Wedding Inspo - Northern New Mexico Weddings

While Albuquerque and Santa Fe might be two of the cities we frequent the most for dreamy weddings, we can’t deny the absolute enchantment of northern New Mexico. From the painted deserts of Abiquiu to the mystic mountains of Taos to the serene aura of Eagle Nest Lake, there’s something charming to be found at every corner of this little part of New Mexico.

Over the past few seasons, we’ve been lucky enough to catch tiny glimpses of all the bewitching area that is northern New Mexico. We’re beyond smitten with every part of the north, whether its the pretty ranches, the historic monuments or even the tiniest, most intimate spaces.

We’re so excited for even more wonderful days in the north, here’s to all the beautiful love stories still to come!!!

Featured Locations + Love Stories
The Stakeout Taos - Nathan + Cathryn
Ghost Ranch - Jake + Becky
Taos Ski Valley - Logan + Audry
Angel Fire - Jacob + Lisa
Pecos Historical Site - Jimmy + Maggie
La Mesita Ranch Estate - Solve + Alex
Eagle Nest Lake - Boot + Mallory
El Monte Sagrado - Matthew + Alysia

Weddings + Elopements by Alicia, Ashley and the ALP Team
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Andrew + Natalie, a Camp Lucy Wedding

Even though Andrew and Natalie only recently said “I do” this spring, their journey together over the past few years has been nothing short of incredibly sweet and inspiring.

Long before these Texas hunnies made it last name official, they met through two mutual friends in Albuquerque. Natalie and Andrew first hit it off during a casual dinner with their friends Austin and Taylor (aka two of the best matchmakers around), but even though Natalie thought Andrew was handsome, she initially turned him down for a follow up date. However, Andrew’s persistence paid off when he asked Natalie out a second time and she said yes. They grabbed beers together, exchanged life stories, and realized that they had a special connection.

About four years later while living in Texas, Andrew knew that he wanted to propose, but the universe had other plans. In early 2019, Andrew was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and had to put off his initial proposal. After a successful fight, Andrew recovered fully and made plans to propose to Natalie on New Year’s Eve in Austin. However, once again, the universe intervened, but this time Natalie was sick that evening so Andrew once again pushed back his plans. Finally, in January of 2020, Andrew proposed in the gorgeous Texas Hill Country house he and Natalie were building for their next chapter together.

After 2020 threw even more curveballs, these sweethearts were finally able to do the dang thing in pretty little Dripping Springs, TX on the most gorgeous April day. From the most delicate bridal details to lush, springtime florals, to dreamy reception details (just peep that champagne trolley AND stunning neon signage) to spending so much time in that divine golden hour light for romantics, Andrew and Natalie made sure their day was beyond perfect and utterly enchanting. We adored every last second of this unreal Texas Hill Country day with these soulmates and were so honored to be a tiny part of their remarkable journey together.

Cheers to finding a love that endures all obstacles and to embracing every single step of life, we you love so much Mr. + Mrs. Hisey!!!!


Vendors
Venue - Camp Lucy
Planning - Hill Country Native
Florals - Whim Hospitality
Rentals - Bee Lavish Rentals
Invitations - Minted
Hair + Makeup - Katy Reddell Beauty
Bridal Gown - Monica Loretti
Bridal Boutique - Unbridaled
Bridesmaid Jumpsuits - Lulus
Bride’s Ring - Sarah O Jewelry
Groom’s Ring - Manly Bands
Groom’s Attire - Jos A Bank
Champagne Trolley - Champagne Supply Co
Cake - Sweet Treets Bakery
Band - Ice House Band
Videography - Moonlit Weddings
Lead Photographer - Alicia
Second Photographer - Diana

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Stuart + Kelly, a Divine Texas Wedding at Camp Hideaway

Last year may have been one with an unbelievable amount of twists and turns, but dang were we grateful that 2020 brought us Stuart and Kelly. Besides being two of the most resilient, wonderful people around, these two knew how to throw the ultimate party to make it official for the third (!!!!!) time last December and we loved being a part of their journey towards tying the knot surrounded by their friends and family.

You might remember these Texas lovers from their dreamy Los Poblanos Elopement last June, but you may not know that these two had actually already made it official with an informal, courthouse ceremony in Odessa, Texas. Soon after, they journeyed to New Mexico for an intimate wedding with only their parents and three close friends at Los Poblanos and let’s just say it was one of our favorite days. We instantly became BFFs with Kelly (and Stuart too!) and got to capture some of the prettiest romantics around our beloved Los Poblanos. However, after life forced these two to once again reshuffle their wedding plans, they invited us Fredericksburg, Texas (aka gorgeous Texas Hill Country) for a December bash we’ll never forget.

