French Garden Party Wedding at Race + Religious in New Orleans

Tucked away in the Lower Garden District, Race + Religious is one of the most distinct wedding venues in New Orleans. For Cage and Amber, it was the perfect stage for their garden party wedding that was as worldly and vibrant as their love story.

These two theatre professionals have traveled everywhere together, from London and Cuba to Mexico City and the French countryside, collecting memories, friendships, and a deep appreciation for art and community. So when it came time to choose a wedding venue, they knew they wanted something romantic and full of character that would feel like their own journey.

Race + Religious delivered all of that and more. With its trio of historic brick buildings, lush courtyards draped in greenery, and a location just steps from Magazine Street, the venue feels like a hidden world all its own, a dreamy blend of Southern charm and artistic energy. Outdoors, the oak-lined streets and historic mansions of the Lower Garden District extend the cinematic backdrops.

From the very start, Amber and Cage’s wedding felt special. The couple’s community of artists and international friends brought an exuberant energy that was absolutely contagious. Even the group portraits, which can feel formal, turned into effortless, fun photo sessions under the guidance of their photographer, Linka Odom, whose photos shimmer with a mix of fashion, laughter, and love.

The ceremony itself was intimate, heartfelt, and joyful. Held in one of Race + Religious’s ivy-covered courtyards as golden afternoon light filtered between the buildings, guests were gathered on rustic wooden chairs facing an altar framed by climbing greenery and soft draping florals. As the couple exchanged vows, their closest friends and family looked on with happy tears, soaking in their words of promise while their officiant kept the atmosphere high and upbeat.

The decor beautifully balanced old-world romance with modern flair. For their ceremony and dinner, long farm tables were dressed in crisp white linens and rich terracotta runners accented with lush greenery and rust-hued florals. Gold-rimmed glassware, amber votives and wooden chairs warmed the courtyard’s weathered brick. The florals were wild and textural, bundles of peach and mauve roses, golden ranunculus, and trailing greenery arranged with an artist’s touch made the garden party wedding theme complete.

The couple’s cake was a simple white tier topped with a classic figurine of a bride and groom, surrounded by beignets dusted in powdered sugar, a sweet nod to New Orleans tradition. Their invitation suite mirrored the look: clean modern typography layered over deep green envelopes and accented with soft botanical details.

Later, the second line parade brought the streets of New Orleans to life for the couple and their guests. With brass band music pouring through the neighborhood, Cage and Amber led their family and friends on a once-in-a-lifetime walk that fully displayed their joy, gratitude, and connection.

As night fell, the courtyard was transformed from a French garden party wedding to a raucous celebration. With string lights glowing overhead, guests lit celebratory cigars, danced with abandon, and toasted to Amber and Cage’s new life together.

Their New Orleans photographer, Linka Odom has this to say about how she approached the day, “I stayed rooted in respect for their story. Every photo was crafted to honor their history together and the style they brought to their wedding. I leaned into the textures of the venue and the play of natural light, creating portraits that look authentic and feel like you were there”.

Amber and Cage loved the results and had this to say about their experience, ““Linka made our wedding day an absolute dream. She and her team are extraordinarily professional and are dead set on making sure your day is documented with every detail in mind. I am so so so grateful to have had her at my side. The photos speak for themselves!”

We couldn’t agree more. We love the venue, the couple’s style, and the way Odom was able to tell the story so beautifully through her photography. If you’re planning a wedding in New Orleans and dreaming of a venue that blends old-world romance with a distinctly local spirit, Race + Religious is a place you’ll want to visit. And for photos like these, don’t miss Linka’s portfolio. As a member of World’s Best Wedding Photos, she has all the experience, skill and talent to ensure your pictures shine.

Wedding Professionals

• Photography: Linka Odom Photography @linkaodomphotography
   
• Wedding Planner: Meryl Cusimano, Uncommon Camellia @theuncommoncamellia
   
• Venue: Race + Religious @raceandreligious
   
• Catering: Fleur de Lis Catering @fdlcatering 
   
• Rentals: Distressed Rentals & Revival @distressedrentals
   
• Cake: KD’s Nola @kdnolatreats