Race and Religious - A Southern Wedding Venue

A few weeks ago I visited my sister in New Orleans, her new home for the next few years! During our trip we took a tour of a very unique southern wedding venue, Race and Religious. First of all the venue is not exclusive to any race or religion so let’s get that out of the way! Instead it is named after the two streets which cross at it’s intersection, Race and Religious! If you spend time in New Orleans you will notice many of their street names have significant meaning behind them. It is in the heart of the warehouse district, a very old but refreshed part of town. The blend of old and new is one of my favorite parts of New Orleans and the same kind of harmonious combination is embraced at this wedding venue too!

In front of one ceremony site

The venue has five overnight sleeping rooms which sleep up to 11 people! They have a few different houses which allow for so much privacy and a total of five bathrooms. Essentially you would rent out the full venue and all the sleeping rooms. You could use some of the rooms to get ready that morning and then invite your family or wedding party to stay the weekend! Packages are available for 1, 2 or 3 nights stay!

The space is completely usable to your preference. You may choose the location of the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception among the two houses and three courtyards! In my dream wedding I would have my ceremony near Race Street in an all brick courtyard, then move to dark blue pool and surrounding area for cocktails and appetizers. The final party would be in the lush green back courtyard and cozy Religious House!

The rooms are filled with interesting and rare art. They also have exquisite furniture pieces you could use for the wedding. Other rental items included in the price are 14 round and rectangle banquet tables with linen, cocktail tables, 75 mahogany folding chairs, one copper farm table and one copper welcome table. The onsite staff will help you with a layout design, table and chair set up, and security.

With many different tiered packages, the entire venue was extremely well priced. It is comparable to most LA DIY venues that I’ve seen but comes with a bit more included and a hint more flair! I would highly recommend Race and Religious if you are considering a southern wedding!

Featured on Junebug Weddings

Just over here tearing up as I rewatch Whitney and Reed’s wedding video for the 100th time. Whitney found Paperbird Weddings their videographer, on her own and I couldn’t be more grateful. I had the pleasure of working with them once more after that and their work is just phenomenal. Watch their video here!

Another amazing vendor that Whitney found on her own was Gina and Ryan, her photographers. Because of their hard work we were just published on Junebug Weddings - a huge honor and celebration. Here are some of those images and a little about their special day.

Most of you know I spent time in my career as a business partner to my friend Sarah and together we were Sweet Sage Events. This was one of our last weddings together before we parted ways last August. Together we did full planning and flowers for this stylish couple. It was such a fun color palette, on top of a sweet blank space to fill with our ideas! A floral design consultation will help you pull all your inspirations to one place and bring your vision to life.

The modern event rentals came from Modi Supply and the space was filled with awesome tunes performed live by Kevin Miso. Generally in my full service planning packages, the couple and I will work together to find the best vendors. I like to help read through contracts and make sure everyone understands exactly what can be expected. The couple can always search for their own vendors they are comfortable working with too!

We got drinks, bar service and wait staff from Argyle Events.

They served a delicious cake by Susie Cakes!

Whitney found Olive Wood Pizza and they cooked family style pizza onsite! They served appetizers too.

I give suggestions for how the night should flow and I help with a detailed timeline which we then share with all the vendors. The couple will be encouraged to add in personal touches that make their big day unique and personal. For Whitney and Reed, they just wanted an environment where their two families could mix, mingle and have a blast! The musician Kevin Miso switched to DJ mode later in the night to create an awesome dance party! They ended the day with a fun send off and private smooches on the rooftop.

See the full post on Junebug Weddings here!

Katie and Mark - Best Day Ever

This adorable bride thought of everything! From her bridesmaid's morning coffee to the wedding guests' goodbye gifts, everything was personalized and super fun. We were so honored to be a part of this great vendor team and this couple's Best Day Ever!

Photography: Collective Perception Photography  

Coordination: Green Apple Event Co

Venue: The Loft on Pine

Flowers: Sweet Sage Events

Rentals: Coast Party Rentals and Baker Party Rentals 

Morning coffee mugs from Coast Party Rentals

Just a few of their favorite people! Wedding party photos outside of The Loft on Pine, downtown Long Beach.

Colored glassware by Baker Party Rentals

Delicious wedding favors by The Cookie Munster