Making Marry

from Weddings | Spring 2022

How to: Navigate nontraditional venues

Good looks

Before their wedding at The Market at Grelen, Emily Barton and Cory Kohler wanted to make sure they properly introduced friends and family to Charlottesville, the city where they met. So, when they started planning their September 24 wedding, they decided to incorporate some special touches, like a special pre-wedding stop where it all began.

“After meeting on Bumble, our first date was at Tilman’s on the Downtown Mall,” Emily says. “We had drinks and both remember it as a beautiful afternoon on the mall, where there is so much positive energy.” Instead of a traditional first look at the venue, they had theirs in the same spot where they had their actual first look: Tilman’s. Their parents and bridal party joined them inside the restaurant after snapping a few pics, then it was on to Somerset for the main event. “Even though our wedding was outside of town, we wanted to make sure we got the feel of C’ville in our photos,” says

Emily. “We definitely got attention walking along the mall, and everyone was so supportive—cheering and congratulating us.”—Caite Hamilton 62

AT THE HISTORIC WOOLEN MILLS

Historic Destination, Modern Amenities

The Wool Factory is located at The Historic Woolen Mills, a restoration of the 19th century textile mill in Charlottesville, Virginia. The original industrial aesthetic has been preserved to form the breathtaking backdrop for its showpiece event hall. A premier event destination featuring in-house catering by celebrated Executive Chef Tucker Yoder, The Wool Factory is capable of hosting 10–570 guests for everything from intimate corporate dinners to grandiose weddings & celebrations. Inspired by the industrious history of the property, The Wool Factory is a unique collaboration between chefs, brewers, winemakers, and coffee roasters aimed at creating unforgettable experiences.