Doug + Marissa, a Magical National Hispanic Cultural Center Wedding

As if it were a day straight from a dream, Marissa and Doug were wed on an ethereal September day in a celebration filled to the brim with bliss. These lovers’ adoration for one another took center stage on a fall day that won’t be forgotten soon.

These sweet angels first met back in 2017 at Marble Brewery in Albuquerque, NM and after one date they immediately knew their love was beyond special. After many years of exploring the world together including hiking, camping, traveling, eating amazing food, and hanging with their cutie pup Addie, Doug and Marissa were ready to take their love to the next level. In spring of 2021, Doug proposed to Marissa at Zion National Park with the most divine ring (part of which was the Marissa’s mother’s original wedding band).

Marissa and Doug knew that they wanted their wedding to feel elegant, yet boho and true to their Southwestern home, so they decided to bring the party to the iconic National Hispanic Cultural Center located in the historic Barelas neighborhood of downtown Albuquerque. With its close proximity to the wilds of the Bosque and its uniquely gorgeous architecture, this New Mexico staple made the perfect backdrop for these cuties’ nuptials. Doug and Marissa kept their style incredibly elevated with classic wedding day elements (such as Doug’s sharp suit and Marissa’s divine bridal look) paired next to modern elements (just peep all that pampas grass and that stunning sweetheart table). And, to make their day even more fun, these lovebirds had over 20 of their closest friends in their wedding party (and they were truly the best freaking crew on the planet!!!). Opting out of a first look with one another, Marissa and Doug spent their pre-ceremony moments with their besties (Marissa did the sweetest first look with her gals and Doug spent a little extra time with angel pup Addie) and when they finally got to see one another, everyone present could feel just how deep and real their love truly is. After their emotional ceremony, Doug and Marissa took in some of their first moments as newlyweds wandering around National Hispanic Cultural Center’s dreamy grounds, soaking up all of their love for each other and excitement for their new chapter. To top it all off, Marissa and Doug held the party of the century with the best people, most delicious food, and loveliest scenery. These angels danced right into their life as husband and wife surrounded by all of their favorite people and it was the most magical of evenings.

From the first moment we met these two cuties, we knew they were beyond special humans and their wedding was such a testament to how wonderful they are to know and love. Doug and Marissa, we’re forever obsessed with you both, let’s do it all again soon?!

Vendors
Venue - National Hispanic Cultural Center
Florals - Charlotte’s Flowers
Invitations - Seventy Six Studio
Hair + Makeup - Something Ginger
Bridal Gown - The Dressing Room West
Bride’s Shoes - Badgley Mishcka
Rings - John Thomas Jewelers
Bridesmaid Dresses - Baltic Born
Groom’s Attire - Men’s Wearhouse
Groomsmen Attire - Stitch and Tie
Signage - Scrybe
Ceremony Decor - Til Death Collective
Officiant - Amor Ceremonies
Cake - Toothache Cakery
Catering - City Treats Catering

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - 5 Albuquerque Venues to Fall in Love With

Even though the past few wedding seasons have been filled with the most magical destinations both near and far from our beloved New Mexico, there’s nothing quite like The Land of Enchantment, especially our sweet little hometown of Albuquerque.

While we do spend a huge amount of time up north in Santa Fe, we never say no to enchanting celebrations in the city where everything started for us over a decade ago. On the surface, Albuquerque may not seem like a typical wedding destination, but if you you peek around all of its little corners you’ll be absolutely astonished with the divine wedding venues hidden in our quaint city. From heavenly lavender farms to epic historical landmarks to tranquil gardens, Albuquerque is truly a haven for wedding nuptials.

We couldn’t resist the chance to feature just a glimpse of a few of the Albuquerque wedding venues that continually take our breath away, season after season. Our hearts beat just a little faster every time we get to capture love at these incredibly special locations and we’re forever crossing our fingers for even more “I dos” at a few of our favorite gems.

