We love when a couple prioritizes the vibe of their wedding day above all else because we are the exact same. Rachel and Matt had a big vision for their Auto Shop DC wedding and completely trusted the team at Simply Breathe Events to execute it flawlessly. Throughout the planning process, they trusted our process (which we have been perfecting for the past decade now) and let us guide them through the planning and design decisions of their wedding day, always checking in to make sure their ideas fell in line with the overall vision – dream couple.

With warm and inviting rust-colored hues and a modern industrial wedding venue to match, we were able to bring their modern industrial wedding vision to life! We have a feeling you’ll love reliving this day through their wedding photos just as much as we did.

Finding a Getting Ready Space

If you are looking for a unique DC wedding venue, we would highly recommend the Auto Shop DC. Formerly an auto shop (you guessed it!), it has all of the industrial vibes you may be looking for. We began Rachel and Matt’s wedding day at The Darcy Hotel to ensure they and their wedding parties had all the space the needed for glam, and the hotel aesthetic fit right in. Capturing details like our bride’s something blue wedding shoes, the stunning embroidery on her wedding dress, and our groom’s clean ranunculus boutonniere, the day was off to a fantastic start.

An Emotional First Look Before their Wedding Photos

Here at SBE we’re #teamfirstlook for three reasons. First, the timeline between your wedding ceremony feels less rushed. Second, our couples can actually enjoy the cocktail hour they planned. Lastly, you might be surprised how emotional you feel and it’s nice to have that release in an intimate and private setting! For a little extra romance, we also love when our couples exchange gifts or read private vows to one another during this time. If you are on the fence about a first look, trust us – you’ll still have all the feels as you walk down the aisle. You just get to enjoy them before too!

After their first look, Emily Gude Photography took the most incredible wedding portraits for them (that completely matched the aesthetic of the wedding day). Then we headed off to Union Market with their wedding party, where Auto Shop DC is, for their remaining wedding portraits before the wedding ceremony began!

The verdict is in! When it comes to mismatched bridesmaid dresses, brides are opting for more than just different necklines! A modern take on the mismatched trend is to opt for completely different colors and textures. When done well, the look is stunning and feels effortless (even when it does, in fact, require a lot of effort!).

Auto Shop Wedding Ceremony

The rooftop wedding ceremony venue at Auto Shop is simply stunning, and we love soaking in the urban views over Union Market. Rachel and Matt opted for a low and lush floral arrangement to not distract from the view but instead ground the space for them to officially tie the knot. This wedding was especially rewarding for the SBE team because Rachel and Matt were so fun to plan with the entire time. Just look at those smiles walking back down the aisle as husband and wife! We love two lovebirds ready to have a good time.

Delicate Wedding Details

Smaller and more delicate floral arrangements have taken over the wedding scene lately. Although we never say no to an over-the-top display when we look at the delicate floral details on Rachel and Matt’s industrial tablescapes it’s hard not to see how impactful single blooms can be. When designing in a modern industrial space (like for this Auto Shop DC wedding), it’s important to add details that bump up the cozy ambiance.

With candlelight and a warm color palette of oranges and neutrals, guests felt immediately welcomed from the moment they stepped inside the venue. The rust-colored napkins and monochromatic floral arrangements brought out the brick wall interior for a cohesive look too.

Prioritizing Guest Experience at an Auto Shop DC Wedding

Rachel and Matt’s light and joyful energy are contagious. The entire time we were planning their wedding day together, I couldn’t stop smiling either. This translated into an evening that they (and their guests!), will never forget. It was so beautiful, but also just so much fun. There was a perfect blend of laughter and happy tears from the moment they started the toasts to the packed dance floor at the end of the night.

A little side note: we will always encourage you to include your fur babies somewhere in the wedding decor! Rachel and Matt’s sweetheart Bailey virtually manned the bar all night with custom coasters and a dedicated signature drink for guests to enjoy.

The End of Their Auto Shop DC Wedding

The last details we will gush over for these two are their custom Air Force Ones. They changed their footwear halfway through the reception to make sure they could keep the party going all night long. They seriously left it all on the dance floor. Then, their night ended with pizza from their favorite pizza spot in DC (Duccini’s). It was perfection. If you are ready to create just as much magic on your wedding day, we are ready to help you make it a reality. Get in touch with our team here.

DC WEDDING VENDOR TEAM

Wedding Planner: Simply Breathe Events

Photographer: Emily Gude Photography

Videographer: Love in Color

Wedding Venue: AutoShop

Florist: Wander and Whimsy

Wedding Attire: Lovers Society from Lovely Bride

Tuxedo: BlackTux

Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo

Caterer: Main Event Caterers

Baker/Desserts: Buttercream Bakeshop

DJ & Photobooth: Nice Entertainment

Invitations: Minted

Wedding Signage: Etsy

Rentals: Something Vintage

Transportation: Limosine Inc

Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Ana B & Makeup by Shirin

Ceremony Musicians: Distinct Strings

Security: Claviger Security LLC

Tiffany Rivera is a DC & NYC Wedding Planner & Event Planner. For more of SBE’s latest weddings, check out Lauren and Charlie’s modern wedding at the Winslow Room in Baltimore.