2021, a Year with ALP

After the truly life changing year the was 2020, we knew that this year was going to be incredibly special as the world finally opened back up for big weddings and celebrations of all kinds. Our 2021 couples filled our cups to the brim with the must stunning days that we’ll cherish for seasons to come.

If going back to a full wedding season wasn’t exciting enough for us, we were also beyond lucky to travel to so many gorgeous new locations this year. From the vast wine country of Austin to the dreamy mountains of Taos to the ever mystic Ghost Ranch to all the new little spaces in Santa Fe, our scenery was far from the ordinary. On top of this, so many of our couples were finally able to celebrate with all of their friends and family, an experience that we will never take for granted ever again.

Cheers to all the new adventures with the best couples in the most stellar of places, we can’t wait for all that 2022 is sure to bring our way.

Places the ALP Team Visited in 2021
White Sands National Park (Alamagordo, NM)
Bishop’s Lodge Resort (Santa Fe, NM)
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Farm (Albuquerque, NM)
Four Seasons Santa Fe (Santa Fe, NM)
Camp Lucy (Dripping Springs, NM)
Ghost Ranch (Abiquiu, NM)
White Mesa (Rio Rancho, New Mexico)
La Posdada de Santa Fe (Santa Fe, NM)
Lighthouse Studio (Albuquerque, NM)
Camino Real Ranch (Austin, TX)
Breckenridge (Colorado)
Race and Religious (New Orleans, LA)
Hacienda Doña Andrea de Santa Fe (Cerillos, NM)
The Seraphim House (New Orleans, LA)
The Stakeout Taos (Taos, NM)
Sandia Foothills (Albuquerque, NM)
Taos Ski Valley (Taos, NM)
Sandia Resort (Albuquerque, NM)
La Fonda on the Plaza (Santa Fe, NM)
Tingley Beach (Albuquerque, NM)
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town (Albuquerque, NM)
Sandia Mountains (Tijeras, NM)
Angel Fire (New Mexico)
La Mesita Ranch (Santa Fe, NM)
Hotel Andaluz (Albuquerque, NM)
Inn and Spa at Loretto (Santa Fe, NM)
El Malpais National Monument (Grants, NM)
Hotel St. Francis (Santa Fe, NM)
Farm and Table (Albuquerque, NM)
Ten Thousand Waves Resort (Santa Fe, NM)
Pecos National Historic Site (Pecos, NM)

Weddings + Engagements by the Alicia Lucia Photography Team
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - Boho Chic Celebrations

Over the past few seasons a newer trend, that we think is here to stay (!), has become a favorite for so many of our couples. Boho chic weddings and elopements bring together maximalist wedding vibes with unique details for some of the most wildly gorgeous days we’ve ever encountered.

Pampas grass, neon signage, hand-stitched wedding gowns, and that carefree-kind-of-love bring these stellar celebrations together. We adore how boho chic weddings can happen anywhere, whether its on a ranch in Texas Hill Country, in a tiny backyard in Albuquerque, or even at a luxury hotel in Santa Fe. These magnificent days have become a staple for so many of our couples and we are so dang here for it.

We’re so here for all of the larger-than-life, incredibly beautiful boho celebrations this year and beyond, bring on allllll the pretty!!!

Featured Love Stories
Stuart + Kelly at Sunset Ranch (Fredericksburg, TX)
Andrew + Shay at a Private Estate (Albuquerque, NM)
Drew + Lauren at La Mesita Ranch (Santa Fe, NM)
Patrick + Niki at Enchanted Vine Barn (Ruidoso, NM)
Jason + Natalie at La Fonda on the Plaza (Santa Fe, NM)
Mack + Shelby at Four Seasons Santa Fe (Santa Fe, NM)

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

Gates + C.C., a Private Estate Wedding in New Mexico

Even though they replanned their wedding four (!) times due to the pandemic, East Coast sweethearts Gates and C.C. found the most incredible way to make the most of all the curveballs 2020 had thrown at them.

These lovers first met back in college at Princeton and started dating shortly after graduation. A few years later, Gates proposed at Beckford’s Tower, a spot overlooking Bath, a very special English city where C.C. had studied postgrad and the same place where these two had lived together.

