Paul + Carolyn, Wedding Day Tips from a recently married couple!

We spent a glorious summer evening with the lovely Paul and Carolyn a few weeks ago. Besides having impeccable style and being all around #couplegoals, this sweet duo has also been together for 10 years and married since 2016! They met in college and when Carolyn went to see Paul and his band play a gig, he shouted her out in front of everyone! They've been by each other's sides ever since and have a sweet fur baby named Tucker. Even though they were married a few years ago in Houston, TX they were kind enough to offer us some major wedding day tips for all our future brides! 

According to Carolyn the best ways to make the most of your wedding day are to:

  • Create an environment for everyone to enjoy so think of it as more of a big party and celebration of your love! 
  • Dance with your guests instead of a formal greeting! 
  • Make a traditional wedding unique and fun with your own twists.
  • Confetti. Lots of confetti! 


Bonus: Have your husband's band play at your wedding! 

Dress - Cleobella at Revolve Clothing
 

Photos by Alicia Padilla of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography

Alicia Lucia Photography Squad

Meet our girl squad! Each one of these amazing ladies play a vital role in our small business and ALP would not be nearly as fun without each of them! We're just four gals that love being a part of documenting and sharing love and know that there's nothing better than helping couples' wedding day dreams come to life! Get to know our small, yet incredible power team and see just why we're in it for the magic!

Owner and lead photographer, Alicia has been documenting weddings since the fall of 2012! Since then she has photographed hundreds of weddings and portrait sessions. Her style can be described as moment driven, editorial, and light-hearted! Married with two children, away from the camera + computer, you can find her living the simple life with her tribe. When not out shooting weddings, her weekends consist of allllll the home and garden projects, lots of snuggles on the couch or exploring our beautiful southwest state!

Alicia's forever right hand gal, Ashley, has been a part of ALP since 2013 and photographs some of our weddings and engagements! She has a sharp eye for detail shots yet captures our couples with a soft, whimsical touch! Not only does she have a wealth of knowledge and experience as a creative in our wedding industry, but is also a super mama of four, wife to her college sweet-heart, and our best photog sista!

Crescynthia (Cressy, Cressy-Roo) is our go-to, day-of-wedding assistant. Don’t let her fun-size fool you, this wonder-woman can juggle carrying a 20lb camera bag(s), light stands, bouquets, water bottles all while somehow keeping us on schedule and marking off items from a timeline. She’s not only our god-sent-day-of assistant but she's also a recently graduated social worker for the State of New Mexico, an amazing wife, Alicia's sister in law and SO much more.

Our girl Jaclyn is our newest face and missing puzzle of our gal squad. She runs our social media, blog, and is an all around content curator for all things online! She is a professional ballerina, a University of New Mexico graduate, and she completes our ALP gal squad!! We are so LUCKY and thankful to have her on board! 

Photos by Elizabeth Wells Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography

Bridesmaid Style

What's a bride without her amazing girl tribe by her side on her wedding day? We wanted to give the limelight to some of our all time favorite girl squads who not only brought life to some of our favorite days, but who also came with some killer styles! We've gathered up our most loved bridesmaid styles from the past few years from every season!

Dress Brands
Jenny Yoo
Vow to Be Chic
Amsale
ASOS
Stone Fox Bride
David's Bridal
 BHLDN

Venues:
El Monte Sagrado
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Casa Rondena Winery
The Albuquerque Railyards
La Posada de Santa Fe
Noah's Event Venue
La Fonda on the Plaza

Photos by Alicia Padilla and Ashley Shaw of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography

Spring Wedding Style

As warmer weather approaches us and flowers begin to bloom, we can't wait for all of the seriously gorgeous spring weddings to come in the next few months! This year we wanted to take a look back at some of our all time favorite spring weddings and to give all of our future brides out there some really amazing ideas!

Our friends at The Black Tux not only offer some pretty amazing suit and tuxedo rentals for weddings, but they also gave us some major color palette inspiration! Check out the three beautiful weddings below and the tips we have for each idea!

