Wake Forest University Graduation Celebration at The Little Chapel at Haven Ridge

Graduating from college is a major milestone, and one that deserves to be celebrated with style, intention, and joy. At Che’lu Events, we specialize in creating intimate and elevated gatherings that allow our clients to be fully present. This past May, we had the honor of planning a stunning graduation luncheon at The Little Chapel at Haven Ridge for a Wake Forest University graduate—and it was a day to remember.

Whether you're planning a graduation party in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, or Raleigh, this event offers timeless inspiration for hosting a heartfelt and polished celebration.

A Personal Celebration for a Proud Mother

The luncheon was hosted on Monday, May 19th, 2025, by the proud mother of a Wake Forest University graduate who wanted to honor her daughter’s achievement with a celebration that felt warm, elegant, and completely personal. The vision was clear: an intimate gathering of close family and friends in a beautifully styled setting that reflected the graduate’s grace and accomplishments.

As always, Che’lu Events was there to take the stress out of planning and execution so the host and guests could be fully present for every heartfelt moment.

The Solarium at The Little Chapel: A Bright & Elegant Setting

The Little Chapel at Haven Ridge Solarium — *Photographed by Adornment Photography in Winston Salem, NC*

The event was held in The Solarium at The Little Chapel at Haven Ridge, a beautifully lit space known for its arched windows, vintage chandeliers, and welcoming atmosphere. The natural light that flooded the space created the perfect canvas for the soft, floral-forward event design.

Guests were welcomed into the serene setting with soft background music and a tablescape that immediately set the tone for a refined and joyful afternoon. The venue’s intimate charm was a perfect match for the family’s vision of a connected, celebratory luncheon.

Timeless Design with Elegant Details

Che'lu Events Winston Salem, NC — *Photographed by Adornment Photography, Winston Salem, NC*

Che’lu Events worked with Party Reflections to select elevated table décor and rentals that brought sophistication to the room without overpowering its natural beauty. The design centered around a soft color palette of ivory, blush, sage, and wood—tones that conveyed elegance while remaining grounded and inviting.

*Photographed by Adornment Photography, Winston Salem, NC*

Each place setting featured custom-designed menus with the graduate’s name, modern flatware, and teak wood chargers. The finishing touch? A signature gin cocktail, garnished with an edible flower, served to each guest as they were seated—an elegant and refreshing welcome drink that elevated the experience right from the start.

Fresh Florals That Brought the Room to Life

Sophisticated Florals by Stephanie, Winston Salem NC — *Photographed by Adornment Photography, Winston Salem, NC*

The floral arrangements, designed by Sophisticated Florals by Stephanie, were the highlight of the tablescape. Stephanie created lush, organic centerpieces that brought life and movement to the room, incorporating seasonal herb pots to echo the freshness of the season.

Vessels were intentionally low to promote conversation across the table, and the floral palette tied perfectly into the linens and dinnerware. The florals added not only beauty, but also texture and depth to the overall aesthetic of the luncheon.

A Seasonal Menu Curated by 1618 on Location

Delicious food was a central focus of the celebration. 1618 On Location, one of North Carolina’s most sought-after catering teams, curated a flavorful and thoughtful luncheon menu. Every dish was a balance of Southern heritage and modern flair.

The menu featured a variety of light yet satisfying options, perfect for a mid-day celebration. Some highlights included:

mini crab cakes with horseradish aioli
pan seared sea bass with lemon caper butter sauce
beef tenderloin medallion with white wine cream sauce

Guests enjoyed plated service and elegant presentation, with the custom menus at each seat highlighting each course. Dessert included chocolate torte with whipped buttercream, fresh berries & strawberry basil cheesecake tart.

Capturing the Day: Adornment Photography

To ensure the memories from the day were beautifully preserved, we worked with the talented Skyler Brown of Adornment Photography. Skyler’s eye for natural light and candid emotion made her the perfect choice for this event.

She quickly captured every thoughtful detail—from the florals and menus to the architecture of the Solarium —with warmth and artistry. The gallery reflects the heart of the event: connection, and celebration.

Thoughtful Touches That Elevated the Experience

At Che’lu Events, it’s the thoughtful touches that transform events into experiences. For this luncheon, our team added intentional elements that left a lasting impression on every guest.

These details weren’t just beautiful—they told a story of pride, joy, and love for the graduate and her accomplishments.

Our Role as Planners: Letting the Host Be Present

Desirae Crandell Event Planner — *Che’lu Events photographed by Adornment Photography, Winston Salem, NC*

Maliquea Starnes Event Planner — *Maliquea Starnes, photographed by Adornment Photography, Winston Salem, NC*

*Desirae Crandell photographed by Adornment Photography, Winston Salem, NC*

From concept to cleanup, Che’lu Events was proud to provide full-service planning, design, and on-site setup for the graduation luncheon. Our services included:

Venue collaboration and layout planning
Rental coordination and setup
Floral and décor management
Catering and vendor liaison
Timeline creation and day-of set up support

Because the event took place on a weekday afternoon, our team ensured everything ran on time and was perfectly styled before guests arrived. The host could relax, knowing every detail had been handled.

Why Clients Trust Che’lu Events for Milestone Moments

At Che’lu Events, we’re known for planning milestone moments across Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Raleigh, Durham, and Kernersville. Whether it’s a graduation, baby shower, corporate event, or private dinner, our goal is always the same: to allow you to be fully present for your own event.

We offer a grounded yet elevated approach to event planning. With a deep understanding of design, logistics, and guest experience, we bring both style and structure to every gathering.