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
Alejandra + Eduardo, a Wondrous Santa Fe Engagement
Dallas hunnies Eduardo and Alejandra traveled to the Southwest to make their love official this spring and we were over the moon when we got to spend an evening with them in downtown Santa Fe just a few nights before their nuptials. These cuties braved the chilly, early spring weather for one of the most precious engagement sessions of all.
Alejandra and Eduardo have been madly in love for several years so capturing their mutual adoration for one another was truly so much fun. Along with their sweet pups, these Texas babes made this little evening out on the Santa Fe plaza so incredibly fun.
We can’t wait to share all of the joy from their La Fonda on the Plaza wedding, but until then, we’ll be soaking up all of the cuteness from this engagement session!
Locations - Inn of the Five Graces + The Pink Adobe + Downtown Santa Fe
Shoes - Comme des Garçons by Converse
Photographer - Cheyenne
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
Wedding Inspo - All of the "Somethings" We Adore
If there’s one thing we’re enamored with when it comes to weddings its absolutely the details, especially those “somethings” that pop up during almost every single celebration. From the precious family heirlooms, to the hints of blue to the brand new additions, all of the somethings we love are beyond memorable.
Season after season, we see trends come and go, but nothing is truly more timeless than when couples incorporate something blue, something new, or something old into their days. From baby blue bridal shoes to jewelry passed down through generations to dresses straight from the latest designer, we’re always in awe of the way all of these different elements pair so seamlessly together.
Cheers to all the little details that make big wedding days that much more intentional and beautiful!
Weddings + Elopements by the Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
Something Blue
Featured Details
Kaite’s Sapphire Ring
Cathryn’s Shoes
Ashley’s Wedding Dress
Caroline’s Shoes + Wedding Party
Justine’s Invitations + Bridesmaid Robes
Sam’s Suit
Maegan’s Elopement Dress
Nicky + Sam, a Whimsical Santa Fe Elopement
Georgia lovers Sam and Nicky journeyed down to the heart of the Southwest to make their love official on one of the snowiest, yet most enchanting late spring days of all. To soak up their love, these hunnies adventured around Santa Fe and got to discover just how magical our little home state can be.
Even though Nicky and Sam are beyond perfect for one another, their love story took several twists before arriving at its incredibly sweet ending. These angels first met during grad school 15 years ago and were madly in love with each other. However, the universe had other plans for these cuties and they parted ways to pursue their own careers. Around 12 years later, Sam was still on Nicky’s mind and after a quick dive into Google, Nicky discovered that Sam lived in the town right next to her (a true sign from the heavens as neither of these babes are originally from Georgia) leading her to make the first move. During their first date after a decade of not seeing each, Nicky and Sam realized that it felt like no time had passed at all and they finally knew that they really were meant for each other (truly a cinematic moment for these babes).
Initially, Sam and Nicky planned on just visiting Santa Fe for a mini vacation, but after seeing how dreamy Inn of the Five Graces can be in photos, they decided to have us capture their love before they sealed the deal. The unexpected snowfall followed by blue skies was truly a treat for these Southern cuties and our afternoon with them was nothing short of an early spring daydream. Seeing the way these two understand and love each other reminded us of how amazing it is to find that once in lifetime kind of love.
Cheers to falling in love over and over Nicky + Sam, we’re forever your biggest fans!
Vendors
Locations - The Inn of the Five Graces + Downtown Santa Fe
Florals - Etsy
Rings - Waldor & Co.
Hair + Makeup - A. Salon Santa Fe
Bride’s Dress - Missord
Bride’s Shoes - Aldo
Groom’s Suit - Suit Supply
Groom’s Bowtie - Brackish
Groom’s Shoes - Lacoste
Photo Team - Molly + Chrisi + Jaclyn
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
Thomas + Jacqueline, a Charming Downtown Santa Fe Engagement
Sweethearts Jacqueline and Thomas journeyed down to The City Different for the most stunning little engagement session on the eve of their Santa Fe nuptials. These midwest cuties brought a little extra light to this already beautiful June evening.
After enduring the last two years of the pandemic, Thomas and Jacqueline realized that they were absolutely perfect for each other and that there was no one else on the planet that they would rather be with than one another. They decided to have a destination wedding in ever charming Santa Fe and, dang, did they know how to kick off their weekend just right.
We can’t wait to share even more of these angels and their ever so magical time here in the Southwest.
Locations - The Pink Adobe + Inn of the Five Graces
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
What We Heart About Santa Fe Weddings
Anyone who knows our team has seen how much we adore Santa Fe weddings and all of the amazing little spots where we’ve captured our couples and their love stories. From its vast architecture to it rich culture, Santa Fe is a gem among the Southwest and we feel so dang lucky to spend so much time exploring it.
One of the most iconic locations for weddings is, of course, the Santa Fe Plaza, but what many don’t realize is the vast number of different venues of all shapes and sizes for weddings.
Do you want a huge wedding with a parade around the historic plaza followed by an outdoor reception? There are several hotels including La Fonda on the Plaza, The Inn and Spa at Loretto, and La Posada de Santa Fe that are pros at these celebrations.
Or are you a bit more low-key and want an intimate wedding at a stunning hacienda or tiny inn? Spots like Hacienda Corta Caro and The Inn of the Five Graces are the coziest of wedding nooks.
Maybe you want a venue with an iconic past or one that’s even an art gallery? Places like Peters Projects at Gerald Peters Gallery, SITE Santa Fe, and The Santa Fe Opera are just a few of those unique, art focused spaces.
There’s even two incredibly famous churches right on the plaza, Loretto Chapel and The Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, for more traditional weddings.
And what about places for couples wanting to venture a bit outside of the usual Santa Fe scene for venues nestled among the mountains and vast New Mexican landscape? Venues like La Mesita Ranch Estate, Las Campanas, Hacienda Doña Andrea, and Four Seasons Santa Fe all provide amazing views and details for any and all weddings they host.
Not only does Santa Fe have so many amazing venues, but so many unique New Mexican and Southwestern traditions have stayed in style season after season in The City Different. Every season mariachi parades around the plaza take center stage, tequila donkeys like sweet Conchita make an appearance at receptions, and all the chili, cactus, and skull details accent every inch of weddings. We love how couples from near and far fully embrace all the special little pieces of Santa Fe that we have such a soft spot for. And we can’t help but absolutely love it even more when our lovers from previous wedding seasons continue to visit Santa Fe year after year just to always have a part of the Southwest with them.
In our eyes, any venue in Santa Fe is the perfect venue and every tradition is beyond special. We’ve been so fortunate to capture a huge amount of couples in the most unique locations and honestly, we can’t wait to explore new places with brand new love stories.
Featured Santa Fe Venues
La Fonda on the Plaza
Hacienda Doña Andrea
La Mesita Ranch Estate
La Posada de Santa Fe
Santa Fe Opera
Las Campanas
SITE Santa Fe
Gerald Peters Gallery
Hacienda Corta Caro
Loretto Chapel
Inn and Spa at Loretto
Inn of the Five Graces
Eldorado Hotel and Spa
Four Seasons Santa Fe
Weddings by Alicia, Ashley, Bre, and the ALP Team
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography