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Cary Spots : Locations that Work

March 10, 2021 by cs_admin

When planning a wedding or special event, people will often ask us where they can take pictures around Chatham Station, and we love to reply “Everywhere!” We’re surrounded by an embarrassment of riches.

There are truly so many quaint backdrops around every nick and corner. From urban scenes that boast public art to understated greenspace, the Town of Cary does a nice job of providing an array of photographic options to our clients. Following are some that our guests visit and take advantage of regularly when they are celebrating with us.

Page Walker Arts & Cultural Center

Built in 1868 as a railroad hotel, the historic landmark has since served as an apartment building, boarding house, single family residence, and is now a museum owned by the Town of Cary. In addition to the majestic Second Empire style architecture, the property also boasts a lush green garden and an historic smokehouse.

Couples appreciate the quick access to Page Walker Arts and Cultural Center, as it is located across the railroad tracks behind Chatham Station. Because it is owned by the Town of Cary, couples are free to utilize the grounds for photographs, provided there are no events being held on the property at the time.

Downtown Cary, Streetside

There are so many other quaint (dare we say, cinematic) options available as well, such as Ashworth Village and the brick-covered streets that encompass the intersection of Chatham and Academy. Pleasant surprises spring up along downtown Cary’s streets, such as vibrant and understated murals, statues, a pole clock, and a nostalgic theatre marquis.

The Water Fountain

Cary’s beloved Downtown Park boasts a majestic water fountain that is often lighted to match seasons. Photographers have produced striking daytime and evening shots here.

Around the Venue

When time and weather don’t make it easy to stroll the streets of downtown Cary or the grounds of Page Walker, many clients have found amazing photo locations just outside our doors, and their photographers have created magic over the years.

We have a fenced-in patio and crisp white wall at Big Dom’s Bagels, as well as the trendy interior of Sidebar, our cocktail bar neighbors. And there are various natural areas around the building in which we’re located.

Our team is ready to work with and guide you whether you are a wedding or event planner, recently engaged or just looking for a place for an editorial or impromptu photo shoot.

Many thanks to the photographers who captured these images:

Amy Allen Photography
John Branch IV Photography
Morgan Caddell Photography
Kelley Deal Photography
Elizabeth Ashley & Co.
J Hagan Photography
Megan Kerns Photography
Christina Sturgis Photography

Alease & Joe’s Rotating Party

February 17, 2021 by cs_admin

Of the Covid-19 wedding stories we’ve come across, this one not only had the elements of a classic wedding with a happy send off, but it also included some brilliant “out-of-the-box-problem-solving.”

The Couple

Alease and Joe are a down-to-earth pair of recent graduates who planned their wedding for early 2020, just as the pandemic was taking hold. Outgoing Alease, with the help of her mother, chose Chatham Station with more reserved Joe’s blessing, and we began the planning process with hope and a lot of optimism about the early end of the coronavirus.

The Conundrum

Even after moving their date from March to August, the pandemic continued to be an issue. Instead of postponing again or throwing up their hands, this couple pushed forward with a brilliant solution from their wedding planner Erin.

As a venue, we were only allowed 10 guests indoors at a time, but Alease and Joe wanted to stick with their original guest list. Erin, from Chestnut and Vine, determined that we could allow 10 guests at a time to visit with the couple after the ceremony by assigning time slots. This would allow everyone to get a chance to celebrate with the couple, and EVERYONE loved this idea.

The Ceremony

Throughout the ceremony, a trio of strings serenaded the couple and their supporting cast of family members. The ceremony was officiated by Alease’s uncle and Alease’s mother and sister were escorted down the aisle by her brother.

The bride, in a fabulous off-white and off the shoulder lace gown, was noticeably emotional as her father escorted her to Joe.

The Details & Party

For the reception, our staggered groups of 10 danced and spent time with the couple. Guests had their temperatures checked, hand sanitizer was given to all and as groups came and went, it became a rotating party. The mood was joyful and felt like a small, but normal wedding including the pre-planned father-daughter dance.