Wedding #1: Shawna + Derek
These lovers had the epitome of pastels for their special day. From gorgeous, flowy bridesmaid dresses to dark navy suits paired with subtle green ties, this wedding combined the best of both modern and traditional wedding ideas. Also, how amazing was that floral bedecked swing?!

Wedding #2:  Keith + Claire
In this wedding, the bride and groom had a totally different take on a traditional spring wedding. Instead of using only light pastels, they combined deep reds and bright pops of fuchia with lush green tones and soft pinks. The groom wore a simple, yet classic black tux while the bride opted for a stunning blush toned gown.

Wedding #3: Joaquin + Alexandra
Our final wedding in this spring style blog focused on subtle neutrals for a clean, elegant vibe. The groomsmen wore  deep navy suits paired with soft grey ties and the bridesmaids wore varying natural shades to put on modern spin on this classic wedding.  The bride chose a lavish white gown and it was truly the cherry on top!

Photos by Alicia Padilla and Ashley Shaw of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding and Engagement Rings

Wedding rings, much like couples, are each unique and beautiful in their own ways. Whether they contain diamonds, sapphires, or gemstones, these rings are not only a accessories for life, but symbols of lifetimes of love and happiness.  Below are some of our favorite rings, take a glance and be inspired by these beautiful promises of unending love.

Photos by Alicia Padilla of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger Of Alicia Lucia Photography

Los Poblanos, A Venue Feature

In the heart of Albuquerque's north valley, nestled inside expansive acres of seemingly enchanted forestry, lies Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Farm. This well hidden gem of a venue has quickly become a favorite of couples and photographers alike seeking out the perfect fairytale backdrop for any wedding or elopement. Adventure through Los Poblanos' farm, manor home, and woods to experience a place beyond your dreams. 

Featuring photos from Sean and Ayla's fall wedding
 

Photos by Alicia Padilla of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger Of Alicia Lucia Photography

Bride + Groom Gifts

During the prep hours for most weddings, gifts are exchanged between the bride and groom while the bridesmaids and groomsmen are also given gifts as tokens of gratitude from the future Mr. and Mrs. We've come up with a few simple, yet thoughtful ideas for these gifts.

For the Bride from the Groom
Flower: simple yet oh so romantic
Jewelry: earrings or a bracelet for the bride to wear during the ceremony and reception

For the Groom from the Bride
A Watch: one that matches your future husband's style, whether its classic, rugged, or vintage
Custom Grooms Box/Wallet Combo: We love this one from Groovy Guy Gifts!

For Groomsmen from the Groom
Tie and Accessories: help your groomsmen out by paying for their tie, supplying a nice tie bar, giving them special cuff links, and/or giving them amazing socks
Other items: a flask with their favorite type of alcohol or food

For Bridesmaids from the Bride
Jewelry: a small bracelet or earrings so that all of your girls can match on your special day
Robes: silky robes to get ready in
Other Accessories: think monogrammed makeup bags, their favorite lipstick or gloss

Photos by Alicia Padilla of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger and Alicia Padilla

Groom Style

When it comes to wedding planning there is always so much focus on the bride's dress, so we decided it was high time to give some of our very fashionable grooms the limelight. From classic black tie tuxes to casual open neck suits to deep crimson suits paired with fox bowties, there is something for every lucky husband to be!

Photos by Alicia of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger and Alicia Padilla

Rigo + Maria, a Southwest Engagement

Rigo and Maria tied the knot in March, but we couldn't help posting their sweet engagement from late 2017! Being huge fans of Pixar's film Up, they incorporated a ton of amazing little details into their wedding day. We can't wait to share their soft, elegant wedding soon!

Photos by Alicia Padilla of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography 

Kirk + Taylor, a Colorful New Mexico Engagement

We spent a gorgeous fall evening with Kirk and Taylor and let's just say it was nothing short of absolutely amazing! This wonderfully stylish couple brought all of the love and all of the laughs to their super colorful engagement sesh. We can't wait for even more swoon-worthy moments with these two lovers!

