covid-19 wedding

Odofoley & Ron

June 15, 2022 by Chatham Station

Odofoley and Ron planned a gorgeous morning wedding, and on the morning of New Year’s Eve at Chatham Station, they were wed! The decor was complete with touches of gold, black, white and rich red, but the atmosphere was magic. It was an intimate and elegant ceremony followed by brunch, where everyone celebrated this beautiful couple.

Odofoley’s gown had lace details on the bodice and sleeves, a jeweled belt, and a chiffon skirt. It was perfect for a winter wedding, and everyone kept talking about her sleeves. The wedding flowers were a collection of blooms including white roses, calla lilies and greenery, and Odofoley’s bouquet was not only exquisite, but the blooms matched the lace on her gown. The effect was lovely.

The Ceremony

The golden backdrop with cascading lights was absolutely perfect for these two on the last day of the year. Everything was awash in golden light. Even with an intimate group of attendees spread out, and everyone masked, the ceremony was everything you’d want – sweet, celebratory and heart-felt.

The Brunch Reception

For their small guest list, we divided the ceremony space from the reception space with a curtain that created a greater sense of intimacy. And these two were Covid-conscious, providing personalized masks with their names on them for each guest.

The space looked amazing as well, with a gold backdrop of cascading light, table-scapes with gold chargers, red napkins, and menus.

While this was a brunch wedding, it included all the customary traditions like a cocktail hour with passed appetizers, a lovely first dance to the song “Spend My Life with You,” and cake-cutting. It was clear that the couple was so focused on each other that it was like no one else was in the room. In addition to wedding cake the couple had a variety of fun cupcake flavors for guests to enjoy.

Odofoley and Ron, along with photographer Martha Smith Tillery, were able to get stunning pictures in front of Town Hall and the Court House here in Cary, still decorated from the Christmas holidays. They also took advantage of one of our favorite spots: the theatre marquee! They even had their names placed for the occasion.

A Swanky Exit

Ready for 2022 as newlyweds, these two departed Chatham Station in style, and by style, we mean a Rolls Royce. Guests sent them off with cheers and mini confetti poppers. Congratulations, Odofoley and Ron! Here’s to many happy decades of marriage and days of joy.

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

Planner – Socialite Events
Officiant – Torri’s Officiant Services
Photographer – Photos by Martha Smith Tillery
Transportation – Carolina Classic Car Rentals & White Horse Transportation
Photo Booth – Photobooth Therapy & Tip Top Snapshots
Live Streaming – Visual Dynasty Productions
Florist – Fallons Flowers
Catering and Cake: Cake Couture
Rentals – CE Rentals
Makeup Artistry – In God’s Image
Venue: Chatham Station

Serenity & Jeremy

April 13, 2022 by Chatham Station

Dear Wedding Fans!
Below is the final flourish: a reception one year after the original I Dos.

Serenity and Jeremy tied the knot at Chatham Station, and one year later, they returned to have the reception they wanted and deserved. These two were married in 2020, and due to the pandemic, they hosted 30 friends and family for a lovely, if not small, ceremony.

The Wedding – 2020

One upside of their small wedding was their ability to great shots of themselves outside in downtown Cary. And yes, we are back indeed!

See the entire wedding blog for Serenity and Jeremy.

The Reception – 2021

Even after a year, Serenity and Jeremy were filled with playfulness and excitement to see each other and their guests. They kept it simple and elegant with white linens, black napkins and soft greenery.

As guests arrived, the couple greeted and captured photos with them. There was such an element of celebration in everything. While this delayed reception was due to Covid, the results were big, inclusive and joyful.

The day included all the traditional celebrations, like first dances, toasts, cake cutting, and the bride’s bouquet toss. It was both a reception and a Happy Anniversary party like no other.

These two had fun during the cake cutting, putting frosting in each other’s faces. Serenity and her dad also shared a sweet moment during their father daughter dance.

During the evening, there was of course, more dancing, more toasts and even later the glowsticks came out. It was a party.

The night ended with a final song, punctuated with a sparkler exit. Serenity and Jeremy exited in a party bus!

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

DJ: Oak City Entertainment
Photographer: John Branch
Photo Booth: ZimZoom
Dessert: Publix
Transportation: Oak City Shuttle
Caterer: Rocky Top
Rentals: CE Rental
Wedding Planner: Premier Party Planners

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