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

Wedding Inspo - Top 5 Santa Fe Wedding Venues

Being from the gorgeous state of New Mexico, we spend a whole lot of time in our beautiful capital city of Santa Fe. We picked our top five places to tie the knot in The City Different and, dang, are they dreamy.

From the adobe-adorned plaza to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to way out in the desert, there are so many uniquely stunning places to say “I do” in and around Santa Fe. We adore spending time at La Fonda on the Plaza and La Posada de Santa Fe, both of which are located right near the heart of the city and have the most divine, historic architecture. We’re also head-over-heels for all the venues out in the wilds of New Mexico. From Georgia O’Keeffe’s beloved gem Ghost Ranch to the the hidden mountain beauty of Four Seasons Santa Santa Fe to the eclectic, wildly unique vibes of Hacienda Doña Andrea, couples have a plethora of ethereal, Southwestern spots to make it last name official.

We’re obsessed with all the incredible celebrations we’ve captured at these stellar venues and can’t wait to witness even more love and magic at them soon!

Our Top 5 Santa Fe Venues w/Featured Love Stories
La Fonda on the Plaza - Carter + Carrie and Derek + Brigitte
Four Seasons Santa Fe - Garrett + Kyla and Adam + Shubha
Ghost Ranch - Jake + Becky and Jason + Ryan
Hacienda Doñ Andrea - Zac + Shelly and Geoff + Jocelyn
La Posada de Santa Fe - Ashwin + Lauren and Tyler + Cassie

Weddings by Alicia, Ashley, Bre, and the ALP Team
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

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