Blog

Samantha & Jason

March 9, 2022 by Chatham Station

Engaged in April, this couple was ready and excited to be married in October of 2021. Samantha and Jason are so incredibly sweet as a couple. The connection between the two was evident and we appreciated how careful they were with their vendors, guests and each other. We LOVED hosting their big day.

As Samantha was walking to her first look with Jason, she was beaming about how excited she was to see him, and what “a good one” he was.

The couple exchanged gifts prior to the first look. Jason wrote a sweet note that brought Samantha to tears. Samantha wrote Jason a letter, and gifted him a personalized map of the United States for them to track their travels together.

Bennett “Benny” – the couple’s dog – was part of the day, and he was able to sneak into some pictures before the ceremony. We love that he was included and brought an extra bit of joy with him.

Their wedding arbor was handmade by Jason’s father and once banked with flowers, it was a gorgeous and personal feature.

The Details

Pizza has always been involved in big moments of Samantha and Jason’s relationship, so it was important to include it on their wedding day. So, prior to the ceremony, Samantha surprised Jason with pizza for him and the wedding party to enjoy.

The wedding party was so fun and had great energy. Their photographer got wonderful shots around Chatham Station, near the tracks and beautiful images of the party after the wedding.

Samantha and Jason made it a priority to walk around the room at their reception and have personal conversations throughout the night. They also still had time to make dancing a priority and have a great time! The couple danced to “One of the Good Ones” by Gabby Barrett for their first dance.

The florals were white with touches of blue. Other elegant details included floating candle centerpieces and lantern centerpieces on the cocktail tables.

At the end of the ceremony the couple had a bubble send off.

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

Hair and Makeup: Boho Beauty & Co
Photography: Alyssa Kueppers Photography
Videographer: Township 9 Productions
Officiant: Rev. Kori Robins
Rentals: CE Rentals
Florist: Preston Flowers
DJ: Royal Lewis Music Services
Caterer: Backyard Bistro
Bar: Happiest Hostess
Cake: Simply Cakes by Bianca
Planner: Paisley and Pearl

Cara & Matt

February 23, 2022 by Chatham Station

Cara and Matt tied the knot in 2020 with a simple ceremony in a pasture during the height of Covid. They pulled out all of the stops and held their second, more formal ceremony in May of 2021 on the patio at Chatham Station. Both UNC grads, they planned the wedding while Matt was in grad school and Cara was finishing up her undergrad degree. This couple is so sweet and we loved hosting them and their clans on a gorgeous spring day.

Cara and her bridesmaids got ready in our dressing suites and enjoyed a little time together that they couldn’t have during their first ceremony.

Faith is a big part of the lives of these two, so they chose to have moments where that was displayed or celebrated privately. One such moment was a “first touch” before they saw each other. Cara had a first look with her father instead, which was very sweet and private as well.

The Ceremony

Cara and Matt “renewed” their vows in front of their friends and family and afterwards, a praise band played following the ceremony, another touch showing their commitment to their faith. Matt has a big, welcoming personality and the couple were genuinely excited to walk down the aisle as husband and wife for a second time.

The Details

After the ceremony, they captured great shots around Cary with their photographer Sarah Reeves.

The Reception

The soft blues and golds they chose looked elegant and fresh and blended perfectly with the brick, wood and glass we have at Chatham. The whole venue looked amazing as guests flowed inside and out. From the donut wall they had instead of a wedding cake, to the blue plates of varying sizes, to the lounge area that replaced the ceremony seating, every corner of the place shined. Cara, Matt and their guests shined too. It was a wedding fit for a magazine shoot.

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

Planners: Something Fabulous
Catering: City BBQ
Desserts: Duck Donuts
Bartender: Johnnys Bartender Service
Rentals: CE Rental
Photographer: Sarah Reaves Photography
DJ: Willis J Entertainment
Florist: Dayspring Flowers
Hair and Makeup: The Makeup Addict

Michelle & Helen

February 9, 2022 by Chatham Station

The Couple

Our team at Chatham Station LOVED working with and hosting this beautiful couple for their wedding day. Both Michelle and Helen were so sweet, so considerate and absolutely present for every single one of their guests. One take away that we loved from watching these two: make an effort to include everyone in the day and really celebrate the sense of joy of togetherness on what is a pretty big milestone.

On this beautiful October day, the couple and their wedding party enjoyed lunch downtown as a group, and then came to Chatham Station to soak in all the views and wedding preparations. Everyone was so relaxed, choosing to hang out and take in the little moments before getting ready.

Later, even though the had seen each other for lunch, Michelle and Helen wanted to have a First Look in their wedding attire. Helen was dancing waiting for Michelle to arrive. It was the sweetest moment.

