Michael + Mariah, a Sultry White Sands National Park Elopement

We captured one of our first elopements of the season down south at White Sands National Park with absolute babes, Michael and Mariah. Their romantic day doubled as a maternity session as these hunnies prepare to welcome their new little bundle of joy into the world.

When Michael and Mariah told us that they wanted a sultry session we knew they’d bring the heat, but dang did they make this day about 100 degrees hotter than we imagined. From their killer style to their intense love for another, these lovers really know how to make magic out in the desert.

Bring on all the steamy afternoons with the most stellar lovers, they’re truly our jam!

Location - White Sands National Park
Lead Photographer - Bre B
Second Photographer - Lexie

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Lisa + Vina, an Ethereal White Sands Proposal

When sweet angel Lisa fist reached out to us about capturing her surprise proposal to long-time partner Vina at White Sands National Park, we knew it was going to be an incredibly beautiful moment to capture. We never could have imagined how deeply we would be touched by these two or how epic their day in southern New Mexico would truly be.

Vina and Lisa first met nearly a decade in 2012 ago via Tumblr as they both worked as graphic designers. At first they were both surprised with how attracted they were to each other (neither had been in a LGBTQ relationship before), but before long these cuties knew that they were destined for one another. After several years of long distance and then finally living together, Lisa and Vina set out to move back to the Bay Area together and start their next chapter.

We knew months in advance that Lisa would be surprising Vina with a proposal, but Lisa didn’t know that Vina would propose back home in California just a short time before their journey to New Mexico! When the day of their White Sands visit finally happened, Vina instantly said yes to Lisa’s proposal. We got to catch every sweet second of it and roam around this heavenly national park with these babes. And, as if the universe didn’t already prove that Lisa and Vina’s love was written in the stars, Mother Nature sent the most stunning rainbow over White Sands just in time.

We’ll forever be so blown away by those stories of our couples who make it through it all together, it truly is the biggest highlight of our jobs. Cheers to these angels, we can’t freaking wait to capture their 2023 wedding in Los Gatos, California!!!

Location - White Sands National Park
Rings - Brilliant Earth
Photographer - Alicia

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

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

Kevin + Caroline, a Charming La Posada de Santa Fe Wedding

Texas sweethearts Kevin and Caroline brought the absolute party to Santa Fe this summer and it was truly beyond our dreams. Every last detail of this gorgeous day was not only unique, but so dang perfect.

These cuties first met a long time ago in high school, but sparks didn’t fly between Kevin and Caroline until one college break when they were both home with mutual friends. Even thought they started off as best friends, once these two realized how special their connection was, they quickly fell in love. In 2019, Kevin completely surprised Caroline and popped the question surrounded by their close friends and family.

Since these two call Midland, TX home, Caroline and Kevin wanted to have their wedding in a city that gave them that small town feel and Santa Fe was perfect. They soon decided that La Posada de Santa Fe would be the prettiest place to say “I do” and these lovers found the most killer vendor team to make all of their wedding dreams come true. From the luxe floral designs and amazing planning by A Beautiful Theme to the gorgeous water color details by Pearly Gates Designs to the most elegant custom bridal gown by Lea Ann Belter to the most dapper blue wedding tux by The Black Tux, these Texas babes pulled out all the stops for their beyond lovely day.

From the very first moments of their pretty day to those final electric moments on the dance floor, Kevin and Caroline just knew how to be the most amazing couple around. Cheers to the Packinghams and their brand new adventure together!!!!

These lovers have already been featured on two beautiful blogs, follow the links below to see it all:
Kevin + Caroline on Carats and Cake
Kevin + Caroline on Lea Ann Belter Bridal

Vendors
Venue - La Posada de Santa Fe
Planning + Coordination - A Beautiful Theme
Florals - A Beautiful Theme
Invitations - Pearly Gates Designs
Signage + Hand Lettering - Darling Details Rentals
Bride’s Makeup - Alanna of Betty Rose by Alanna
Bride’s Hair - Madi Noel Hair
Bridesmaid Makeup - Ashley of Betty Rose by Alanna
Bridal Gown - Lea Ann Belter Bridal
Bride’s Shoes - Loeffler Randall
Bride’s Earrings - Leighton Jewels
Rings - Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry
Bridesmaid Dresses - Brideside
Groom + Groomsmen Attire - The Black Tux
Officiant - Revrand Barbra Kirk-Norris
Cake - Chocolate Maven
Rentals - American Tent Rental
Ceremony Music - Absolute Entertainment
Reception Music - Diamond Empire Band
Videography - Cesar of Alicia Lucia Photography
Lead Photographer - Ashley
Second Photographer - Cameron
Assistant - Cheyenne

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Davis Family, a Precious White Sands Session

Earlier this summer, we headed to Southern New Mexico for a pretty evening at White Sands National Park with the Davis family. These three were the absolute sweetest to capture, we’re fully obsessed with family sessions at National Parks.

We braved some of the craziest weather with the Davis family, but dang was it worth. We captured the moodiest skies over White Sands and it was truly something incredibly unique. Bring on all the sessions at all the insanely pretty locations!!!!

Location - White Sands National Park
Hair + MUA - Genica Lee
Photographer - Alicia

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Michael + Kieu-Vi, an Ethereal White Sands Engagement

When Houston sweethearts Michael and Kieu-Vi reached out to us about capturing their gorgeous engagement at White Sands National Park, we knew it would be an unreal evening. These two and their love for each other were an absolute dream to witness and we’re clearly still up in the clouds over this session.

