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
Wedding Inspo - Sheath Wedding Gowns
Over the last few weddings seasons we’ve fallen head over heels for sheath gowns and our angelic brides who wear them. These modern, yet elegant pieces are sure to stand the test of wedding day time.
From the simple and sleek gowns to the the regal and refined, sheath wedding dresses have taken center stage at so many nuptials lately. We adore seeing all of the chic and unique takes on this classic silhouette, we know that sheath gowns are always going to be a staple in the bridal world.
Scroll through to see some of our most angelic brides in the gowns that made them even more heavenly!
Featured Designers
Eva Lendel
The Label Bride
Sarah Seven
Willowby
Markarian
Watters
Ines di Santo
Pronovias
Galia Lahav
Made with Love
BHLDN
Rebecca Vallance
Anomalie
Shona Joy
Terese Rose
Rue de Seine
Weddings + Elopements by the Alicia Lucia Photography Team
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
5 Trends for Next Level Weddings in 2023
We already know that 2023 is going to be an absolutely killer year for weddings so we couldn’t help but spotlight a few trends we hope are here to stay.
From the more subtle details to the show stopping moments, we’re crossing our fingers (and toes) for all the pretty to come our way this year. We adore the way 2023 is set to be the year with a little something for everyone, we can’t hardly wait to witness it all.
Weddings + Elopements by the Alicia Lucia Photography Team
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
Trend - Getaway Cars
Featured Love Stories
Lauren + Chris at the Neon Museum
Sean + Kristina at Camp Lucy
Luke + Jenny at a Private Estate in Albuquerque
Deanna + Andrew at Hotel Andaluz
Celina + Suraj at a Private Estate in Albuquerque
Garrett + Kyla at Four Seasons Santa Fe
Trend - Dramatic Veils
Featured Brides + Veil Designers
Blakely in Toni Federici
Kaite in Sarah Seven
Annie in Untamed Petals
Lindsay in a Vintage Veil
Abbie in Ofrenda Studio
Alyssa in a Vintage Veil
Eliza in Ofrenda Studio
Trend - Sapphire Rings
Featured + Beloved Jewelers
Bellman’s Jewelry
Marrow Fine Jewelry
Young in the Mountains
Ooh Aah Jewelry
John Thomas Jewelers
Sarah O Jewelry
Dell Fox Jewelry
Brilliant Earth
Jennifer Behr
Trend - White Bouquets
Featured Florists
Renegade Floral
Floriography Flowers
Velvet Event Design and Florals
Floral Elegance
Two Baroque Girls Floral
Florecita Flowers
Artichokes and Pomegranates
Uptown Flowers
Trend - Tented Receptions
Featured Love Stories
Angela + Rich at La Posada de Santa Fe
Maggie + Dominic at a Private Estate in Albuquerque
Elizabeth + Nick in Nambe Falls
John + Parrish at La Posada de Santa Fe
Luke + Jenny at Private Estate in Albuquerque
Alex + Solve at La Mesita Ranch
Jacqueline + Thomas at La Posada de Santa Fe
Becky + Jake at Ghost Ranch
Colin + Amber at a Private Estate in Albuquerque
Chris + Courtney, a Heavenly El Monte Sagrado Taos Wedding
A decade-long love story led sweethearts Chris and Courtney to their dream wedding this September and it was a day full of elation, beauty, and so much love. These hunnies said “I do” in the most magical place, Taos, and we’re still on cloud nine over the enchantment this day held.
Courtney and Chris met many years ago in high school through mutual friends and after almost a year of hanging out in the same friend group, Chris asked Courtney to senior prom. After dancing the night away, these two went on their first official date the very next day (where Courtney schooled Chris at mini golf) and have been by each others’ sides ever since. Together, these babes have graduated from college, traveled the world, and designed their first house (that they share with their sweet kitty, Cheeto). In a true full circle moment, Chris proposed to Courtney while playing golf with some of their closest friends and family members.
For their wedding. these lovers knew they wanted to incorporate as much natural, lush greenery as possible into their day (a tricky feat for New Mexico’s mostly desert palette) and immediately fell in love with El Monte Sagrado in Taos. Envisioning the perfect day of classic wedding flair and stunning modern touches, Chris and Courtney incorporated personal details (like the sweetest bar menu featuring their cats and a custom shot ski) and elevated moments (just peep Courtney’s dreamy gown and those out-of-this-world florals). And if their little details weren’t enough, this day was deeply emotional with a tender first look, incredible ceremony in El Monte Sagrado’s Sacred Circle, and toasts by friends and family that truly encompassed all of these babes’ milestone moments over the last few years. To top it all off, Courtney (who is truly a bride after our hearts) made extra time for couples portraits, giving us the perfect window of time to capture those last glimpses of the sunset in Taos. We loved seeing these two soak up their love during their candlelit garden reception dinner and dreamy ballroom afterparty.
Chris and Courtney are two souls that were truly made for one another, it was such a joy to be the tiniest part of their beautiful nuptials and new adventure!
Vendors
Venue - El Monte Sagrado
Florals - Silver Stem Floral
Hair + Makeup - Something Ginger
Bridal Gown - Made with Love Bridal
Bridal Boutique - Lovely Bride San Diego
Bride’s Shoes - Lulu’s
Bride’s Jewelry - Olive & Piper
Rings - Butterfield Jewelers
Bridesmaid Dresses - Revelry
Groom + Groomsmen Attire - Generation Tux
Officiant - Dan Jones of Embracing Ceremony and Beyond Wild Flowers
Table Numbers + Seating Chart - Create Inflate Decorate
Cake + Desserts - Cake Fetish
Decor - Simply Decor
DJ + Photo Booth - Complete Weddings
Videographer - Clayton Carlson
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
Steven + Ashley, a Dreamy New Mexico Engagement
Longtime sweethearts Ashley and Steven are making it official this summer with a Northern New Mexico celebration and we already know its going to wildly romantic and so dang gorgeous. We spent a little time with these cuties (and their furry angel Beau!!) this spring and it made for the prettiest of evenings.
Even though these babes first met in high school and were always drawn to one another, Ashley and Steven didn’t give their love a go until 2012 right before Ashley moved to Albuquerque to start college at The University of New Mexico. After four years of long distance love, Ashley moved back to Northern New Mexico and these two have been by each others’ sides ever since then. Steven and Ashley share a lust for adventure, the same humor, and, of course, a love for their pup Beau (who loves exploring too)!
We’re over the moon for these two, we can’t wait to party at their late summer fête this August!
Location - New Mexico
Dresses - Lulus + Boohoo
Photographer - Carissa
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
Wedding Inspo - Summer Weddings
Now that we’re almost at the very end of our spring wedding season, we can just feel that incredible summer celebration mood. We adore all the lush, gorgeous, and care-free vibes that summer weddings are always sure to bring our way.
Summers are always one of our favorite seasons to capture all that dreamy wedding beauty and our couples always know how to completely level up their special days. From ethereal garden weddings filled with pops of color to rustic weddings in the middle of the desert to elegant, yet completely chic Southwestern celebrations, there’s a little something for everyone when it comes to hot weather soirées.
We’re beyond thrilled to kick off summer weddings with the best couples on the planet, cheers to all the amazing days to come!!
Featured Love Stories
Sean + Kristina at Camp Lucy
Garrett + Kyla at Four Seasons Santa Fe
Solve + Alex at La Mesita Ranch
Evan + Jocelyn at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Logan + Audry at Taos Ski Valley
Michael + Erika at Ghost Ranch
Taylor + Eliza at La Fonda on the Plaza
Eric + Amber at Eldorado Hotel and Spa
Chris + Lauren at The Neon Museum
Jebb + Abbie at a Private Estate
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
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
Dominic + Maggie, an Enchanting Backyard Wedding
On the most divine spring day, Dominic and Maggie said “I do” and dang was it a special day. These lovers are two of our favorite humans and we were so excited to be a tiny part of their dreamy celebration.