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Venue - National Hispanic Cultural Center
Located right near downtown Albuquerque, this historic location is known for its grandiose performing arts center, unique architecture, and rich history. However, one of the many details we love so much about National Hispanic Culture Center is the way that it also makes for the most perfect of wedding locations. Its blend of soft garden touches and stunning southwestern flair makes it truly the best of both worlds.

Venue - Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm

While this world renowned lavender farm needs no introduction, we simply can’t help falling madly in love with it time and time again. With its downright bewitching grounds (including an endless lavender field, iconic silos, and countless gardens) this beauty is a place we are always able to find a little bit more charm in every single time we visit. We can’t wait for more of our darling couples to become as spellbound with Los Poblanos as we have been for all of these years.

Venue - Casas de Sueños + San Isidro de Capilla
We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to feature one of the most entrancing wedding location combination we’ve ever laid eyes upon. The pure white, non-denomination beauty of San Isidro de Capilla makes for the perfect blank canvas for any couple desiring a classic wedding chic feeling that still lends perfectly to the even the most modern of fêtes. And truthfully, we think that one of the most delightful ways to follow up a ceremony in this Albuquerque staple is with an al fresco celebration at Casas de Sueños, a tiny garden known for its irresistible beauty. This little spot is close enough to the stunning bosque, yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it the most quaint location.

Venue - Old Town Farm
Perfectly tucked away right near Old Town Albuquerque, this darling little venue is truly the most peaceful of locations. From its stellar red barn to its tiny corn field to vast grounds, Old Town Farm is captivating beyond belief. And if its charming features weren’t enough, this alluring little spot perfectly reflects all of New Mexico’s seasons with its constantly changing foliage.

Venue - Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Last, but never least is one of our all time favorites and one of the first venues we ever photographed. Hotel Albuquerque is known for its incomparable beauty, from its Spanish-inspired ceremony pavilion to its stunning, open-air garden, to its famous architecture. We adore this space and the way that couples have continually loved it year after year. We couldn’t dream up a more romantic setting to make if official in the heart of Albuquerque.

Michael + Erika, a Windswept Ghost Ranch Wedding

It may have been the brightest, windiest spring day of all, but lovers Erika and Michael still pulled off one of the most stunning weddings we’ve ever seen. These babes made it official way out at Ghost Ranch and just trust us when we say it was one for the books!

Long before they were celebrating in the Southwest with all of their loved ones, Michael and Erika first met on Tinder in 2019 (or in their words they “found love in a hopeless place”). Their connection was undeniable from the very beginning and both of these cuties say that they have never felt a connection so tangible and genuine before (swoon). Michael proposed to Erika at Ghost Ranch in the fall of 2021 and they decided that this special location would also be the most picturesque place to make their love official.

Fast forward to April of 2022 and these lovebirds finally got to have their dreamy little wedding day. For their epic day, Erika and Michael chose vendors that not only create incredible work, but are also amazing humans. Our angel Melissa at Renegade Floral created some of the most breathtaking details we’ve ever witnessed, from the bridal bouquet to the floral arch to the centerpieces, everyone was truly blown away by all of the floral goodness. And if that wasn’t enough, Erika wore the most perfectly rustic, yet modern Pronovias gown from our babes at The Dressing Room West and paired her look with cowboy boots and the most beautiful engagement ring by Native American jeweler Keri Ataumbi.

Michael and Erika also paid special detail to making sure that all of their guests had an amazing experience so they included super personal details into their celebration, like the record player that guests could pick vinyls to listen to before the ceremony. They even had Dig and Serve whip up the most amazing food and drinks (they also brought that incredibly cozy tent for guests to hang out in!). After their emotional ceremony at Ghost Ranch, Erika and Michael took the party to downtown Santa Fe for an intimate dinner at La Boca and a tiny adventure around the plaza just in time for some golden hour romantics.

We were so dang thrilled to witness this amazing adventure of a day, cheers to love in the most unexpected places!!!

Vendors
Ceremony Venue - Ghost Ranch
Reception Venue - La Boca Santa Fe
Florals - Renegade Floral
Rentals + Ceremony Catering - Dig and Serve
Invitations + Paper Goods - Minted
Bridal Gown - Pronovias
Bridal Boutique - The Dressing Room West
Bride’s Boots - Lucchese
Rings - Keri Ataumbi Metals
Groom’s Suit - Suit Supply
Groom’s Bolo Tie - Michael Dukepoo
Transportation - Santa Fe Valet
Lead Photographer - Ashley
Second Photographer - Lexa
Assistant - Erin

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 - a Heavenly New Mexico Desert Elopement

Last season we finished off one of the prettiest years yet with a beyond dreamy evening way out west in the middle of the desert. This little styled elopement had all of the soft Southwestern touches we love with a touch of whimsical beauty.

We met up with real-life lovers Dillon and Jordan and our creative angel, Alanna Garcia, to bring this oh-so-special evening to life. This shoot had all the things we love: boho-chic wedding style, divine florals, unreal bridal glam, and a killer view. After wandering around in the desert, we topped off the day with a few shots of the epic Sandia mountains as the perfect backdrop.

Being able to dream up the prettiest evenings and roam around some of our favorite places definitely keep of hearts so dang full. Cheers to more wildly beautiful New Mexico evenings.

Vendors
Location - New Mexico
Styling - Alanna Garcia
Florals - Floral Elegance
Makeup - Alanna of Betty Rose by Alanna
Hair - Michelle of Betty Rose by Alanna
Bridal Gown - Wilderly Bride
Bridal Boutique - The Dressing Room West
Bride’s Hat - Brixton
Sunglasses - Ray Ban
Bride’s Boots - Betsey Johnson
Groom’s Jacket - Men’s Wearhouse
Models - Dillon + Jordan
Photographer - Alicia
Assistants - Jaclyn + Lexa

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - Bouquet Inspo Third Edition

No matter what kind of celebration we’re capturing, we know that there’s guaranteed to be some variety of magical florals involved. For us, bouquets always take the cake on wedding and elopement days, these beauties say so much about a couple, their nuptials, and their love story.

From the tiniest blooms to the biggest florals, bouquets are always one of our favorite details. Whether they’re dainty and soft or bold and bright, bouquets know how to steal the show. We love seeing our couples chose the most elegant, classic florals or even opting for something modern, colorful, and completely out-of-the-box.

2021’s bouquets were the downright dreamiest, we can’t wait to see what 2022 and beyond have in store for our floral-loving hearts!!!!

Featured Florists
Renegade Floral
Manmade and Sage
Bagels Florals
Floral Fetish
A Beautiful Theme
Mini Falls Farms
Floral Elegance
Floriography Flowers
La Flora Floristry
Viva Flora
Two Baroque Girls
Whim Hospitality
Noble Floral
The Flower Company
Stems of Austin
Good Seed Floral
Rose Rebels Floral Design
Foraged Santa Fe
Florecita Flowers
Albuquerque Florist
Something Special with Flowers

Weddings + Elopements by the Alicia Lucia Photography Team
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - Southwestern Glam Celebrations

There’s no party quite like a party in the Southwest, so when our couples make sure to include tiny pieces of our little corner of the world into their special days, it seriously makes for the best celebrations. Southwestern inspired nuptials are truly something to behold and dang are we lucky to capture them every single season.

Whether its bolo ties, turquoise, or adobe venues, we adore when couples fully embrace all of the charm that the Southwest has to offer. Seeing lovers come from all over the country just to celebrate their new chapter in our pretty home state leaves us on cloud nine. Plus, any opportunity to explore an amazing, authentic part of New Mexico is always the perfect excuse for us to obsess over this gorgeous state.

Cheers to all the crazy-beautiful, wildly fun, downright enchanting celebrations of love to come!!

