Wedding Inspo - Wedding Cakes

If you know our team, you know that wedding cakes hold such a big space in our hearts. Truth be told, we’re downright obsessed with seeing how our couples bring together their unique style with this traditional staple.

Each and every season brings out new cake trends as well as the classic styles we’ve come to absolutely adore over the years. We’ve been crushing so dang hard on all of the funky shag rug cakes, incredible heart-shaped beauties, and those pressed flower darlings, but we’re also major fans of those ever-so-stunning buttercream floral cakes that compliment literally any wedding out there. And the best of all is when we get to witness a perfect blend of a tried and true trend with something brand new (peep that floral cake adorned with custom made jewelry shapes below!).

We’re so dang ready to kick off our 2022 season and see all of those deliciously divine creations every single weekend, bring on all the sugar-coated goodness!

Featured Cake Bakers
Planty Sweet
Maggie’s Cakes
Feathers and Frosting
Chocolate Maven
Figs and Honey Cake Co
Cake Fetish
Toothache Cakery
Simply Sweet by Darci
Sweet Treets Bakery
A Cake Odyssey

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

Solve + Alex, a Festive Wedding at La Mesita Ranch

In the middle of this warm, yet gorgeous summer, Solve and Alex invited us to capture their dreamy nuptials in northern New Mexico. These lovebirds colorful day at La Mesita Ranch is one that we’ll truly remember forever.

This stunner of a wedding started way out west at La Mesita Ranch, a property tucked away near Nambe Falls and known for its breathtaking views and unique touches. With a little bit of magic from the Just Lovely Weddings team and the floral goddesses at Manmade and Sage, the details from this day were truly unmatched. Our dream bride Alex combined the best of classic wedding glam with boho details through her chic wedding gown from Ann Matthews Bridal and her stunning glam by Betty Rose by Alanna while Solve looked extra sleek in an all black tux.

For their stellar ceremony, these cuties included a larger than life floral arch filled with the most unique florals and the sweetest little petal toss. And to top it all off, Alex and Solve’s reception had so much damn beauty. From the incredible lounges by Darling Details to the divine table settings to the most out-of-this-world music by local band Le Chat Lunatique, this July day was perfection to the next level. If all of those touches weren’t enough, we were blown away by these lovers romantic first dance and surprise tambourine party with all of their guests on the dance floor.

We’ll forever be obsessed with the way Alex and Solve brought together all of their loved ones for the most killer summer party, cheers to newlywed life babes!!!


Vendors
Venue - La Mesita Ranch
Planning + Coordination - Just Lovely Weddings
Lounge Rentals + Signs - Darling Details Rentals
Tent + Table Rentals - Colorado Party Rentals
Florals - Manmade and Sage
Bridal Hair - Danielle Griego
Bridal Makeup - Alanna of Betty Rose by Alanna
Bridesmaid Makeup - Ashley of Betty Rose by Alanna
Bridal Gown - Ann Matthews Bridal
Bride’s Shoes - Badgley Mischka
Reception Music - Le Chat Lunatique
Linens - BBJ Linens + La Tavola Linen
Catering - Dig and Serve
Photo Booth - Snapshot Selfies
Lead Photographer - Ashley
Second Photographer - Briana A
Assistants - Jaclyn + Autumn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - Texas Weddings

The past few seasons we’ve been beyond to lucky to capture a whole handful of gorgeous Texas weddings and elopements with some of the most incredible couples. We adore visiting The Lone Star state for sweet nuptials and even more insane parties in the dreamiest locations.

From the vast beauty of Texas Hill Country ranches to the the elegant estates near Dallas, to Austin’s ultra avant-garde locations, Texas wedding venues have a little bit of everything for every couple out there. Being able to witness so much love on so many different places is such a dang dream, we’re always so excited when Texas couples want to bring us along for the ride!

We love love love all the crazy beautiful Texas days we’ve witnessed so far, here’s to even more adventures in our sister state!!

