we’re so happy you're here + would love to tell you a bit more about the gathering co.
WE'RE A LOCAL WEDDING PLANNING TEAM BASED IN RALEIGH + CHARLOTTE
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), finding the perfect thrift, having a glass of wine with a friend, chasing my two little ones around, delivering a design deck to a client, + a NICE gin cocktail. I’m passionate about relationships, representing diverse love, avoiding AI designs, finding balance in family/work life, creating experiences, entrepreneurship, interior design, + this creative business. Last but not least, I love Jesus and deeply believe in inclusivity + authenticity.
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! and I’m a mom of TWO boys - enough said there!
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 shift to a 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 an AMAZE wedding community! With everything I do, I long to encourage others, create beautiful moments, drive a stress free + intentional experience, + love people for who they are, all while celebrating life’s milestones in the best way possible.
We are strong believers that there is priceless beauty in gathering with those in your community + celebrating love. THAT is why we love our job. We have a deep passion for capturing our client's special day through these values: communication, 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
OFFICIANT & CO-OWNER
→ FUN FACT:
I have my MDIV fm Campbell and have been sky diving!
→ MY FAVORITE PART OF A WEDDING:
As an officiant I love the excited, nervous conversations that takes place right before the ceremony processional.
MADDY
COO + EVENT LEAD & DESIGNER
→ FUN FACT:
I studied Mandarin for 4 years
→ MY FAVORITE PART OF A WEDDING:
When couples have a private last dance at the end of the night, it's so sweet to see them soak in the day!
SAGE
EVENT LEAD & DESIGNER
→ FUN FACT:
I have spent every summer of my life vacationing on the coast of Maryland! I adore being by the water!
→ MY 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!
MACY
EVENT LEAD & DESIGNER
→ FUN FACT:
I'm a dual citizen of the US and Germany!
→ MY FAVORITE PART OF A WEDDING:
Seeing the couple relax into the night - laughing, dancing, and soaking up every second surrounded by the people who love them most!
VICTORIA
EVENT LEAD & DESIGNER
→ FUN FACT:
I'm on a mission to visit all 50 states - I have 38 to go!
→ MY FAVORITE PART OF A WEDDING:
Seeing the couple right after they walk down the aisle!
BROOKE S
EVENT LEAD
→ FUN FACT:
I work as an Occupational Therapist for the North Carolina School for the blind when not planning weddings & I have two sweet girlies (Karsen and Reaves)
→ MY FAVORITE PART OF A WEDDING:
When the couple walks back down the aisle at the end of the ceremony. You can see the joy on their faces and relief that the most nerve wracking part is over.
ALLe
EVENT LEAD & DESIGNER
→ FUN FACT:
I love to do embroidery, watercolor painting, and always trying a new creative project!
→ MY FAVORITE PART OF A WEDDING:
When the bride walks down the aisle and you can truly feel the guests' emotions and the love between the couple!
DONYA
EVENT LEAD & DESIGNER
→ FUN FACT:
I've traveled to 16 countries so far!
→ MY FAVORITE PART OF A WEDDING:
Watching the couple celebrate right after walking back down the aisle together...the sweetest moment!
HALEY
EVENT LEAD
→ FUN FACT:
I got married in the middle of a snowstorm.
→ MY FAVORITE PART OF A WEDDING:
The toasts, because I love getting to know a couple through the perspective of their friends and family!
KAISEY
EVENT LEAD & DESIGNER
→ FUN FACT:
I am a born and raised Raleigh-ite (I know, I’m a dying breed)
→ MY FAVORITE PART OF A WEDDING:
When the couple realizes they actually just got married and the fun of it all. If it's at the end of the aisle, during dinner, in golden hour photos, or after their private last dance. It's so special to see couples have that "Oh My Goodness" moment where they look at each out, and say "wait, we just got married!"
Grace
EVENT LEAD & DESIGNER
→ FUN FACT:
I taught myself how to build computers, built one for myself & helped some friends with theirs!
→ MY FAVORITE PART OF A WEDDING:
I love seeing the couple when they are recessing down the aisle together, you can just see that happiness & excitement buzzing off of them. I also love hearing the speeches from their loved ones - really learning about their love story & lives through the perspective of their most trusted people (they’re always so sweet!!!)
BROOKE T
MARKETING & BRAND EXPERIENCE MANAGER
→ FUN FACT:
I named my dog Astro after Astroworld (it was a phase)
→ MY FAVORITE PART OF A WEDDING:
I love the vows. I tear up at every wedding but the vows really get the waterworks going.
