When Mary Margaret and Sam told me they were Episcopal priests, I felt so honored to be trusted with photographing their own Episcopal Wedding Ceremony! Their venue was close to their heart, as Montfair Resort Farm is run by Sam’s family. Sam relayed fond memories of spots where he would stand to try to get a better cell signal in order to talk to Mary Margaret.

These two beautiful people met three years ago while in grad school studying to be seminaries. While Sam always knew that this was his calling, Mary Margaret resisted the call. Sam’s Bishop wouldn’t let him go to seminary school until he proved himself in a different industry, so Sam spent some time in the restaurant industry. Spending that time outside of the seminary was exactly what would lead him to the rest of his life. Not only was Sam able to gain a strong respect for his chosen career, but the timing was perfect! Ultimately, taking the time to wait meant that he would meet Mary Margaret…and the rest is history!

On our initial call, I also remember asking them about their vision for the wedding day. They skipped talk of colors or decor; they answered summed it up to one word: “authentic”. Rather than fixating on wedding traditions, they wanted to focus on gratitude, joy, and just having a fun party – and also good food! I love so much how intentional and thoughtful they were with planning their wedding.

They even curated their guest list to reflect different periods of their lives. Unfortunately, that plan would be overturned by COVID, and they downsized from their 250 person guest list to an intimate celebration of under 30. The couple’s Episcopal Wedding Ceremony, while traditional, was held outdoors to celebrate in nature, in front of Montfair’s gorgeous mountain views. 

During the reception, so many guests wanted to share stories and words of love with the couple. We ended up having 12 toasts, not counting their joint thank you speech afterwards! Another one of my favorite memories from the day was that Mary Margaret and Sam were totally up for playing corn horn during their portrait session together. The relaxed and fun-loving energy of the couple made their Montfair wedding that much more memorable for the couple and guests alike.

Keep scrolling to see highlights from their day!

Vendors

Photography: Xiaoqi Li Photography

Videography: Stephen James Films

Planner: Anyvent Event Planning

Venue: Montfair Resort Farm

Cake: Cake Bloom

Catering: BBQ Exchange

Officiant: Rev. Brit Bjurstrom-Frazier

Florals: Blue Heron Farm

Menswear: Jos A Bank

 

Groom getting ready with wedding party before Episcopal Wedding.

Groom laughing and joking with friends before episcopal wedding

detail shot of wedding ring on purple flower

Bride hugging family while getting ready for wedding

Woman showing her wedding dress to bridesmaids

Bride wearing wedding gown outside twirling her dress Bride smiling and talking to family before ceremony in Charlottesville

bride hugging family at Charlottesville wedding

Couple seeing one another for first time on wedding day at Montfair Resort

Bride and groom hugging for first time on wedding day Couple hugging after seeing one another for the first time on wedding day

Couple holding hands and smiling at one another

Groom looking at bride smiling after first look

Sunny day on wedding day before ceremony at Montfair Resort Farm

Episcopal wedding ceremony at montfair resort

Episcopal wedding ceremony at Montfair Resort Farm

Couple kneeling during wedding ceremony to pray together

Couple standing together as newly married partners

Bride hugging friend after ceremony

Couple standing in field playing cornhole after Episcopal wedding

Couple cheering each other on while playing corn hole together

Couple dancing together after episcopal wedding newly married couple holding hands

 

Couple hugging one another and celebrating recent marriage

Couple running in a field laughing together

Couple standing together listening to toasts at wedding reception Couple laughing together and enjoying toasts at wedding reception

Bride hugging friend at wedding reception at Montfair Resort Farm

Newly married couple laughing together at wedding reception

Newly married couple listening to more toasts at wedding reception

Newly married couple hugging friends after toasts at wedding reception

Bride and groom dancing together as husband and wife at Montfair Resort Farm

Rustic chic wedding cake with colorful flowers at episcopal wedding Newly married couple getting ready to cut wedding cake

Couple cutting wedding cake together after episcopal wedding Cutting wedding cake together at Montfair Resort Farm

Newly married couple dancing after episcopal wedding

 

Explore another Montfair wedding here, or check out my favorite Charlottesville Wedding Venues!

Ready to plan your dream Charlottesville wedding? Ask me about my wedding guide! Contact me here.

Episcopal Wedding // Mary Margaret + Sam // Montfair Resort Farm

Couple kneeling during wedding ceremony to pray together