Featured Love Stories + Styled Shoots
Andrew + Natalie at Camp Lucy (Dripping Springs, TX)
Stuart + Kelly at Sunset Ranch (Fredericksburg, TX)
Noah + Rachel at Camino Real Ranch (Austin, TX)
Herbie + Kelsey at Ginger Ranch (Fredericksburg, TX)
Jay + Katie and Bryan + Kamilah at The Olana (Dallas, TX)
Clay + Erika at The Emerson Venue (Kaufman, TX)

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

Jake + Becky, a Magical Ghost Ranch Wedding

Jake and Becky’s long awaited wedding at Ghost Ranch was an incredible celebration that we’ll truly never forget. These Austin angels brought the best of everything Southwestern glam to northern New Mexico for the most dreamy June day.

Many years before they became husband and wife, Jake and Becky first met in college at The University of Kansas. These two ended up sitting next to each other on their first day of college in a 1000 person lecture hall and have been inseparable ever since. Years later, Jake proposed to Becky with on the prettiest evening with their sweet pup Millie at Ziller Park in her hometown of Austin, TX. These cuties decided that Ghost Ranch was the perfect place to tie the knot after they had both spent lots of time in New Mexico together.

After planning (and then re-planning thanks to covid), Jake and Becky were finally able to start their next chapter together in The Land of Enchantment surrounded by all of their friends and family. They decided to use the colors of the desert and the beautiful expansiveness of Ghost Ranch shape their day. For their ceremony, these lovebirds chose Pot’s Hollow, a secluded area filled with cottonwood trees, to make their “I dos” extra romantic. After making it last name official, we got to roam around this mystical Southwestern landscape for the portraits of our dreams. To top it all off, our design and planning queen Just Lovely Weddings created the most beautiful reception tent filled with soft boho details, dreamy florals by Viva Flora, and the most magical atmosphere to party the night away

Vendors
Venue - Ghost Ranch
Planning + Coordination - Just Lovely Weddings
Rentals + Signage - Darling Details Rentals
Florals - Viva Flora
Paper Goods - Minted
Hair + MUA - Andrea Gomez
Bridal Gown - Truvelle
Bridal Boutique - Blue Bridal Boutique
Bride’s Earrings - Child of Wild
Bride’s Shoes - Free People
Bridesmaid Dresses - Two Birds New York
Groom + Groomsmen Suits - Indochino
Catering - Walter Burke Catering
Cake - Chocolate Maven
Name Shapes - Tumble Jewelry
DJ - Dream Factory Productions
Lead Photographer - Ashley
Second Photographer - Carissa
Assistant - Jaclyn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - Backyard Weddings

If 2020 and 2021 have showed us anything, its that backyard wedding are here to stay forever. Over the last few seasons, we’ve captured some of the dreamiest backyard celebrations, but when 2020 changed everything, these incredibly special weddings took center stage.

Even though things have calmed down quiet a bit in the wedding world this year, so many of our couples are still opting for amazing backyard soirées and truthfully they’re some of our most treasured days. From the dainty, simple celebrations to the wildly-elegant bashes, backyard weddings come in all shapes and sizes. Whether its a day that only includes close friends and family or one that brings guests from near and far, our couples always find the perfect ways to kick off their marriages.

We’re so excited to see even more of these amazing little days so very soon, we already know they’ll each be so dang beautiful and unforgettable!

Featured Love Stories
Dominic + Maggie in Albuquerque, NM
Matt + Allie in Santa Fe, NM
Colin + Amber in Albuquerque, NM
Jebb + Abbie in Tesque, NM
Angie + Brittany in Albuquerque, NM
Nate + Cait in Denver, CO
Gates + C.C. in Northern New Mexico
Andrew + Shay in Albuquerque, NM
Suraj + Celina in Albuquerque, NM
Trey + Clara in San Patricio, NM
Shane + Megan in Albuquerque, NM

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

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

Wedding Inspo - Top 5 Santa Fe Wedding Venues

Being from the gorgeous state of New Mexico, we spend a whole lot of time in our beautiful capital city of Santa Fe. We picked our top five places to tie the knot in The City Different and, dang, are they dreamy.

