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Merriam and Garry’s spring black tie wedding at Montalto was a perfect full circle moment for the couple. Although these two both went to the University of Virginia, it wasn’t until a Z Society soiree years after their undergrad years that they got connected. And Montalto was the very venue where that happened! 

I love the sentimentality of their wedding venue. It was the perfect backdrop for both their fall Charlottesville engagement session the year prior and their beautiful spring wedding. We had a small world moment when I shared their engagement photos. We found out that they were connected with two of my past couples, Kat and Wade, and Emily and Will!

Although Montalto is a gorgeous venue, being part of Jefferson’s Monticello means it’s not a regular wedding venue. Everything had to be brought up to the mountaintop to create the magic that we saw. But you’d never know how challenging it was from how beautifully my talented friend Jazmin of Anyevent and her team pulled it all together!

Additionally, we had rain come and go throughout the day. Looking through the photos though, you’ll hardly notice it! We were so lucky with breaks in the rain always just in time for their portraits. Jazmin did such an amazing job taking care of all the logistical details, including moving the ceremony indoors when that call was made on the wedding day. 

One of the most memorable details from the day was Merriam’s dress. The wedding dress was actually handmade and custom designed by her godfather, Firas Yousif. The one-of-a-kind gown featured delicate lace and silk and a 5 ft long train. Merriam did first looks with her dad, her bridesmaids, and Garry, and they were all stunned at first sight. All of their reactions were so fun! 

Next, at the ceremony, their nieces were flower girls, Garry’s brother played piano, his Dad officiated, and several of their friends did readings. I loved the way the couple included their closest friends and family throughout the day’s events. Their reception kicked off with their entrances and a beautifully rehearsed first dance and a loving welcome speech. We also enjoyed several toasts, parent dances, and cake cutting before the dance floor opened up. The Dabke, an Iraqi line dance, was a highlight of the dance floor, as well as the sparkler exit at the end of the night. Pretty much no one went home on the first shuttle, so we had so many guests help us out with the sparkler exit! 

I loved how much the entire day was filled with so much joy and laughter. Merriam and Garry’s spring black tie wedding at Montalto was a joyous celebration for all, creating moments for the couple to reminisce on for the rest of their lives. Keep scrolling to see more from their Montalto Wedding!

Vendor Team

Photography: Xiaoqi Li Photography

Wedding Planner: Jazmin with Anyvent Event Planning

Dress: Firas Yousif Originals

Suits: The Black Tux

Florist: The Posey Detail

Venue: Montalto at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

Makeup: Gohar Makeup

Hair: Posh Bride

Invites: Greenvelope

Cake: Maliha Creations

Cake Pops & Flights: Sliced. Cake Bar

Band: Polaris Band

Ceremony Music: Hit Em with the Jabz

Lights: Blue Ridge Event Production

Tent: Virginia Tent Rental

Catering: The Local Catering

Ceremony Live Streaming: Feeling Wedding Films

Transportation: Cville Transportation

Getaway Tesla: Albemarle Limousine

Looking for more Charlottesville wedding inspiration, or check out my list of favorite Charlottesville wedding venues here. 
Already dreaming of an incredible Virginia wedding photographer experience with me? Reach out soon!