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

Matt + Allie, an Intimate Home Wedding in the Santa Fe Mountains

Over a year ago, we captured Matt and Allie’s engagement session at Allie’s parents’ beautiful Santa Fe home overlooking the Jemez mountains and early this fall, these lovers ended up getting married in that exact same spot. Even though they traded their bigger downtown Santa Fe bash for a intimate wedding, Matt and Allie not only made their day incredibly beautiful, but it still radiated genuine love and excitement.

These two met back in college when Allie moved into the apartment right next door to Matt and after about a year of being friends, they started officially dating. A few years later in 2018, while Allie was completing her masters in Santa Barbara, CA, Matt came out for a visit. One evening, while soaking in the sunset along the shore, Matt proposed.

Even though Matt and Allie’s wedding plans changed many times, these two kept the focus on the most important aspect of their day, the huge amount of love they have for one another. They finally decided on a tiny wedding with only immediate family and the most breathtaking view of Santa Fe. In keeping with their original theme of ‘sophisticated natural’, their details were both soft and incredibly elegant. We adored the tiny gems these two snuck into their day, from having their brother-in-law Eric officiate the ceremony to a recorded speech by Matt’s brother/best man (who was unable to make it due to travel restrictions) to gifting each guest with a commissioned piece from Keshi and a smudge spray from Aromabontanica. On top of all of those amazing details, our girl Allie also brought a gorgeously modern bridal look to this day with not only the world’s prettiest veil and beyond chic bridal gown by Pronovias, but also with a custom bridal hat from Ramblin’ Rose Hat Co (which we’re just a tiny bit obsessed with tbh).

If there’s one thing we love above all, its when couples truly embrace their wedding and make it their own. Against all odds, these lovers made the most of 2020 and kicked off their marriage in the most wonderfully unique way. We loved every second of this remarkable day with Matt + Allie, the biggest congrats to these lovebirds.


Vendors
Location - Private Home in Santa Fe, NM
Florals - Marisa’s Millefiori
Invitations + Paper Goods - Letterpress Made
Hair - Salon Boheme Santa Fe
Makeup Artist - Monica Stark Makeup
Bridal Gown - Pronovias
Bride’s Hat - Ramblin’ Rose Hat Co
Bride’s Shoes - Stuart Weitzman
Groom’s Tux - Men’s Wearhouse
Catering - Walter Burke Catering
Cake - Chocolate Maven
Guest Gifts - Keshi + Aromabontanica
Music - Diamond Empire Band
Videography - Luminance Wedding Films
Lead Photographer - Bre
Second Photographer - Carissa
Assistant - Jaclyn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

ALP Team Picks - Bre's Fave Weddings

Last, but certainly not least, is our girl Bre and her favorite weddings! Known for her stunning work with our team as one of the best second shooters on the planet (and the boss babe of her own newborn photography business), she stepped it up and beautifully lead shot five of our weddings in addition to a bunch of our engagement sessions (including the most amazing Central Park session in NYC)! She’ll be back this season as both a lead and a second photog, and she shared her favorite weddings from 2019. We can’t wait to see how she captures some of our lovers in 2020 and allll we can say is #gobrego

Emilee and Ben:
I loved the style that Emilee had for her wedding. The slick hair back with the bold red lip is something you don’t see often and she pulled it off so well. The groom is a golfer and they got married on the golf course which was a great personal touch. This couple grew up together, grew apart and came back together at a family gathering and now they are spending their future together and it was the most precious thing to see and everyone could feel it in the room. Their food was also the best food I had!

Laura and Conner:
I loved ending the year with this wedding at Los Pablanos. The color palette she chose was gorgeous with the landscape. I love ho laid back they were and having the cake cutting and toasts in the library made for an intimate setting. They braved the cold during their portraits and the fur she had for some of her portraits was stunning and fun to incorporate. They also had a perfect balance of having an intimate gathering and having a party.


Anna and John:
This New York couple was so cool and so down to earth, and we laughed a lot with them. She absolutely nailed her look for her wedding in that stunning Vera Wang gown, and then in their true style, she changed into a more dancing dress when they got announced at the reception. It was Gucci mixed with Granola vibe and I was there for it. It was quirky and elegant and so much fun.


Lead Photographer - Bre
Second Photographers - Molly, Cameron, and Melanie

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Ben + Emilee, a Stunning Sandia Event Center Wedding

Long before Ben and Emilee said “I do” on the prettiest fall day, they met when they were just kids. Even though they’re seven years apart, these two soulmates still found each other and finally made it last name official this past year!

