While our wedding seasons are always filled with the most gorgeous, larger-than-life celebrations, we are simply enamored with stunning, intimate weddings. These quaint little days have such a hold on us that we simply had to give all of the reasons why choosing a tiny wedding could be the dreamiest decision of all.
1) Intention
While we love that big weddings help everyone invited feel included, there’s something about just a handful of the most important people in your life gathering to celebrate your love. For intimate weddings, you and your babe get to be more intentional with the time you spend with your loved ones and soak in all the joy.
2) Location
We know that large, traditional weddings can take place anywhere in the world, but a tiny wedding can make it even easier to travel to a remote location with your favorite people. By narrowing down the guest list to a small group, planning becomes easier and you’ll feel less guilty about your loved ones traveling for your celebration. Addtionally, some of the sweetest locations out there can sometimes only manage to accommodate a handful of guests, making an intimate wedding ideal.
3) Money
One of the biggest issues that couples run into when planning a wedding is the question of budget. However, by only inviting a select amount of guests, you can focus on spending money on the elements that are the most important to you and your lover, as opposed to paying for dinner for one hundred guests or more or spending money on elements that may not be important to you. In doing this, you’ll also have extra money for your honeymoon, future home, or your next big adventure.
4) Style
When it comes to large weddings, couples can sometimes feel obligated to follow the latest trends from social media. Yet when it comes to intimate weddings, you’ll feel less pressure to show off for social media and be more likely to let your own personal style shine through, making it a day that’s true to you.
5) Timing
While most big weddings can go on for eight hours or more, an intimate wedding can be shorter (and even sweeter sometimes). By cutting down time in your day, you can have more time with guests, more time to enjoy your day, and more time to revel in all of the love with your partner.
Featured Love Stories
Justin + Olivia at Pecos National Monument
Laura + Brian at Hotel Chaco
Kristen + Stephen in at a Private Estate Santa Fe
Mariel + Kyle at Many Feathers Ranch in Taos
Kim + Daniel at White Sands National Park
Sophia + Andrew at Adobe and Pines Inn
Julia + Jason at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Sam + Nicky at Inn of the Five Graces
Weddings + Elopements by Alicia Lucia Photography Team
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
Kristen + Stephen, a Charming Backyard Wedding
Fort Worth hunnies Kristen and Stephen took their love to new heights in The City Different this September and it was truly the jewel-toned day of our dreams. This sweet, intimate Santa Fe affair was one that we’ll treasure for all of time.
These Texas angels knew that they wanted to make their love official in a dreamy location, so a tiny yet insanely pretty Airbnb in Santa Fe was their number one choice. Surrounded by only their closest friends and family, including their sweet daughter, Stephen and Kristen said “I do” to a lifetime of adventures and joy together. Not only did these cuties have the most heartwarming ceremony to celebrate their love, but they also included some of the most heavenly details of all time. From the most unique wedding cake to gorgeous reception hues in shades of purple and blue to florals that we can’t stop dreaming about, Stephen and Kristen took intimate weddings to a new level.
We know these sweethearts are going to have the most incredible life together, cheers to being newlyweds babes!
Vendors
Venue - Private Estate
Planning - Alexa Larberg Party Co
Florals - Barton’s Flowers
Hair - Sacred Mane Beauty
Bride’s Dress - Lulus
Officiant - family friend
Calligraphy - Mavenette Calligraphy and Design
Rentals - Colorado Party Rentals
Cake - Maggie’s Wedding Cakes
Catering - Posa’s Tamale Factory
Bar - Salud Catering
Photo Team - Lexie + Lindsay + Stephen
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
Wedding Inspo - Vibrantly Colorful Weddings
Every single season we get downright obsessed with all of the minimalist, neutral toned weddings, but this year colorful weddings have absolutely stolen our hearts. These electrifying days are some of the most vibrant, memorable affairs we’ve ever laid eyes on.
Whether its a funky rainbow cake, florals in every bright hue, or even eye-catching wedding attire, these colorful days are so insanely blissful. We adore seeing our couples bring all the personality out through vivid, unforgettable details.
We adore these radiant celebrations so dang much, bring on all the color and all the joy!
Featured Weddings
Carolyn + Parker at La Fonda on the Plaza
Stephen + Kristen at a Private Estate
Jennifer + RJ at La Fonda on the Plaza
Adelynn + Assad in New Mexico
Shannon + Alex at Hotel Parq Central
Keith + Shannez at Four Seasons Santa Fe
Rachel + Noah at Camino Real Ranch
Cait + Nate in Downtown Denver
Weddings + Elopements by the Alicia Lucia Photography Team
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
Wedding Inspo - Intimate Weddings
As 2020 progresses, it feels like there are different possibilities for weddings on a daily basis. And while big weddings, especially in New Mexico, might not be a reality for a little bit, we adore that intimate weddings are starting to become a bigger staple in the wedding industry.
For clarity, intimate weddings and elopements might seem similar, but they’re actually quite different. In a typical elopement, usually just the couple, the officiant, and the photographer are present. However, in an intimate wedding, usually both sets of parents of the couple, the officiant, a few close friends/family members, and the photographer are present. Sometimes, when there’s not a pandemic taking place, an intimate wedding can even look something like 15-45 guests, usually just a short list of the most important people in the couple’s life.
