Known for its unique blend of historic charm, Southern elegance and artistic ambiance, Race and Religious is a highly sought-after New Orleans wedding venue. Situated in the Lower Garden District, the venue is steeped in rich New Orleans cultural heritage, and was the perfect location for couple Jade and Samuel. NOLA-based wedding photographers Linka Odom & Eyoel Kahssay were by their side all day to capture the moments and unique surroundings, and we simply love their results!  

“Race and Religious is one of the most beautiful venues in New Orleans,” says photographer Linka Odom. “The rooms have so many special details with gorgeous art and vintage vibes. I used a lot of the decor throughout the venue to craft unique images for the couple, and photographed against multiple backdrops to take advantage of all the unique elements on site.”

Couple Jade and Samuel, who first met at an arcade bar, bonded over video games and their relationship immediately took off. The couple echoed Linka’s sentiments about the Race and Religious venue. “Sam and I actually only saw one venue before choosing it. Once we toured it, we knew we had found the place that met our expectations and more. It allowed us to have a New Orleans style reception where our guests could eat, drink, dance, and lounge together all night long. Race and Religious has spacious courtyards and guest rooms for everyone to explore and enjoy, and each is decorated with a unique mix of local art, steampunk fixtures, and gothic Catholic relics. It was important to us to highlight the things we love about New Orleans (live music, second lines, historic spaces, generous seafood and cocktails, etc), and the space was perfect for the laid-back and fun wedding we wanted and ended up having.” 

As for the photographers, they were thrilled to be a part of it all, and view their job as being more than getting great photos. Says Linka: "We are also there “to calm the couple and to assure them that everything is going to be okay, while still capturing the energy between the couple in a distinctive way. It’s so important to see the couple we are working with without any judgment, to really observe and capture how they love each other. Sam and Jade have a bond that was palpable. Capturing the energy between them was very important and special to us.”

Jade and Samuel say that “Linka is a force of nature; she is incredibly organized and adaptive, and has an on-the-go creative style. Our engagement shoot and our wedding shoot with Linka felt like the best adventures. She embodies decades of experience in photography, especially in film, and it was a genuine privilege to have her shoot film for our wedding. Eyoel's photography style is romantic and sensual, and he helped us bring forward the intimacy and comfort we wanted in our photos. As a team, they are unbelievably energetic, and communicative.”

To find the best photographer for your wedding, no matter the location or style, don’t miss our carefully-curated gallery of experienced and talented wedding photographers all around the world.

 

VENDORS:

Photographers: Linka Odom & Eyoel Kahssay

Venue: Race and Religious in New Orleans | Jill Mercer

Officiant: NOLA Elopements | Lorrie Lewis

Event Planner: Amanda Price Events

Hair & Makeup: Nola Bridal Artistry

Bridal Shop: Linen Jolie Bridal

Dress Details: Theia Couture

Goddess Veil: Toni Federici

Bridal Seamstress: Vanda Bridal and Alterations | Supreeya Scarmuzza

Caterer: Pigeon Caterers

Band: Nola Dukes Band

Second Line Band: Kinfolk Brass Band | Richard Anderson

Furniture: Distressed Rentals | Leslie Cox

 
GEAR:

Cameras: Canon R5 & R6, Pentax 67 traditional film camera

Lenses: 28-70mm 2.0, 35mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4, 15-35mm 2.8