Blog

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

Courtney & Jeff

December 8, 2021 by Chatham Station

Covid-19 may have created difficulties, but it was NOT going to keep Courtney and Jeff from saying “I Do” and beginning their lives together as husband and wife. So, they planned an intimate wedding with only 30 guests that was live-streamed to others unable to attend in person.

The Preparation

Jeff and his dapper groomsmen got ready and then stopped at the Sidebar for a drink and toast before heading over to Chatham. Courtney had help from her mom and while getting ready, she received a gift from Jeff and even delivered by him. It was a sweet note and a pair of gorgeous earrings. Since we were still quite in the middle of the pandemic, personalized masks were given out for guests to use, with Courtney and Jeff’s initials and wedding date.

Courtney’s dress was an off-the-shoulder gown with lace bodice and removable lace sleeves, and a full satin skirt that was spectacular when she spun around. Once completely dressed, she had a first look with her bridesmaids, then Jeff and her father. Jeff was visually moved when he saw her. His enormous smile turned to tears.

We have to mention this couple’s heavenly palette and atmospherics for the small wedding. Their colors were gray, sage, mint, gold, white, and pink and these worked harmoniously throughout – from decor to attire, from florals to linens. They had beautiful roses in pinks and whites with touches of greenery for table centerpieces and bouquets and the wedding party looked amazing.

The Ceremony

Courtney and Jeff were each escorted down the aisle by both of their parents, preceded by two sweet flower girls and a ring security agent who donned sunglasses and carried a briefcase. The ceremony was intimate and heartfelt, with the couple exchanging personal vows during the ceremony.

Courtney and Jeff looked so happy coming back down the aisle as husband and wife. The light came in through our bay doors, shining sun on the lanterns, floral arrangements and beautiful couple as they exited.

The Details & Reception

The newlyweds took a little time for themselves during a private cocktail hour that allowed them to breathe and soak in their new titles. These music lovers made it possible for everyone else to enjoy the relaxing vibe, too. The soft retro music created wonderful atmosphere.

Guest enjoyed a plated meal, followed by goodies from the S’mores Bar from City BBQ. Courtney sang a cappella with family members before cutting the cake, choosing “Good Day for Marrying You” to drive home the point! These two are fantastic dancers, so even with the major Covid restrictions, they managed to get everyone dancing.

Guests signed a globe for the guestbook, and there was a fun kids’ table set up with games and toys for younger attendees. Courtney also had fun favors, including personalized wine glasses which were set at each table along with personalized koozies.

At the end of the night they left the dance floor to “Last Dance” by Donna Sommer, and their sparkler send off was a perfect way to wrap the party! Congratulations Courtney and Jeff!

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

Wedding Planners: Premier Party Planners
Caterer: City BBQ
Cake: Once in a Blue Moon
Video Stream Service: LoveStream
Rentals: CE Rentals
DJ: Brandon with Bunn DJ
Photographer: Ligia Gathright Photography
Flowers: Bloominous
Bar: Brewmasters
Hair and Makeup: Kerrie Nicole Artistry
Transportation: Triangle Corp. Coach
Venue: Chatham Station

Chelsea & Matthew

November 24, 2021 by Chatham Station

Chelsea and Matt’s wedding was so incredibly fun and joyful and we are particularly excited becauce Chelsea is a new member of the Chatham Station team. We love having her detail-oriented mind and creativity on board! On her wedding day to Matt, she was a vision of exuberance, and these two successful adults had the best day of their lives!

The pair met in Asheville, after Chelsea came north from Florida, where she grew up. They’re now settled in Raleigh with their beloved miniature Dachshund Maggie and a rescue cat called Binx.

Preparations & Details

The entire wedding party got ready at The Mayton Inn. Chelsea wore a lacy, off-the-shoulder gown that was exquisite on her. Chelsea’s mom helped her put on extra special details including a dachshund pin (for Maggie) given to Chelsea by her new mother-in-law, and a decorated horseshoe that her mother wore at her own wedding. It meant so much to her to have these items with her when saying I Do. The bridesmaids wore beautiful blush velvet dresses, with fluttery sleeves and flowing skirts. Matt’s groomsmen and groomswoman wore navy.

