedding feast personally. HaiSous has been regularly featured in the Michelin Guide for Chicago and most recently nominated for a James Beard award, so guests were in for a truly special meal.
If you’ve ever considered a Chicago restaurant wedding, HaiSous is a beautiful example of how intimate and a unique dining experience add to the guest experience. The whole space had an energy to it.
When I arrived, the main dining room was already set, and the back room was prepared for their traditional Chinese tea ceremony, a way for Farzana and Zuyi to honor their parents and Zuyi’s grandmother. It was a quiet, yet meaningful moment of the day.
Lion Dance, Toasts, and Games
After the couple made their entrance, the Yu Lion Dance team performed for the guests. Because of the restaurant’s intimate size, everyone was right up close as the lions moved through the room! It was a fun, high-energy experience that the whole crowd loved.
The parents shared a few words of support during their toasts, followed by siblings and friends. Instead of a traditional dance floor, Farzana and Zuyi opted for an evening of trivia and games. Shout out to their DJ and emcee, Steve, who did a wonderful job keeping things moving.
The final game, drinking shots of various sauces, got a little intense, but the ladies pulled off the win in a close finish! They closed the night with a first dance, and naturally, that’s where everyone couldn’t help but join in.
Why the People’s Gas Pavilion Works for a Chicago Wedding
For couples considering a People’s Gas Pavilion wedding, this is one of the most unique outdoor ceremony venues in Chicago. The honeycomb dome is unmistakable, the Lincoln Park surroundings feel green and lush, and you have easy access to the South Pond and Lily Pond for portraits. Plus the convenience of Hotel Lincoln right across the street for getting ready. Pair it with a Chicago restaurant wedding reception in a neighborhood like Pilsen, and you’ve got a wedding day that feels both deeply personal and unmistakably Chicago.
If you’d like to see another People’s Gas Pavilion (Honeycomb) wedding, take a look at this wedding featuring a reception at North Pond.
Farzana and Zuyi, thank you for letting me be a part of this incredible day. Wishing you both a lifetime of seeing the best in each other.
Vendor Team
- Planner: Anna and Nancy at Aisle AI Weddings
- Ceremony Venue: People’s Gas Pavilion Wedding Venue
- Reception Venue: HaiSous
- Hotel: Hotel Lincoln
- Cake: Alliance Bakery
- Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Roop Vashi Artistry
- Bridesmaids’ Hair: Chicago Bridal Artists
- Bridesmaids’ Makeup: Windy City Glam
- Florals & Decor: Flowers by Stem
- Quartet: Innocenti Strings
- Lion Dancers: Yu’s Lion Dance
- Nonalcoholic Cocktails: Abu Sauce
- Cocktail Hour Bites: Do-Rite Donuts
- DJ: Steve from Virtuoso DJ Entertainment
- Photography: NAKAI Photography
Looking for a Chicago wedding photographer to document your own multicultural wedding or restaurant celebration? I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
