We’re so happy you're here + would love to tell you a bit more about The Gathering Co.
WE'RE A LOCAL EVENT PLANNING COMPANY TO THE BEAUTIFUL CAROLINAS + BEYOND.
Our creative corner of this industry started out of our deep purpose + passion for gathering community around love. We work from a heart of approachable intentionality to create unique, one-of-a-kind gatherings that focus on our client's story + style—ending in an unforgettable wedding + an enjoyable planning experience that is SO you!
THE
FOUNDER
HI! My name is CHELSY (CHELS) FERGUSON.
A little bit about me: I call Raleigh, NC home + am obsessed with the beautiful, simple things in life - including my morning cup of coffee with a shortbread cookie (literally every day), replacing pillows in my home, having a glass of wine with a friend, playing catch with my little one, delivering a design board to a client, + a NICE gin cocktail. I’m passionate about relationships, representing diverse love, our two year old Harvey, creating experiences, + this creative business — and last but not least I love Jesus and deeply believe in INCLUSIVITY and representing diversity.
Fun fact: I'm married to our in-house officiant, the one and only Lowell Thomas III. Well, maybe his name isn't the one and only, but he sure is one of a kind. He helps me stay grounded, is my “height” in shining armor, + adds the perfect touch to all our work!
Favorite part of a wedding: This is a hard one! From a vendor’s side, it’s seeing a wedding come to life after so many plans and vendors have come together. From a client side, I LOVE seeing the couple see each other for the first time AND when we get to feel the energy change to hype celebration once they make it back down the aisle!
My background is in marketing + project management, and the skills I have been thankful to learn through my journey have landed me with a kick ass team and amaze wedding community! With everything I do, I long to encourage others, create beautiful moments, + love people for who they are, all while celebrating life’s milestones.
We are strong believers that there is priceless beauty in gathering with those in your community + THAT is why we love our job. We have a deep passion for capturing our client's special day through these values: conversation, art, honesty, and diversity. We ALWAYS strive to root your day in the intentional + unique story that is yours, and only yours.
We can't wait to meet you + celebrate something beautiful.
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12
MEET THE TEAM
THOMAS
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Fun fact: I have my MDIV fm Campbell and have been sky diving!
Favorite part of a wedding: As an officiant I love the excited, nervous conversations that takes place right before the ceremony processional.
SAGE
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Fun fact: The parent trap was my favorite childhood movie! I have probably seen it over 50 times !
Favorite part of a wedding: Seeing our couples right after ceremony! I love being there to see the post ceremony smiles and laughter! Nothing like the just married feeling surrounded by family and friends!
DEANNA
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Fun fact: I was born in Boston
My favorite part of a wedding has to be either the moment right before I send the bride down the aisle or watching a father/daughter dance if they have one!
MADDY
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Fun fact: I read over 130 books last year!
Favorite part of a wedding: seeing the couples reaction to seeing each other for the first time not the wedding day, whether it’s a first look or walking down the aisle (or both) it’s such a special moment!
AYA
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Fun fact: My husband and I eloped during a solar eclipse
Favorite part of a wedding: the couple’s grand entrance into the reception and going straight into their first dance!
LARA
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Fun fact: My husband proposed on the Boylan Bridge overlooking downtown Raleigh!
My favorite part of a wedding is the vows - especially if they’re personal vows! It’s such a special, vulnerable moment of hearing about the couple’s relationship, their values, and what they mean to one another.
SAV
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Fun fact: I got married at 19
My favorite part of a wedding is seeing the uniqueness of each couple shine through every detail!
DONYA
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Fun fact: my first concert was Britney Spears when I was 6 years old!
Favorite part of a wedding: watching the couple live their absolute best lives on the dance floor at the end of the night!
HALEY
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Fun fact: I played golf in the JrPGA league
Favorite part of a wedding: The toasts are my favorite part of a wedding - you get to learn a lot about a couple and their friends through the speeches!
SUMAN
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Fun Fact: I love doing pottery and have been doing it on and off for over 10 years!
Favorite thing about a wedding: Watching the venue come alive with all the florals and personal touch decor! You get to learn a lot about the couple through the design of the wedding day and it makes each wedding so unique.
NYREE
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Fun fact: my husband and I got married on our sixth year anniversary
Favorite part of a wedding: loveee people watching the dance floor! I feel like that’s the best place to witness all the joy and love that your family and friends have for you and your spouse!
MG
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Fun fact — I played volleyball for UNC Chapel Hill!
My favorite part of a wedding has to be seeing the Bride in her beautiful wedding dress for the first time!
HARVEY
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I love baseball and playing catch.
I love Spiderman and Buzz.
My favorite food is fries.
I’ve been to Disney 6 times and I love roller coasters!