MUA - Monica Stark Makeup

Photos by Alicia Padilla of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography  

Ryan + Cristina, a New Mexico Engagement

We had the best time getting to know Cristina and Ryan and their love for each other during their engagement session! As high-school sweethearts, they are all they have known for almost a decade! They have been through it all. We are so honored and excited to be a part of their Prairie Star wedding later this year with Orange September, an Event Company!

Makeup: Genica Lee

Photos by Alicia Padilla of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography

Alex + Amber, a Pagosa Springs Wedding

Alex and Amber, aka one of the most genuine, laid back couples out there, were married in Pagosa Springs, Colorado last August. The stars aligned for this pair when they met in Costa Rica while both were teaching English. They even found their sweet fur baby Rafiki in Central America and since then, the trio have been inseparable travel buddies! True to their easy going nature Alex and Amber had a non-traditional wedding including a vow exchange under a wooden teepee, an absolutely gorgeous two-piece blush toned wedding dress, amazing donuts, late night pizza, and a sequin blazer that Alex completely rocked at the reception! Congrats to these sweet souls, we can't wait to see what journeys you go on next!

Vendors
Venue - High Country Lodge
Bridal Gown - Grace Loves Lace
Groom's Suit - ASOS
Wooden Teepee - DIY
Florals - Blooms by the Box
DJ - Aiko Aiko Sound

Photos by Alicia Padilla of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography

Patrick + Sydnie, A Summertime Bosque Engagment

After four years, Patrick and Sydnie decided to make it official and be together forever! We had so much fun capturing their engagement session and are honestly so stoked for their La Fonda on the Plaza wedding this September!

Photos by Alicia Padilla of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography

Ben + Katy, a Spanish Inspired Santa Fe Wedding

Ben and Katy, one of the sweetest couples out there, share a love story that most people only dream about. They met in the fifth grade (Katy shared that she even remembers how goofy Ben was at that age!) and have spent the last ten years together, both knowing that they wanted to be together forever! While planning, they decided to to have a super cozy, intimate wedding in the heart of the southwest, Santa Fe. This couple loves to travel and they knew they wanted a destination wedding that was not only close to home, but one full of culture that it felt like a whole different world. Influenced by her recent travels to Spain, Katy found her heart set on Santa Fe due to its colorful, rich history and its ties to Spanish colonialism. With 50 of their closest friends and family, Ben and Katy tied the knot at Hacienda Corta Caro in an early summer wedding that can only described as pure magic. From dreamy, watercolor  invitations to including their fur baby Finley in their ceremony to live flamenco dancers to super amazing late night s’mores, Ben and Katy fulfilled all of our Santa Fe wedding wishes!

Vendors:
Venue - The Inn of the Five Graces and Hacienda Corta Caro
Coordination/Planning - Jessie Baca
Florals - Renegade Floral
MUA - The Vanity Makeup
Invitation Suite - Pigment and Parchment
S'mores - The S'more Pit
Groom's Suit - Indochino
Groom's Tie - The Tie Bar
Bridal Gown - Flora Bridal
Bridal Boutique -  A and Bé Bridal   

Photos by Ashley Shaw of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog and Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography

Trenton + Ashton, a Santa Fe Wedding at Loretto

In a day that can be described as both timeless and unique, Trenton and Ashton celebrated their wedding at Loretto in the heart of Santa Fe.  These two sweethearts met Easter weekend of 2015 and Trenton popped the question while they were traveling in Italy in the fall of 2016.! Even though they currently live in Houston, the pair holds Santa Fe very near and dear to their hearts and knew that it would be the perfect destination wedding spot! They wanted their friends and family to get the full Santa Fe experience so they kicked off their wedding celebration with a welcome dinner at La Posada complete with piñatas, personalized hot sauce, and amazing Southwestern food and decor! The next day, their ceremony was held at the historic Loretto Chapel and officiated beautifully and intimately by a long time family friend, Mr. Clois. Ashton honored her grandmother by wearing one of her rings as her something borrowed and blue. Trenton and Ashton later partied the night away with all of their friends and family at The Inn at Loretto with the wildly talented band Ice House,  a variety of delicious desserts, flower crowns galore, and all glow in the dark props ... oh, and ... face painting (so obsessed)!!! We were incredibly honored to be part of their beautifully remarkable day and excited to share it with you!