These lovers have been together for almost 11 years and Michael was even Kieu-Vi’s first boyfriend! They were immediately smitten with each other when they first met and haven’t been apart since. Together they’ve learned to love the individual growth they’ve experienced after a whole decade of love. Michael and Kieu-Vi are making it last name official this fall in Houston.

We adore all of the breathtakingly beautiful evenings we get to spend at White Sands, cheers to even more magic at this gem of a location.

Location - White Sands National Park
Photographer - Bre

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Where to Elope in New Mexico - Adventurous Locations

If last year showed us anything, its that you can elope literally anywhere in beautiful old New Mexico. Our couples traded luxe venues and typical wedding days for stunning desert landscapes and national parks, and lets just say that none of that wedding day magic was lost.

With the pandemic forcing so many couples to either postpone or drastically change their plans, so many of our lovers took their nuptials outside to some of the most epic locations. From White Sands National Park’s ethereal atmosphere to the unreal rock formations of White Mesa to the beautiful, yet tangible history of Pecos National Historical Site, our couples took us on some of our favorite adventures of all time.

Even as slightly bigger weddings start to return to our lives, we’re hopeful that couples will still opt for some of the stellar, natural locations in our gorgeous Southwest home. We’re so beyond ready for even more adventurous love stories all over the place!!!

Featured Locations + Love Stories
Owen + Amelia at Elena Gallegos Open Space
Ben + Chelsey at White Sands National Park
Jimmy + Maggie at Pecos National Historical Site
Travis + Rahni at White Mesa
Gabe + Amy in Grants
Brad + Kenna at White Mesa
Christian + Kristal in Santa Fe

Elopements by Alicia and Ashley of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Ben + Chelsey, a White Sands Elopement

Last October we took a quick day trip down to heaven on earth, aka White Sands National Park, for the most serene evening with Ben and Chelsey. We were so incredibly inspired by the soft, yet powerful love these two souls hold for each other and were so excited to capture their elopement.

Out among the endless sea of white, rolling, sand dunes Ben and Chelsey (along with their sweet pup Doug!) made their love and commitment to each other a forever thing. Hearing their words of affirmation and joy for each other was a moment that touched us deeply and one that we will always hold so close to us. After their short, yet wonderful ceremony, we spent the most peaceful evening capturing Ben and Chelsey in those very first magical moments of marriage.

We are so beyond grateful to have crossed paths with two of the most kind human beings on the planet, cheers to so many more years of love and exploring life together Ben and Chelsey!

Vendors
Location - White Sands National Park
Rings - Scenic Route Co
Bride’s Jumpsuit - BHLDN
Bride’s Earrings - Holly Yashi
Groom’s Attire - Vintage
Photographer - Alicia
Assistant - Jaclyn

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

Wedding Inspo - White Sands National Park

We always say that New Mexico is one of the most beautiful places on the entire planet, so its no surprise that the ever ethereal White Sands National Park is part of that magic. From elopements to intimate wedding celebrations to engagements, we’ve been lucky enough to capture so much beauty at this natural wonder over the last few seasons.

About three hours south of our home base in Albuquerque, this incredible place is beyond otherworldly. Described as one-of-a-kind, White Sands is one of the only natural gypsum sand deserts on the planet. Upon arrival, this gorgeous destination holds both timeless history and the perfect blank slate for any couple or shoot. White Sands’ endless landscape of immaculate possibilities always leaves us in absolute awe and desperate for more adventures there.

Truthfully, we sometimes wish that we could just live at White Sands year-round, its immense beauty is unmatched and deeply powerful to us. We can’t wait to see which of couples take us back to this literal heaven on Earth!

Location - White Sands National Park

Real Life Love Stories + Styled Elopements
Ben + Chelsea, a White Sands Elopement (coming soon to the blog)
A Day in Dubai, a Styled White Sands Elopement
Scott + Moxi, an Intimate Wedding Celebration at White Sands
Jason + Natalie, a White Sands Engagement

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

Scott + Moxi, a White Sands Wedding

After their initial wedding in Vietnam was cancelled back in March, Scott and Moxi were still determined to make the celebration of their new marriage meaningful and beautiful so they decided on a tiny session with just them and their parents at White Sands National Park. We spent an early fall evening with these two at this dreamy Southern New Mexico spot with an incredible full moon in the distance.

Both originally from Albuquerque , Scott and Moxi have known each other since middle school through their families’ mutual Chinese community ties. However, even though their parents are super close friends, they didn’t really start to get to know each other until a combined ski trip in college where they realized just how much they had in common. At the time, they were attending different out-of-state colleges so after the trip Scott and Moxi moved on with their separate lives. It wasn’t until 2014 that these two really hit it off when they both attended a software bootcamp in San Francisco. They dated for 4 years before getting engaged in 2018 and now these cuties live together in the Bay Area with their two guinea pigs.

Being able to capture this dreamy little evening out on those pearly white sand dunes was such an incredibly special experience for us. From hanging out with their sweet family members to seeing Scott and Moxi being so dang cute and still so in love, this tiny celebration was everything. The biggest congrats to Scott and Moxi, we adore you both so much!!!

Vendors
Location - White Sands National Park
Bridal Gown - Wtoo by Watters
Bridal Boutique - BHLDN
Photographer - Ashley

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography