South Shore Cultural Center Wedding

Jen and Chris had a wonderful South Shore Cultural Center Wedding ceremony in the early  fall.

On wedding day I met Jen and the girls in the incredible room above the ceremony site.

I love that I live about a mile from the venue haha.

The old style wooden shelves and books were a stunning background for some candid photos as the girls prepared for the ceremony.

The huge windows flooded the room with natural light and Jen was simply glowing.

The ceremony hall was laid out with white chairs and like the room upstairs it was full of natural light from the huge windows. The floors and ceilings make this room incredibly photogenic.

The ceremony in the Solarium was very personal and included a lovely sand ceremony.

I simply loved Chris’s face as Jen walked down the aisle. I love to capture the grooms face when he first sees his bride. It is always a shot I aim for.

South Shore Cultural Center Formal Photos

We were fighting a very windy and chilly day, but we managed to get some formal photos in before we left for their reception at Thornton Distillery. Their reception deserves its own blog. There was a lovely tea ceremony, Chinese Dragon Dancing and so much fun dancing.

South Shore Cultural Center History

This grand Mediterranean-Revival building, once an exclusive country club for 70 years, was acquired by the Chicago Park District in 1975 and transformed into the South Shore Cultural Center. The center boasts stunning architectural features such as a solarium, ballroom, and the Paul Robeson Theater. Adorned with marble, wood paneling, chandeliers, and intricately detailed finishes, the interiors reflect the opulence and grandeur typical of early 20th-century luxury.

Spanning 70.84 acres, the grounds include a golf course, Chicago Police horse stables, a nature sanctuary, a butterfly garden, and a beach. The South Shore Cultural Center stands as a testament to the dedication of South Shore residents who, in the 1970s, fought a five-year battle to preserve the site.

Situated in the South Shore community, the South Shore Cultural Center, originally known as the South Shore Country Club, was established in 1905 and reconstructed in 1916. After its purchase by the Chicago Park District, a large-scale community-led campaign, supported by historic preservationists, ensured its restoration as a historic landmark. Recognized as a Chicago Landmark in 2004 and listed on the National Register in 1975, the center provides a picturesque setting reminiscent of a country club.

In addition to its historical and architectural significance, the center offers a variety of amenities including a formal dining hall and ample outdoor spaces for picnics and walks, most of which are available for rent. The South Shore Cultural Center serves not just as a preservation success but also as a vibrant hub for cultural and recreational activities.

 

Having a South Shore Cultural Center Wedding? Reach out to me.I would love to be your photographer.