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Shirley & Benny

October 27, 2021 by Chatham Station

The wedding of Shirley and Benny is special to us. Yes, it gave us an opportunity to see a couple who had to delay their wedding due to Covid FINALLY get to say “I Do.” And yes, it was the joining of two amazing, warm and fun individuals (and these two are that and more!). It’s that this wedding gave us a new team member at Chatham Station.

Shirley also joined us as a venue manager earlier this year! We are thrilled to have her. But first – her wedding to Benny.

This bride looked absolutely spectacular in a lace dress, complete with a beautiful hairpiece and veil. The bridesmaids wore gauzy, pale mauve dresses paired with bouquets of roses, white blooms and greenery.

The couple chose not to have a first look, so that they would have the full experience of seeing each other at the ceremony. Shirley’s father walked her down the aisle, and seeing the smile on Benny’s face was worth it!

The Ceremony

The altar was decorated in simple elegant perfection. Shirley’s interest in the wedding planning process and execution, and her instinct for details grew as we planned her wedding, so it’s not hard to see why she’s making the career shift. She chose a simple bronze arbor that, when decorated with greenery and floral, became a complete show stopper. The addition of golden glass lanterns with candles flanking the aisle completed the look. It was gorgeous.

For the cocktail hour and reception, Shirley changed from her gown into a beautiful two-piece outfit with a lace top and flowing skirt. She looked fabulous, and she confessed it made it easier for her to move on the dance floor – another big plus.

The Reception & Details

The couple had a beautiful lounge set up on the patio for guests to enjoy during cocktail hour, but Shirley and Benny were excited to get the party started. The same thought and planning that went into the mood of the ceremony transferred to the reception. Their cake was a beautiful three tier affair, with golden accents and flowers. After dinner, the dancing started and … basically didn’t stop!

After a sparkler send off, what better getaway car than a Porsche convertible to whisk them off to a honeymoon in Greece. Welcome Shirley, and congratulations to you and Benny!

The newlyweds and Chatham Station are happy to share the vendor list!
Planner: The Gathering Co.
Catering: Unforgettable Food Affairs
Bar: Brewmasters Mobile
Photographer: Toujours Photo
DJ: Complete Wedding + Event (DJ DOC)
Rentals: American Party Rentals and Greenhouse Picker Sisters
Photo Booth: Zim Zoom LLC
Florist: Mood Fleuriste
Hair and Makeup: Gabrielle DuVall Elle Beaute Events
Videography: Ral Good Films

Ellyn & Joe

October 13, 2021 by Chatham Station

The Couple

Cary native, Ellyn married Joe in December 2020 in what was the sweetest ceremony. Since we had not yet begun to see the beginning of Covid decline, the couple opted for a small and intimate affair. They provided masks for guests to wear with their wedding hashtag #WalkingBrownTheAisle, laced up their Converse sneakers and met up at Chatham Station to say their vows.

Downtown Cary, outside the holiday decorations at Cary Arts Center.

A First Look

Ellyn was able to do a first look with both Joe and her father. The first look with her father was a very sweet moment, ending with him wrapping her up in his arms and smiling from ear to ear.

The Ceremony

The couple was keen on including as much family as possible on their special day. Ellyn’s brother Peyton officiated the ceremony, and her grandmother flew several hours, at a difficult time, to make sure she was there to witness Ellyn becoming a wife.

An intimate ceremony doesn’t mean there is no love or warmth from friends and family. In fact, you can make the argument that there is even more of both, especially during a universally rocky year. For their December ceremony, little touches of holiday color and green garlands were all it took to make the place feel magical. Bridesmaids, wearing seasonally perfect gowns in burgundy, carried lanterns with flowers down the aisle instead of traditional bouquets. The effect was lovely.

The couple’s flowers incorporated accents of reds, pinks and whites including gorgeous anemone. They even included paper flowers from the Harry Potter Books into their bouquets for a special touch and nod to their particular favorites.

The Reception & Details

Ellyn wore a beautiful fitted lace gown that had an illusion back with buttons running down the dress. After the ceremony the couple was able to share a sweet first dance in Chatham surrounded by their guests!

Details in the decor were simple, elegant and thoughtful. Ellyn’s family lived intermittently in Italy for the last few years and Ellyn and Joe wanted to include Italian influences for the day. The couple had wine boxes imported from Italy, which were used to line the aisle and added an elegant European touch.

Ellyn and Joe had their photographer, Veritas Digital, take amazing shots around the city of Cary, which was decorated for the holidays and added a fun element and memories of their day.

Congratulations and cheers to many happy decades of marriage to you both, Ellyn and Joe!

The newlyweds and Chatham Station are happy to share the vendor list.
Planner: Something Fabulous
Rentals: CE Rentals
Photographer: Veritas Digital Photography
DJ: Willis J Entertainment
Florist: Dayspring Flowers
Hair: Dry Bar – Waverly By Brenda Peterkin

Maggie & Kevin

September 29, 2021 by Chatham Station

Maggie and Kevin and Zoey and Teddy …. no this isn’t a play from the 1970s. This fabulous couple (along with their two adorable dogs) made it official after the pandemic forced them to reschedule their wedding twice. As it turns out, the third time really is the charm and we LOVED being their hosts.

Getting Ready

Maggie and her bridesmaids donned heart sunglasses for portraits while they were getting ready and each wore personalized robes. There was a lot of laughter and anticipation. Maggie’s gown was a striking beaded lace mermaid dress with a sheer bodice and long flowing train. Her bridesmaids wore warm blush dresses that complimented the neutral tones and elegance of the couple’s wedding palette.

Maggie and Kevin had a first look where they exchanged personal vows they had written for each other. They were already excited about the day and this little moment gave them time to share a private moment before the public ceremony.

The Ceremony

Maggie’s father walked her down the aisle and the bride’s mother escorted pups Zoey and Teddy down to the alter as well. The bride’s fresh bouquet, the warm light coming through our bay doors along with the floating candles, (and the happy newlyweds kissing as they exited), made for a picture-perfect ceremony.

The Details

From May of 2020, to September of 2020 to May of 2021, these two remained flexible and optimistic and it paid off.

The couple had signature drinks named after their dogs Zoey and Teddy, as well as corn hole and a giant connect 4 game for guests to enjoy. Guests took advantage of roaming indoors and out. Local ice cream favorite Two Roosters brought their ice cream cart for a treat later in the evening.

Maggie gave her dad a tie with a heart shaped picture of them saying “I loved you first” as a gift to wear for the wedding day. She also gave her mom a charm bracelet with a picture of her saying “always your little girl.” Little touches and details like that were everywhere.

The Party

And by The Party, we mean The Reception! The couple entered wearing sunglasses and already dancing, which pretty well set the tone for the evening. Their first official dance had a fabulous spin in it as well. Bride Maggie and her father also danced together in what started as a formal dance, but ended with a fun twist that got everyone else on the dance floor.

The final send off was as sparkly as the couple and put a cap on a fabulous day. Congratulations to Maggie and Kevin for finally making it to Husband and Wife!

The newlyweds and Chatham Station are happy to share the vendor list!
Planner: The Gathering Co.
Catering: Southern Harvest Catering
Bartender: The Burley Bartender
Photographer: JP Pratt
Videographer: Morgan Scott Films
Florist: Expressions of Love Florist
DJ: Ryan the DJ
Dessert: Two Roosters Ice Cream
Rentals: CE Rentals and Grand Rental Station
Hair and Makeup: Reign Beauty

Samantha & Shane

August 24, 2021 by Chatham Station

Saying “love was in the air” to describe a wedding is sort of stating the obvious (…. one would hope), and in the case of Samantha and Shane, that was certainly true. The couple shared with us that they were committed to being in the moment and fully present with each other during each minute and it showed.

The First Look

… turned out to be with Dad. Samantha and Shane were particular with details, in the BEST way. They weren’t persnickety, but had a vision in mind, and Shane wanted the experience of seeing his bride for the first time when she was walking down the aisle. So Samantha and her dad shared the first look instead and it was incredibly sweet.

The Ceremony

Shane was rewarded for the wait and worked to control himself when he finally saw Samantha in her beautiful gown and veil.

The transparent tent was decorated with strings of twinkly lights, floral arrangements, an arbor flanked with florals and gossamer curtains. The result was so elegant, airy and beautiful. The setting was magical.

The couple incorporated a large table where they were joined by the wedding party during the reception, a dessert truss where they displayed their cake, a variety of cupcakes and treats like pecan pie. There were loads of flowers in their wedding colors and we repurposed the arbor and used it as a backdrop. They truly paid attention to details that made the event memorable and unique to them.

With rain out of the equation, the bridal party was able to go out with photographer Carly Hinson to get images. The blues and whites against the pastel florals looked amazing.

The First Dance

Samantha and Shane were completely present with each other, moment to moment, the entire day, but it was never more obvious than when they shared their first dance as husband and wife. They couldn’t take their eyes off each other as they swayed to Chris Stapleton’s Tennessee Whiskey, and even had a videographer there to capture it.

The Details

For the reception, the couple had personalized cocktails named for them and a cool lounge area set up for guests to gather and relax. The dance floor stayed crowded all evening and those not dancing were playing corn hole, enjoying sweets and signature drinks, and celebrating with the couple.

Congratulation to this beautiful couple on their new life together!

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

Planner/Florals: Thymeless Blooms
Bakery: Buzzy Bakes
Photographer: Carly Hinson
Videography: Southern Oak Films
Rentals: CE Rental & Greenhouse Picker Sisters
Tent: Grand Rental Station
Hair/Makeup: The Makeup Addict Studios
Custom Bar Service: Artful Libations
Transportation: Ecostyle Charter Bus
DJ: Mike C with DJ Ones
Caterer: Fords Fluent N’ Food
Venue: Chatham Station

Nelda & Matt

August 10, 2021 by Chatham Station

This sweet couple’s intimate wedding and lively reception, with Nelda’s Venezuelan and Italian heritage and influences incorporated, made it a day to remember. The private ceremony was at the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral and afterwards, guests came to Chatham Station to enjoy cocktail hour on the patio and proceed to party like it was the end of time!

