outdoor weddings raleigh

Ashton & Brooks

July 13, 2022 by Chatham Station

These lovebirds were married on April 23, 2022 off-site at a church in Downtown Raleigh. But before that, they came to Chatham Station – the site of their reception – to get ready for the ceremony, have some photos taken, and prepare for their vows. The light was perfect and so was the entire day.

Ashton’s gown was a stunner, with a long train and veil. The lace details, blue charm pinned to the gown, along with the soft pinks and blushes of the bridesmaids dresses made for a lovely array.

A First Look

Ashton and Brooks decided to have a first look during their prep time at Chatham Station, and they exchanged handwritten vows during this time too. Having the place to themselves, with soft light coming in our bay doors, they looked so happy to be getting married finally.

The Reception

After the ceremony, the wedding party jumped on the CS by Raleigh Trolley – a fun way to travel as well as unique for photo opportunities. Once guests arrived, everyone enjoyed passed appetizers from Rocky Top Catering, and then dined from stations by Rocky Top, including a salad bar, a carving station, and a delicious staffed taco bar. Nothing Bundt Cake provided a variety of different bundtini flavors for guests, as well as the wedding cake. Ashton’s grandparents loaned the couple their wedding topper from their marriage, nearly 60 years ago. The atmosphere was wonderful!

The top of Chatham’s backdrop was decorated with florals, and with the settee and chairs, it became a little lounge area. Soft pinks, green and white were the theme and they worked perfectly with the industrial elements, white brick and natural light here at Chatham Station.

The color palette was one of refreshing spring-like hues, and stunning florals. A variety of floral center pieces were used for each table. It was a sunny day in the 80s, so many guests remained on the patio for an extended period of time. We opened every bay door. After first dances and sentimental toasts, there was plenty of dancing.

Ashton had a dress change prior to toasts and appeared transformed in her sleek white jumpsuit. She let her hair down, completing the new look. At the end of the evening, Ashton and Brooks shared a private dance before being sent off by their guests and loads of sparklers.

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

Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church Raleigh
Planner: Premier Party Planners
Catering & Bartending: Rocky Top Catering
Desserts: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Florist: Lilac Floral Decor
Photography: Danielle Pressley Photography
Videography: Point 200 Videography
DJ: DJ Ones
Rentals: Ce Rental & Grand Rental
Transportation: Great Raleigh Trolley
Ceremony Music: Arioso Strings
Hair Stylist: Joni Parker Hair & Makeup

Walt & Marie’s Early Winter Wedding

December 25, 2019 by Chatham Station

The Backstory

For Southern groom Walt and upstate New York bride Marie, this occasion was truly a blending of everything. As a second wedding for both, they combined families and their lives to create an intimate and casual wedding in November of this year. The couple contacted us early in 2018, and as everything unfolded, we realized that Marie and Walt were as thoughtful as they were easy-going in their planning and simply elegant details.

Second weddings can be tricky, but Marie and Walt worked with Amy from Plume Events on all the elements for their elegant wedding and cocktail reception, and the details were superb. Everything felt intimate and about them and their new blended family.

A First Look Twist

Marie and Walt chose not to do the pre-ceremony first look, opting instead for Marie to share that moment with her father. It was absolutely touching. We also loved seeing Walt dancing with his mother during the reception. Three generations coming together to celebrate a new beginning filled our space with warmth.

The Ceremony

The couple said their vows in front of a towering gothic-inspired wooden backdrop by Greenhouse Picker Sisters. Serendipity Designs added tasteful elements to it to anchor the space.

The children were their attendants for the ceremony.

The Reception & Special Elements

Seating options for the reception were varied and plenty. After the ceremony, a sheer curtain was removed to allow guests to transition outside around exposed wood hightop tables provided by Greenhouse Picker Sisters, where they could enjoy a North Carolina themed bar provided by Chatham Station. Other guests remained indoors to partake of the sublime charcuterie platters that were laid for guests. The ability to move between spaces assisted in creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Settee provided by Greenhouse Picker Sisters

Inside or out, the 130 guests were comfortably served and able to gather and wander with ease, and the indoor spaces were separated with a plush linen lounge with whitewashed wood.