Chelsea appreciates, and excels in, presentation, and as a “Day of” wedding planner, the details and results of her planning were evident throughout the wedding and reception. They focused on having fun, but most especially family, and there were many personal touches.

Chelsea and Matt chose navy and blush with touches of gold as their palette, but it was the florals that had everyone talking. Roses in varying shades of pink, with greenery and touches of blue thistles adorned both tall and short centerpieces. Their simple and elegant three tiered cake also had touches of greenery, and it was displayed on a stand with gold intertwining gold rings atop navy lace linen, making it really stand out.

The Ceremony

Matt walked down the aisle with his mom, and Chelsea was escorted her dad and stepdad. Both men have played such important roles in her life and she wanted them both by her side. It was extremely touching.

Chelsea’s step mom gave a reading for the ceremony, and we witnessed a lot of tears and laughter from everyone (including the bride and groom) when Chelsea and Matt read personal vows to one another. It was a lovely moment. Afterwards, everyone was ready to party. And they did!!

Guests found the seating chart on a boxwood champagne wall that said, “From this moment on.” It was a beautiful and functional backdrop.

Chelsea and Matt employed the Southern folklore tradition of burying bourbon on-site, prior to their big day to ward off rain. It must have helped, because the predicted 70% chance of rain turned to a mere sprinkle on the day. For the reception, we set up the patio with fun games to keep guests entertained during cocktail hour. Everyone enjoyed playing giant sized Connect Four, Jenga and of course, Cornhole.

Finally, at the end of the evening, these two were sent off into the married world with cheers, sparklers and smooches!

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

Cake: Once in a Blue Moon
Photographer: Megan Kerns Photography
DJ: DJ Ryan
Coordinator: Sarah Worstel with Forever and a Day
Rentals: CE Rental and Greenhouse Picker Sisters
Caterer: City BBQ
Bartender: Happiest Hostess
Florist: Lilac Floral Decor

Fernanda & Michael

November 10, 2021 by Chatham Station

This beautiful couple were married this summer at a church in Cary and held their reception at Chatham Station. It seems a little obvious to say that love is in the air at a wedding reception, but this particular wedding was teaming with it. Fernanda is from Brazil, and while not all of her family could make it due to Covid travel restrictions, her parents and a few members were in attendance.

Fernanda and Michael are so clearly in love and their families are thrilled that they found each other and have impacted each others lives already. The energy at this wedding was magic.

Fernanda wore a strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline, and a full flowing skirt with a jeweled belt that looked amazing on her! With her hair in a braided updo, she looked timeless and absolutely gorgeous. She floated around Chatham with such happiness.

Family is clearly important to both Fernanda and Michael and guests were treated to their story through the many speeches that guests made. Both the bride’s and groom’s fathers moved everyone with their toasts, and Fernanda’s father made sure he had a translator help him share his love for his daughter and excitement about her marriage.

When the couple and their guests weren’t dancing and mingling, Fernanda could be found on Facetime, showing her family back in Brazil parts of the reception and sharing laughs and details of the day.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and catering, followed by cake and a variety of clever and tasty mini desserts.

Not only was there plenty of dancing, including a conga line, but Fernanda and Michael provided a DIY photobooth area – set up at the herringbone wall and lounge set – that kept guests entertained with fun pictures.

The evening concluded with a sparkler exit and even the couple took part. Congratulations and all the best to you both!

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

Photography: Ligia Gathright
Planner: Dogwood Gatherings and Events
Bar: Artful Libations
DJ: Raleigh Wedding and Video
Rentals: CE Rental
Hair and Makeup: Elevated Beauty by Gabrielle DuVall
Desserts: Publix and ChocoWow
Caterer: Fords Fluent N’ Food
Venue: Chatham Station