Despite it being winter, we couldn’t have asked for a better days for Stuart and Kelly to say “I do” for the third time at beautiful Camp Hideaway. With Kelly’s impeccable eye for design and styling, this December day was filled with some of the most divine details around, from the moody, yet Southwestern inspired color palette of our dreams to the most stellar pampas grass florals by Stems Floral Design to a modern yet elegant Rue de Seine bridal gown (complete with the most killer denim jacket) to little hints of the journey these lovers had shared together in 2020 (especially those custom coozies and that incredibly sweet heart locket on Kelly’s bouquet). We even got to steal Stuart and Kelly away for just a few more stunning romantics with that endless Texas horizon as the ultimate backdrop. These two capped off their pretty ceremony with the dance party of the year and made their getaway in the coolest vintage Cadillac ever!

And even though they went through it all in 2020, our gal Kelly reminds us (and every single couple out there) that, “The wedding does not define your marriage. I know it's so much easier said than done, but don't sweat the small stuff! Go into it knowing things aren't always going to go as planned, and roll with the punches.”

Third time truly was the charm for Stuart and Kelly and damn, were we glad to be a part of every moment of it. We’re so grateful for these two, both of their incredible wedding days, and for one of the most unexpected, yet amazing little friendships we’ve ever made with a couple. Cheers to the Sutters and to doing the dang thing no matter what!

Stuart + Kelly’s Intimate Los Poblanos Wedding

Vendors
Venue - Camp Hideaway (Fredericksburg, TX)
Coordination - Isenberg Events (Austin, TX)
Florals - Stems Floral Design (Austin, TX)
Invitations + Bar Signs - CeCe Studio by Katie Anders
Rentals - Class A Event Rentals (Fredericksburg, TX)
Makeup - Alanna of Betty Rose by Alanna (Albuquerque, NM)
Hair - Genica Lee (Albuquerque, NM)
Bridal Gown + Jacket - Rue de Seine
Bridal Boutique - Unbridaled
Bride’s Shoes - Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaid Dresses - Revelry
Groom’s + Groomsmen Suits - The Black Tux
Catering - Feast and Merriment (Stonewall, TX)
Cake - Sweet Treets Bakery (Austin, TX)
Cookies - Ladybird (Houston, TX)
Neon - Sketch and Etch Neon
Band - Royal Dukes Band (Texas)
Transportation - Fredericksburg Tours (Fredericksburg, TX)
Lead Photographer - Ashley
Second Photographer - Elisa
Assistant - Jaclyn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - Pampas Grass

We’ve always had a soft spot for that soft, flowy, ever so subtlety-netural toned plant known as pampas grass, so when this pretty little plant started to take off in the wedding world, we were absolutely thrilled to capture it even more!

Originating from Southern American countries including Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, pampas grass was first introduced to the United States in Santa Barbara, California in the mid 1800s. And while this plant can sometimes push out other vegetation, it still manages to be extremely beautiful, unique, and very photogenic. Besides its common golden-yellow hue, pampas grass can also grow in colors from silvery-white to a soft pink (two shades that we want to see up close and personal).

Over the past few seasons, we’ve seen more brides and grooms take advantage of this versatile plant in their wedding decor. From using it as an accents in bridal bouquets and boutonnieres to subtlety placing it in reception centerpieces to adorning floral headpieces with it to letting it take center stage in both ceremony arches and aisle arrangements, the range of of what pampas grass can do truly seems unlimited!

We have a feeling that this interesting plant is here to stay for a few more seasons (and hopefully forever in the wedding world) and honestly we can’t wait to see what our couples do with it next. Long live pampas grass and all the bohemian vibes it encompasses on wedding days!

Featured Florists
Renegade Floral
Viva Flora
Albuquerque Florist
Floriography Flowers
Forth & Floral
A Beautiful Theme
Gaia Stvdio
Blue Ridge Blossoms
Placed by Polito

Weddings and Styled Shoots by Alicia , Ashley, Bre, and the ALP Team
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - Romantics We Heart

To finish off this week of love, we couldn’t help but share one of our favorite wedding day things, romantics!

Whether its when strolling through the grounds at Los Poblanos, wandering the streets of Santa Fe, exploring hidden greenhouses in remote locations, or finding that perfect golden hour light outside of the most picturesque little barns, our couples always surprise us with the best adventures. And when we get to spend a little extra time with our favorite lovers, allll the magic happens.

We’ve captured the sweetest kisses, most meaningful embraces, and downright steamy moments with our brides and grooms over the last year and quite frankly we’re obsessed! Cheers to capturing the best part of weddings and the whole reason we do what we do, the love!!!!!

Weddings + Styled Shoots by Alicia, Ashley, and Bre of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Patrick + Niki, an Enchanted Vine Barn Wedding in Ruidoso NM

Our summer weddings started off with the biggest bang thanks to Niki + Patrick! These lovers not only had the most exquisite details and the prettiest location, but they are are also two of the most genuine and down to earth people around.

Niki and Patrick initially met in high school and even though it was definitely love at first sight, Niki was not single at the time. But even that didn’t stop Pat from reaching out to Niki’s mom to tell her that Niki and her boyfriend should break up (a bold, but amazing move). Eventually, these lovers got together and had an undeniable connection. Patrick and Niki broke up for a few years while Patrick was off at college, but when he returned, fate brought these babes right back where they belong. Patrick proposed early in January of 2018 at Inn of the Mountain Gods in Ruidoso, NM and even used tiny posters featuring the song “The Greatest Love Story” by LANCO to do it.

Flash forward a year and a half later and these two sweethearts pulled off one of the most beautiful weddings we’ve ever photographed! With the incredible Enchanted Vine Barn as their venue, Niki and Patrick pulled out ALL of the stops for their incredible summer, boho bash. Vibrant florals from our newest floral muse, Forth and Floral, were featured on a gorgeous ceremony arch and throughout the reception decor and if that wasn’t enough flowers, Niki’s family created a giant floral chandler to hand directly above the dance floor. They had a custom neon “Lovers” sign for guests to take photos under & Maimie’s Cakes brought out the big guns with a five tier (!) hand decorated cake with a sweets table completely dedicated to Patrick’s love of hunting! And if ceremony and reception details weren’t enough, Niki surprised us all by being the most glam, yet low-key bride on the planet. She adorned her amazing little Lovers Society sheath gown with jewelry from Kendra Scott and some HOT Christian Louboutin heels (yes we’re still drooling over them). She also brought out a super cute denim bridal jacket from Pistola Denim for a few bridal portraits. To top it all off, Niki and Patrick had the BEST playlist, with everything from Dan + Shay to Beyonce to Shania Twain.

We’re 10000% sure that these two couldn’t have been more of an absolute dream to capture and hang out with for a day. Hey Niki and Patrick, we adore you guys! Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Ganaway & can’t wait for all the Ganaway babies!! :)

Vendors
Venue - Enchanted Vine Barn
Prep Venue - Inn of the Mountain Gods
Planning - Kelli Bailey
Florals - Forth and Floral
Hair - Taylor Degroot
MUA - Alysia Arreola
Bride’s PJs - Victoria’s Secret
Bridal Gown - Lovers Society
Bridal Boutique - Lovely Bride (Dallas, TX)
Bride’s Shoes - Christian Louboutin
Bride’s Jewelry - Kendra Scott
Velvet Ring Box - The Mrs Box
Denim Bridal Jacket - Pistola Denim
Bridesmaid Dresses - Morilee
Groom’s + Groomsmen Attire - The Model (Hobbs, NM)
Invitations - Minted
Videography - Hayley Magness
Cakes - Maimie Cakes
Catering - The Buttery
DJ - Taud Phillips
Floral Chandelier + Other Decor - Mother of the Bride + Family
Neon Lovers Sign - Little Pineapple Neon
Glass Welcome Sign - Mulberry Market Designs on Etsy
Officiant - Bradley Bishop
Lead Photographer - Ashley + Melanie
Second Photographer - Melanie
Assistant - Jaclyn


Wedding by Ashley of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Real Weddings - First Look Advice

Even though its a newer wedding trend, we definitely have a soft spot for bride and groom first looks! Not only are first looks incredibly exciting, it also provides the soon to be newly weds with a few moments to soak in how amazing their futures spouses look before walking down the aisle. We talked to one of our recent brides, Taylor, to get the scoop on why she and her new husband Kirk decided to do a first look and her advice for future couples!

Her inspiration for doing a first look:
"Kirk and I had discussed this 2 or 3 times leading up to the wedding and it just made the most sense for us, for a few reasons. 1) Kirk thought he would be too overwhelmed and wouldn't have been able to pay as much attention to the ceremony if he was seeing me for the first time while I was walking down the aisle with my Dad. 2) We had 100 people that we weren't able to be included in our ceremony due to the size of the Loretto Chapel, they were hanging out and waiting for us up at a cocktail hour at La Fonda (our reception venue), so doing the first look and being able to take photos prior to the ceremony was important to us. We wanted to be able to spend as much time with our guests as possible, because every single one of them was traveling to be with us - it was the least we could do to be as present as possible!"

Her fave part of their first look:
"I had such butterflies when I was walking out of the Bridal Suite at La Fonda to the staircase where I knew Kirk would be. By far the most amazing part of the day was seeing his face the first time he laid eyes on me in my full wedding day get-up. We share everything together so having to keep my dress and veil a secret for so long was a serious challenge, but 100% worth the wait. The look of love and absolute certainty in his eyes calmed me down and we were able to have a few quiet moments just the two of us before meeting up with our rowdy bridal party."

Her advice for future bride and grooms:
"I highly recommend doing a first look - we're usually sticklers for tradition but this is one I'm very glad we broke. Being able to see your fiance for a few minutes (just the two of you) before becoming husband and wife was so special and something I will treasure forever, plus it really does cut down on the amount of time you spend away from your guests for pictures after the ceremony - which they were very appreciative of!"

(Taylor and Kirk's first look at La Fonda on the Plaza is pictured first in this post)

Venues
La Fonda on the Plaza
Four Seasons Santa Fe
SITE Santa Fe
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Gerald Peters Gallery
Hyatt Tamaya Resort
Inn of the Five Graces
La Posada de Santa Fe
Casa de Sueños
The Inn and Spa at Loretto

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