The Party

The colors they chose were white and blush with hints of gold and complemented by flowers in the same palette with some pops of pink.

Matt and Nelda’s cake table showcased a metal hoop cake stand, adorned with greenery, as well as the couple’s initials and soft lighting. They also had personalized champagne flutes, cake knife and server for a personal touch! The entire arrangement looked stunning in front of the brick wall. In addition to cake were cream puffs, eclairs and mini cheesecakes which the guests loved.

Nelda’s dress had a full skirt and long train with lace detailing. She was also wearing a cathedral veil with a striking hair clip.

While the couple got engaged at the Biltmore Estate (a more traditional touch), for the day of the wedding, it was important to share some of Nelda’s families favorite influences. One that made everyone’s night was the arrival of Tequenos – the Venezuelan cheese stick. When it was delivered and announced, everyone rushed to the serving table to enjoy it! Nelda shared with us that this brought back great memories for her and her family as they had migrated to Venezuela from Italy. Tequenos makes an appearance at all the major family gatherings.

Other special touches were the espresso mugs given to each family. These were beautifully wrapped and on top of the gift box was a delicate ribbon and flower with five petals that contained Jordan almonds. An Italian tradition, the almonds represent health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity.

Towards the end of the evening, the couple hosted Hora Loca, which is Spanish for “the crazy hour” – a Venezuelan born tradition. Naturally, the crazy hour meant props, so glow sticks, hats, headbands, glasses, leis and feather boas. The bride and groom wore crowns and DJ Willis kept the party going late into the evening and early morning.

We loved being a part of their special day and hosting a party with such personal significance and family customs. Many happy returns to you both Nelda and Matt!

The newlyweds and Chatham Station are happy to share the vendors with you:
Planner: Paisley and Pearl Events
Hair and Makeup: Cameron D with Salon Loft
Photographer: Rivers & Roads Photography
Rentals: Grand Rental Station
Florist: Lilac Floral Decor
DJ: Willis J. Entertainment
Caterer: Catering by Design
Bakery: Once in a Blue Moon
Ceremony Venue: Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral
Venue: Chatham Station

Katie & Joe

July 27, 2021 by Chatham Station

A doctor at Duke and a nurse practitioner fall in love and want to get married. No problem. Enter the pandemic and things have to shift a bit. For for Katie and Joe this meant two years of planning and then postponing until they married last year in a private ceremony. For the more formal ceremony and celebration, the couple came to Chatham Station, and we were thrilled to host them.

Prep Time

Katie’s dress – a flowy gown with lace details and side cuts – looked amazing on her and she had both her mother and grandmother there to help her prepare and become even more lovely. Her bridesmaids were sweet and supportive and the bride had each lady choose her own style of dress to suit their individual personalities and tastes. The results were elegant!

Katie and Joe have a Goldendoodle named Noodle, who should probably go ahead and get an east coast agent. She’s delightful. It was important to the couple that Noodle be a part of the day, and boy was she. This little fluffy heart-stealer wound her way through the guests to give kisses and have her photo taken every chance she got. She had great energy and added a lot of innocent joy to the day. During prep time, the bridesmaids created a transformation TikTok to the Disney song “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” and Noodle wanted to be a part of it, even running into the frame while filming. She was the cutest!

The Ceremony

Katie and Joe said their vows against our fan wall with the herringbone background flanked with lovely greenery. Joe was visibly emotional watching Katie being escorted to him by her father. Even though they were already married, the moment still held so much magic. These two have a TREMENDOUS support crew/wedding party and they helped increase the wattage on an already pretty luminesce occasion. These two are deeply loved and it was palpable.

When the ceremony was over, Joe was excited to show off his wife, as the wedding party cheered.

The Party

For the reception, Joe changed into comfortable Jordans because he was ready to party. Their first dance together was special and during the evening, they took time to toast and congratulate the grandparents on so many happy anniversaries.

Photographer Alicia Quintanar took advantage of the weather to capture images of the bride, groom and their sweet cheerleaders against the painted brick wall we have near Chatham Station. It’s a favorite backdrop for clients and we know why.

Congrats to the Trophy Spouses

All the best to Katie and Joe on the big life they have before them. We loved hosting you all!

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

Catering: Sassool Mediterranean
Bar: The Burly Bartender Corporation
DJ: Sonic River Productions
Photographer: Alicia Quintanar Photography
Day of Coordination: Southern Veil Weddings
Hair Stylist and Makeup: Head Turners Salon
Florist: Fallon’s Flowers
Videographer: AE Visuals
Cake: The Kupkake Fairy
Venue: Chatham Station