From the adobe-adorned plaza to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to way out in the desert, there are so many uniquely stunning places to say “I do” in and around Santa Fe. We adore spending time at La Fonda on the Plaza and La Posada de Santa Fe, both of which are located right near the heart of the city and have the most divine, historic architecture. We’re also head-over-heels for all the venues out in the wilds of New Mexico. From Georgia O’Keeffe’s beloved gem Ghost Ranch to the the hidden mountain beauty of Four Seasons Santa Santa Fe to the eclectic, wildly unique vibes of Hacienda Doña Andrea, couples have a plethora of ethereal, Southwestern spots to make it last name official.

We’re obsessed with all the incredible celebrations we’ve captured at these stellar venues and can’t wait to witness even more love and magic at them soon!

Our Top 5 Santa Fe Venues w/Featured Love Stories
La Fonda on the Plaza - Carter + Carrie and Derek + Brigitte
Four Seasons Santa Fe - Garrett + Kyla and Adam + Shubha
Ghost Ranch - Jake + Becky and Jason + Ryan
Hacienda Doñ Andrea - Zac + Shelly and Geoff + Jocelyn
La Posada de Santa Fe - Ashwin + Lauren and Tyler + Cassie

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

Wedding Inspo - Southwestern Glam Celebrations

There’s no party quite like a party in the Southwest, so when our couples make sure to include tiny pieces of our little corner of the world into their special days, it seriously makes for the best celebrations. Southwestern inspired nuptials are truly something to behold and dang are we lucky to capture them every single season.

Whether its bolo ties, turquoise, or adobe venues, we adore when couples fully embrace all of the charm that the Southwest has to offer. Seeing lovers come from all over the country just to celebrate their new chapter in our pretty home state leaves us on cloud nine. Plus, any opportunity to explore an amazing, authentic part of New Mexico is always the perfect excuse for us to obsess over this gorgeous state.

Cheers to all the crazy-beautiful, wildly fun, downright enchanting celebrations of love to come!!

Featured Weddings + Styled Shoots
Jake + Becky at Ghost Ranch (coming soon to the blog)
Kenny + Molly at a Private Santa Fe Estate
Zac + Shelly at Hacienda Doña Andrea (coming soon to the blog)
Robert + Antonette in Old Town Albuquerque
Zach + Natalie at The Desert Compass
Paul + Carolyn at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Tyler + Cassie at La Posada de Santa Fe

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

Wedding Inspo - Avant Garde Weddings

Over the past few seasons we’ve found ourselves falling head-over-heels for those bold, bright, completely unique avant-garde weddings and elopements. This modern, colorful spin on traditional celebrations always leaves us pining for more extraordinarily stunning days.

From rainbow florals to shag rug cakes to elegant wedding style with a touch of exceptionally individual details, these days always have so many moments to drool over. Avant-garde nuptials have the perfect mix of classic wedding elegance with modern funk. With disco balls as wedding decor, brides in designer gowns walking down the aisle to bluegrass music, and couples rolling dice with their wedding parties in the middle of an art galleries, these days have seriously never failed to blow us away.

Bring on all the exceptionally unique, wildly beautiful weddings and elopements. We’re so dang excited to capture more and more of these groovy days!!

Featured Love Stories + Shoots
Noah + Rachel at Camino Real Ranch (Austin, TX)
John + Anna at La Fonda on the Plaza (Santa Fe, NM)
Nate + Cait in Downtown Denver (Denver, CO)
Scott + Leanne at SITE Santa Fe (Santa Fe, NM)
Morgan + Mattie at Las Campananas (Santa Fe, NM)

Weddings + Elopements by Alicia, Ashley, Bre, and the ALP Team
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 - Colorado Weddings

New Mexico may be our gorgeous home state, but dang do we absolutely adore Colorado weddings and elopements. Every once in awhile, we get to journey up to our northern sister state and it always blows us away with its stunning views and amazing celebrations.

