Race & Religious Wedding Photography

Race & Religious Wedding // New Orleans

Today, for your viewing pleasure, we are heading to New Orleans with Bec and Luke’s wedding at Race & Religious, an historic and frankly incredible venue in the Lower Garden District. I first met Bec when I photographed her cousin’s wedding in London in late December 2020. That was a very intimate wedding which changed shape numerous times in the few days leading up to it, as London changed tiers, and restrictions on weddings tightened. Fast forward to summer 2021 when Bec got in touch and asked me if I’d head out to New Orleans to photograph her and Luke’s wedding. Naturally, I said yes.

Race & Religious Wedding New Orleans

New Orleans is everything you’d imagine it would be and then some. Music seems to vibrate from the pavements: it’s everywhere. NOLA’s Southern vibe envelopes you like a warm hug. The music, the food, the culture, the architecture. All just incredible. Built in 1830, the wedding venue is steeped in history and named for the two streets its corner plot intersects: Race Street and Religious Street. The venue features original Creole cottages, a cute courtyard, and lots of antiques, art, and curiosities. I could see immediately why Bec and Luke chose to have their wedding at Race and Religious; it’s incredible.

The ceremony was held in the late afternoon sunshine in the courtyard. British celebrant, Zahra, who’s based in New Orleans, officiated the ceremony. Sweet, intimate, and meaningful, there were tears and laughter from everyone. Following the ceremony was the traditional Second Line around the block with the amazing Kinfolk Brass Band. A Second Line parade was a first for me and I couldn’t have loved it more! Back at Race & Religious, there was a beer truck, oysters, and the opportunity to have a custom poem written for you by Cubs the Street Poet. In all my years shooting weddings I’ve never seen anyone write custom poetry for guests, on an old typewriter, based on a short conversation he has with them. As one female guest said, who cried when she received her poem, “oh god, this is like therapy”. It was incredible to watch him create these little works of art!

As the sun set, we sat down to dinner and speeches in the courtyard. Cake cut, beignets eaten, the dance floor saw some serious action. Suppliers from Bec & Luke’s Race and Religious Wedding are all listed at the end of this post. Enjoy!