Long tables with white tablecloths and high tops allowed for a variety of mingling options.

Serendipity Designs also provided arrangements for the tables and even the cake.

And Two Became One …

Watching this family and this day come together was truly special. The couple’s combined children were gleeful and easy around each other, and the family seemed to have already formed. They took the opportunity to wander Cary as a family, grabbing photos and special memories.

We wish them all the best in this next big chapter!

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

Planners: @plumeevents
Photographer: @christensmithphotography
Caterer: @backyardbistro
Bridal Gown & Bridesmaids: @davidsbridal
Suit: @belk
Cake: @publix
Rentals: @greenhousepickersisters & @ce_rental_raleigh
DJ: @ninetynineentertainment
Officiant: @crosspointecary
Venue: @chathamstation

Amanda & Landon’s “I Dos”

December 10, 2019 by Chatham Station

We’re kicking off our blog by featuring one of the first weddings we hosted at Chatham Station – that of Amanda & Landon, who said their vows in an autumn outdoor ceremony.

Special Elements

This couple focused on the key details for their day, which included a mix of elegant and modern with winks to the more timeless traditions of matrimony. Chatham provided the space and vibe, let the vendors in to do their thing, and let their ceremony unfold.

Because their wedding contained both the cool freshness of the outdoors and the warmth of a sunset backdrop, Amanda and Landon made choices that didn’t compete with the space or season. All of the details and elements felt subtle and complementary, in particular their use of candles, floral arrangements, a softened color palette and decor that provided interest but wasn’t overwhelming.

This couple eschewed the bright white wedding gown and black tuxes for a more contemporary and muted wedding party look. Amanda wore a blush colored gown with a full skirt and her bridesmaids wore dusty blue. The gentlemen wore slim cut blue suits.

They also chose floral arrangements accented with roses and eucalyptus, as well as structural pieces for the tables. Glass orbs, hanging from golden hoops with greenery and pale roses were a modern departure from traditional bouquets and centerpieces. A geometrical copper backdrop that drew everyone’s focus to the bride and groom during the ceremony was used later behind the sweetheart table.

An Outdoor Wedding

Their ceremony took place in our enclosed 1800 square foot patio against the setting sun. Between the sunlight that comes through our bay doors and the well-placed candles, everything felt soft and thoughtfully selected.

Fresh flowers, elegant plates and exposed brick.

***Lilac Floral Decor*** created these hoops with floating orbs.

Pre-Ceremony Gatherings

Amanda, Landon and their attendants took advantage of all that our warm, but industrial space at Chatham has to offer, including the pre-ceremony quality time in our dressing suites. They rented our place for the day, which allowed them to enjoy chatting, toasting, laughing and grabbing photos behind the scenes.

First Look vs. First Touch

More and more, couples are opting for a first look before the bride walks down the aisle, but Amanda and Landon thought a first touch was more their style. It paid off. Before saying their I Dos, this little moment allowed them to breathe the same air on their own, but still have the big moment of seeing each other during the processional.

From her reaction, they clearly made the right choice.

The aisle was lined with lanterns that gave off a glowing light as Amanda and her father made their way to the groom. In keeping with the other elements, the bride’s bouquet was an elegant bundle of pastel roses and eucalyptus, hand-tied with a flowing blush ribbon.

The Big Finish

One of the top moments of the evening was the sparkler send off. Not only do these provide opportunities for great images, they can cap off the evening in style.

All the best to you, husband and wife! We loved hosting your ceremony at our place.

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

Venue: Chatham Station
Planners: DL Events
Photographer: J Hagan Photography
Caterer: Catering by Design
Hair and Makeup: Fancy Knot
Dress: Maggie Sotterro Designs
Tuxedos: Generation Tux
Flowers: Lilac Floral Decor
Music: DJ Eddie Leonard
Desserts: Sweet Traditions