So far this year, we captured one of the sweetest intimate weddings here in Albuquerque at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm, but in the past we’ve captured a handful of tiny weddings that have filled our hearts with absolute joy. Some of the bonuses of intimate weddings aren’t just cost related (or in 2020’s case, health related), sometimes the best things about smaller weddings involved being able to spend quality time with pretty much every single guest. Another factor is even being able to allow moments of the day to feel less hectic such as making timelines that have less rushed portraits and ceremonies with smaller weddings parties (which means a lot less stress too).
While big weddings will someday be a possibility again, having intimate weddings in their place until we can all gather together safely again might just be the next best thing. Here’s to finding new ways to celebrate and never ever giving up on love, no matter what the universe throws our way!!
Featured Intimate Weddings + Styled Shoots
Brad + Kenna at Old Town Farm
Paul + Carolyn for Rocky Mountain Bride at Los Poblanos
Ben + Katy at The Inn of the Five Graces and Hacienda Corta Caro
Zach + Coli at Hotel Albuquerque and Casas de Sueños
Stuart + Kelly at Los Poblanos
Ryan + Jennifer at Sarabande Bed and Breakfast
Daniel + Natzidielly at Los Poblanos
Ryan + Jason at Ghost Ranch
Daniel + Rebecca at Eldorado Hotel and Neptune Art Space
Oriol + Sarah at Gerald Peters Gallery
Angelo + Rocio at Los Poblanos
Weddings + Styled Shoots by Alicia, Ashley, Bre, and the ALP Team
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
Wedding Inspo - Fall Wedding Florals
With a new season on the horizon, a lush new variety of different wedding color palettes and trends are on our minds. Wedding florals are always one the most diverse, yet versatile wedding detail, especially in the fall. We’ve seen it allll at autumn weddings, from lush neutral colored bridal bouquets with touches of rust to dark and moody shades of red and violet to simple blends of both light and dark tones. We’re on the brink of amazing fall weddings and can’t freaking wait for all the beauty to come this year!!!
Featured Florists
Florigraphy Flowers
Viva Flora
Bagels Florals
Renegade Floral
Placed by Polito
Shannon Loves Flowers
Barton’s Flowers
Stephanie Yardman Floral Design
Weddings + Editorial Sessions by Alicia, Ashley, and Bre of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
Wedding Inspo - Desert Florals
For our little team, being located in the gorgeous state of New Mexico means that we get to experience all of the amazing traditions, tastes, and beauty of the Southwest. One of our all time favorite details we get to see in both everyday life and on wedding days are desert florals. Our hearts are so happy that more and more of our brides and grooms are embracing some of our most beloved desert plants and flowers in both live florals and desert inspired details. From cacti to succulents to pampas grass to protea flowers, all of these hot climate beauties are something to behold. Check out some of our favorite desert florals for lots of Southwestern inspo!
Featured Florists
Placed by Polito
Viva Flora
Renegade Floral
Floriography Flowers
Barton’s Flowers
Featured Planners + Coordinators
Just Lovely Weddings
For the Love Events
Jessie Baca
Jessica Wonder Events
Weddings + Styled Shoots by the Alicia Lucia Photography Team
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
Wedding Inspo - Wedding Reception Centerpieces
One look at any of our social media sites and you’ll know how obsessed our little team is with florals, but we’re also in love with how our couples, planners, and florists design and create floral centerpieces. Bright, bold, and larger than life summer florals give us just as much joy as the the simple, subdued succulent adorned centerpieces. Every wedding brings its own flavor and we can’t get enough of these reception beauties!
Wedding Venues
La Posada de Santa Fe
Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs, CO)
Santa Fe Opera
La Fonda on the Plaza
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Four Seasons Santa Fe
Eldorado Hotel and Spa
Sarabande Bed and Breakfast
Gerald Peters Gallery
Hyatt Tamaya
El Zocalo
La Mestia Ranch Estate
Florists
Placed by Polito
Renegade Floral
Viva Flora
Floriography Flowers
Shannon Loves Flowers
Ruidoso Flower Shop
Bloomstream Flowers
The Bouq’s Co
Barton’s Flowers
Stephanie Yardman Floral Design
Weddings by Alicia, Ashley, and Bre of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
Daniel + Rebecca, an Intimate Santa Fe Wedding
After nine years of being in love, out of the 15 that they’ve known each other, Daniel and Rebecca knew that it was time to make it last name official, but they wanted to celebrate in their own special way. These babes went with a non-traditional, super intimate wedding in Santa Fe this past fall. They skipped the wedding party and Rebecca decided to go with a super unique, boho-inspired caftan gown making this day extra special to be a part of. After exchanging vows in the ever ethereal La Capilla de Oro at Eldorado Hotel. Along with their closest friends and family members, Dan & Rebecca had the sweetest little Southwestern inspired party at the beautifully quaint Neptune Studio Gallery and Event Space. From the giant piñatas to personalized ornaments to Lotería cards, this reception was colorful and downright amazing. We adored these two and this day, congrats babes! We can’t wait for more non-traditional, wonderfully authentic wedding days to come.
Vendors
Ceremony Venue - Eldorado Hotel and Spa
Reception Venue - Neptune Studio Gallery and Event Space
Florals - Barton’s Flowers
Catering - Walter Burke Catering
Hair - Chrome Salon Santa Fe
Dress - New Crop Shop
Photos by Alicia of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography