• Real Weddings

If you have ever visited the bustling and beautiful city of New Orleans, then this heart of New Orleans wedding is sure to speak straight to your soul. The soft and feminine details were gorgeously offset with the exposed brick and rough wood of the Race & Religious wedding venue. You can catch every last flower and twinkle light captured by Lauren Carroll Photography by visiting the full gallery here. And don't miss the adorable love story of Adria and Daniel below!

The Color Palette

From The Bride: We decided on beautiful, soft, shades of blush, pink, gold, and cream; lace, tulle, and pearls. I was going for a romantic, vintage aesthetic and our venue was more than perfect for the look and feel we wanted. Race & Religious provided the most stunning backdrops, courtyards, exposed brick, a wooden bridge, stone fireplaces, and artwork on every wall of the interiors.

My bouquet was the loveliest thing I have ever seen. Destiny, of Poppy & Mint, was so great to work with and got it just right, with a combination of Juliet Roses, Astilbe, Sweetheart Roses, and a piece of Tulle cut from my wedding dress to wrap around the stems.

New Orleans Wedding Venue

Welcoming up to 300 guests to its romantic compound, Race & Religious offers both state-of-the-art venue accommodations and the nostalgia of home, ideal for events large and small. They offer packages that vary from a weekend stay to all-inclusive coordinated celebrations, allowing a range of options for every family. With luxurious amenities, a matchless atmosphere, and a rich New Orleans history!

Our cake was not only gorgeous, decorated with the most delicate pink French lace, Juliet roses, and Astilbe, but the praline buttercream-filled layers practically screamed NOLA! The cake was all gone by the end of the night! Catered by NOLA Boils.

Adria and Daniel's Love Story:

Dan and Adria met when they were 15 years old in Anaheim, California. Adria was walking home from school one day and saw him walking along the same street in front of her. Adria approached him the next day in their English class (they had never spoken to each other) and it turned out they lived across the street from each other. Their 13 year friendship began after that, including sneaking out of her window to smoke cigarettes with him (they were kids!) and Dan playing his guitar for her in her front yard a few times. He says he was terrible, but she remembers being pretty impressed! They were close friends through his moving to San Francisco, then to New York, never dated, just great friends. Then, about 5 years ago, he came to California for his mom’s birthday. They hung out one night, started talking (the wine helped) and they realized there was a lot more between them. They tried a long distance relationship, and 6 months later Adria moved to New York with him!How He Proposed:

Daniel proposed during a family trip to Cuba two years ago. He took Adria out on a “date night” to a restaurant with a gorgeous panoramic view of Havana. Then they took a walk along the wall along the ocean known as the Malecon, he said some lovely things, and then he proposed. He was so nervous, and it was so cute! After that, they celebrated with their families, who were all in on it, and were waiting for them at an outdoor restaurant nearby.From The Bride:

 I wish I would have spent time at everyone table during dinner, even if it was for a few minutes. People are always telling you your wedding day will fly by, and they are not kidding! Before I knew it, the night was over and I remember thinking I would have loves more one-on-one time with our guests.

- Regarding the dress: I had no intention of changing out of my dress because I loved it so much.... but definitely learn how to tie the bustle before the wedding day! I couldn't figure it out and ended up throwing a lot of my dress over my arm most of the night and, although it was fun to have so much tulle surrounding me, it would have been nice to free up my arm:)

• Bridal Gown Designer: Wtoo by Watters
• Caterer: McClure’s Barbecue
• Caterer: NOLA Boils
• Coordinator: Meghan Graham | Cake: Debbie Heyd | Makeup: Viri Aparicio
• Dj: TBC Brass Band
• Dress & Apparel: BHLDN
• Flowers: Poppy & Mint
• Groom & His Men: Soho Suit Supply
• Hair: Allison Nelson
• Photography: Lauren Carroll Photography
• Prop/furniture rentals: Chaps Rentals
• Venue: Race & Religious