A Personalized, New Orleans-Inspired Wedding at Race and Religious in New Orleans, Louisiana

Emily Nelson (26 and the dean of an elementary school) and Avery Lawrence (28 and an artist) love New Orleans, Louisiana, and turned every aspect of the city into inspiration for their personalized affair. Everything from the DIY bayou and pelican-detailed invitation suite to the gold-dipped oyster centerpiece accents to the Baudin cocktails (which were first made in New Orleans) drew on their theme. Their venue, decorated by Mint Julep Productions, was also picked for its truly Louisiana vibe. “The feeling of Race and Religious is just completely unique and also undeniably New Orleanian," Emily says. "Moss grows over 200-year-old bricks, bright sprays of bougainvillea surround the courtyard and the interiors of the homes were adorned in a collection of art and antiques—like a 400-year-old block of marble from France in one of the kitchens.” Emily and Avery even captured the spirit of their city with an all-out party that included two DJs, a jump in the pool and a dance off. The best part, however, was how their family and friends helped them put the wedding together. Emily shares a tip: “With our friends and family, we found that folks wanted to be involved, so we let them. It made the whole event more meaningful for us and for our loved ones." See every moment of their day, documented by Maile Lani Photography, below. -- Jaclyn Saumell