cary

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

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

Haley & Matt’s Winter Wedding

March 18, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

Haley and Matt were married in November of 2019, and these two are super-fun, energetic and adventure-loving. We liked them immediately when they toured our place on a cold, rainy winter evening and they in turn knew immediately that Chatham Station was where they wanted to wed. The architectural and industrial aspects and the vibe suited them, so right off the bat, we all said “we do!”

The mood of their entire event was as cool, edgy and down-to-earth as they are.

They took time to grab lots and lots of photos with their attendants and photographer in downtown Cary.

Pre-Ceremony Fun

Prior to the ceremony, Haley, her bridesmaids and family enjoyed plenty of laughter and fun in our dressing suites and we loved hosting them. The photographer was also able to get lovely bridal shots of Haley in our space.

A lace, vintage-inspired gown with jewels, flowers on a gorgeous bride.

The couple shared a First Look and Matt was so clearly moved seeing his bride-to-be. They even included their attendants in the moment, which made it feel even more fun and special.

The Ceremony

The ceremony itself was also very moving with nods to the traditional. The guests faced our wall with the industrial fan flanked by two cylinder shaped asymmetrical pillars built by Haley’s dad and masterfully decorated by Lilac Floral Decor.

Haley has an excellent eye, so the elements that she chose for the day had lots of deep autumn colors, textures and striking details. Haley’s bridal party wore burnt orange velvet gowns and carried bouquets the included, among other things, dried flowers and pampas grass.

The Details & Reception

The decor for guests ranged from farmhouse tables with low arrangements to round tables adorned with deeply colored linens in burgundy and gold with flower arrangements containing a diverse selection of grasses, flowers, and other dried elements.

Design was a big part of this day and this couple combined not only colors and textures, but modern and traditional elements and themes. Everywhere you looked you saw fall colors mixed with rustic elements and modern flair.

Haley and Matt danced all night with their guests. They barely left the dance floor thanks to DJ Ones and a constant selection of fabulous music.

The Send-Off

These two are a party on the move and left their day in style with glowsticks and dancing. Congrats to you both Haley and Matt! Come celebrate an anniversary with us!

The lovely couple and Chatham Station are happy to share the vendors with you!
Photographer: Christina Sturgis Photography
Coordinator: Premier Party Planners
Florist: Lilac Floral Decor
Catering: City BBQ
Rentals: CE Rental
DJ: DJ Ones
Hair/Makeup: Mena Garcia Beauty
Dessert: Krispy Kreme
Videographer: 414 Creatives
Venue: Chatham Station

Liz & Asa’s Spring Wedding

February 19, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

The Couple

“We had nothing but trust and a rendering, and the venue exceeded our expectations.”

Liz and Asa were our first couple! They hired us to be the venue for their April 2019 wedding, and signed a contract no less, even though Chatham Station was still under construction. That show of faith is just one example of what makes this couple the very epitome of kindness and thoughtfulness. Their support of Cary and the surrounding area extended not only to us, but they kept their vendor choices as local as possible too.

The Ceremony

Couples who marry at Chatham Station have options, and some prefer to enter through our bay doors to an aisle indoors. Liz chose to be escorted outside to Asa and onto our patio, and it was an elegant choice for a spring wedding.

We opened several bay doors, and as the bride and attendants emerged, there was a light April breeze lifting the sheer curtains. Guests sat on benches, runway style, facing the bride and groom and the custom geometric backdrop they chose with boho-inspired florals was a perfect choice. The weather and temperatures were as if ordered specifically too.

The Reception & Details

This couple was treated not only to sunshine for their vows, it shined on them through the bay doors during the reception where they were treated to adoring toasts from their friends. They entered the reception dancing and wanted guests seated toward the smaller side of the interior so that there was plenty of room for others to dance later as well.

The flower arrangements were thoughtfully designed to fit the aesthetics of the venue, and the couple’s “memory table” with family photographs was also embellished with artful floral choices. Liz and Asa made every spot a place of inclusion and celebration.

Like other couples who are married at Chatham Station, Liz and Asa had their photographer, in this case the amazing and local Morgan Caddell, capture images of them downtown, beyond our wedding space. We encourage this as a part of showcasing your big day and taking advantage of streets scenes, historic architecture and murals.

If their faith in us is even a fraction of their faith in their love and each other, then we expect these two to have decades of anniversaries in their future. Thanks Liz and Asa for letting us host your big day!

The lovely newlyweds and Chatham Station are happy to share the vendors with you:

Photographer: Morgan Caddell
Coordinator: Hand Stitched Events
Florist: Specialties Events
Catering: Beau Catering
Rentals: CE Rental
Unique Rentals: Greenhouse Picker Sisters
DJ: Elite DJ
Hair and Makeup: Wedded Kiss https://www.weddedkiss.com/
Dessert: Sugar Buzz & Duck Donuts

Kat & Kyle’s Intimate Wedding

February 5, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

The Couple

Kat and Kyle are an adorable pair who tied the knot at Chatham Station just around Thanksgiving, in November of 2019. With Kyle’s Southern charm and Kat’s incredible Colombian warmth and unbridled enthusiasm, they were celebrated on a perfect day, even one that came with a little rain.

Kat’s young daughter was a big part of their day and enjoyed getting dressed up along with her mom and members of Kat’s immediate family in our dressing suite. Kat herself loves to be busy and was really struggling not to jump in to assist the Chatham staff.

The Ceremony

These two kept their ceremony intimate and very traditional. They chose to have a first touch rather than a first look. They also kept the guest list small, with only their families and closest friends.

For the ceremony, gorgeous live music was provided by a string trio, and they chose a large floral arch to anchor the space for their vows.

After the I Dos, the new family walked back down the aisle together. Kat’s daughter was thrilled to be such a special part of the ceremony and day.

The Reception

Husband and wife entered their reception through a bay door, greeted and thanked their guests and enjoyed an evening of dancing and celebrating. During the cocktail hour, the live string trio that played for the ceremony also played for mingling guests, as well as for the couple’s first dance as Mr. and Mrs Nance.

The lush floral ceremony arch was repurposed for the reception as backdrop for the sweetheart table. Kat’s younger brother acted as DJ, which she loved.

The non-traditional wedding dessert: tiered and drizzled bundt cakes!

We loved hosting their special evening. All the best to Kat, Kyle and cheers to new beginnings!

The lovely newlyweds and Chatham Station are happy to share the vendors with you:
Photographer: Sarah Joann Photography
Coordinator: Paisley and Pearl Events
Florist: Lilac Floral Decor
Catering: Unforgettable Food Affairs
Rentals: CE Rental
Bar Services: Artful Libations
Hair and Makeup: Stephanie with The Makeup Culture
Dessert: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Live Musicians: Corda Entertainment
Venue: Chatham Station

Missy & Ricky’s Spring Wedding

January 8, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

The Couple

Missy and Ricky were childhood sweethearts who promised to be together forever and, well, after thirteen years, here they are – getting married. Chatham Station had the honor of being the venue for their elegant and intimate wedding in May of last year.

The Ceremony

These two made wonderful use of our space during the day. Guests arrived through the courtyard to be seated, and Missy was escorted in through one of the enormous bay doors and down the aisle leading her to the groom. The couple chose to be married against the brick wall, where they were bathed in natural light during their vows.

Before guests arrived, Missy and Ricky were able to slip away for a few moments with their photographer to capture beautiful garden images at nearby historic Page-Walker Hotel.

Unique Details

Details that made this ceremony special included a collection of images from the couple’s travels displayed for all to view, an artful acrylic welcome sign as guests arrived through the well-appointed courtyard entryway, and a particularly striking navy settee that the couple used at their table during toasts. There was also their color palette, greenery and decor – all thoughtfully selected for a spring ceremony. Navy, dusty blue, white, and cream were mixed with pale pinks and others florals from Sweet SaraBelle, including classic flowers and anemones. The outdoor decor was from Greenhouse Picker Sisters and guest tables were dressed with classic linens, decorative plates and an assortment of centerpieces, such as lanterns enveloped by wreaths of flowers and greenery.

A striking gold metal ceremony arbor doubled as backdrop for dessert table.

Enjoying a glass of champagne alone on the patio…

The Send Off

These two were celebrated until the last moment, and their goodbye was complete with a dip, pop streamers, and glorious cheers.
All the best to you both, Missy and Ricky. Here’s to your forever plan, in good health!

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

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Chatham Station
Photographer: Megan Kerns Photography
Florist & Wedding Style/Design: Sweet SaraBelle Weddings
Decor: Greenhouse Picker Sisters
Videographer: Pointe200 Videography
DJ: All Around Raleigh DJ
Caterer: Catering by Design
Invitations: Shutterfly
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist: Mena Garcia
Calligraphy: Letter Me Lovely
Cake: The Cupcake Shoppe
Wedding Gown: New York Bride and Groom
Bridal Details: Sam Edleman and Keds
Groom’s Suit: Jos A Bank