New Orleans Elopement at Race + Religious | Alison + Scott

In my initial phone conversation with Alison, she was so intentional communicating her desire that the person she chose to document the day understand and connect with her and Scott enough to capture their essence.  I immediately appreciated her hopes for more than just a pretty collection of photographs, but also, hiring a person to connect with the emotion, aesthetic, and happenings of the day in a way that would most accurately depict their world together.

Even then, I hadn't but a small inkling of just how aligned our visions of purpose, connection, and culture actually are to one another.  It wasn't until I spent the entirety of the quiet, joyful minutes of the wedding day with Alison and Scott that I fully grasped a hearty dose of who they are and a little glimpse into what life, love, and joy mean to them.

Here's a little peek into the Spring day in which they vowed to spend the rest of entirety encouraging, loving and forgiving, learning and laughing with one another...

Alison and Scott got married at Race + Religious, a wedding and events venue in New Orleans, culturally rich in decor and ambiance that exudes an eclectic expression of the city.  The roots of New Orleans run deep through the venue, from the bricks dried out of clay from the Mississippi River to the and uniquely pieced together artwork and furnishings .

As Alison was getting ready, Scott was enjoying the afternoon relaxing in the side cottage on the grounds of the venue with their son, Oscar.

As I arrived to start photographing that day, Alison pulled me to the side.  She told me that she would be taking a few moments of quiet time before she slipped into her dress to nurse Oscar.  She asked if I would snap a shot or two for her to remember.  In that moment, a feeling so beautifully intense, yet calming came over me, as I knew I had just been tasked the opportunity to artistically and authentically document Alison's ambience that day in such a breathtaking way.

There were several moments during the day when I really got to quietly observe Alison in such an organic way.  Without the hustle of anyone needing to primp, prime, curl, or ask anything of her at all, Alison took a few moments to sit with her baby boy and soak in the big, genuine emotion of her world on that day in March.

During this time I learned that Alison runs a company where she serves as a postpartum doula, where she nurtures families and helps them transition during postpartum.  Naturally, with all of the mamas and different journies that have been finding their way in front of my camera lately, I was fascinated.  If you too find this fascinating, you should hop on over to Alison's site to read more of how she left her role as a public relations executive in the entertainment industry to tend to new mamas postpartum.

Alison lost her mother about 13 years ago.  In our initial conversation, she shared with me how important photographs that she still has, both formal and candid, of her mother are to her.  Although her mother was not physically present on that day, the ways she was spoken about and intertwined throughout made me feel like I knew a little about the person she was.  From Alison to her sister to her nieces, there was no shortage of genuine, educated, and compassionate ladies around; undoubtedly some qualities inherited from their mother.  After Alison was dressed, her sister pinned a pin on her dress as they shared a moment together in remembrance of her that day.

Another component of Alison + Scott's day that I found to be so authentic was the Ketubah they signed prior to the ceremony.  A Ketubah is a Jewish marital contract that outlines the commitment a couple shares to honor one another.  I find it to be an eloquently worded document that serves as a reminder of the commitment being entered into during a nuptial ceremony.

The words from the Ketubah were so beautiful to me that I asked Alison if it would be ok for me to share them here:

"We hereby pledge to trust, respect and support each other throughout our married life together. 

We shall always endeavor to be open and honest, understanding and accepting, loving and forgiving, and loyal to one another. 

We hereby promise to work together to build a harmonious relationship of equality. 

We shall respect each other's uniqueness and help one another to grow to our fullest potential. 

We will comfort and support each other through life's sorrows and joys. 

Together, we shall create a home filled with learning, laughter, and compassion, a home wherein we will honor each other's cherished family traditions and values. 

Our promise to each other, in the presence of loving family and friends, is valid and binding."

Though they currently reside in Los Angeles, Alison and Scott are both akin to our ole' girl Nola, as they lived seasons of life here that forever imprinted on their hearts.  From frequent visits to Jazz Fest or just to catch up with family, New Orleans is very much a part of their lives.  And because no New Orleans wedding feels authentic without a celebratory Second Line and brass band, The Storyville Stompers led Alison, Scott, and guests ceremony with some classic New Orleans tunes.

Alison and Scott, thank you for connecting with and entrusting me to capture the spirit your world.

New Orleans Terrell House Wedding | Marlo + Rachel: New Orleans Destination Wedding Photographer

Back when arranged marriages were the norm, couples were generally kept apart and not allowed to see each other before the ceremony actually took place. In the event that the bride was undesirable, the groom may have wanted to call off the wedding. When you consider the purpose of arranged marriages (think: political alliances, securing land and wealth, keeping specific families in power, etc.), it would be fairly embarrassing and shameful to the family should the groom be given the chance to change his mind. So, as a result, the groom and bride were forbidden to see each other prior to the ceremony. This is in keeping with the same purpose of the bride having a veil as well. Nowadays, the tradition has simply carried over and the meaning has changed significantly. Some consider it bad luck (amounting to purely superstition), while others think it simply makes the event more special and exciting.

Marlo and Rachel chose to spend the day getting ready WITH one another. While they had separate bedrooms where they spent time among close friends, they soaked in various moments and sentiments of the day together, as well. Seeing the two of them enjoy such a monumental day unfold with one another was like a huge gust of fresh, cool air on a hot summer day.

Oh man, I love the feeling of a Spring Wedding in New Orleans.

What's better than enjoying a few quiet moments and a glass of rose' with the love of your life before a monumental life event?