chic industrial event venue

Thriving Women’s Conference

February 3, 2023 by Chatham Station

Chatham Station recently hosted Lisa Hansen for an event focused on women: the Thriving Women’s Conference. This vibrant group and their detail-oriented host took advantage of our patio and inside spaces for a day of networking, friendship, empowerment, and even some shopping. There are three primary foci of these conferences: “Deep growth, real friends, and soul rejuvenating fun!”

This is a self-improvement and networking conference for women, featuring speakers who present and unpack various topics, including female friendship, the importance of persistence, and developing community over competition. In other words, women can spend time on the fulfillment of their personal goals, while networking and exploring new growth avenues.

Lisa Hansen is a personal growth coach, the founder and was the day’s host. Six years ago when feeling overwhelmed with life’s demands, she found a solution that worked for her, and established Thriving Women’s Conferences in San Antonio, Texas. She now offers the conferences regularly in both San Antonio and Raleigh.

Attendees were treated to breakfast during their morning welcome session, followed by lunch, and an afternoon snack from Sweetwater Ices. The focused sessions were held mostly inside, but several vendors and presenters made space on our patio to share their work and vision. Guests were able to meander and engage during the day, something that our venue allows for easily.

Lisa is meticulous and truly takes great measures to ensure that her guests are well-fed, comfortable and inspired. She was attentive to every detail such as chair spacing, sunlight, and environmental disruptions. We appreciated her use of vibrant colors, fabrics, textures and decor for this event. The venue came alive with those elements and the excitement of our guests.

Everyone enjoyed the day, the conversations and engagement, the mingling, and the time to consider the subject matter while making new alliances. It was a successful day.

The Vendors for the day:
Photography: Abigail Jackson
Host and Founder: Lisa Hansen

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

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

Megan & Ric Keep it Sleek…

September 22, 2020 by Chatham Station

… 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.

We sent the couple off in style after a reception that had lots of dancing, toasting, and celebration.

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

Planner: Premier Party Planners
Baker: Slice Pie Company
Caterer: City BBQ
DJ: Making Memories DJ
Hair & Makeup: Brush Beauty Boutique
Photographer: jHagan Photography
Bartenders: Brewmasters Mobile
Transportation: Triangle Corporate
Rentals: Grand Rental Station, CE Rental, Homemade Bride
Venue: Chatham Station

Molly & Brian’s Elegant Southern Wedding

September 1, 2020 by Chatham Station

What do you get when you combine an outgoing nurse and reserved nuclear scientist? Newlyweds. And you also get a wedding that feels like like a throwback to Southern gentility but with easy and modern touches. Molly – the outgoing bride – planned a wedding for 170+ guests that was both elegant and casual. In fact, the day felt more like a large family reunion than a party. The personal touches and Southern charm were everywhere.

Pre-Wedding Moments

For this autumn wedding, this couple had the weather gods on their side. Molly and her helpers, all of whom wore monogrammed lavender shirts, readied themselves in one of our dressing suites. Her attendants and friends spanned the generations and all had fun surrounding and assisting the bride-to-be.

Brian and his groomsmen relaxed and enjoyed a beer while waiting for the groom’s First Look at Molly before the ceremony.

The couple’s First Look moment was idyllic and incredibly touching. They chose the lush green gardens at the nearby Page-Walker Hotel.

The Ceremony

Molly and Brian were one of the first couples to use Chatham Station’s herringbone backdrop for their patio ceremony. It was expertly decorated by Lilac Floral Decor and hooded with greenery, individually suspended flowers and a hand-held fan that has sentimental value and is a nod to old Southern charm and Molly’s desire for elegant simplicity.

Pinks, purples and shades of lilac could be found in the bridesmaids gowns, the bouquets and in floral arrangements throughout the space. Guest were invited onto the patio and to their seats by a lovely hand-made wooden sign. Greenery and lanterns marked the aisle.

