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Molly & Brian’s Elegant Southern Wedding

September 1, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

What do you get when you combine an outgoing nurse and reserved nuclear scientist? Newlyweds. And you also get a wedding that feels like like a throwback to Southern gentility but with easy and modern touches. Molly – the outgoing bride – planned a wedding for 170+ guests that was both elegant and casual. In fact, the day felt more like a large family reunion than a party. The personal touches and Southern charm were everywhere.

Pre-Wedding Moments

For this autumn wedding, this couple had the weather gods on their side. Molly and her helpers, all of whom wore monogrammed lavender shirts, readied themselves in one of our dressing suites. Her attendants and friends spanned the generations and all had fun surrounding and assisting the bride-to-be.

Brian and his groomsmen relaxed and enjoyed a beer while waiting for the groom’s First Look at Molly before the ceremony.

The couple’s First Look moment was idyllic and incredibly touching. They chose the lush green gardens at the nearby Page-Walker Hotel.

The Ceremony

Molly and Brian were one of the first couples to use Chatham Station’s herringbone backdrop for their patio ceremony. It was expertly decorated by Lilac Floral Decor and hooded with greenery, individually suspended flowers and a hand-held fan that has sentimental value and is a nod to old Southern charm and Molly’s desire for elegant simplicity.

Pinks, purples and shades of lilac could be found in the bridesmaids gowns, the bouquets and in floral arrangements throughout the space. Guest were invited onto the patio and to their seats by a lovely hand-made wooden sign. Greenery and lanterns marked the aisle.

The Details

Molly’s commitment to simple elegance extended to most of the elements of that day: the lace, the hand-held fan, framed photos and even signature hangers for her attendants. Guests were greeted with a table where there was a list of fun facts about the couple and a place to leave advice for the newlyweds.

Molly’s gown was also a triumph of pure elegant simplicity. Creamy white with a high satin waistline embellished with minimal fabric flowers and beading, she looked regal and happy.

The Reception

The colors seen in bouquets and dresses were also reflected in linens at the reception. Some linens had delicate lace overlays, which complemented the lace flowers on Molly’s dress.

Throughout the toasts, dancing, desserts and conversation, everything was casual and thoughtful. Guests mingled inside and on the patio, chatted, played cornhole and surrounded the couple with love and best wishes.

We loved hosting this special day for this wonderful local couple and wish them many, many years of happiness.

The newlyweds and Chatham Station are happy to share the vendor list:

Catering: City BBQ
Bar Services: Brewmasters
Photographer: Rose Trail Images
DJ/ Band/ Music: Island Sound
Florist: Lilac Floral Decor
Rentals: CE Rentals
Cake: Once in a Blue Moon Bakery
Wedding Day Hair & Makeup: Made Beautiful by Roya
Wedding Coordination: Sweet SaraBelle Weddings
Venue: Chatham Station

Heather & Caleb Make a Bright Choice

August 18, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

When Heather and Caleb toured Chatham Station in mid-spring of 2019, their plan was to get married in June of 2020. We all agreed it would be a beautiful occasion for Cary native Heather and her groom-to-be Caleb, who serves in the military.

The Couple

The couple soon after found out that Caleb would be deployed and in a bold move, decided to move their wedding date up to August of 2019. Considering the state of affairs in June of 2020, they are probably feeling pretty smart right about now. Of course, with the help of favorite local vendors Heather chose, like Brides and Bouquets and the venerable Once in a Blue Moon bakery, we were all able to make it happen.

Pre-Ceremony

Both Heather and Caleb dressed at Chatham in our dressing suites, with the mothers helping out with details and special moments. The bride had a first look with her father and bridesmaids before being escorted down the aisle. Everyone was beaming on what turned out to be a gorgeous late summer day in Cary.

The Ceremony

Guests walked up the patio and entered through one of our large bay doors to access the ceremony site. The vows were spoken in front of a white arbor that complemented the natural tones of the space and embellished with asymmetrical floral sprays in gentle hues. The bride chose striking flowers, such as anemones, hydrangeas, and various types of roses that were both traditional and understated.

