Wedding Inspo - 5 Albuquerque Venues to Fall in Love With

Even though the past few wedding seasons have been filled with the most magical destinations both near and far from our beloved New Mexico, there’s nothing quite like The Land of Enchantment, especially our sweet little hometown of Albuquerque.

While we do spend a huge amount of time up north in Santa Fe, we never say no to enchanting celebrations in the city where everything started for us over a decade ago. On the surface, Albuquerque may not seem like a typical wedding destination, but if you you peek around all of its little corners you’ll be absolutely astonished with the divine wedding venues hidden in our quaint city. From heavenly lavender farms to epic historical landmarks to tranquil gardens, Albuquerque is truly a haven for wedding nuptials.

We couldn’t resist the chance to feature just a glimpse of a few of the Albuquerque wedding venues that continually take our breath away, season after season. Our hearts beat just a little faster every time we get to capture love at these incredibly special locations and we’re forever crossing our fingers for even more “I dos” at a few of our favorite gems.

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Venue - National Hispanic Cultural Center
Located right near downtown Albuquerque, this historic location is known for its grandiose performing arts center, unique architecture, and rich history. However, one of the many details we love so much about National Hispanic Culture Center is the way that it also makes for the most perfect of wedding locations. Its blend of soft garden touches and stunning southwestern flair makes it truly the best of both worlds.

Venue - Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm

While this world renowned lavender farm needs no introduction, we simply can’t help falling madly in love with it time and time again. With its downright bewitching grounds (including an endless lavender field, iconic silos, and countless gardens) this beauty is a place we are always able to find a little bit more charm in every single time we visit. We can’t wait for more of our darling couples to become as spellbound with Los Poblanos as we have been for all of these years.

Venue - Casas de Sueños + San Isidro de Capilla
We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to feature one of the most entrancing wedding location combination we’ve ever laid eyes upon. The pure white, non-denomination beauty of San Isidro de Capilla makes for the perfect blank canvas for any couple desiring a classic wedding chic feeling that still lends perfectly to the even the most modern of fêtes. And truthfully, we think that one of the most delightful ways to follow up a ceremony in this Albuquerque staple is with an al fresco celebration at Casas de Sueños, a tiny garden known for its irresistible beauty. This little spot is close enough to the stunning bosque, yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it the most quaint location.

Venue - Old Town Farm
Perfectly tucked away right near Old Town Albuquerque, this darling little venue is truly the most peaceful of locations. From its stellar red barn to its tiny corn field to vast grounds, Old Town Farm is captivating beyond belief. And if its charming features weren’t enough, this alluring little spot perfectly reflects all of New Mexico’s seasons with its constantly changing foliage.

Venue - Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Last, but never least is one of our all time favorites and one of the first venues we ever photographed. Hotel Albuquerque is known for its incomparable beauty, from its Spanish-inspired ceremony pavilion to its stunning, open-air garden, to its famous architecture. We adore this space and the way that couples have continually loved it year after year. We couldn’t dream up a more romantic setting to make if official in the heart of Albuquerque.

Chris + Lauren, a Heavenly Las Vegas Wedding at The Neon Museum

Every single season we get to capture some of the most magical days ever, but when fellow wedding vendor Lauren, who also happens to be one of the most angelic humans on earth asked us to photograph her dream day in Las Vegas we knew it would be a celebration for the ages.

Chris and Lauren first met many moons ago, yet from the very start, they knew their connection was beyond special. Over the years, these hunnies’ love for one another and for all of their shared passions grew, from traveling to loving on their sweet fur baby, Señor, to spending their weekends together (even if it included working on dreamy wedding days for Lauren’s business, Just Lovely Weddings). Finally, this little fairytale was topped off when Chris proposed to Lauren with the dreamiest ring we’ve ever laid eyes on.

These lovers knew that Las Vegas, one of their favorite places to travel to, would be the most magical place to say “ I do” and started planning the most gorgeous wedding of all time. Lauren and Chris wanted to include all of their favorite Sin City spots, from The Neon Museum to the Plaza Hotel to the Vegas Strip and damn, did they do the most flawless job creating a perfectly unforgettable day. By making sure that every single moment of their sweet February day encompassed so many personal and intentional details, Lauren and Chris brought an unbelievable amount of joy, honesty, and endearment to all of their loved ones in attendance.

We could go on forever about how the perfect Lauren’s bridal glam was (because she was absolutely angelic from head to toe) or how astonishing their vows at The Neon Museum were to witness (everyone was in tears!) or even how starstruck we were by the vintage Cadillac Lauren and Chris got to cruise around in (it was unreal!), but what made this day so special was how palpable the love between these two souls really is. As Lauren said so perfectly in her vows to Chris, “being with you is like listening to all of my favorite songs at the same time”, and this weekend was really like watching a film with the most impeccable playlist. The Las Vegas Strip might have roughly 12,000,000 lights, but the love felt on this day shone even brighter, and that is truly the most incredible part of it all.

Cheers to making it official in the most dazzling locations, we’ll cherish this day with Lauren + Chris forever and ever.

These angels were recently featured on Green Wedding Shoes, follow the link below to see the beauty:
Lauren + Chris Green Wedding Shoes

Vendors
Prep + First Look Locations - Paris Hotel + Linq Hotel + Plaza Hotel
Ceremony Venue - The Neon Museum
Reception Venue - Carmine’s Las Vegas
Planning + Coordination - Just Lovely Weddings
Florals - A Beautiful Theme
Stationary + Paper Goods - Minted + Basic Invite
Custom Maps - Heather Romano Art
Hair - Santi Hair
Makeup - Moriah Enriquez
Bridal Gown - Jenny Yoo
Bridal Boutique - BHLDN
Bridal Cape/Wings - La Voile Rose
Bride’s Crown - Twigs and Honey
Bride’s Jewelry - Kendra Scott
Bridal Sash - David’s Bridal
Las Vegas Earrings - Dos Femmes
Bride’s Reception Dress - Baltic Born
Bride’s Reception Earrings - Taylor Shaye Designs
Bride’s Heels + Boots - Sam Edelman + Steve Madden
Engagement Ring - Rings by Irina
Ring Box - The Mrs Box
Groom + Groomsmen Attire - Suits Unlimited
Officiant - Paul Martinez of De Novo Pastoral
Ceremony Music - Kristie Smith
Welcome Sign + Name Cards - Darling Details Rentals
Velvet Reception Napkins - BBJ Linen
Photographer - Alicia
Assistant - Jaclyn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - Spring Weddings

As the winter season winds down, spring is most certainly in the air, especially in the Southwest. We adore this incredible time of year and all of the excitement it brings, here’s some of the most magical spring wedding moments we’ve had in the past few seasons.

One thing that we love so adamantly about spring is all of the inspiration and new life it gives to wedding season. From pressed flowers on cakes to blush colored gowns to floral-print ties, all of the tiny details that spring ushers in are always so divine.

We’re in the thick of our 2022 spring wedding season and are so thrilled for what’s to come, but until then take a peek at these darling spring days of the past!

Featured Love Stories
Mani + Liz at Casa Rondena Winery
Colin + Amber at a Private Estate in Albuquerque
Jake + Becky at Ghost Ranch
Jacob + Lisa in Angel Fire
Tom + Justine at La Fonda on the Plaza
Andrew + Natalie at Camp Lucy
Eric + Lauren at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Dom + Maggie at a Private Estate in Albuquerque
Bobby + D’anndra at Hacineda Doña Andrea
Gates + C.C. at a Private Estate in New Mexico
Brittany at Lighthouse Studio

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

Nathan + Cathryn, a Breathtaking Stakeout Taos Wedding

From the very beginning we just knew that Nathan and Cathryn’s stunning Taos wedding would be an incredibly special day. These lovers brought so much joy and love to their beautiful day up north, we’re truly and utterly obsessed with it all.

These cuties first met a few years ago and even though Nathan was living an hour away in Santa Fe, the distance couldn’t keep them apart. After their first date in Albuquerque, Nathan and Cathryn became inseparable and soon after hit so many amazing milestones together including running a marathon, moving in together, and (of course) surviving the quarantine craziness of 2020. These angels love exploring all of New Mexico’s stunning deserts and mountains together along with Cathryn’s sweet daughter, Taylor.

When Nathan and Cathryn told us that they were making it last name official at The Stakeout Taos, aka the most iconic little spot, we were so dang stoked. These two brought beauty and simplicity to their day, from the most stellar florals by Mini Falls Farm, to the dreamiest views of the wilds of Taos, to the most heartfelt ceremony around. Our sweet bride Cathryn brought some truly unreal bridal details to this day with an elegant, yet modern Justin Alexander gown and beyond gorgeous glam by our queen Genica Lee. And to top it off, Nathan’s restaurant, Paloma Santa Fe, where he works as a chef/partner, catered the entire wedding and created the most beautiful cake for this special day!

Vendors
Venue - The Stakeout Taos
Florals - Mini Falls Farms
Invitations - The Knot
Hair + Makeup - Genica Lee
Bridal Gown - Justin Alexander
Bridal Boutique - Uptown Bride
Brides Shoes - Banana Republic + Lulus
Bridesmaid Dresses - Revelry + Jenny Yoo
Groom’s Suit - Banana Republic
Groom’s Shoes - Vans
Catering + Cake - Paloma Restaurant
DJ - Desert Disco Music
Lead Photographer - Ashley
Second Photographer - Carissa
Assistant - Jaclyn

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

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