“We will forever be your super fans from attending our friends’ wedding that you photographed, but we’re even more impressed with you and your work after this past weekend. Thank you, Xiaoqi, for doing a spectacular job photographing our big day!” -Emily & Will
Emily and Will’s Wool Factory wedding 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 got engaged. We made sure to showcase that portion of their relationship on their big day. Being a UVA alum myself, I love celebrating my fellow Hoos! The Wool Factory was the perfect venue for their easygoing but elegant, black tie affair.
The couple’s wedding weekend began at UVA’s Colonnade Club with a welcome dinner, gathering guests to enjoy one another’s company before the big wedding. On the wedding day, this was also home base for Emily to get ready with her friends. The room was filled with laughter and fun getting ready together! I loved the surprise she had for her parents. After Emily got into her dress, we stepped away for a minute with just the three of them. She gifted her parents a watercolor painting of the church her parents had gotten married in. Their church was also named for St. Paul, just like the church she and Will were about to celebrate their union in!
Their first look location was another nod to a personal love story. They met up in UVA’s Garden II, the same garden where they got engaged! Bringing their love story full circle was a unique way to honor their story and alma mater. Doing that first look allowed us to finish up all their portraits before the ceremony, and thankfully the looming rain clouds held out for us. Their ceremony was not photographed to respect rules set by the church and officiant, but we made sure to get pictures of the bridal party waiting for guests to arrive, and hanging out.
After Emily and Will were married, we were off to their Wool Factory wedding reception. The event was filled with colorful floral arrangements, gold tablescapes, and warm lighting. Emily and Will skipped cake cutting, instead going for a dessert table with cupcakes and other sweet treats. My dessert loving heart was in heaven! Their Wool Factory wedding reception was celebrated with toasts, Emily and Will’s first dance, dances with their parents, and a fun bouquet toss.
Keep scrolling to see more!
Vendor Team:
Photography: Xiaoqi Li Photography
Wedding Planner: Kelsey at Donovan Grove Events
HMUA: Renne + Amy at Studio 321
Florist: Steel Cut Floral Co.
Getting Ready Venue: The Colonnade Club
Ceremony: St. Paul’s Memorial Church
Reception Venue: The Wool Factory
Desserts: Cakes By Rachel
Entertainment: Adrian Duke Project via Sam Hill Entertainment
Photo Booth: Photo Booth of Charlottesville
Travel & Accommodations: The Draftsman, Graduate Hotels
Transportation: Albemarle Limousine
Rentals: MS Events
![black and white portrait of UVA before Wool Factory Wedding day](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-01-683x1024.jpg)
![Black and white portrait of bride getting ready before Black Tie Wool Factory wedding](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-02-1024x683.jpg)
![bridesmaids seeing bride for first time in wedding dress on wedding day](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-03-1024x683.jpg)
![bride's mother helping her get into wedding dress before Black Tie Wool Factory Wedding](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-04-1024x683.jpg)
![bride with her parents laughing and celebrating wedding day](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-05-1024x683.jpg)
![Bride's Dad holding painting from Bride on wedding day](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-06-1024x683.jpg)
![Bride celebrating with her Dad on her wedding day at Wool Factory wedding day](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-07-1024x683.jpg)
![Bride facetiming with wedding party on wedding day](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-08-1024x683.jpg)
![black and white portrait of bride walking with wedding party holding her gown](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-09-683x1024.jpg)
![bride and groom back to back before first look on wedding day](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-10-683x1024.jpg)
![close up of bride and groom holding hands before first look on wedding day](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-11-683x1024.jpg)
![bride and groom seeing one another for first time on wedding day in wedding attire at Wool Factory Black Tie wedding](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-13-1024x683.jpg)
![groom smiling at bride on wedding day during first look](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-14-1024x683.jpg)
![bride crying during first look seeing her groom for first time on Black Tie Wool Factory Wedding day](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-15-683x1024.jpg)
![couple laughing together during first look before wedding ceremony](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-16-1024x683.jpg)
![couple kissing in UVA gardens during first look](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-17-1024x683.jpg)
![bride and groom standing with wedding party at UVA before Black Tie Wool Factory wedding ceremony](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-18-1024x683.jpg)
![wedding party surrounding bride and groom wearing navy gowns and dark tuxedos](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-19-1024x683.jpg)
![bride hugging groom's parents while holding bridal bouquet](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-20-1024x683.jpg)
![wedding party standing behind bride and groom while they embrace](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-21-1024x683.jpg)
![Bride and Groom standing together wearing wedding attire during Black Tie Wool Factory wedding portraits](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-22-1024x683.jpg)
![couple celebrating with wedding party before Black Tie wedding ceremony](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-23-1024x683.jpg)
![Bride wearing wedding gown and holding pink and red flower bridal bouquet](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-24-683x1024.jpg)
![close up of bridal hairstyle, classic updo](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-25-683x1024.jpg)
![Groom wearing black tuxedo for Black Tie Wool Factory wedding portraits](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-26-683x1024.jpg)
![wedding day portraits of groom wearing a black tuxedo](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-27-1024x683.jpg)
![black and white portrait of couple standing in front of UVA during portraits](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-28-683x1024.jpg)
![couple holding hands and walking together during bridal portraits](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-29-683x1024.jpg)
![bride and groom standing together in wedding dress and black tuxedo](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-30-683x1024.jpg)
![black and white portrait of couple embracing during bridal portraits at UVA](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-31-1024x683.jpg)
![groom holding bride around her waist smiling on wedding day](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-32-683x1024.jpg)
![groom kissing bride's cheek during portraits at UVA](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-33-1024x683.jpg)
