Montfair Resort Farm Wedding | Kat + Wade

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