modern wedding venue

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

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

Heather & Caleb Make a Bright Choice

August 18, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

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

Open House at Chatham Station

April 15, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

On February 23rd of this year, before Covid-19 shifted our focus, our feelings and our futures (at least for now), Chatham Station held an Open House to introduce the wedding season and re-envision the options. It was a terrific success, thanks to our vendors and the imaginations, shared experience and the team at Premier Party Planners. These ladies are formidable in their knowledge and creativity, and they are a LOT of fun.

The Powerhouse Team of Premier Party Planners
L-R: Tara Ruffier, Nicole Condor, Anna Estorge

The Plan

In conversations with Premier’s Nicole, Tara and Anna, we determined that rather than italicize the current trends of blush tones, muted colors and textures and warm metals, we would go more traditional. The goal: showcase inside something you might see 30 years ago and 30 years from now.

The Premier team chose classic blue and white tablecloths with silver flatware and tinted blue glasses. Tables featured blue and white filigree plates with bird accents and delicate floral arrangements and floating candles. The entire palette was crisp, tailored and clean.

Hand-lettered name tiles by Letter Me Lovely

The Details

Letter Me Lovely created name plates for the tables and graced our space with an assortment of hand-lettered and beautifully designed informational signs that could be found throughout the Open House.

Chatham Station Owner Todd Mozingo with Premier’s Anna Estorge

Lilac Floral Decor created the floral arrangements throughout and worked with the Premier’s team on not only high and low settings, but a striking hoop for the outdoor space. Silver metallic and other details were used among the organic elements, including candelabras with floral bases, blue hydrangeas, white roses and delicate white carnations. Lilac Floral also installed a ceiling trellis adorned with delicate blue and white flowers that were chosen to accent the table decor.

Premier Party Planners also created a separate outdoor space, using warmer soft colors to line the aisle, white chairs facing the hoop that anchored the ceremony space and low centerpieces on tables. All were a lovely contrast to the cool blue, white and silver colors and arrangements indoors.

On the day, we received more than 150 guests who were greeted with complimentary beverages courtesy of Artful Libations. The fun and dynamic Jennifer and James served up cocktails and mocktails while DJ Ones served up contemporary and retro beats. Open Houses should be parties, and we’re happy to say that this one was.

City BBQ provided a complimentary – and tasty – buffet for the guests and Buzzy Bakes served up the dessert of cupcakes and hot coffee, perfect for a February afternoon. The space came alive with the dynamic personality and music of DJ Ones.

Mina Von Feilitzsch Photography mingled with guests while capturing photos of the other vendors present. We also loved having JHagan Photography and Wedding Officiant Ann McKenzie in attendance to get to know guests and provide perspective and ideas. Other vendors included purveyors of custom wedding gifts, wedding attire, florals and videography and we loved having everyone’s experience and particular brand of energy and fun present.

The Vendors

Perfect weather, skilled planning, collaboration and superb, sunny weather made the day memorable. Our deepest thanks to both the vendors and all of the attendees. We look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Sponsoring Vendors

Venue: Chatham Station
Design and Coordination: Premier Party Planners
Photographer of Event: Mina von Feilitzsch
Hand-Lettering: Letter Me Lovely
Bartending: Artful Libations
Floral Design of Venue: Lilac Floral Decor
Desserts: Buzzy Bakes
Music: DJ Ones
Catering: City BBQ
Tableware: CE Rental
Hair and Makeup Demonstrations: Wedded Kiss

Participating Vendors

Florals: Serendipity Designs
Photography: J Hagan Photography
Wedding Gifts: Poppy & Co.
Officiant : Joy-Filled Ceremonies
Wedding Attire: Uniquely U
Wedding Attire: Channy Bridal and Beyond
Videographer: Jon Warlick Media

Bailey and Andrew’s Winter Beginning

April 1, 2020 by cs_admin Leave a Comment

In December of 2019, Bailey and Andrew said their vows at Chatham Station in a winter-themed ceremony that was as crisp and elegant as the season.

The Ceremony

On this warm December day, friends and relatives of the couple gathered to watch them celebrate a new beginning in a singularly modern-meets-traditional way. Guest entered through the courtyard and then one of our bay doors to sit facing an array of live Frasier firs and beautifully coordinated elements. Evergreen clippings and candlelight lined the aisle and Bailey’s bridesmaids wore deep evergreen gowns with fur stoles while the groomsmen wore steel grey suits with blush ties.

Bailey, who was visibly moved during the procession and ceremony, was the perfect winter bride, wearing a traditional ivory lace gown and veil. She carried a voluminous bouquet of large roses, diverse evergreens, berries and pine cones to complement the decor. The colors and textures of the wedding party were amazing.

The Reception

Bailey and Andrew’s reception choices of decor were clean, wintery and warm, as well. Sheer curtains were hung to create an ethereal vibe. Tables showcasing lacy blush chargers and napkins, centerpieces in varying heights, clusters of candles, birch limbs, gold, white, evergreen, ivory and shades of grey were present throughout. The color palette was consistent across elements, fabrics, florals and decor, and the result was stunning.

Thanks to the weather we enjoy in the South, even during the December holidays, the couple was able to have an outdoor cocktail hour. The sofas, pillows, chairs and other elements – like the welcome sign above – were on point.

The Couple

This really is a new beginning for the pair. Bailey and Andrew are recent college graduates, he in finance and she in athletics, and the pair were loyal in their vendor choices. They hired several based on long-standing relationships, something we admire in any couple.

Finally, we really loved their First Look moment, which took place in front of Christmas-decorated storefronts in downtown Cary. It was sweet, simple and elegant.

Congratulations to you Bailey and Andrew! Here’s to more warm days and lots of happiness in the years to come.

The newlyweds and Chatham Station are happy to share the day’s vendors with you!

Photographer: Morgan Caddell
Coordinator: Shawn Schindler Events
Florist: Specialties Events
Catering: Catering by Design
Rentals: CE Rental
Unique Rentals: Greenhouse Picker Sisters
DJ: DJ Ryan The DJ
Hair and Makeup: Wedded Kiss
Dessert: Once in a Blue Moon Bakery
Custom Signage: Meriweather Designs
Venue: Chatham Station