Growing up with their families being very close, Ben and Emilee have known each for a very long time (their dads even went to elementary school together!), but they didn’t hit it off until later in life. In between Emiliee’s junior and senior years of college, while her and Ben were living together in the same town, Ben told his future wifey that he wanted to propose. Despite fancy dinners and long, romantic walks (planned by Emilee), nothing happened! Finally, during a casual night in of grubbin’ on Jimmy John’s, right there in their living room Ben popped the question.

For these cuties, not only was a dreamy venue with views of the Sandia mountains important, but they wanted to have an all out party for their loved ones! Sandia Event Center was the obvious choice and they included so many lovely details from bespoke invitations by our pals at Funky Olive, to custom Nike reception shoes for Emliee, to Ben’s super unique suit jacket (that had a print of skiers in it!). Ben and Emilee kept their ceremony short and sweet — while incluing Emilee’s childhood pastor as officiant for the ceremony), snagged some of the prettiest dang romantics during golden hour, and then threw the bash of the century allllll night long! We wish that we could post every single photo from this day, it was nothing short of amazing and a total blast!

Congrats Ben and Emilee, we love you two and your absolutely FAIRYTALE love story!!

Vendors
Venue - The Event Center at Sandia Resort and Casino
Florals - Peoples’ Flowers
Paper Goods - Funky Olive Design
Decor - Black Swan Events
Hair - Amanda of D’Ambrosio Designs Hair Studio
MUA - Susan Grace
Bridal Gown - Lazaro Bridal
Bridal Boutique - Schaffers’ Bridal (Scottsdale, AZ)
Bride’s Shoes - Stuart Weitzman
Reception Shoes - Nike
Bridesmaid Dresses - BHLDN
Groom’s Suit - Icon Suits
Groomsmen Suits - Mr. Tux
Officiant - Scott Sharp
Cake - Simply Sweet by Darci
Cookies - Jaylyn Clayton
Sweets - Brenda’s Perfect Brittle
Champagne - Gruet Winery
Ceremony Music - Giovanni String Quartet
DJ - Cutmaster Music
Lead Photographer - Bre
Second Photographer - Molly

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

John + Anna, an avant-garde La Fonda wedding

Over the last few wedding seasons we’ve spent a lot of time at the ever gorgeous historic La Fonda on the Plaza and we’ve captured so much love at this beautiful venue. So when John and Anna came all the way from Brooklyn, NY to celebrate their big day at La Fonda, we couldn’t wait to see how they’d make their day so perfectly unique. Lets just say, they did not disappoint. These lovers not only brought big East Coast glam to the heart of the Southwest, but they did it in a way that was outrageously fun, remarkable, and truly a celebration like no other!

John and Anna met through mutual friends at a holiday party and although John tried to get Anna’s number from their friend James, he was unsuccessful (but still managed to get in contact with her!). After several years together, John (discreetly) proposed to Anna with her grandmother’s wedding diamond (swoon) at Grand Central Station before surprising her with dinner at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in upstate New York.

Even though their wedding day had a surprise rainstorm, Anna and John didn’t let anything stop them from celebrating their love! During a slight drizzle (which truly made their ceremony all the more romantic), these two said “I do”surrounded by all of their loved ones on La Fonda’s famous La Terraza balcony. And if their ceremony wasn’t enough to make us super heart-eyed over them, John and Anna’s absolutely killer vendor team including Renegade Floral (bringing those stunning arches and bouquets), Maggie’s Wedding Cakes (with the craziest rainbow creation, shag rug inspired greatness), makeup artist Kata Baron (who’s the queen b of that natural bridal glow), Vera Wang (with a classic yet so dang modern bridal gown) and Diamond Empire Band (a crew that always brings down the house with reception jams) made this day one for the books! They also brought in paper goods and signage from their incredibly talented friend Natalie Soud (please come design our entire lives!) and bluegrass ceremony music courtesy of Santa Fe based Kitty Jo Creek Band.

To top it all off, these two surprised everyone with a choreographed first dance that included just the right amount of both ballroom dancing and disco! John and Anna didn’t just have a super glam wedding, they had a wedding that was completely theirs, true to them and we adore them so much for it! Thank you for letting us be a part of your epic Santa Fe party, congrats Mr and Mrs Redmond!!!