Next to the bridesmaids gowns in a deep blue, everything looked elegant and was well-planned and the prevailing mood of the room was soft and ethereal.

After the I Dos, as guests mingled before the reception, the newlyweds sneaked off for photos at the nearby Page-Walker Hotel and a local fountain that was lit in a beautiful shade of purple.

The Reception & Details

The details of the reception were as thoughtful, elegant and clever as the couple. Each guest table featured a special photograph of the couple and all were adorned with a mixture of white lanterns, floral arrangements, gold accents and blue napkins that matched the wedding party’s attire. Other glassware and fabrics were in subdued tones of blue, lavender and cream.

The cake was a traditional tiered affair with buttercream frosting and after the couple was introduced and toasted, they danced in the idyllic summer evening light.

They couple moved out west to prepare for Caleb’s deployment and, we are happy to share, are expecting their first child. Congratulations and cheers to Heather and Caleb.

Chatham Station and the newlyweds are happy to share their vendor list with you.

Wedding Planner: Paisley and Pearl
Photographer: Jen Hagan Photography
Decor: Greenhouse Picker Sisters
Officiant: Reverend Carl Frazier
Florist: The Flower Girl, Rachel Schmoldt
Musician for Ceremony: Patti Cook
Reception Music: Willis J. Entertainment
Linens: CE Rentals
Catering: City BBQ
Bar: Brewmasters
Wedding Cake: Once in a Blue Moon
Venue: Chatham Station

Amanda & Max Make “Minimal” Gorgeous

August 5, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

“Love in the time of COVID” has become a meme, and sadly a refrain during the spring and summer wedding season. For Amanda and Max, their June 2020 wedding plan involved making some editing and moving forward – together.

Originally, the couple hoped to include 100 of their favorite people as part of their big summer wedding party, but when the pandemic brought us all to a halt, and an effort to reschedule in August also fell through, they reframed their goal and made it happen.

Pre-Wedding Moments

Both bride and groom added some finishing touches in our dressing suites and then the bride shared a first look with her father before he escorted her down the aisle to Max.

The Ceremony

In order to stay in compliance with state regulations and health guidelines, Amanda and Max reduced their wedding party to one attendant each and kept the guest list to a minimum. They had a moving sand ceremony to signify their union. The result was intimate, sweet and without the noise and chaos that can come with a larger event. With the help of their vendors, there was an enormous amount of beauty in just 90 minutes.

Details

These two looked amazing, with Amanda in a minimal, form-fitted and stunning gown and all white floral bouquet, and Max in an elegant navy suit. The backdrop for their vows, and the aisles, held small simple bunches of rich greenery. The result was sophisticated and elegant.

Wedding photographer Brittany Cruse worked absolute magic at the venue, using furniture and positioning the couple with care and creativity.

The Future

Happily, scaling back did not mean cancelling, and we are thrilled to say that Chatham Station will be the venue for a party in June of 2021 to celebrate Amanda and Max’s first wedding anniversary. Congratulations to you both!

The Vendors

The newlyweds and Chatham Station are happy to share the day’s vendors with you!

Venue: Chatham Station Venue
Wedding Planner: Paisley and Pearl Events
Photographer: Brittany Cruse
Officiant: Ann McKenzie
Florist: Sweet Love Blossoms
Hair and Makeup: Silver Ceiling Beauty

Latisha & Patrick’s Spring Wedding

July 22, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

These two were married in March of 2020, just before we all realized the extent to which Covid-19 was going to change the trajectory of just about everything. Latisha and Patrick were concerned of course about their guests and their plans, but because they selected a significant date for their wedding day they wanted to proceed. The solution was to have their event scaled back, with fewer guests and only at Chatham Station. Along with their amazing vendors, we all moved forward thoughtfully.

The Couple

This couple has been together for a long time and have two children. As Patrick is a DJ in the wedding industry, he and Latisha hand-picked the vendors and collaborators for their day, so theirs was a celebration thanks to pros from our industry. In fact, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the success of this wedding was due entirely to the skill, flexibility, and incredible graciousness of the vendors.

Latisha decided to dress in one of our on-site dressing suites, while photographer Cara of F8 Studios worked her magic capturing details and moments. You would never know from the photos and details that this was not the larger scale wedding they’d planned. With only 90 minutes, Cara was masterful at also gathering and grouping the couple, the family and some sweet moments both in and outside.

Latisha’s gown was epic, with beads and an elaborate ruffled train. Her bridesmaids’ dresses were a deep blush, and they carried complementing bouquets. Groomsmen wore dark gray suits that coordinated with Patrick’s attire.

The Ceremony

With a compressed schedule, Latisha and Patrick said their vows at Chatham Station in a South-facing ceremony. The custom, in-house backdrop we provided was laden with ferns and the aisle lined with bouquets of pastel florals and lanterns provided by the couple’s planner Diane of Bustled Events. Latisha was escorted by her extremely proud father where she was awaited by Patrick and the couple’s children, acting as ring-bearer and flower girl.

The Details

The music for their ceremony was provided by on-site DJ Nyce Danger and Bustled Events spared no attention to detail, providing a linen draped table so that the couple could have a sand ceremony.

The Vendors

The newlyweds and Chatham Station are happy to share the day’s vendors with you!

Venue: Chatham Station
Photographer: F8 Photo Studios
Coordinator: Diane with Bustled Events
Florist: Family Friend
Rentals: CE Rental
DJ: Nyce Danger
Dessert: Publix

Open House at Chatham Station

April 15, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

On February 23rd of this year, before Covid-19 shifted our focus, our feelings and our futures (at least for now), Chatham Station held an Open House to introduce the wedding season and re-envision the options. It was a terrific success, thanks to our vendors and the imaginations, shared experience and the team at Premier Party Planners. These ladies are formidable in their knowledge and creativity, and they are a LOT of fun.

The Powerhouse Team of Premier Party Planners
L-R: Tara Ruffier, Nicole Condor, Anna Estorge

The Plan

In conversations with Premier’s Nicole, Tara and Anna, we determined that rather than italicize the current trends of blush tones, muted colors and textures and warm metals, we would go more traditional. The goal: showcase inside something you might see 30 years ago and 30 years from now.

The Premier team chose classic blue and white tablecloths with silver flatware and tinted blue glasses. Tables featured blue and white filigree plates with bird accents and delicate floral arrangements and floating candles. The entire palette was crisp, tailored and clean.

Hand-lettered name tiles by Letter Me Lovely

The Details

Letter Me Lovely created name plates for the tables and graced our space with an assortment of hand-lettered and beautifully designed informational signs that could be found throughout the Open House.

Chatham Station Owner Todd Mozingo with Premier’s Anna Estorge

Lilac Floral Decor created the floral arrangements throughout and worked with the Premier’s team on not only high and low settings, but a striking hoop for the outdoor space. Silver metallic and other details were used among the organic elements, including candelabras with floral bases, blue hydrangeas, white roses and delicate white carnations. Lilac Floral also installed a ceiling trellis adorned with delicate blue and white flowers that were chosen to accent the table decor.

Premier Party Planners also created a separate outdoor space, using warmer soft colors to line the aisle, white chairs facing the hoop that anchored the ceremony space and low centerpieces on tables. All were a lovely contrast to the cool blue, white and silver colors and arrangements indoors.

On the day, we received more than 150 guests who were greeted with complimentary beverages courtesy of Artful Libations. The fun and dynamic Jennifer and James served up cocktails and mocktails while DJ Ones served up contemporary and retro beats. Open Houses should be parties, and we’re happy to say that this one was.