A First Look

The Ceremony

Theirs was a ceremony on the patio that was perfectly lit by the natural sunlight. Our beautiful herringbone backdrop was draped with linens and florals, and surrounded by their two closest friends, and watched by their nearest and dearest, they said “I Do.”

Helen walked down the aisle halfway and then waited for Michelle to join her and then walked down the aisle together to have a special moment as a couple.

As they exchanged vows, laughs and happy tears were shed.

The Details

Guest were treated to homemade favors from Michelle and Helen, who also decorated heart shaped sugar cookies and even little dog treats to go home for furry friends. The red, white and blue wedding colors were incorporated in decor, their attire, florals and throughout.

Each bride had white and red elements, but our favorite details were the Oxford brogues and wingtips each wore. They looked so happy – and so seriously cool – dancing at the reception!

The Party

Their reception really did feel like a party. They had a flowing indoor/outdoor cocktail hour with delicious hors d’oeuvres, and then opted for heavy appetizer stations instead of a traditional dinner or buffet. It was a perfect swap and guests were full, but not too full to dance. Guests were on the floor all night. The DJ – DJ Ones – joined in on the fun too, entering on roller skates, per the couples request! He danced with the brides and their guests, and it was wonderful.

Congratulations Michelle and Helen!! We already know that you’re going to have a fun marriage and life together, and we’re so happy for you.

The newlyweds and Chatham Station are happy to share the vendor list with you!

Catering: Unforgettable Food Affairs
Bartending Services: Celebration Sidekicks
Rentals: CE Rental
Photographer: Jen Hagan Photography
DJ: DJ Ones
Planner: Something Fabulous Weddings & Events

Chelsea & Josh

January 19, 2022 by Chatham Station

The Preparation

Chelsea and Josh were married in early October of 2021, in a simply gorgeous outdoor ceremony. The bride and her bridesmaids readied themselves at Chatham where they donned matching pajamas, drank champagne and did their own hair and makeup. Chelsea wore her hair in a traditional curled style, with jeweled bobby pins and finished with a veil. Her gown was stunning with a beautiful lace bodice, side cuts and pearl details. She had a full skirt with lovely lace floral details with a subtle touch of sparkles. She finished her attire with sparkly sandals.

First Looks

Chelsea chose to have a first look with her father, followed by one with her husband to be; BOTH were emotional. As mom and bridesmaids looked on, Chelsea greeted her dad through tears. Josh too was emotional, but Chelsea was more excited than anything. With their photographer, the couple was able to get some wonderful photos during this pre-ceremony time, as well.

The Ceremony

The patio was set up for Chelsea and Josh’s outdoor ceremony and we don’t remember it being this dreamy in recent days. It was transformed into a fairytale space with our market lights wrapped in greenery and skirting the aisle. The herringbone back drop was also covered in floral and greenery embellishments. The flower girls mimicked this look with lovely crowns made of greenery and baby’s breath. Once again, Josh was brought to tears while watching his almost wife make her way down the aisle to him.

The couple had a candle lighting ceremony that included both of their moms. Following the ceremony the couple took off to take some more couple photos and these two really did make this a priority in their timeline. Couples and planners, take note! There are some wonderful spots around Chatham Station for just this purpose.

The Reception & Party

Everything that was thoughtful and lovely about the ceremony was apparent in the elements for the reception. Chelsea chose all gold and white and the tables were set with elegant chargers and silverware. There was a variety of centerpieces, and the couple repurposed bridesmaid bouquets with greenery and floating candles. Other tables had lanterns with greenery including white, blush, and burgundy blooms with seeded eucalyptus.

The head table was stunning. Farm tables with a greenery and floral garland down the center with floating candles throughout. Each plate on the head table had cut out wooden names for their party to take home with them which was a nice touch.

The couple entered the reception with a tunnel made by their wedding party, and the party was on! They immediately went went straight into their first dances. It was clear that Chelsea and her dad are very close and have a good relationship – lots of laughs and smiles. Josh and his mom also performed a cute swing dance.

After dinner and toasts, Chelsea was welcomed into the Sharp Family with their tradition of circling the couple and singing “Chapel of Love.” The dancing just kept on through the night. Instead of the big booming exit with sparklers and fanfare, Chelsea and Josh opted to dance underneath the evening lights on the patio.

The newlyweds and Chatham Station are happy to share the vendors list!

Coordinator: Timeless Events
Catering: City BBQ
Photographer: Amy Allen Photography
Bakery: Once in a Blue Moon
Rentals: CE Rental
Florals: Teacup Floral
Videographer: Island Sound
Officiant: Church on Morgan
Transportation: Ecostyles
Hair and Makeup: Beauty Tribe
Bar: Brewmasters

Kelly & Grayson

January 5, 2022 by Valerie Leeper

The wedding of Kelly and Grayson had all of the fun and all of the tenderness that you hope is had on a wedding day. The couple, along with their parents and wedding party, were all in high spirits and the air was crackling with excitement.