The Details

Molly’s commitment to simple elegance extended to most of the elements of that day: the lace, the hand-held fan, framed photos and even signature hangers for her attendants. Guests were greeted with a table where there was a list of fun facts about the couple and a place to leave advice for the newlyweds.

Molly’s gown was also a triumph of pure elegant simplicity. Creamy white with a high satin waistline embellished with minimal fabric flowers and beading, she looked regal and happy.

The Reception

The colors seen in bouquets and dresses were also reflected in linens at the reception. Some linens had delicate lace overlays, which complemented the lace flowers on Molly’s dress.

Throughout the toasts, dancing, desserts and conversation, everything was casual and thoughtful. Guests mingled inside and on the patio, chatted, played cornhole and surrounded the couple with love and best wishes.

We loved hosting this special day for this wonderful local couple and wish them many, many years of happiness.

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

Catering: City BBQ
Bar Services: Brewmasters
Photographer: Rose Trail Images
DJ/ Band/ Music: Island Sound
Florist: Lilac Floral Decor
Rentals: CE Rentals
Cake: Once in a Blue Moon Bakery
Wedding Day Hair & Makeup: Made Beautiful by Roya
Wedding Coordination: Sweet SaraBelle Weddings
Venue: Chatham Station

Heather & Caleb Make a Bright Choice

August 18, 2020 by Chatham Station

When Heather and Caleb toured Chatham Station in mid-spring of 2019, their plan was to get married in June of 2020. We all agreed it would be a beautiful occasion for Cary native Heather and her groom-to-be Caleb, who serves in the military.

The Couple

The couple soon after found out that Caleb would be deployed and in a bold move, decided to move their wedding date up to August of 2019. Considering the state of affairs in June of 2020, they are probably feeling pretty smart right about now. Of course, with the help of favorite local vendors Heather chose, like Brides and Bouquets and the venerable Once in a Blue Moon bakery, we were all able to make it happen.

Pre-Ceremony

Both Heather and Caleb dressed at Chatham in our dressing suites, with the mothers helping out with details and special moments. The bride had a first look with her father and bridesmaids before being escorted down the aisle. Everyone was beaming on what turned out to be a gorgeous late summer day in Cary.

The Ceremony

Guests walked up the patio and entered through one of our large bay doors to access the ceremony site. The vows were spoken in front of a white arbor that complemented the natural tones of the space and embellished with asymmetrical floral sprays in gentle hues. The bride chose striking flowers, such as anemones, hydrangeas, and various types of roses that were both traditional and understated.

Next to the bridesmaids gowns in a deep blue, everything looked elegant and was well-planned and the prevailing mood of the room was soft and ethereal.

After the I Dos, as guests mingled before the reception, the newlyweds sneaked off for photos at the nearby Page-Walker Hotel and a local fountain that was lit in a beautiful shade of purple.

The Reception & Details

The details of the reception were as thoughtful, elegant and clever as the couple. Each guest table featured a special photograph of the couple and all were adorned with a mixture of white lanterns, floral arrangements, gold accents and blue napkins that matched the wedding party’s attire. Other glassware and fabrics were in subdued tones of blue, lavender and cream.

The cake was a traditional tiered affair with buttercream frosting and after the couple was introduced and toasted, they danced in the idyllic summer evening light.

They couple moved out west to prepare for Caleb’s deployment and, we are happy to share, are expecting their first child. Congratulations and cheers to Heather and Caleb.

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

Wedding Planner: Paisley and Pearl
Photographer: Jen Hagan Photography
Decor: Greenhouse Picker Sisters
Officiant: Reverend Carl Frazier
Florist: The Flower Girl, Rachel Schmoldt
Musician for Ceremony: Patti Cook
Reception Music: Willis J. Entertainment
Linens: CE Rentals
Catering: City BBQ
Bar: Brewmasters
Wedding Cake: Once in a Blue Moon
Venue: Chatham Station