From front porch weddings in the heart of Denver to stellar weddings on remote ranches to the most beautiful bashes among red rock formations, we’ve seen an incredibly vast amount of out-of-this-world days. We love the way the cities of Colorado are just as welcoming and cozy as the larger than life mountain ranges and state parks.

We can’t wait to be back in colorful Colorado for even more captivating days with the most lovely couples around!

Colorado Weddings
Nate + Cait in Downtown Denver
Brant + Sharayah at Paradise Ranch, Pagosa Springs
Blake + Jennie at Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
Alex + Amber at High County Lodge, Pagosa Springs

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

Herbie + Kelsey, a Texas Hill Country Wedding at Ginger Ranch

Despite all of the ups and downs of 2020, sweethearts Herbie and Kelsey knew that they wanted to tie the knot no matter what came their way. They pulled off one of the most gorgeous, elegant, and perfectly intimate weddings we’ve ever laid on eyes on and we know that we struck gold with this magical Texas Hill Country day.

Long before they decided to make it a forever thing, Herbie and Kelsey were classmates at Farnsworth Middle School in Albany, NY where they not only became good friends, but they were part of an even bigger group of friends that would stay close for years to come (and some of those old friends were even at their wedding). Many years later in 2017, after life had taken them in separate directions, Kelsey, who was working on her PhD at Rutgers University in New Jersey, had an opportunity to to present her research at Texas A&M. While on her trip to Texas, Kelsey decided to reach out to Herbie who had recently moved to San Antonio for a new job and the two immediately hit it off. The way Herbie and Kelsey went from childhood friends to soulmates all in a few short decades pulls on our heartstrings so dang much.

A few years later in 2019, with a little help from their cat Teddy, Herbie popped the question right before a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. Kelsey, who was completely surprised, said yes and these two began planning their next new chapter together.

After 2020 stopped them from their original wedding plans, Herbie and Kelsey decided to bring their celebration to Fredericksburg for the most divine October wedding. Every last detail about their day was perfection, from Kelsey’s three (!!!!!) modern, yet elegant bridal looks to timelessly beautiful florals and decor to the constant sense of love all around these two, we were blown away by this sweet Texas day. Seeing Herbie and Kelsey’s devotion and admiration for each other on their big day was not only incredibly inspiring, but it was deeply moving for us. These babes might be young, but we know their love is of a deeply profound and rare variety.

Cheers to the Goldensteins, we’re so thankful for this day with Herbie and Kelsey, here’s so many more years of pure joy and love.

Vendors
Venue - Ginger Ranch (Fredericksburg, TX)
Planning - Wedding Day Girl (Austin, TX)
Florals - Uptown Flowers (San Antonio, TX)
Stationary + Signage - Minted
Wedding Rings - Harold Finkle (Albany, NY)
Ring Box - The Mrs. Box
Hair - Erin McGuffey (San Antonio, TX)
Makeup - Sonar Beauty and Bridal (Austin, TX)
Bridal Gown - Enzoani
Bridal Cape + Boutique - Olivia Grace Bridal (San Antonio, TX)
Bride’s Shoes - Badgley Mischka
Groom’s Attire - Limatus Bespoke (San Antonio, TX)
Rentals - Marquee Event Rentals (Austin, TX)
Catering + Cake - Royal Fig Catering (Austin, TX)
DJ - Dart Collective (Austin, TX)
Lead Photographer - Alicia
Second Photographer - Diana

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - a Colorful, Disco-Infused Austin Elopement

Earlier this month we had the raddest time in our home away from home, Austin, with the funkiest, most colorfully-bold styled elopement ever. Every last inch of this day was absolutely astonishing and, truth be told, we’re still on cloud nine over it all.

This amazing day kicked off at the perfect blend of modern-chic and ultimate blank slate wedding venue, Camino Real Ranch. This gem of location is the most incredibly place to make just about any wedding vision come to life. Wedding planner and stylist extraordinaire, XO Moreau Weddings, made this day one for the books with the most perfect details and vision. And ICYMI, we’re still very obsessed with the bright, avant-garde florals from Good Seed Floral Co mixed with the most stunning details from Owl and Envelope, Moon Tower Rentals, and Table Manners Texas. To top it all off, Feathers and Frosting created the most astonishing cakes adorned with tiny disco ball details and the most wild shag rug texture.

And if all of the beautifully crafted details weren’t enough, we got to hang out with the most fun, insanely beautiful models on the planet. We adored the way our bride, Rachel, absolutely glowed in that Chosen by KYHA gown from our friends at Unbridaled and we loved how dashing and fun our sweet groom Noah was from start to finish.

To all the wild lovers out there, we’re so excited to create even more stellar days like this one in the future, we can’t wait to get groovy with all you.

Vendors
Venue - Camino Real Ranch
Host - The Shootout Society
Planning + Styling - XO Moreau Weddings
Florals - Good Seed Floral Co
Paper Goods + Signage - Owl and Envelope
Hair + Makeup - Lux Beauty and Bridal
Bridal Gown - Chosen by KYHA
Bridal Boutique - Unbridaled
Groom’s Attire - Bonobos
Cakes - Feathers and Frosting
Rentals - Moon Tower Rentals
Tabletop Rentals - Table Manners Texas
Models - Noah Archibald + Rachel Giles
Photographer - Alicia

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - Groom Style, 4th Edition

Everyone who knows us already knows that we adore featuring our incredibly gorgeous brides all over the blog, but what about the grooms? Every year, we dedicate a special blog to all of the amazing dudes we get to meet on wedding and elopement days and, of course, take the opportunity feature their killer style.

With all of the changes to weddings in 2020, its no surprise that so many of our grooms opted for unique style choices. Whether it was a pastel blue suit, a simple yet breezy dress shirt paired with slacks, a sleek camel coat with boots, or even a classic black tux, all of the stellar outfit choices these handsome fellas made did not disappoint one bit.

We adore getting to see grooms express their personalities on wedding days, even if its through a simple attire choice, we’re beyond hyped to see what 2021 grooms have in store for us!

Our Favorite Groom Attire Designers + Shops
Bonobos
Ralph Lauren
J. Crew
Limatus Bespoke
Don Morphy
H&M
The Black Tux
Tom James
Men’s Wearhouse
Tommy Hilfiger
Kenneth Cole
Suit Supply
Ted Baker
ASOS
Jos A. Banks
Suits Unlimited

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

2021 Wedding + Elopement Trends

Despite all of the uncertainty and struggle of 2020, we’ve seen so many amazing things start to take hold in the wedding industry. From recognizing how amazing small, intentional celebrations can be to couples taking chances on brand new ideas for their special day, we’ve truly been in awe over all of it. We’re hoping that a few of the trends we’ve been crushing on become major elements of weddings and elopements in 2021!

We’re currently obsessed with:
- unique + colorful bridal gowns
- bright + funky florals
- soft baby’s breath bouquets
- tiny, intimate ceremonies with just friends + family
- unique, avant-garde cakes


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

Kenny + Molly, a Heavenly Santa Fe Elopement

Kenny and Molly, aka one of the sweetest most chic couples on the planet, invited us to capture their intimate, sun-drenched Santa Fe day last fall and damn was it an absolute dream.

Long before these two were snuggling up in Santa Fe with their sweet little pup Mika, these lovers first met through work in Colorado. After about a year of dating, Molly made the move to Los Angeles to be with Kenny and they’ve been inseparable ever since. They added their pup to their family four years ago and love spending time traveling (especially to our beloved Santa Fe) and being with all of their close loved ones. We were lucky enough to meet these babes almost 3 years ago while capturing the wedding of some of their close friends and let’s just say we’ve been Instagram besties with Molly since then.

Even though Kenny and Molly had to rethink their wedding celebration, they still wanted to make it intentional and beautiful. They traded out a huge wedding for a small, intimate day at a family residence in Santa Fe with a whole lot of stunning details. From Renegade Florals’s luxe, colorful florals to Molly’s divine, unique bridal gown to Kenny’s pristine (and so dang cool) attire, everything about this little day was absolutely top-notch. We loved every second with these two, and Mika (of course!), out in that unreal Santa Fe light.

Cheers to Mr. + Mrs. Barela, we adore you both so much!!!

Vendors
Location - Private Estate in Santa Fe, NM
Planning + Styling - Jessie Baca
Florals - Renegade Floral
Hair - Jasmine Weidner
Makeup - Jacquline Chavez
Bridal Gown - Halston
Bride’s Engagement Ring - Sarah O Jewelry
Bride’s Wedding Band - Mark’s Diamonds
Groom’s Attire - Ralph Lauren
Groom’s Ring - Shiprock Santa Fe
Photographer - Bre

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - Intimate Weddings Part II

Earlier this year we posted a blog about some of our favorite intimate wedding inspiration, but after about a dozen more tiny weddings just in the past few months, we decided to make a part two!

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a dozen times, we ADORE intimate weddings. Everything about these little weddings is absolute perfection, from being able to spend more time with your guests to having a less limited budget due to overall lower costs to even just being able to enjoy more moments soaking up those first few hours of marriage. Over the past few months, we’ve been absolutely blown away by how our couples have taken intimate weddings to the next freaking level. Backyard weddings with all the pretty garden details, stoop weddings followed by mini parades, and the most adorable little farm weddings have just been the beginning of a whole new era of micro-weddings.

We’re not sure when giant weddings will be a consistent possibility in the coming months, but dang are we thankful for these beautiful, heartfelt, downright incredible intimate weddings. We can’t wait to share even more of these gorgeous days still to come!

Real Love Stories + Styled Shoots
Ysidro + Celestina at Casa Pera Art Space (coming soon to the blog)
Andrew + Deanna at Hotel Andaluz (coming soon to the blog)
Kenny + Molly at a Private Estate in Santa Fe (coming soon to the blog)
Eric + Lauren at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm (coming soon to the blog)
Angie + Brittany at a Private Home in Nob Hill
Gates + C.C. at a Private Estate in New Mexico
Matt + Allie at a Private Home in Santa Fe
Nate + Cait in Downtown Denver, CO
Brad + Kenna at Old Town Farm
Stuart + Kelly at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Zach + Natalie at The Desert Compass
Andrew + Shay at a Private Home in Albuquerque (coming soon to the blog)
Jawara + Jazz at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Ryan + Jennifer at Sarabande Bed and Breakfast
Zach + Coli at Hotel Albuquerque and Casas de Sueños
Paul + Carolyn at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm

Weddings + Styled Shoots 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

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

Brant + Sharayah, a Colorado Wedding at Paradise Ranch

After 2020 forced them to change their wedding plans not once, but twice, Las Cruces lovers Brant and Shay finally said “I do” high up in the mountains of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. This pretty day had some of the most beautiful views around!

Paradise Ranch, a hidden gem of Colorado, provided the perfect place for every single piece of Brant and Shay’s day. From the coziest bridal suite where our queen Genica Lee gave Shay the most heavenly bridal glam to an open field with a free-flowing stream for the sweetest first look to the most rustic-chic open air cabin for a dreamy first dance, this location was absolutely made for these lovers. To top off an amazing ceremony and reception, we got to sneak away with Brant and Shay for the most stunning golden hour romantics, complete with all those infamous Colorado views.

This quick trip up to Colorado was endlessly beautiful, cheers to a lifetime of love together Brant and Shay!

Vendors
Venue - Paradise Ranch (Pagosa Springs, CO)
Florals - Desert Flower Co
Hair + MUA - Genica Lee
Bridal Gown - Maggie Sottero
Bridal Boutique - Bridal Elegance by Darlene
Groom’s Attire - Suits Unlimited
Catering - End of the Trail Catering
Cake - Simply Sweet by Darci
DJ - Complete Weddings and Events
Videography - Southwest Wedding Films
Lead Photographer - Bre
Second Photographer - Cameron

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography