covid-19 wedding

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

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

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

Alease & Joe’s Rotating Party

February 17, 2021 by Chatham Station

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

Nakeva & Otis create simple elegance

January 19, 2021 by Chatham Station

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.