Montfair Resort Farm Wedding // Kat + Wade // Charlottesville, VA

Montfair has become one of my favorite Charlottesville wedding venues. And this Montfair Resort Farm wedding was where it started! It’s the perfect place to get away from the city and celebrate surrounded by the serenity of nature, which was exactly the vibe Kat and Wade were going for.

Both grads of the Class of 2016, Kat and Wade met while studying at UVA. Their shared interests created a deep bond, paving the way for their 2018 engagement while in India on a yoga retreat. When planning their perfect wedding, they knew they wanted to do it their way: a local and sustainable Charlottesville wedding, surrounded by the people they loved most.

One of the things I admire most about this couple is how incredibly socially and eco-conscious they are in all that they do. The couple’s jewelry were made with sustainable and recycled materials. Their reception featured delicious vegan desserts from Bakeshop and a catered vegetarian menu created by Chef Mike of Have Food, Will Travel Catering

And a few weeks following the ceremony, Kat shared this surprise on her Instagram:

“1 month ago we eloped to DC to ‘officially’ tie the knot in advance of our celebration with family and friends. It was a decision made in protest of Virginia’s antiquated marriage license process, which requires couples to declare their race when applying to wed (that policy is currently under review and – we’re hoping – will soon be abolished).

The upside was a day alone together before the craziness to enjoy each other’s presence and reflect on the commitment we were making. I wish everyone the same flexibility and freedom to marry whomever, wherever, and to have many quiet moments just the two of you along the way.

As an added bonus, now we have two anniversaries to celebrate! 🤪”  

I actually heard about this during their last minute ‘engagement’ session two days prior to their wedding. Turns out it was actually a post-elopement/pre-wedding couples session (someone tell me if you find a better name for that haha). But it was a fun surprise to share and a beautiful statement to share and stand for marriage equality!

Their love and deep respect for one another was evident in everything they did, and was reflected in the family affair of their celebration. Their close friend Brendan officiated the wedding. Together, they built an inclusive and non-denominational ceremony that emphasized the equality of their partnership and removed dated religious and gendered language. I was also so impressed that they memorized their vows – they recited them on the spot during their ceremony!

During the speeches, Wade’s mom talked about getting cred when they mention that they are Wade’s parents. And you can spot Kat and Wade’s dad doing the wobble together on the dance floor! Surrounded by friends and family, the love and joy of the day was simply infectious. 

 

Scroll down to see some of my favorite memories from their day!

 

Vendor Team

Photography: Xiaoqi, Xiaoqi Li Photography

Venue: Montfair Resort Farm

Wedding Coordinator: Katie Teel, Katie Teel Events

Cake/Desserts: Justin, Bakeshop

Caterer: Chef Mike, Have Food, Will Travel Catering

Rentals: MS Events

DJ: Hwan Kim

Officiant: Brendan Kim

Gown: BHLDN

Menswear: Bonobos

Bridesmaids Gifts: Becca, Thicket

Wedding Bands: Sophie Hughes

 

custom wedding bands by Sophie Hughes Jewelry

girls getting ready in Airbnb getting ready mom and bride hugging groom and groomsmen getting ready

First look at Montfair

bride and groom hugging wedding party running up to couple

Wedding party hug, image by Xiaoqi Li Photography

Groomsmen at Montfair Resort Bridesmaids at Montfair Montfair ceremony with mountain views bride smiling during ceremony

Wedding ceremony selfie

Horse interrupting wedding ceremony

family and friends holding hands during wedding ceremony couple holding hands during ceremony

First kiss, Montfair Resort Wedding, image by Xiaoqi Li Photography

Elegant & Rustic Montfair Resort Wedding, image by Xiaoqi Li Photography bride hugging friend

Bride with mom and grandma

First dance at Montfair Resort Wedding

Couple walking in front of mountains at Montfair Resort Farm

couples portrait by fence Couples portrait at Montfair Resort Wedding, image by Xiaoqi Li Photography

 

Lanterns night portrait Montfair Resort Farm

Best man speech with couple laughing Mom laughing during speeches

Couple laughing and smiling during wedding speeches

Wedding speeches people hugging at wedding reception

Magical night portrait at Montfair Resort Wedding, image by Xiaoqi Li Photography

Father daughter dance Mother son dance

Dad on the dance floor Couple on the dance floor getting low

Cake cutting

People dancing at wedding reception Couple walking together down row of sparklers

Sparkler exit at Montfair Resort Farm Wedding, image by Xiaoqi Li Photography

 

 

 

To see more Charlottesville wedding moments and portraits, head over to my portfolio.

Already dreaming about an awesome photography experience with me? Let’s chat soon!

 

Elegant & Rustic Montfair Resort Wedding, image by Xiaoqi Li Photography

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  1. […] was an event I was thrilled to be a part of, having met them through one of my past couples, Kat & Wade. The couple have a deep love for the University of Virginia where they met, fell in love, and later […]

  2. […] shared their engagement photos. We found out that they were connected with two of my past couples, Kat and Wade, and Emily and […]

PUBLISHED & AWARD-WINNING DESTINATION PHOTOGRAPHER
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PUBLISHED & AWARD-WINNING DESTINATION PHOTOGRAPHER

RANKED TOP 12 WORLDWIDE BY WPJA