A First Look

After getting ready with the help of her mom and bridesmaids, Kelly had a First Look with her father. It was impossible – based on the faces of bridesmaids, bride and Dad – to keep from tearing up. They shared a really special moment before he walked her down the aisle.

The Ceremony

The ceremony took place inside against the brick walls at Chatham and Kelly’s father built the arbor for them to stand in front of while saying their vows. Since Kelly and Grayson didn’t have their own First Look, they were visibly moved when they finally saw each other.

Not only was the wooden arbor with its cascading greenery and florals a family contribution, Kelly’s grandfather performed the ceremony.

The Details

Kelly’s tastes ran to elegant, clean and classic, so the details were sharp and chic. With the help of her wonderful vendors, she employed deep greens, along with ivory, gold and blush accents. Wood was another texture added to the atmosphere and it balanced out the florals, brick walls and soft lighting.

The couple had signature cocktails for guests to enjoy, one for Grayson and another for Kelly. They also set up a lovely seating chart table with tea light candles creating a heart shape. The beautiful large farm tables for reception seating were lined with gold sunburst chargers and plates marked with magnolia leaf place cards. Everything was charming and warm. Kelly and Grayson had a variety of mini bundt cakes in different flavors to share and they too added an old time, classic feel to the decor and the reception.

After the ceremony, Kelly and Grayson took some time with their photographer to grab gorgeous images of themselves and wedding party at the local cinema and mural near Chatham Station. Downtown Cary has lovely spots for capturing milestone moments and our couples try to take advantage of these on the day.

The Reception

Kelly had a first dance with her dad that also made Kelly emotional. Both Kelly and Grayson changed into comfortable shoes and they, along with all of their guests, kept the dance floor hopping until the very end. There was a late night Popcorn Bar – “You make our Heart Pop” from Carolina Popcorn Shoppe – and a final last slow dance before everyone left for an after party at a local spot.

The newlyweds and Chatham Station are happy to share the vendor list!
Catering: Unforgettable Food Affairs
Bar Service: Brewmasters
Photographer: Christina Sturgis Photography
Videographer: Emmaus with Silver Fox Productions
DJ: Star Struck Unlimited
Planner/Flowers: Sweet SaraBelle
Rentals: CE Rentals
Tent: Grand Rental Station
Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Gretchen & Chris

December 22, 2021 by Chatham Station

Another intimate, beautiful wedding during the height of Covid, Gretchen and Chris were wed in front of a small group of family and close friends. The wedding party was meaningful, with Gretchen’s sister Jill and Chris’s best friend Sam both standing up for them.

Gretchen got ready with her mom and sister at Chatham and they enjoyed the beautiful weather and natural light coming in as they had their hair and make up done. Gretchen’s gown was a stunner, made of sleek satin with delicate straps and buttons going down the entire train. She also had a beautiful diamond hair clip that attached her veil.

In lieu of a First Look, Gretchen and Chris had a first touch using a door to separate them. It was such a sweet moment between the two.

The Ceremony

The couple said their vows out on our patio, with the beautiful herringbone arbor as a backdrop. It was draped with greenery and florals, and the tents featured market lights giving the space a romantic feel. Guests were able to spread out and have plenty of personal space and fresh air to make everyone feel comfortable and safe. Everyone was masked and happy to see these two become one.

The Reception and Details

Gretchen had a sweet first dance with Chris, and a Father-Daughter dance, and the floor stayed packed despite the news of the world and the safety restrictions. Hand sanitizer was given to guests and there was plenty of space for twirling and dancing without everyone feeling too close. Everyone masked and got out on the floor.

The autumnal theme was harmonious perfection. Gretchen chose a palette of burgundy, yellow, orange, cream, white, and burnt rust. Her bridal bouquet and the florals included sunflowers as the center focus (a bright and hopeful burst during a rough year), as well as deep red and white roses and daises that were in arrangements and on the arbor. For centerpieces lanterns and pumpkins were filled with these beautiful blooms. Gourds, pumpkins with a mix of greenery flowed down the rectangular tables and were sent home with guests as favors. Finally, white butterflies were added to centerpieces to represent family members who had passed, including Chris’s mom.

It was a personal and beautiful wedding for Gretchen and Chris and we loved hosting the SMALL, tight-knit tribe who came to celebrate their BIG day. Congratulations on nearly one year of marriage, you two!

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

Planner: Paisley and Pearl Events
Hair and Makeup: Kathy with A Shear Perfection
Flowers: Flower Creations
Rentals: CE Rentals
Catering and Bar: Cannon Catering
Tent: Grand Rental Station
Venue: Chatham Station