Theatre on the Lake Wedding

Pulled this Theatre on the Lake Wedding from my archives, as it was a memorable day from my 2023 season. Rain made this day challenging for logistics, but it was a blast. If there is one piece of advice I give my couples about wedding day, it is to let go of what you cannot control. Leave everything else to the professionals. Grateful for couples who roll with the unpredictable, trust their vendor teams, and embrace a little rain on their wedding day.

wedding photos taken at the lincoln park conservatory

Rainy Wedding Day Tips

While the summer months are usually more predictable, spring and fall have becoming increasingly unpredictable in Chicago. It could be 80, it could be 30 and rainy. You never know. Below are some things I suggest having with you in case of inclement weather.

A Plan-B for any outdoor aspects of your day. Noting that you should ALWAYS have a plan B, regardless of the time of year you’re getting married.
Enough umbrellas for your wedding party (you can rent or purchase and customize them here!)
Shoes that aren’t heels for moving in between locations (if needed)
Full hair and makeup touch-up kits (or consider hiring your HMUA to come back for touch-ups)
Don’t panic. Rain will not ruin a wedding day unless you let it.

Wedding Details

Vibha and Rehan’s weekend started with a Mehndi that I was not present for; however, I was asked to photograph their lovely rehearsal dinner at Rooh (now known as ROOP) in the West Loop. The food at Rooh was absolutely incredible, highly recommend checking it out if you like Indian food! It is on the Michelin guide, and I will absolutely be bringing my husband there for a meal in 2025. Fun fact – some of the most memorable wedding meals I have had in the last 12 years have all been Indian food. Standard wedding food is so boring when you eat it 20+ times a year, so one of many reasons I love photographing Indian and multicultural weddings is for the food lol. The butter chicken and lamb shanks at Rooh were chef’s kiss.

indian wedding at roop restaurant in west loop, chicago

Theatre on the Lake

Theatre on the Lake is one of the very few lake front wedding venues in Chicago. It is located within walking distance from the Lincoln Park Zoo, and is a large venue that can host upwards of 1,500 guests. I enjoy this venue as it is another blank canvas venue in Chicago that allows you to make it your own. You can add draping, floral, furniture, etc. to completely transform the space. On Vibha and Rehan’s day, they used the space for a Baraat, ceremony and reception. Fortunately, the space is big enough to accommodate rainy day plans and has outdoor awnings that were able to cover the guests during the Baraat.

Vibha and Rehan’s wedding was beautiful from start to finish, and I truly enjoyed spending the weekend with their families. Truthfully, I also enjoy getting soaked in the rain photographing them. Scroll to see some of my favorites from their Theatre on the Lake Wedding day.