MAB Weddings: Rebecca & Michael

It’s been an amazing year of weddings at MAB Artistry, over 363 to be exact! We’re so thankful to be a part of your special day which is why we love the chance to highlight our gorgeous brides. We’re closing out our year of MAB Weddings with the wedding of our gorgeous bride, Rebecca, and her husband Michael who had a wedding that lives up to all the DC vibes of elegance and fun.

1.What made you decide on your venue?

We knew we wanted to hold our wedding at a hotel as we had a lot of out of town guests coming into DC. We toured several properties, but immediately upon meeting with the Conrad staff and seeing the venue, we knew it was the right choice. The aesthetics and modern vibe of the hotel fit with our vision for our wedding day. Additionally, the team was so incredibly warm, inviting and flexible with questions and ideas that came up throughout the process. I would 10/10 recommend the Conrad to anyone looking for a hotel venue in a great area of DC.

2.What was your inspiration for your wedding theme/style?

We wanted our wedding to be modern, but timeless. We chose decor in white, black and neutral champagne colors knowing that we would never get tired of looking at those colors in our wedding photos.

3.What were your must-have elements for your wedding?

Good music, good food and good drinks! We fell in love with our DJ (DJ Michael Ramos from District Remix) because he understood and shared our love for EDM music and well as early 2000’s hip hip/R&B. The Conrad also had a wonderful menu to choose from and we were able to select several craft cocktails that were some of our favorite drinks. We added passed espresso martinis during the dancing part of the evening, which were a hit. It was fun to incorporate so many of the things we love into one evening, and to see our friends and family enjoy those things too.

4.What was the best part of wedding planning?

The best part of wedding planning was exploring new places around DC, and sharing ideas with my now husband. It was fun for us to discuss all the vendors, details and ideas we had, really allowing us to envision the big day. I also really enjoyed the opportunity it brought to plan and hang out with my sister Rachel (my Matron of Honor). I really appreciated her insight and ideas, and she really kept me grounded throughout the process.

5.What was the hardest part?

The hardest part was knowing that many of our friends and family wouldn’t be able to make it for various reasons. While our guest list was much smaller than anticipated, we took a glass half full approach throughout the planning. Due to the smaller size of our wedding, we were able to upgrade several elements of the wedding (i.e. those passed espresso martinis!) and get more time with each of our guests.

6.What helped you handle any wedding related stress?

Exercise and self care is always a priority for me, but it became even more important throughout wedding planning to help me manage my stress. Additionally, our wedding planner Brielle, was invaluable in helping me navigate decisions as well as prioritize tasks. It’s easy to get analysis paralysis during wedding planning, so having something or someone to help you get to decisions faster is very necessary.

7.If you can pick one, what was your favorite moment from your wedding day?

My favorite moment was during our ceremony, where we were surrounded by our family and friends. We decided to hold our ceremony “in the round” which made the ceremony feel so intimate and special.

8.What is one thing you couldn’t do without at your wedding? From planning, a special feature at your wedding, or while getting ready?

I couldn’t have made it through the day without my family. It was special to have my parents and all of my siblings present for our wedding, and included in the wedding party. We felt overwhelmed with all of the love and support we received from each one of our family members, and we will never be able to thank them enough.

9.What made you choose MAB Artistry to be your HMU team?

I found MAB Artistry listed as a recommended vendor in the Washingtonian Wedding Magazine. However, they were also recommended by my planner and other vendors as well. Norma and Ebonie were so wonderful to work with. They are both kind, fun, and encouraging. I’m so thankful for their patience with me and also the feeling they gave me on the big day. I still get so many compliments on my hair and makeup, and appreciate all of the support I received from the MAB Team!

10.What advice would you give to other brides planning their weddings?

Go with your gut on certain decisions, and remember that the most important thing is you’re marrying your partner. All the other parts of the wedding (decor, etc.) is just icing on the cake.