Ashwin + Lauren, a Hindu-Catholic Wedding in Santa Fe

When sweet Lauren and Ashwin first reached out to us last summer about capturing their two day Catholic-Hindu wedding, we knew it would be like nothing we’ve ever been a part of before. This past Labor Day weekend, these kind souls tied the knot and celebrated the melding of two very different, but very beautiful cultures.

Lauren and Ashwin met, and eventually fell in love, while on call in a hospital while both working on their medical residency at Harvard in Boston, MA. Even though Ashwin, who was two years ahead of Lauren, went to Philadelphia, PA for his cardiology fellowship, these two not only made a long distance relationship work for three years (!), but their relationship became that much stronger. Ashwin surprised Lauren by proposing in his apartment right before dinner and the rest is history. In Lauren’s words, “We are truly best friends and love that we constantly make each other laugh and inspire each other to be the best versions of ourselves” We adore how much these two love and care for each other, something that was so tangible and beautiful throughout their weekend in Santa Fe.

Day one of Ashwin and Lauren’s wedding consisted of a traditional Catholic wedding at the historic Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, right in the heart of Santa Fe. Lauren blended super classic and gorgeous bridal details like her pastel bouquet and dreamy Pnina Tornai gown with stunning Henna on both her hands and feet. After their beautiful church wedding, Lauren + Ashwin and their guests were led to The Inn and Spa at Loretto by Mariachis (because what Santa Fe is complete without them?!). We got to spend an entire hour (!) with these lovers just strolling around the plaza and taking more gorgeous romantics than we ever could have asked for. With a whole lot of wedding day beauty, from Floriography’s stunning floral elephant (named Gus btw) and Maggie’s Wedding Cake’s bright and colorful Indian themed cake, along with the always stunning planning of Just Lovely Weddings, their reception was out of this world. They kicked it off with traditional speeches, cake cutting (Lauren cut the cake with a sword!), and a first dance, before changing into beautiful, traditional Hindu attire to party the rest of the night away! Lauren surprised Ashwin with a speech in his native Indian language and performed an Indian dance with her friends. Their reception included the best mix of Indian, American, and Latino music we’ve ever heard.

The first day of this incredible weekend was one that our team will never forget, we were so honored to capture such a tender, compassionate, and thoroughly genuine love story. Ashwin + Lauren, we love you and how much your love inspires us!!!

To see day two of this incredible wedding weekend click here.
This special weekend was also featured on Carats and Cake.

Vendors
Getting Ready Venue - La Posada de Santa Fe
Catholic Ceremony Venue - Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi
Reception Venue - Inn and Spa at Loretto
Planning - Just Lovely Weddings
Florals - Floriography
Hair - Jewel Hair Design
MUA - Betty Rose by Alanna
Bridal Gown - Pnina Tornai
Bridal Boutique - Kleinfeld Bridal
Bride’s Shoes - Mango
Jewelry - Vintage
Bridesmaids Gowns - Jenny Yoo Collection
Traditional Sarees - Groom’s Family
Cake - Maggie’s Wedding Cakes
Linens - BBJ Linen
Reception Music - Absolute Entertainment
Lead Photographer - Ashley
Second Photographer - Bre
Assisitant - Jaclyn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

La Fonda on the Plaza - A Venue Feature

One of the best things about our sweet little job is how much time we get to spend in Santa Fe every year. Our capital city lies just to the north of our home base of Albuquerque and there is seriously magic around every corner of The City Different. From quaint adobe buildings to the historic plaza to some of the best New Mexican cuisine in the state, Santa Fe is seriously a gold mine for locals and visitors alike. It comes as no surprise that soooo many of our out of state couples select good old SF as the prime place to tie the knot and their number one destination is our home away from home, iconic La Fonda on the Plaza.

Not only is La Fonda memorable, but it is also incredibly significant to Santa Fe’s history. Initially founded in 1607 as Santa Fe’s first inn, La Fonda’s site is also the oldest hotel corner in the United States of America. However, the building that still stands today and has continually been loved and adored by New Mexicans and travelers alike wasn’t built until 1922. It features architectural influences by Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter and John Gaw Meem including hand carved beams, ethereal stained glass window skylight, and a 25 foot cathedral ceiling. More info on this beautiful space can be found on La Fonda’s website.

We’ve spent a whole lot of time at this very special place over the past few years and we can’t wait to return later on in 2019 for even more beauty.

Our Real Love Stories
David + Lauren
Tyler + Jordan
Kirk + Taylor
Chris + Alexa
Derek + Brigiette

Photos by Alicia + Ashley + Bre of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Derek + Brigitte, a La Fonda Wedding

Derek and Brigitte, where to even begin? We were so stoked to kick off 2018 with these two and shooting their stunning wedding in the heart of the Santa Fe Plaza. Along with all of their dreamy wedding day details, we were truly struck by this couple's genuine, open, REAL love. There is nothing more affirming and incredible than witnessing an authentic connection between two beautiful souls. Derek and Brigitte were so ready and willing to not only begin their lifelong journey, but to let everyone around it (including us!!) be completely immersed in their breathtaking love story.  From their love for their adorable son Jude, to their close knit family/friends to their never ending laughs and smiles, Derek and Brigitte are proof that the once in a lifetime kinda love everyone searches for, is out there. Thank you for inspiring us with your love you two, congrats on your beautiful new chapter together!!!!

Vendors
Venue - La Fonda on the Plaza
Planning + Coordination - Samie Doerfler of La Fonda
Florals - Renegade Floral
MUA + Hair - Genica Lee
Bridal Gown - Maggie Sottero
Bridesmaid Gowns - BHLDN
Wedding Stationary - Minted
Officiant - Daniel Dangaran
Cake + Sweets - Bakery B&B
Guitarist - Roberto Capocchi
DJ - Vicky Speer of Absolute Entertainment
 

Photos by Alicia Padilla of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography