summer wedding

Emily & Harrison

October 19, 2022 by Chatham Station

If a vision for a wedding was more carefully wrought and executed, we haven’t seen it in some time. Details, planning, inclusion of so many of their loves found their way to the big day. This wedding had every single thumbprint of the pair and it was such a blast to watch unfold in June of 2022. But first, let us introduce you to Emily and Harrison.

The Couple

They met during Emily’s Senior year at Meredith College in February of 2020. Can you see the first trial they were going to have to endure? Their first date nearly derailed them when trying to park in downtown Raleigh. They dined at Taverna Agora and then found that they bonded over NC State Football games. Both have lifetime rights to the same football section, and had probably crossed paths many times before finding each other.

Since Emily was never able to show Harrison the campus at Meredith, in October of 2021, she made a point of introducing him formally to the place of so many happy memories for her. Together they toured the campus, with her guiding him to favorite spots and once they reached a fountain on campus, Harrison proposed to her. She said yes before he even finished his speech.

They planned their wedding at Jones Chapel right at Meredith College.

A First Look

The couple took a moment before saying their public “I Dos” to have a private moment together. They read each other personal notes and shared a laugh.

The Details

After the wedding at Meredith College, the reception took place at Chatham Station with the palette of pale blue and white. Everything was coordinated and beautiful. These two also really included their guests in the day. They shared a list of all of their favorite places for entertainment and food that related to their relationship (first date, favorite brunch spot, favorite picnic location, etc.) so that guests could visit and enjoy those same spots while in town for the wedding.

They had a “newsletter” program for the day, with remembrances, the evenings’ itinerary, their vendor list and even a custom crossword puzzle with Emily and Harrison trivia. It was a such a sweet and fun idea. Instead of a guest book, each guest was asked to write down a special memory they’d shared with Emily and Harrison.

The Party

Both the bride and groom danced with their moms after their first dance together. In fact, Harrison is such a great dancer, he led the way all night and kept the floor hopping.

Guest enjoyed cocktails and catering from 39 West Catering, and after a final private dance between the couple, Emily and Harrison were sent off into their new life with sparklers and confetti.

Congratulations to these two wonderful souls and cheers to many happy years ahead.

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

Planner: Paisley and Pearl
Ceremony Venue: Meredith College Jones Chapel
DJ: Absolute Audio
Transportation: North Hills Transportation
Cake: Sweet Cheeks Baked Treats
Catering/Bartending: 39 West Catering
Photographer: Whitney Gremaud Photography
Rentals: CE Rental
Videography: Chris Zirkle Photography

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

Amanda & Max Make “Minimal” Gorgeous

August 5, 2020 by Chatham Station

“Love in the time of COVID” has become a meme, and sadly a refrain during the spring and summer wedding season. For Amanda and Max, their June 2020 wedding plan involved making some editing and moving forward – together.

Originally, the couple hoped to include 100 of their favorite people as part of their big summer wedding party, but when the pandemic brought us all to a halt, and an effort to reschedule in August also fell through, they reframed their goal and made it happen.

Pre-Wedding Moments

Both bride and groom added some finishing touches in our dressing suites and then the bride shared a first look with her father before he escorted her down the aisle to Max.

The Ceremony

In order to stay in compliance with state regulations and health guidelines, Amanda and Max reduced their wedding party to one attendant each and kept the guest list to a minimum. They had a moving sand ceremony to signify their union. The result was intimate, sweet and without the noise and chaos that can come with a larger event. With the help of their vendors, there was an enormous amount of beauty in just 90 minutes.

Details

These two looked amazing, with Amanda in a minimal, form-fitted and stunning gown and all white floral bouquet, and Max in an elegant navy suit. The backdrop for their vows, and the aisles, held small simple bunches of rich greenery. The result was sophisticated and elegant.

Wedding photographer Brittany Cruse worked absolute magic at the venue, using furniture and positioning the couple with care and creativity.

The Future

Happily, scaling back did not mean cancelling, and we are thrilled to say that Chatham Station will be the venue for a party in June of 2021 to celebrate Amanda and Max’s first wedding anniversary. Congratulations to you both!

The Vendors

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

Venue: Chatham Station Venue
Wedding Planner: Paisley and Pearl Events
Photographer: Brittany Cruse
Officiant: Ann McKenzie
Florist: Sweet Love Blossoms
Hair and Makeup: Silver Ceiling Beauty