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

What We Heart About Santa Fe Weddings

Anyone who knows our team has seen how much we adore Santa Fe weddings and all of the amazing little spots where we’ve captured our couples and their love stories. From its vast architecture to it rich culture, Santa Fe is a gem among the Southwest and we feel so dang lucky to spend so much time exploring it.

One of the most iconic locations for weddings is, of course, the Santa Fe Plaza, but what many don’t realize is the vast number of different venues of all shapes and sizes for weddings.

Do you want a huge wedding with a parade around the historic plaza followed by an outdoor reception? There are several hotels including La Fonda on the Plaza, The Inn and Spa at Loretto, and La Posada de Santa Fe that are pros at these celebrations.

Or are you a bit more low-key and want an intimate wedding at a stunning hacienda or tiny inn? Spots like Hacienda Corta Caro and The Inn of the Five Graces are the coziest of wedding nooks.

Maybe you want a venue with an iconic past or one that’s even an art gallery? Places like Peters Projects at Gerald Peters Gallery, SITE Santa Fe, and The Santa Fe Opera are just a few of those unique, art focused spaces.

There’s even two incredibly famous churches right on the plaza, Loretto Chapel and The Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, for more traditional weddings.

And what about places for couples wanting to venture a bit outside of the usual Santa Fe scene for venues nestled among the mountains and vast New Mexican landscape? Venues like La Mesita Ranch Estate, Las Campanas, Hacienda Doña Andrea, and Four Seasons Santa Fe all provide amazing views and details for any and all weddings they host.

Not only does Santa Fe have so many amazing venues, but so many unique New Mexican and Southwestern traditions have stayed in style season after season in The City Different. Every season mariachi parades around the plaza take center stage, tequila donkeys like sweet Conchita make an appearance at receptions, and all the chili, cactus, and skull details accent every inch of weddings. We love how couples from near and far fully embrace all the special little pieces of Santa Fe that we have such a soft spot for. And we can’t help but absolutely love it even more when our lovers from previous wedding seasons continue to visit Santa Fe year after year just to always have a part of the Southwest with them.

In our eyes, any venue in Santa Fe is the perfect venue and every tradition is beyond special. We’ve been so fortunate to capture a huge amount of couples in the most unique locations and honestly, we can’t wait to explore new places with brand new love stories.

Featured Santa Fe Venues
La Fonda on the Plaza
Hacienda Doña Andrea
La Mesita Ranch Estate
La Posada de Santa Fe
Santa Fe Opera
Las Campanas
SITE Santa Fe
Gerald Peters Gallery
Hacienda Corta Caro
Loretto Chapel
Inn and Spa at Loretto
Inn of the Five Graces
Eldorado Hotel and Spa
Four Seasons Santa Fe

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

Behind the Camera with Alicia

There’s a lot going on in the world right now and amid all of the uncertainty, change, and eventual growth, we’re spending a little time reflecting on our team’s past, present, and future. Our head gal in charge Alicia sat down for a little behind the scenes Q&A and we talked everything Alicia Lucia Photography; from her sweet little beginnings as a photographer to cultivating her business and her team, to why she has major heart eyes for New Mexico, and the future of ALP including just a few of the international (!!!) places she’d love to capture weddings and elopements in once the world reaches a sense of calm again. She also shouted her favorite couples, weddings, and styled shoots from the last few years, and trust us when we say that they are absolutely iconic days for our team!

Alicia + New Mexico, a Match Made in Southwest Heaven

All of my childhood & adulthood, from as early as I can remember, has been spent in our beautiful southwest state. We moved from Texas to New Mexico for a job opportunity that my dad had and have called New Mexico home for the last 20+ years! I love it so much and don't see myself living anywhere else. It has become a huge source of inspiration for my work! Both personally and professionally, I love that New Mexico is our home base for a multitude of reasons, but most importantly i love how we have a variety of drastic environments. I can be shooting a gorgeous desert bridal session in the middle of the white ridge mesa and in 45 minutes can get to our wooded forest for a hike with my family. It's vast and beautiful, it's where I met my husband, where we got married, had both of our children, it's home to both of our businesses and I wouldn't change any of it for the world! Outside of work, we love spending most of our time outside, whether it's going or bike rides, hiking, fishing, (day) camping lol, or working on our ever growing garden!! 

Alicia’s Photography Roots

I got into photography way back when we still were developing prints in a lab! I was around 13 years old when a family friend gifted me my first film camera & was totally that friend in highschool snapping away. In college, I pursued a different route, but deep down I always had a love for documenting people, places and love through photography. In 2012 I got the opportunity of assisting on a few weddings and in the fall of 2012 I shot my very first elopement solo! It was such a special experience and one that I will always treasure and be forever grateful for. I remember it like yesterday, I was a ball of nerves, but so happy and ecstatic to be given the chance.

Alicia Lucia Photography’s Beginnings + Growth

I started the company in 2013 and by 2015 we had already shot over 25+ weddings/elopements and brought on Ashley to shoot full time as co-lead! 

By 2017 we were growing at the speed of light. It was a bummer to not be able to take on as much work because I was either busy shooting or growing our social media. That winter, I decided to outsource all social media and blogging and brought on Jaclyn our amazing social media and blogger maven. Soon after, I went full time on booking out weddings to Ashley, Bre, and me! It's been amazing so far and are able to be a part of documenting that many more love stories!! 

On the Horizon for ALP

The future is such a loaded idea and one that I never do super great with. The uncertainty of the future, especially now with COVID-19 terrifys me, but I know our little team will make it through and I honestly seeing us traveling the world at some point! I would love for us to go beyond our home state and the Southwest region, and shoot across the country and world at some point! My top international destinations are Morocco (and other regions of Africa) and Iceland!

Fave Wedding Moments

Truly love it all. Every last part of it. Even when the nerves and anticipation from the slight chaos and tight schedules sets in, it's part of the thrill! I'd say the most memorable part of the day for me is getting to document the emotion of pure joy and elation at the realization of being just married after the couples come down the aisle! Their look and embrace to each other is always so sincere and sweet! That and the parent dances always, ALWAYS gets me. 

The Best New Wedding Ideas + Trends

I'm loving that couples are doing their own thing, wholeheartedly! That they aren't going the traditional route, just for the sake of tradition and instead are opting for details or parts of the day that are true to them. We are seeing less of the bouquet and garter throwing, smaller or no bridal parties at all and brides who have multiple looks because who says you should only wear one dress or look? Couples who are writing their own vows or having friends and family members officiate. Couples who are opting for less of the structured photo time and instead just want candids and being intentional with guests, friends, and family! I really love the direction we're headed to, more intentional, wholesome and meaningful! 

A Little Note to All the Lovers Out There

There is no right or wrong way to host your wedding, do what feels right and true to you. Try to not get caught up or stressed on the fine details and instead remember the real reason why you are celebrating! Also consider a day of coordinator. (hint: Lauren with Just Lovely Weddings + Darling Details Rentals is truly the best of the best!!)

Alicia’s Fave Days

So many favorites instantly come to mind but here are some: 
- Zach + Coli (Hotel Albuquerque + Casas de Suenos, 2019)
- Chris + Ari (Los Poblanos, 2019)
- Drew + Lauren (La Mesita Ranch, 2019)
- Scott + Leanne (SITE Santa Fe, 2018)
- Dave + Lauren (La Fonda on the Plaza, 2018)
- Rocky Mountain Bride x Los Poblanos Editorial (2018)
- Derek + Brigitte (La Fonda on the Plaza, 2018)
- Romantic Rockstar Styled Elopement (Los Poblanos, 2018)
- Tyler + Cassie (La Posada de Santa Fe, 2018)
- Shaun + Jessie (Sarabande Bed and Breakfast, 2018)
- Boot + Mallory (Eagle Nest Elopement, 2017)

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

Vendor Feature - Jessie Baca

Attention to details on wedding days are definitely one of our favorite things here at Alicia Lucia photography and we can’t help but gush over other wedding vendors who share that same love & passion. Our girl Jessie Baca has coordinated countless weddings and styled shoots here in New Mexico and we’ve been lucky enough to capture so many of her ultra creative, amazingly gorgeous ideas. From pampas grass adorned seating charts at the iconic Santa Fe Opera to the moodiest winter wedding table arrangements at Los Poblanos to incredible Spanish inspired hacienda weddings in the heart of Santa Fe, there isn’t any creation of Jessie’s doing that we haven’t fallen in love with at first sight. We love this talented lady and her endless passion for all things southwestern and beautiful!!!

Coordination + Styling + Planning - Jessie Baca

Real Life Love Stories + Styled Shoots
Randy + Elizabeth at the Santa Fe Opera
Scott + Leanne at SITE Santa Fe
Chris + Alexa at La Fonda on the Plaza
Styled Elopement at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Styled Vow Renewal at Ghost Ranch
Ben + Katy at Inn of the Five Graces and Hacienda Corta Caro
Alex + Marcela at Four Seasons Santa Fe
Keith + Clare at La Posada de Santa Fe
Oriol + Sarah at Gerald Peters Gallery

Weddings by Alicia, Ashley, Brittany and Bre of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Real Weddings - Borrowed and Blue

Love stories are by far one of our favorite things on the planet, but what we adore a little extra is the history and love behind the couples we get to capture. Every single wedding brings a new story and lots of exciting touches, especially when it comes to the “somethings” of wedding days. From dainty vintage rings passed down through generations that brides have as their “something old” to stellar veils from a loved one as “something borrowed” to discrete turquoise and navy shoes as “something blue”, our brides never fail to wow us with their extremely personal, unique, and downright beautiful details. We loved the stories behind these amazing little touches as much as we loved seeing them in person!!

Real Love Stories
Chris + Emma at Hacienda Dona Andrea
Scott + Leanne at SITE Santa Fe
Shane + Megan, Private Residence in Albuquerque, NM
Trey + Clara, Private Residence in San Patricio, NM (coming to the blog very soon)
Chris + Alexa at La Fonda on the Plaza
Matthew + Kaya at Paa-ko Ridge Golf Club
Kirk + Taylor at Loretto Chapel and La Fonda on the Plaza
Trenton + Aston at Loretto Inn and Spa
Blake + Jennie at Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs, CO)
Randy + Elizabeth at the Santa Fe Opera
Oriol + Sarah at Gerald Peters Gallery
Ryan + Cristina at Praire Star
Dustin + Ashley at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Tyler + Cassie at La Posada de Santa Fe
Tyler + Meredith at Four Seasons Santa Fe

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

Fave Weddings - Jaclyn's Picks

Finishing off our team wedding picks is our Social Media Manager Jaclyn with some of her fave, most swooning worthy moments.

“Its honestly so difficult for me to pinpoint three or four weddings that I love more than all the others because for me its usually a few shots from weddings and engagements that draw me in. Alicia and I always joke about how much I love non-traditional shots so thats exactly what this blog post is full of. Some of the photos are so obviously unique that anyone can see why I adore them, but I’d have to say that each and every photo in this blog made me pause on first glance and they’re photos I continually go back to when curating for social media. Alicia, Ashley, and Bre are sooo beyond talented at capturing love and I’ve spent a whole lot of time curating all of the engagements and weddings that go up on the blog, so narrowing down my faves was insanely hard for me. For me, these photos grab at something beyond just love, they’re authentic and what I envision when I think of how to emulate true love in the real world. I love all of the blogs I’ve put out, but this is by far my favorite.”

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

Fave Weddings - Bre's Picks

Our third photog sister in our little squad is the amazingly talented Bre who, in addition to owning her own newborn/maternity photography company, also second shoots and sometimes lead shoots for our team! She’s helped us capture some of the most fun weddings the last few years and she’s shouted out her fave moments here on the blog!

Shaun + Jessie (coming soon to our blog) at Sarabande Bed and Breakfast- I love how laid back this couple was. They had a small intimate wedding in a gorgeous venue, a bed and breakfast. Their guests were really sweet and fun as well! My favorite guests at a wedding.

Randy + Elizabeth at the Santa Fe Opera- This wedding was very classy, and I loved it! It had the most gorgeous view, and the navy/rose gold combo was to die for!

Scott + Leanne at SITE Santa Fe- This wedding was the most fun of the year. With Scott being in the creative industry as well, he had a lot of image ideas and they were fun! Plus, the fun black and white wall at their venue was so awesome.

Sarah + Oriol at Gerald Peters Gallery - These out of town lovers just had the most beautiful, intimate unique wedding because their ceremony and reception were both at an art museum. I loved it, and his accent!

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