Black Tie Wool Factory Wedding // Emily + Will // Charlottesville, VA

“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

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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. 

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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

Explore more black tie weddings here and more Charlottesville weddings, engagements, resources and more here!

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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