Long before they were making it last name official, these lovers first met about five years ago in law school. Dominic was a year ahead of Maggie and ended up being Maggie’s legal tutor. Even though they were drawn to each other and had a ton in common, including their mutual love for the Philadelphia Eagles Football Team, they decided to wait until after the semester to hang out. Dominic instantly fell in love with Maggie’s dog Coco and when they stumbled upon sweet little Popcorn at a local shelter, these babes skipped class to adopt her. After four years of living their best lives with their fur babies, Dom proposed to Maggie on the prettiest fall day at Lake Isabelle in Colorado.
Dominic and Maggie created an incredibly ethereal, yet completely modern wedding at Maggie’s dad’s home in the heart of Albuquerque’s North Valley. Every single detail of this day was nothing short of an absolute daydream. From Maggie’s elegant Sarah Seven gown (paired with her bridesmaids wearing all white!) to holding their magical little ceremony under the shade of cottonwood trees adorned with white and sage florals to the most epic backyard reception designed by Just Lovely Weddings to the unreal romantics all over this incredible property (that was serving major West Coast glam vibes), we are smitten with every last part of this day. And did we mention their killer playlist? Maggie walked down the aisle to Holy by Justin Bieber and these angels picked Til There Was You by The Beatles for their first dance.
Maggie and Dominic set the bar sky-freaking-high for backyard weddings and we’re not mad about it. Bring on all the enchanting, wildly fun, do-it-however-you-want days with the best lovers!
Vendors
Venue - Private Estate
Planning + Coordination - Just Lovely Weddings
Lounge + Table Top Rentals + Signage - Darling Details Rentals
Florals - Foraged
Hair + Makeup - Genica Lee
Bridal Gown - Sarah Seven
Bride’s Shoes - Manolo Blahnik
Bridesmaid Gowns - Lulus
Groom’s Attire - Suits Unlimited
Officiant - Phil Davies
Catering - Black Iron Catering
Bartender - ABQ Barkeeps
Cake + Sweets - Planty Sweet
Tent + Large Rentals - AA Events and Tents
DJ + Ceremony Videographer - Complete Weddings and Events
Lead Photographer - Alicia
Second Photographer - Carissa
Assistants - Jaclyn + Mikey
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography
Wedding Inspo - Soft Minimalist Weddings
While our 2021 wedding season is in full swing and we’re obsessed with all of the new, stunning trends coming into the picture this year, we’re forever in love with easily one of the most iconic trends of all, soft minimalist weddings. These days are seriously everything to us and, truthfully, its not hard to see why.
A twist on the ever romantic classic wedding trend, soft minimalist weddings combine that old style glam with a dash of modern chicness. For us, there’s so much to adore about this trend. Whether its the sleek bridal gowns, the understated yet beautiful florals, or even the clean and simple details, we find something new to to crush on every single time. We love the way that minimalist weddings can take place at a lavender farm, in a backyard, or even on a rooftop in Santa Fe! Our couples who chose these elegantly simple days always know how to make their celebrations effortless and beyond lovely.
Here’s to all the pretty, ethereal days to come, we can’t wait to soak in all the soft minimalist beauty!!
Featured Love Stories
Dominic + Maggie at a Private Estate in Albuquerque, NM (coming soon to the blog)
Tom + Justine at La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe, NM (coming soon to the blog)
Chris + Ari at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm in Albuquerque, NM
Zach + Coli at Hotel Albuquerque + Casas de Sueños in Albuquerque, NM
Matt + Allie at a Private Estate in Santa Fe, NM
Weddings by Alicia Lucia Photography Team
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography