Modern Wedding at Long View Gallery | Lizzie & Paul

Weddings

Weddings at Long View Gallery in Washington, DC are always something special—and Lizzie and Paul’s celebration was no exception. Set against the gallery’s industrial-modern backdrop and filled with bold floral design and deeply personal details, their day was the perfect balance of style and soul.

From the moment I arrived, I could tell this wedding was going to be unforgettable. The pipe and drape along the walls, the candle lit ceremony and the groom’s brother practicing his french horn for the ceremony set the stage for an incredible day.

We started the day with portraits by the Jefferson Monument, where the light was strong and direct—but I loved how film photography helped soften it, letting the monument shine in the background without losing the emotion of the moment. Lizzie and Paul melted into each other, taking it all in with the view of the tidal basin behind them. Their bridal party portraits on the steps of the Jefferson Monument made their DC Wedding feel complete. Back at Long View Gallery, the space transformed beautifully for their ceremony and moody, modern reception. Laura Louise Designs (can we insert a link?) knocked it out of the park with their intimate but chic candlelit dinner. It felt like the perfect expression of Lizzie and Paul’s personalities—artful, meaningful, and completely true to them.

The Venue: Long View Gallery, a Modern DC Wedding Space

Located in the heart of Washington, DC’s vibrant Shaw neighborhood, Long View Gallery is one of the city’s most unique wedding venues. Equal parts art gallery and industrial-chic event space, it offers a modern, minimalist canvas that allows each couple to make the space their own.

With exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, rotating contemporary art installations, and high ceilings, the gallery has a raw yet refined energy—perfect for couples who want a bold, design-forward celebration. The open floor plan makes it incredibly versatile for both intimate ceremonies and high-energy receptions.

What makes Long View Gallery weddings so special is how the space becomes a reflection of the couple’s style. For Lizzie and Paul, the gallery’s clean lines and dramatic lighting paired beautifully with their moody florals and modern decor. The venue didn’t compete with the design—it elevated it.

Whether you’re an art lover, a modernist, or just looking for something different in a DC wedding venue, Long View Gallery offers a stunning backdrop with endless creative potential.

Getting Ready & First Look

Lizzie and Paul began their day in separate suites at the Marriott Marquis in DC, meeting for their first look in a quiet, window-lit hallway. The setting was simple, but the moment was profound—filled with tears, embraces, and the shared joy of not only each other but also her parents. In that instant, the backdrop faded away, leaving only the depth of their love to make it unforgettable.

While traveling through DC for their big day, we worked on a tight timeline—proof that with the right plan, every moment can still feel effortless. Want to create a wedding day that flows just as smoothly? Download my free Wedding Day Timeline Guide.

Portraits by the Washington Monument: Timeless Light, Captured on Film

Before the ceremony, Lizzie and Paul took a quiet moment together near one of DC’s most iconic landmarks: the Washington Monument. Shooting there in the afternoon meant dealing with strong, directional sunlight—but this is where film truly shines.

Photographing them on film helped soften the harsh light, preserving the monument’s details in the background while giving their portraits that dreamy, timeless feel. The way the light hit Lizzie’s dress, Paul’s suit, and the surrounding marble made every frame feel classic yet modern—just like them.

This blend of DC’s historic setting and the soft imperfection of film created some of my favorite portraits of the day. There’s something about shooting on film that brings depth and texture to moments like this—ones that deserve to be remembered exactly as they felt.

The Ceremony: Industrial Chic Meets Intimacy

Set against the industrial-chic backdrop of Longview art gallery, Lizzie and Paul’s ceremony was a perfect blend of modern style and heartfelt tradition. Guests looked on as Lizzie, radiant in her sleek gown, walked arm-in-arm with her father down an aisle lined with glowing candles. The air was already charged with emotion, but it reached another level when Paul’s brother stepped forward, French horn in hand, to perform alongside a dear friend who sang a moving song. Their music filled the room with a rich, warm sound, bringing tears to the eyes of nearly everyone present. Between laughter, vows, and the joyful energy of the space, it was a ceremony that felt both deeply personal and unforgettable.

The Reception: Modern, Moody, and Full of Personality

Lizzie and Paul’s reception at Long View Gallery was the perfect reflection of their style—bold, modern, and effortlessly cool. The gallery’s industrial architecture and rotating contemporary art created a dynamic backdrop that didn’t need much dressing up. Instead of over-styling, they leaned into the space’s natural character and let it speak for itself.

The design was moody and atmospheric, with deep-toned florals, dramatic lighting, and sleek, minimalist tablescapes that elevated the space without overpowering it. Every detail felt intentional—rich textures, candlelit glow, and florals that brought a soft edge to the venue’s clean lines and exposed brick. It was a celebration that felt equal parts artful and intimate.

As the evening unfolded, the energy on the dance floor was electric. With the art installations surrounding the space and laughter echoing through the gallery, the reception felt like a party thrown inside a living, breathing work of art.

Thinking about hosting your wedding at Long View Gallery in DC?

If you’re drawn to modern art spaces, city vibes, and bold design, Long View Gallery is one of the most unique and versatile venues in Washington, DC. I’d love to chat about how we can capture your day in a way that reflects your story and style.

Get in touch to start the conversation!