Through all the wedding plan changes and challenges, Gates and C.C. decided to focus on what mattered most to both of them, their love for each other and their new chapter together. They decided to make it official at a private family estate in New Mexico and we were overwhelmed by all of the gorgeous details these two brought to their remarkable day. From the dreamiest flowers from our floral queen Melissa of Rengegade Floral to the softest, daintiest bridal glam by our gals Kata and Diana of Something Ginger to C.C.’s elegantly modern bridal style (which included that stellar Oscar de la Renta gown), everything about this day fell magically into place. And if their details weren’t enough, Gates and C.C. surprised us by taking us to the most captivating flower field for some of their romantics.

We loved this sweet day with Gates and C.C., cheers to all the couples making this year a celebration of love despite all the odds!

Vendors
Location - Private Estate
Florals - Renegade Floral
Hair + Makeup - Kata + Diana of Something Ginger
Bridal Gown + Shoes - Oscar de la Renta
Groom’s Tux - Knot Standard
Groom’s Boots - Little’s Boots Co.
Cake - Chocolate Maven
Music - Giovanni String Quartet
Officiant - Kelly Atkin
Photographer - Ashley
Assistant - Jaclyn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Drew + Lauren, a Southwestern Wedding at La Mesita Ranch Estate

This fall we returned to one of our all time favorite hidden gems, La Mesita Ranch Estate right outside of Nambe Falls, NM. Drew and Lauren, aka one of the most amazing couples on the planet, planned a truly gorgeous, yet somehow carefree, Southwestern soirée on a perfect fall afternoon. Besides the incredible details, it was so apparent that these two are not only head over heels in love, but that Drew and Lauren are beyond perfect for each other.

In a modern twist on an actual fairytale, Drew and Lauren met on a dating app (Bumble) and immediately hit it off over conversations about football (Drew is a die-hard NY Giants fan while Lauren adores the Dallas Cowboys) and Drew’s recent to trip to Lauren’s hometown, Albuquerque. Even though Drew had to leave early (to do laundry!), they agreed to meet up for a second date and the rest is history.

Flash forward three years and these babes are vacationing in France, but little did Lauren know that it would be one of the best trips ever. While touring the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris (and sipping on wine) Drew proposed to Lauren and she (of course!) said yes.

After a year of amazing prep and planning, Drew and Lauren finally said “I do” in the Land of Enchantment. With the coordination by our girl Lauren Maestas of Just Lovely Weddings and stunning Western inspired details by Darling Details Rentals, this day was nothing short of everything we could have imagined (especially those epic pampas grass arrangements!). In addition to having dreamy details, Lauren and Drew included super personal touches as well. Lauren (whose father passed away five years prior) was moved to tears when her mom sewed his wedding ring into her dress pocket. This bride also made sure that her father was part of the reception by including his favorite dessert (Oreos) at the sweets table as well as biscochitos in the welcome bags (which were reminiscent of the ones Lauren and her father made every year at Christmas). A heartfelt ceremony followed by a quick hike up a mountain for romantics and an amazing bridal reception outfit made this day out of this freaking world.

Honestly we can’t really express just how much we love Drew and Lauren, truly two of the kindest, funniest, all-around wonderful couple. Cheers to a million more years of crushing on you two and your incredible love story!!! #romosaysidrew

Vendors
Venue - La Mesita Ranch Estate
Planning - Just Lovely Weddings
Rentals - Darling Details Rentals
Florals - Albuquerque Wedding Florist
Paper Goods - Protea Paper
Hair - Genica Lee
MUA - Betty Rose by Alanna
Bridal Gown - Jenny Yoo Collection
Bridal Boutique - Lovely Bride New York City
Bride’s Shoes - Frye
Bride’s Hat - Stetson
Bride’s Jacket - The Gap
Bridesmaids Dresses - Jenny Yoo Collection
Groom’s Attire - Bonobos
Groom’s Boots - Cody James
Groomsmen Attire - The Black Tux
Groomsmen Bowties - Etsy
Catering - Walter Burke Catering
Cake - Chocolate Maven
Band - Diamond Empire Band
Lead Photographer - Alicia
Second Photographer - Bre
Assistant - Jaclyn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Vendor Feature - Chocolate Maven

If there’s a way to anyone’s heart (especially any of ours) it’s through cake! And the team over at Chocolate Maven in Santa Fe always whips up simple, delicate, yet stunning wedding day beauties.