Vendors:
Venue - Inn at Loretto
Planning + Coordination - Just Lovely Weddings
Bridal Gown - Martina Liana Bridal Designs
Bolero - Pronovias
Bridal Shoes - Aquazzura
MUA - Monica Stark Makeup
Hair -  The Honeycomb Beauty Studio
Groom + Groomsmen Attire  - Jos. A. Banks
Florals - Marisa's Millefiori
Officiant - Clois Smith
Cake - Maggie's Wedding Cakes
Desserts - American Pie
Band - Ice House

Photos by Alicia & Ashley of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog and Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography

Phillip + Caitlin, a Summer Engagement

When Phillip and Caitlin, a sweet pair from Washington D.C., reached out to us for a summertime engagement session, we were so excited to capture all of their love out here in the desert! This couple brought some amazing style and were absolutely stunning amid a backdrop of the ever gorgeous Sandia mountains. 

Photos by Alicia Padilla of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog and Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography

Joaquin + Alexandra, a La Posada de Santa Fe Wedding

After eight years of love, Joaquin and Alexandra tied the knot at La Posada de Santa Fe on a gorgeous spring day surrounded by family, friends, and of course, their fur babies! Originally from New Mexico, this sweet couple now lives in Houston, Texas and wanted a natural toned wedding filled with classic wedding details, outdoor games, and amazing donuts to celebrate their new beginning!

Vendors:
Venue - La Posada de Santa Fe
Bridal - Hayley Paige
Bridesmaid Dresses - twobirds bridesmaids
Officiant - Sharon Walton
Florals - Floriography
Desserts - American Pie Bakery and Whoos Donuts
Conchita the Tequila Donkey
DJ - Dream Factory Productions
Invitation Suite/Other Decor - Zazzle
Menswear - Combatant Gentleman
Classic Party Rentals

Photos by Alicia and Ashley of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog and Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography

Keith + Clare, a Southwestern Inspired Santa Fe Wedding

In a story seemingly straight from a film, Clare met Keith at Bonnaroo Music Festival In Manchester, Tennessee in the summer of 2012 and they both instantly felt sparks. However, assuming that they would never cross paths again, the pair went their seperate ways.  Later that year, it seemed that fate had other plans as Keith and Clare came across one another once again at Austin City Limits in Texas.  After dating long distance for one year, Clare moved to Nashville, Tennessee to be with Keith. Not too long after, he proposed with his grandmother's ring at a park nearby where they had spent their first date. This incredible couple opted for a destination wedding in Santa Fe and we were SO HONORED to capture their amazing day! Read more about Keith + Clare in this feature by Rocky Mountain Bride!

Vendors
Venue - La Posada Santa Fe
Beauty - The Beauty Bar 
Bridal Gown Boutique - Neiman Marcus
Bride's Gown + Veil - Monica Lhuillier
Bride's Shoes _- Cristian Louboutin
Bridesmaid Dresses - Stone Cold Fox Bridal  
Donkey - Bear Creek Adventures LC
Entertainment - Caldwell Entertainment
Florals - Viva Flora
Menswear - H. G. Thrash Clothier
Officiant - Bob Worrell
Paper - Corzine and Co.
Photo Booth - Pink Mustache Photo Booth 
Rentals - Classic Party Rentals and Jennifer's Gardens
Rings - Robert Lance Jewelers 
Sweets - Maggie's Cakes
Rugs - Rust Vintage
Coordination/Planning - Jessie Baca

Photos by Ashley Shaw of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog and Photo Curation by Jaclyn Younger of Alicia Lucia Photography