A Creative Wedding at the New Orleans Athletic Club

The New Orleans Athletic Club is a unique wedding venue on the edge of the French Quarter. Laura and Can’s creative wedding highlighted the best of New Orleans, especially when it came to music. Check out their fun, candid wedding photos!

A Wedding at the New Orleans Athletic Club

The New Orleans Athletic Club is definitely one-of-a-kind in terms of wedding venues. Events take place in the courtyard, which is made of beautiful, weathered brick. You get the sense of being in the French Quarter but closed off from the hustle and bustle. Charming string lights hang over the ceremony and reception space.

If you prefer an indoor event, you can have your wedding in the NOAC Ballroom. It’s an airy space with high ceilings and tall stained glass windows. It offers a fun combination of elegance and sportiness with gym equipment lining the walls.

If you’re considering holding your wedding at the New Orleans Athletic Club, here are some helpful details.

Starting Cost: $8,000

Capacity: 300 guests

Venue Type: Indoor/Outdoor

Before it began serving as a wedding venue, it was a gym founded in 1872. Since then, it has offered swimming, health programs, and boxing. Now it’s a social club in addition to being a gym. Members can use the beautiful library and pub in addition to the workout areas. Some of these spaces make cool backdrops for wedding portraits.

Can and Laura’s Creative Wedding

At the time of their wedding, Can and Laura had been together for over five years. They met in New York City then moved to Philadelphia with their rescue pup. Even though they built a happy life together in the Northeast, they knew they wanted to get married in New Orleans. Laura is from Louisiana, and it had always been her dream. 

Both Can and Laura are creatives. Laura is a photographer and Can is a graphic designer. They wanted their New Orleans Athletic Club wedding to feel welcoming, down-to-earth, and fun. It’s always an honor to get an inquiry from another photographer! I was excited to work with marriers who valued my creative approach.

Rain really could have put a damper on Laura and Can’s wedding since events take place outdoors at the New Orleans Athletic Club. Luckily, they had a tent put in place before the storm started. Even though it rained on and off throughout the wedding, it didn’t stop us from enjoying the day.

A second line through the French Quarter got the party started after the ceremony. The Knockaz Brass Band led Laura, Can, and their guests through the streets for some energetic dancing. Guests waved their customized handkerchiefs and waved to passersby. It was a very New Orleans way to set the tone for the reception.

Natural, Sweet Wedding Photos

I loved everything about photographing Can and Laura’s wedding, but my favorite part might have been their reaction to their photos when I delivered them. Here’s what Can shared:

“We loved working with Alyssa for our wedding in New Orleans. My partner and I are both really selective about photography. I’m so, so glad we went with Alyssa because working with her was easy and fun, and the photographs themselves came out SOOOO GOOD. My mind was blown!”

“The overall quality was just amazing, super vivid yet very natural and realistic to the day. I dread posed photos, but Alyssa was super patient and creative about setting up shots that felt natural but turned out really interesting and beautiful. She also took the most amazing candid photos throughout the day/night. Sweet moments, funny moments, weird/goofy moments, crazy dancing moments – she got them all. Also, it can be hard to find a photographer who you feel can capture your authentic story as a queer couple. I’m grateful to have worked with someone who was able to do that. Thank you, Alyssa!”

This is exactly how I always hope to make people feel on their wedding day – relaxed and comfortable being themselves. Doing that fills my cup, and the photos are all the better for it.

Your New Orleans Wedding Photography

Would you like me to photograph your wedding? Hi, I’m Ali. I’m a New Orleans wedding photographer specializing in digital and film photos. I’d love to document your day with photos that feel fun and authentic to you.  Inquire with me here.

Thanks to the vendors who helped make this wedding day so amazing.
Wedding Planner: Sam Capone from Three Little Words 
Photographer: Alyssa Fisher Photo 
Venue: New Orleans Athletic Club
Hair and Makeup: Faces of Virtue 
Dress Designer:  Prim and Perverse
Suit Designer: Bindle and Keep
Florals: Crybaby Floral
Invitation Suite: Designed by Can Chu
Decor Rental: Party Rentals Delivered
Cake: Gambino’s Bakery
Caterer: Jacques-Imos Café
Second Line Band: Knockaz Brass Band
DJ: Toast Entertainment, DJ Siphne