![bride and groom standing together in front of stairs with flowers and greenery siding the staircase](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-34-683x1024.jpg)
![groom's mother adjusting his bowtie before Black Tie Wool Factory wedding](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-35-1024x683.jpg)
![groom's mother hugging groom on wedding day before Wool Factory wedding ceremony](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-36-1024x683.jpg)
![groom's father hugging groom](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-37-1024x683.jpg)
![black and white portrait of bride hugging father while walking down the aisle](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-38-1024x683.jpg)
![black and white portrait of bride and groom holding hands during black tie Wool Factory wedding](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-39-1024x683.jpg)
![newly married couple walking down aisle as husband and wife after Black Tie Wool Factory wedding](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-40-1024x683.jpg)
![wedding party leaving ceremony and celebrating](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-41-1024x683.jpg)
![groomsmen exiting wedding ceremony in black tuxedoes](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-42-1024x683.jpg)
![wedding party dancing while exiting the Black Tie Wool Factory wedding ceremony](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-43-1024x683.jpg)
![last of wedding party wearing navy dress and black tuxedo celebrating recent wedding ceremony](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-44-1024x683.jpg)
![outside view of Wool Factory wedding venue](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-45-1024x683.jpg)
![outdoor space with twinkling lights at Wool Factory wedding venue](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-46-1024x683.jpg)
![long table set up for wedding reception with lights and floral arrangements](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-47-683x1024.jpg)
![indoor view of Wool Factory wedding reception with twinkling lights](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-48-1024x683.jpg)
![close up of sweetheart table, with gold chargers and colorful floral arrangements](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-49-683x1024.jpg)
![close up of wedding table decor at Black Tie Wool Factory Wedding reception](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-50-683x1024.jpg)
![dessert table with cupcakes at black tie wool factory wedding](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-50-683x1024.jpg)
![dessert table with brownies and more baked goods at Charlottesville wedding](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-51-683x1024.jpg)
![monogramed blue and gold napkins at elegant chic charlottesville wedding](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-52-683x1024.jpg)
![gold frame with black and white picture for wedding centerpiece](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-53-683x1024.jpg)
![wedding reception with wooden tables and rustic lighting at elegant wool factory wedding](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-54-1024x683.jpg)
![black and white wedding photo of wedding reception](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-55-1024x683.jpg)
![wedding couple walking into wool factory wedding reception](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-56-1024x683.jpg)
![parents smiling and celebrating during wedding](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-57-1024x683.jpg)
![wedding couple laughing during speeches at wedding reception](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-58-1024x683.jpg)
![wedding guests laughing and having a good time at wool factory wedding](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-59-1024x683.jpg)
![more table photos of guests celebrating with wedding couple](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-60-1024x683.jpg)
![bride standing in front of guests during wedding reception](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-61-1024x683.jpg)
![bride and groom dancing together during first dance at charlottesville wedding](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-62-1024x683.jpg)
![bride hugging dad during first dance](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-63-1024x683.jpg)
![groom dancing with mother](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-64-1024x683.jpg)
![bride throwing bouquet during wool factory wedding reception](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-65-1024x683.jpg)
![woman celebrating catching bride's bouquet](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-66-1024x683.jpg)
![wedding band playing during the wedding reception](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-67-1024x683.jpg)
![bride dancing with groom and wedding guests](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-68-1024x683.jpg)
![flower girl dancing on dance floor at wedding reception](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-69-1024x683.jpg)
![wedding guests dancing](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-70-1024x683.jpg)
![bride dancing during wedding reception](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-71-1024x683.jpg)
![wedding guest making funny face](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-72-1024x683.jpg)
![bridal party dancing during wedding reception](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-73-1024x683.jpg)
![two guests dancing while man kisses cheek](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-74-1024x683.jpg)
![bride and groom dancing and dipping during wedding reception](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-75-1024x683.jpg)
![wedding couple leaving in car](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/02/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-76-1024x683.jpg)
Explore more black tie weddings here and more Charlottesville weddings, engagements, resources and more here!
And if you’re still early in planning, check out my favorite Charlottesville wedding venues!
Already dreaming of an incredible photography experience with me? Let’s chat!
Kind words from the couple:
“Thank you, Xiaoqi, for doing a spectacular job photographing our big day! You did a phenomenal job of managing a tight schedule, long list of photo requests, and large group while keeping it fun and sentimental. We appreciate in particular how you gave us some time alone for our first look and exchange of personal vows. We will forever be your super fans from attending our friends’ wedding that you photographed, but we’re even more impressed with you and your work after this past weekend. We’re so happy with the incredible photos we’ve seen so far (appreciate the sneak peak), and cannot wait to see the rest!”
– Emily & Will
![bride and groom seeing one another for first time on wedding day in wedding attire at Wool Factory Black Tie wedding](https://xiaoqili.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7250/2022/06/Black-Tie-Wool-Factory-Wedding-Emily-Will-Xiaoqi-Li-Photography-13-scaled.jpg)
[…] 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! […]
Such fun photos.
Love the shot of the kids jumping for the bouquet.