Tori & Bear’s Historic Race and Religious Wedding

wedding

May 22

Mardi Gras is a time of celebration. A time to feast and indulge. Tori and Bear wanted their entire wedding party to have this kind of experience for their wedding in New Orleans. They live in Colorado, but Bear wanted to celebrate his NOLA roots. So they held their wedding at Race and Religious the week after Mardi Gras.

I had a wonderful time getting to know Tori and Bear. They were kind and welcoming. And they had a great venue picked out. When they asked me to photograph their Race and Religious wedding, I couldn’t say no.

And experiencing Mardi Gras with them was unforgettable. The lights. The music. The energy. It was intoxicating and delightful. But what really took my breath away was this couple and their love for one another.

A Unique and Historic Venue

Since Race and Religion is such a visually strong venue, Tori and Bear wanted to keep their wedding decorations simple. From the beautiful brick buildings to the gorgeous nearby pool, their Race and Religion wedding was truly stunning.

Tori and Bear also looked amazing for their wedding. Tori wore a creamy gossamer dress that was simple but far from understated. And Bear wore a sleek velvet navy jacket with his crisp slacks.

The bridesmaids and groomsmen wore gorgeous colors celebrating neutrals and autumn. Each bridesmaid held a single lily. Everything felt intentionally stripped down to showcase the beauty in simplicity. And Tori and Bear were all smiles for their ceremony.

Once the ceremony was finished, we took some wedding photos around Race and Religious. I focused on making the bride and groom stand out. Almost insular amongst the busyness of the day. The party was waiting for them, so I wanted to take a moment to capture the stillness.

Soon it was time for Tori and Bear to join their loved ones at Betty’s Pool Hall for the reception.

Beer Kegs and Lace Umbrellas

Much like Tori and Bear, their reception was unique and personalized. Everyone had a great time dancing to the live music. Chatting with the happy couple. Laughing the night away. Tori even helped Bear drink right from the keg to kick off the celebration. And everyone devoured the delicious catering, crinkle-cut fries included.

Then the party really got started. The energy hit a new level. And the spirit of the night took hold. The sendoff felt like a mini Mardi Gras parade. Everyone watched as the couple danced with their lace umbrellas. Smiling and cheering. Between the music and the energy of the night, it felt almost surreal.

A Night Of Memories

I was incredibly grateful to capture this special night for Tori and Bear. Watching them come together. Commit to their love. Celebrate their union. It was magical. Even though I photograph a lot of weddings, it always strikes me to see a couple that truly understands how they fit together.

If you have a special occasion coming up and would like to work together, I’d love to hear from you.

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