Vendors
Venue - La Fonda on the Plaza
Invitations + Paper Goods + Signage - Natalie Soud
Florals - Renegade Floral
Hair - Beauty Bar Santa Fe
MUA - Kata Baron
Bridal Gown + Boutique - Vera Wang
Bride’s Shoes - Ralph Lauren + Stuart Weitzman
Bride’s Earrings + Rings - Zwikker and Zacher
Reception Gown - The Law Bridal from The One Bridal Boutique
Ring Box - The Mrs Box
Bride’s PJs - Oliva Von Halle
Bride’s Purse - Loeffler Randall
Bridesmaids’ Robes - Ten Thousand Waves Resort
Groom’s Suit - Ralph Lauren
Groom’s Bolo Tie - Moonlight Gemstones
Groom’s Boots - Lucchese
Ceremony Music - Kitty Jo Creek Band
Reception Music - Diamond Empire Band
Cake - Maggie’s Wedding Cakes
Lead Photographer - Bre
Second Photographer - Melanie
Assistant - Jaclyn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - Bridal Shoes Second Edition

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, we’re pretty sure that gorgeous bridal shoes come in a close second place! We’re forever envying these pretty styles: dainty nude heels, sparkly couture pumps, vintage boots, subtlety beautiful flats, and of course those bright, bold colorful stilettos! We don’t blame you if you feel the need to make a little extra room in your closet after this blog, our brides brought some of the most amazing shoe style out there to their wedding days!

Shoe Designers
Christian Louboutin
Kelly and Katie
Enzo Angiolini
Brian Atwood
The Gap (vintage boots)
Badgley Mischka
Steve Madden
Stuart Weitzman
Jimmy Choo
Lucky Brand
Pelle Moda
Tieks
INC by Macy’s
Kate Spade x Keds
Blue by Betsey Johnson
Aldo
Madewell

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

Carter + Carrie, a Colorful Jewish Wedding at La Fonda

This summer we’ve been so lucky to capture so many amazing couples, but Carter and Carrie’s special day in Santa Fe had us on cloud nine. These two babes had the prettiest day and the sweetest love story behind it all.

Carter and Carrie met when they were only 10 years old at summer camp and spent every single summer around each other until they were 18 (major heart eyes). They remained friends through college and after ending up in Dallas, TX at the same time in life, they decided to stop low-key crushing on each other and give their sweet little relationship a go! Eventually, Carter proposed to Carrie at Zilker Park in Austin, TX while they were walking their pup Ruby. While planning their big day, these two made numerous trips to Santa Fe in addition to celebrating with engagement parties in both El Paso, TX and Dallas, TX. During their wedding weekend, Carter and Carrie made sure that their friends and family got to experience Santa Fe in some of the best ways, with both traditional New Mexican cuisine and by visiting a local Santa Fe farmer’s market!

These lovers had the prettiest details on their amazing June day. By mixing Jewish traditions with modern touches, Carter and Carrie encompassed the best of both worlds when it comes to weddings. They had the most intimate first look followed by a memorable ceremony under a traditional Jewish Chuppa (that almost blew off with unpredictable New Mexico weather, but was saved by multiple family members!) that gave us all the feels. The ladies at Florigraphy Flowers (who also knew Carrie’s family from an El Paso farmers market!) gave us major life with the some of the most colorful floral arrangements we’ve seen all season. After some of the cutest romantics in one of our favorite little Santa Fe alleys and up on La Fonda’s balcony, these two partied away with a first dance to “Country Roads” by John Denver and a traditional Jewish horah dance (where the bride and groom are both lifted up in chairs).

We loved every second we got to spend with these genuine, super sweet souls, cheers to Mr and Mrs Payne! We adore you guys!

Vendors
Venue - La Fonda on the Plaza
Florals - Floriography Flowers
MUA - Al Varela Cosmetics
Hair - Beauty Bar Santa Fe
Bridal Gown - Paloma Blanca Bridal
Bridal Boutique - Serendipity Bridal
Bridal Shoes - Stuart Weitzman
Groom’s Attire - Bonobos
Stationary - K. Laine Design Studio
Envelope Painting - Suzanne Schwartz (Family Friend)
Officiant - Rabbi Ben Zeidman
Cake - Chocolate Maven
Music - Diamond Empire Band
Lead Photographer - Ashley
Second Photographer - Kama

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

La Fonda on the Plaza - A Venue Feature

One of the best things about our sweet little job is how much time we get to spend in Santa Fe every year. Our capital city lies just to the north of our home base of Albuquerque and there is seriously magic around every corner of The City Different. From quaint adobe buildings to the historic plaza to some of the best New Mexican cuisine in the state, Santa Fe is seriously a gold mine for locals and visitors alike. It comes as no surprise that soooo many of our out of state couples select good old SF as the prime place to tie the knot and their number one destination is our home away from home, iconic La Fonda on the Plaza.

Not only is La Fonda memorable, but it is also incredibly significant to Santa Fe’s history. Initially founded in 1607 as Santa Fe’s first inn, La Fonda’s site is also the oldest hotel corner in the United States of America. However, the building that still stands today and has continually been loved and adored by New Mexicans and travelers alike wasn’t built until 1922. It features architectural influences by Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter and John Gaw Meem including hand carved beams, ethereal stained glass window skylight, and a 25 foot cathedral ceiling. More info on this beautiful space can be found on La Fonda’s website.

We’ve spent a whole lot of time at this very special place over the past few years and we can’t wait to return later on in 2019 for even more beauty.

Our Real Love Stories
David + Lauren
Tyler + Jordan
Kirk + Taylor
Chris + Alexa
Derek + Brigiette

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

Kirk + Taylor, a La Fonda and Loretto Chapel Wedding

Kirk and Taylor met many years ago by chance through mutual friends at a bar in Midland, Texas. Taylor was out celebrating a a friend’s graduation from college and Kirk just happened to be tagging along with their mutual friend Stephen. At the time, Taylor thought Kirk was really handsome, but because he had a girlfriend, she forgot about him (for the moment) .

Jumping forward five years and Taylor was back in her (amazing) hometown of Austin, TX and, as fate would have it, Kirk had recently moved back to that same little city after completing his masters in New York City at Columbia University. One summer evening in 2015, Taylor and her family were downtown celebrating her brother’s 21st birthday when, like so many years ago, Kirk tagged along with Stephen for the celebrations. Kirk and Taylor, aka future Mr. and Mrs. Logan, absolutely hit it off when Kirk ended up partying with Taylor’s family all night!

These lovers wanted a classic, yet beautiful ceremony at the historic Loretto Chapel in downtown Santa Fe followed up by an incredible party at one of our homes away from home, La Fonda on the Plaza. From their dreamy stationary designed by a family friend to the sweetest little first look to a post ceremony lavender toss on the steps of Loretto to not one, but two unreal cakes by Chocolate Maven Bakery, this August day was seriously amazing. We’re forever wishing that we could relive it over and over again, congrats to the Logans, we love y’all so much!

Vendors
Venues - Loretto Chapel , La Fonda on the Plaza
Florals - Santa Fe Floral
Invitations - Letterpress Made
Cakes - Chocolate Maven
Hair - Diana Rose Color Studio
MUA - Monica Stark Makeup
Bridal Gown - Rita Vineris
Bridal Boutique - Julian Gold
Bride’s Shoes - Stuart Weitzman
Band - Diamond Empire Band
Videography - Box Light Films

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

Bridal Shoes

Among all of the gorgeous wedding day details out there, we can't resist an amazing pair of bridal shoes! From suede to silk to floral detailed to intricate laser-cut designs, its hard to say what's our favorite finishing touch! These beautiful pairs were practically made for a heavenly walk down the aisle and, as they say, you can never have too many shoes! We're forever in shoe envy over the stunning brides who have worn these beauties on their wedding days!!  

Shoe Designers
Stuart Weitzman
Jessica Simpson
Francesco Russo
Betsey Blue by Betsey Johnson
Hitherto
Cristian Louboutin
Ouigal
Schutz
Antonio Melani
Klub Nico
Badgley Mischka 

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

Chris + Alexa, a La Fonda Summer Wedding

This June we were lucky enough to kick off our summer wedding season with Chris and Alexa's bright, Southwestern destination wedding at La Fonda on the Plaza. These lovers brought the party all the way from Houston, TX for an absolutely unforgettable day filled with bold wedding colors, a unique vintage wedding ring that belonged to the groom's grandmother, and the most divine crocheted wedding gown from Made With Love Bridal. From first look tears to a mariachi-led procession around the ever enchanting Santa Fe Plaza to a film-worthy sparkler send-off, Chris and Alexa set the expectations soooo freaking high!!! Huge congrats to the Heffrons, we were beyond thrilled to help you celebrate the beginning of your marriage in our gorgeous state of New Mexico!!!

Vendors
Venue - La Fonda on the Plaza
Planning + Coordination - Jessie Baca
Florals - Renegade Floral
Wedding Stationary + Invitations - Half Moon Lettering
Hair + Makeup - The Beauty Bar Santa Fe
Bridal Gown - Made With Love Bridal
Bridal Boutique - Unbridaled
Bridal Shoes - Stuart Weitzman
Bride's Engagement Ring - Groom's Grandmother
Bride's Earrings - Bride's Mother
Bridesmaid Gowns - Show Me Your Mumu
Groom's + Groomsmen's Suits - Men's Warehouse
Officiant - Reverend Bishop David Doyle
Cake - Chocolate Maven Bakery
Band - Bounce Band

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