Known for their effortless buttercream cakes, Chocolate Maven always creates unique treats for their couples while incorporating dainty wedding day flowers into these decadent desserts. And although minimalist floral cakes are this bakers forte, we’ve seen them pull off some epic baked delicacies including an adobe building- inspired creation and an absolutely divine naked cake (topped off with the tiniest succulents ever!).

Chocolate Maven has became a staple in the Santa Fe wedding community and we love getting to capture their goodies (and our sweet couples taking bites out of those cakes). Scroll through to see some of our favorite cake moments and why its always love at first bite with Chocolate Maven’s sweet confections.

Cake Vendor - Chocolate Maven (Santa Fe, NM)

Real Life Love Stories
Drew + Lauren at La Mesita Ranch (coming to the blog soon!)
Kirk + Taylor at La Fonda on the Plaza
Chris + Alexa at La Fonda on the Plaza
Oriol + Sarah at Gerald Peters Gallery/Peters Projects
Carter + Carrie at La Fonda on the Plaza
Patrick + Sydnie at La Fonda on the Plaza

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

David + Lauren, a fall wedding at La Fonda in Santa fe

This September we kicked off the first official day of fall with David and Lauren’s incredibly gorgeous (and honestly perfect) wedding at La Fonda on the Plaza. From wine colored bridesmaid dresses to dark floral arrangements to the loveliest long-sleeve, lace Pronovias gown, this day was a dream and a half!

These Dallas babes met while playing co-ed kickball (Lauren wanted a drink and David just happened to be chilling right by the cooler) and have had the coolest adventures ever since. From countless trips to Disney (vacations that inspired their song choices for Lauren’s bridal entrance and the couple’s grand entrance) to getting engaged in their fave Texas wine county (and eating bomb German food after) where they had their first anniversary years ago.

Being the ultimate husband goals that he is, David helped out with a ton of the wedding planning (with zero complaints) and suggested the delicate tambourines for their post ceremony parade and their chili favors! Together, David and Lauren decided on La Fonda due to its incredible history and all of its insanely beautiful views (honestly we’ve never caught a bad angle of this dreamy venue).

We’re soooo beyond thankful for gracious, wonderful, and downright fun couples like these lovers! Cheers babes, we’ll never forget your incredible day!!!!

Vendors
Venue - La Fonda on the Plaza
Planning + Coordination - Just Lovely Weddings
Rentals - Darling Details Rentals
Florals - Renegade Floral
Ribbon + Silks - Honey Silk & Co.
MUA - Madeline McCue Makeup
Bridal Gown - Pronovias
Bridal Boutique - Bridal Boutique Lewisville
Bride’s Shoes - Madewell
Bride’s Ring Box - Your Heart’s Content
Invitations - Minted
Glass Signage - Etsy
Officiant - Paul Martinez
Cake - Maggie’s Cakes
Biscochito Favors - Chocolate Maven
DJ - Dream Factory Productions

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

Kirk + Taylor, a La Fonda and Loretto Chapel Wedding

Kirk and Taylor met many years ago by chance through mutual friends at a bar in Midland, Texas. Taylor was out celebrating a a friend’s graduation from college and Kirk just happened to be tagging along with their mutual friend Stephen. At the time, Taylor thought Kirk was really handsome, but because he had a girlfriend, she forgot about him (for the moment) .

Jumping forward five years and Taylor was back in her (amazing) hometown of Austin, TX and, as fate would have it, Kirk had recently moved back to that same little city after completing his masters in New York City at Columbia University. One summer evening in 2015, Taylor and her family were downtown celebrating her brother’s 21st birthday when, like so many years ago, Kirk tagged along with Stephen for the celebrations. Kirk and Taylor, aka future Mr. and Mrs. Logan, absolutely hit it off when Kirk ended up partying with Taylor’s family all night!

These lovers wanted a classic, yet beautiful ceremony at the historic Loretto Chapel in downtown Santa Fe followed up by an incredible party at one of our homes away from home, La Fonda on the Plaza. From their dreamy stationary designed by a family friend to the sweetest little first look to a post ceremony lavender toss on the steps of Loretto to not one, but two unreal cakes by Chocolate Maven Bakery, this August day was seriously amazing. We’re forever wishing that we could relive it over and over again, congrats to the Logans, we love y’all so much!

Vendors
Venues - Loretto Chapel , La Fonda on the Plaza
Florals - Santa Fe Floral
Invitations - Letterpress Made
Cakes - Chocolate Maven
Hair - Diana Rose Color Studio
MUA - Monica Stark Makeup
Bridal Gown - Rita Vineris
Bridal Boutique - Julian Gold
Bride’s Shoes - Stuart Weitzman
Band - Diamond Empire Band
Videography - Box Light Films

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

Scott + Leanne, a SITE Santa Fe Wedding

Scott and Leanne, aka Hush and LeeLee, aka the coolest/most down to earth couple out there, made it official this past June in Santa Fe, NM. These babes met while playing soccer and the connection was pretty much instant. With a little magic from the one and only Jessie Baca, Scott and Leanne pulled off a killer wedding at the newly opened (but really tho, there were still parts of the gallery that were being constructed— see below) SITE Santa Fe, a contemporary art space, with some of the coolest details around. From personalized coozies, to French fry filled centerpieces, soccer ball cake toppers and dancing to LOVE by rap genius Kendrick Lamar, these two pretty much had something for everyone. LeeLee included a few super sweet, personal details on her wedding day: her mother’s own (insanely gorgeous) wedding veil and her parents’ toasting glasses. And just when we thought that this couple couldn’t be any cooler, Scott’s only request, a fun “dice bet” photo op complete with Mickey’s and some cold hard cash. These lovers set the bar sky high for prioritizing a family centered day while still incorporating their unique and fun style into every detail. We were sooo thrilled to be a part of their day, congrats again to Scott and Leanne! #leeleehush

Vendors
Venue - SITE Santa Fe
Planning + Coordination - Jessie Baca
Florals - Viva Flora
Cake - Chocolate Maven
Cake Toppers - Jess West
Hair - Chrome Salon Santa Fe
MUA - Jacqueline Chavez
Bridal Gown - St. Patrick
Bridal Veil - Bride’s Mother
Bridal Shoes - Klub Nico
Personalized Coozies + Napkins - Etsy
LeeLee Hush Logo - Kenny Barela
Cocktail Music - Cali Shaw

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

Chris + Alexa, a La Fonda Summer Wedding

This June we were lucky enough to kick off our summer wedding season with Chris and Alexa's bright, Southwestern destination wedding at La Fonda on the Plaza. These lovers brought the party all the way from Houston, TX for an absolutely unforgettable day filled with bold wedding colors, a unique vintage wedding ring that belonged to the groom's grandmother, and the most divine crocheted wedding gown from Made With Love Bridal. From first look tears to a mariachi-led procession around the ever enchanting Santa Fe Plaza to a film-worthy sparkler send-off, Chris and Alexa set the expectations soooo freaking high!!! Huge congrats to the Heffrons, we were beyond thrilled to help you celebrate the beginning of your marriage in our gorgeous state of New Mexico!!!

Vendors
Venue - La Fonda on the Plaza
Planning + Coordination - Jessie Baca
Florals - Renegade Floral
Wedding Stationary + Invitations - Half Moon Lettering
Hair + Makeup - The Beauty Bar Santa Fe
Bridal Gown - Made With Love Bridal
Bridal Boutique - Unbridaled
Bridal Shoes - Stuart Weitzman
Bride's Engagement Ring - Groom's Grandmother
Bride's Earrings - Bride's Mother
Bridesmaid Gowns - Show Me Your Mumu
Groom's + Groomsmen's Suits - Men's Warehouse
Officiant - Reverend Bishop David Doyle
Cake - Chocolate Maven Bakery
Band - Bounce Band

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