Both guests and the couple were visably delighted to have time together dancing, chatting and eating. The food from Catering by Design was wonderful, everyone looked stylish in the setting, and there was plenty of quality time with the newlyweds.

Our outdoor patio was set up with bistro umbrellas and tables for guests who wanted to sit outside and relax. The interior decor was a mix of earth tones, blushes and metallics and was simple and elegant.

From the gowns to the florals to the DJ and food, everything came together for these two and we couldn’t be happier for them. Congratulations Alease and Joe and all the best for decades to come.

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

Planner: Chestnut and Vine
Florals: Lilac Floral Decor
Catering: Catering by Design
Photographer: KG Photography
Rentals: CE Rental
Live Musicians and DJ: Jenny’s Music Studio
Bakery: Once in a Blue Moon
Videographer: M&P Weddings
Venue: Chatham Station

Serenity & Jeremy’s Celebration – Part I

February 3, 2021 by cs_admin

Serenity and Jeremy are one of those couples whose wedding plan was disrupted by the pandemic. Instead of postponing altogether, however, this upbeat and lighthearted pair decided to stick with their original wedding date and break The Big Event into two parties. Win-win.

The Couple

Both professionals (Serenity is in medical aesthetics and Jeremy in mechanical engineering), these two got engaged at a local music festival and wanted a mix of traditional and alternative elements for their day. Chatham Station, working with Tara Ruffier from Premier Party Planners, was excited to help deliver what they had envisioned, even if the party was scaled back. For the 30 guests who gathered in October of last year, it was not only safe, it was elegant.

A First Look

Serenity and Jeremy stole away pre-ceremony for their first look and the images say it all. They were so present in the moments captured by photographer John Branch, and that vibe lasted throughout their day.

The Ceremony

Guests were serenaded by a stringed trio as they found their seats, during and after the ceremony. Jeremy – despite having seen Serenity for the first look – was visibly moved as she was escorted down the aisle by her father.

After the vows, the couple and their guests made excellent use of our outdoor patio for champagne toasts, laughter and group pictures.

The Details

Perfect weather, the bride and her parents bathed in light upon arrival at Chatham Station, Serenity’s show-stopping gown and boho inspired florals, the smiling groom flanked and expectant – everything about this day affirmed their decision to go for it instead of waiting. Details were thoughtful and elegant from start to finish.

Downtown Cary provided a variety of spots for Serenity and Jeremy to have portraits taken before and after the ceremony. We look forward to hosting Part II of their celebration in October of 2021.

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

Wedding Planner: Tara with Premier Party Planners
Florals: GCG Flowers
Photography: John Branch Photography
Videographer: Morgan Scott Films
Rentals: CE Rental
Live Musicians: Nelson String Quartet
Venue: Chatham Station

Nakeva & Otis create simple elegance

January 19, 2021 by cs_admin

In September of 2020, Chatham was pleased to host Naveka and Otis’ Covid-safe, indoor-outdoor wedding. Like many couples who married last year, they had to make adjustments and concessions, but not where style was concerned. There may not have been a reception, but the ceremony, the bride and groom, and the day were beautiful.

The Couple

Nakeva and Otis were a pleasure to have: both were so kind, so chill and lovely and their style – traditional, classic and spare – made for the elegant, if simplified day. They originally planned for a large wedding, but when the pandemic made that impossible, our venue with open air options was the perfect spot.

The Wedding

Nakeva’s gown was a fitted and modern sheath and her bouquet was a blend of eucalyptus and pale roses. She was escorted down the short aisle by her father while a violinist played.

Otis looked amazing in a non-traditional light blue suit, and waited for Nakeva in front of an elegantly decorated wooden backdrop adorned with minimalist greens and flowers to match the bride’s bouquet.

Approximately 15 guests, made up of family and close friends, enjoyed a live violinist and faced each other on our outdoor patio, in a twist on the usual wedding set-up.

The Details

Other than Otis’ pop of color suit, the colors were white, pale pink and green with blush tones. The couple shared slices of their extra tall layer cake with guests and toasted with champagne.

The ability to gather with some of their more elderly relatives and still have the laughter and joy of a larger wedding was important to this couple and the images show that.

Chatham extends our heartfelt congratulations to Nakeva and Otis and we wish them only happiness in 2021 and beyond.

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

Florals: Serendipity
Photographer: Lady Iman
Live Musician: Brian Ford with Allegro Music
Bakery: Sugar Euphoria
Venue: Chatham Station

Lauren & Michael’s Intimate Ceremony

October 13, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

This lovely couple, like countless others, had their March 2020 wedding plans derailed when the pandemic made its way to our shores. After meticulously planning their wedding with the help of Trent and Ashley of Something Fabulous Weddings and Events, they kept as many of those details and choices intact and decided to go ahead with their ceremony, if on a much smaller scale.

Lauren is a professional writer; Michael works in the corporate world and they moved to the Triangle from Michigan where they fell in love with Chatham Station’s minimal elegance after getting engaged. Of course, we were thrilled to accommodate any plan they had.

The Intimate Ceremony

Even during this uncertain time, during their ceremony the couple heard the calming voice of Officiant Ann McKenzie. They were flanked by Lauren’s sister and Michael’s brother as they greeted each other and said their vows. Lauren’s father not only escorted her down the aisle, he treated the couple and their small gathering of guests to a serenade. It was a surprise and an incredibly sweet moment.

Special Details

While the wedding was scaled back, there was no shortage of tender moments, including Lauren’s first look with her father.

The bride, her mother and her sister-slash-maid-of-honor, all prepared in our changing rooms where they were able to capture little moments. Lauren’s gown was a stunner – a white gossamer and timeless number with an open back, plunging neckline and long veil. The layers in her dress were sublime.

The couple also shared a first touch instead of a first look, where they shared notes they wrote for each other and were able to laugh a little and reflect before the ceremony.

After the ceremony, the small party of mostly family and some friends grabbed some indoor portraits and then the couple accompanied their photographer Sarah Reaves for a stroll around downtown Cary, where they took exquisite outdoor photos in pretty spectacular springtime setting.

Lauren and Michael are proof that you can tailor your larger vision when things in the world shift sideways. Where we cut back on guests and decor there was an enormous amount of heart present on this day. Tears flowed and the couple were made to feel that their new beginning was as special as the even the largest, grandest wedding.

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

Wedding Planners: Something Fabulous Weddings & Events
Officiant: Ann McKenzie
Florist: Blossom
Photographer: Sarah Reaves
Venue: Chatham Station

Megan & Ric Keep it Sleek…

September 22, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

… and beautifully simple. This couple scored points on several fronts, most notably that they executed an elegant and minimalist wedding that felt chic, and they married in March of this year (March 14th to be exact) before the Covid pandemic brought people’s plans and lives to a grinding halt.

The Couple

Megan and Ric are a study in contrasts. She is straightforward, organized and funny (notice the sign about cell phone photography displayed at the ceremony: direct and sweet). Megan likes to tell a story about how she saw Ric while out with friends and knew that he was someone she wanted to know better. He is more subdued and content to be Megan’s adoring partner.

The Ceremony

On the day, Megan donned her gorgeous gown off-site, while Ric dressed and prepared in one of our dressing suites.

The bride appeared through white sheers to meet her groom, and the couple said the vows they wrote for each other in front of a copper arbor from Homemade Bride. With minimal floral additions, the effect was warm and intimate.

Reading her vows: short, sweet & personal

The Details

Megan and Ric took advantage of sites near Chatham Station to create special images with their photographer, including stops at the nearby Mayton Inn, at a mural just a few blocks away, and at Sidebar where they shared drinks with their wedding party.

Megan chose seafoam as a primary color and it was both striking and clean when combined with the textured whites and minimal greenery. From the table linens to Ric’s tie, everything was beautifully coordinated. Because Megan finds floral arrangements distracting at weddings, she decided to skip them altogether.

Instead of cake, the guests were served pies, it was Pi Day after all. These were displayed on a variety of cake stands on a blue buffet rented from Homemade Bride.