City BBQ provided a complimentary – and tasty – buffet for the guests and Buzzy Bakes served up the dessert of cupcakes and hot coffee, perfect for a February afternoon. The space came alive with the dynamic personality and music of DJ Ones.

Mina Von Feilitzsch Photography mingled with guests while capturing photos of the other vendors present. We also loved having JHagan Photography and Wedding Officiant Ann McKenzie in attendance to get to know guests and provide perspective and ideas. Other vendors included purveyors of custom wedding gifts, wedding attire, florals and videography and we loved having everyone’s experience and particular brand of energy and fun present.

The Vendors

Perfect weather, skilled planning, collaboration and superb, sunny weather made the day memorable. Our deepest thanks to both the vendors and all of the attendees. We look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Sponsoring Vendors

Venue: Chatham Station
Design and Coordination: Premier Party Planners
Photographer of Event: Mina von Feilitzsch
Hand-Lettering: Letter Me Lovely
Bartending: Artful Libations
Floral Design of Venue: Lilac Floral Decor
Desserts: Buzzy Bakes
Music: DJ Ones
Catering: City BBQ
Tableware: CE Rental
Hair and Makeup Demonstrations: Wedded Kiss

Participating Vendors

Florals: Serendipity Designs
Photography: J Hagan Photography
Wedding Gifts: Poppy & Co.
Officiant : Joy-Filled Ceremonies
Wedding Attire: Uniquely U
Wedding Attire: Channy Bridal and Beyond
Videographer: Jon Warlick Media

Bailey and Andrew’s Winter Beginning

April 1, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

In December of 2019, Bailey and Andrew said their vows at Chatham Station in a winter-themed ceremony that was as crisp and elegant as the season.

The Ceremony

On this warm December day, friends and relatives of the couple gathered to watch them celebrate a new beginning in a singularly modern-meets-traditional way. Guest entered through the courtyard and then one of our bay doors to sit facing an array of live Frasier firs and beautifully coordinated elements. Evergreen clippings and candlelight lined the aisle and Bailey’s bridesmaids wore deep evergreen gowns with fur stoles while the groomsmen wore steel grey suits with blush ties.

Bailey, who was visibly moved during the procession and ceremony, was the perfect winter bride, wearing a traditional ivory lace gown and veil. She carried a voluminous bouquet of large roses, diverse evergreens, berries and pine cones to complement the decor. The colors and textures of the wedding party were amazing.

The Reception

Bailey and Andrew’s reception choices of decor were clean, wintery and warm, as well. Sheer curtains were hung to create an ethereal vibe. Tables showcasing lacy blush chargers and napkins, centerpieces in varying heights, clusters of candles, birch limbs, gold, white, evergreen, ivory and shades of grey were present throughout. The color palette was consistent across elements, fabrics, florals and decor, and the result was stunning.

Thanks to the weather we enjoy in the South, even during the December holidays, the couple was able to have an outdoor cocktail hour. The sofas, pillows, chairs and other elements – like the welcome sign above – were on point.

The Couple

This really is a new beginning for the pair. Bailey and Andrew are recent college graduates, he in finance and she in athletics, and the pair were loyal in their vendor choices. They hired several based on long-standing relationships, something we admire in any couple.

Finally, we really loved their First Look moment, which took place in front of Christmas-decorated storefronts in downtown Cary. It was sweet, simple and elegant.

Congratulations to you Bailey and Andrew! Here’s to more warm days and lots of happiness in the years to come.

The newlyweds and Chatham Station are happy to share the day’s vendors with you!

Photographer: Morgan Caddell
Coordinator: Shawn Schindler Events
Florist: Specialties Events
Catering: Catering by Design
Rentals: CE Rental
Unique Rentals: Greenhouse Picker Sisters
DJ: DJ Ryan The DJ
Hair and Makeup: Wedded Kiss
Dessert: Once in a Blue Moon Bakery
Custom Signage: Meriweather Designs
Venue: Chatham Station