Featured Weddings + Styled Shoots
Jake + Becky at Ghost Ranch (coming soon to the blog)
Kenny + Molly at a Private Santa Fe Estate
Zac + Shelly at Hacienda Doña Andrea (coming soon to the blog)
Robert + Antonette in Old Town Albuquerque
Zach + Natalie at The Desert Compass
Paul + Carolyn at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Tyler + Cassie at La Posada de Santa Fe

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

Wedding Inspo - Groom Style, 4th Edition

Everyone who knows us already knows that we adore featuring our incredibly gorgeous brides all over the blog, but what about the grooms? Every year, we dedicate a special blog to all of the amazing dudes we get to meet on wedding and elopement days and, of course, take the opportunity feature their killer style.

With all of the changes to weddings in 2020, its no surprise that so many of our grooms opted for unique style choices. Whether it was a pastel blue suit, a simple yet breezy dress shirt paired with slacks, a sleek camel coat with boots, or even a classic black tux, all of the stellar outfit choices these handsome fellas made did not disappoint one bit.

We adore getting to see grooms express their personalities on wedding days, even if its through a simple attire choice, we’re beyond hyped to see what 2021 grooms have in store for us!

Our Favorite Groom Attire Designers + Shops
Bonobos
Ralph Lauren
J. Crew
Limatus Bespoke
Don Morphy
H&M
The Black Tux
Tom James
Men’s Wearhouse
Tommy Hilfiger
Kenneth Cole
Suit Supply
Ted Baker
ASOS
Jos A. Banks
Suits Unlimited

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

2020 - Moments with Alicia Lucia Photography

2020 was by far one of the most challenging years our team has ever faced, yet through all the difficult descisons and make-or-break moments, we still found the light on the other side of it all.

After an intense global pandemic forced our weddings and shoots to a screeching halt, we weren’t sure what to do, but somehow we found a new path and gained a better perspective on our lives, our business, and our community. We found new ways to capture weddings/elopements and support our couples as they navigated this insane year. And we also found even more opportunities to create beauty through styled shoots and portrait sessions. If one thing is sure, 2020 reminded us of why we set out to do what we do in the first place: love. Watching love win over and over and over again this year, despite all of the odds was something to behold. And we once again fell in love with with what we have the immense privilege of doing, capturing those undeniably beautiful moments of pure joy.

The biggest thank you from the bottom of our hearts goes out to every single couple, family, and individual who continually put their trust in us during a year where everything was uncertain, yet everything mattered even more. And to all of our vendor friends, thank you for riding this one out with us, we’ve never had so much faith in the wedding community as we do right here and now.

No year will ever be quite like 2020, and while we’re grateful to see beacons of hope at start of the new year, we’re forever be grateful for the year that gave us all a chance to start anew and to believe in the magic that is love.

Weddings, Elopements, Styled Shoots, and Portrait Sessions by the Alicia Lucia Photography Team
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia

Wedding Inspo - Old Town Weddings and Elopements

If there’s one part of town we love getting to rediscover over and over every season its beautiful little Old Town Albuquerque. Even though wedding season looked a whole lot different this year, we loved every second spent in this enchanting little area capturing tiny nuptials.

Besides being incredibly iconic, Old Town is a place that oozes magic and charm around every single corner. Whether its an intimate wedding at the ever so quaint Old Town Farm, a grand wedding at the historic San Felipe de Neri Church right on the plaza, a quiet elopement at The Desert Compass, or a stunning ceremony at Hotel Albuquerque, we always find something new to love about this special part of town. We love getting to see new little venues thrive and older venue get lots of well-deserved love all in the same part of town.

We’re so excited for more enchanting days in this hidden gem of a place, cheers to many more years of our beloved Old Town!!!

Featured Weddings + Elopements
Zach + Natalie, a Desert Compass Styled Shoot
Rob + Antonette, an Old Town Styled Elopement
Russell + Katie, an Old Town Farm Elopement (coming soon to the blog)
Zach + Coli, a Hotel Albuquerque and Casas de Sueños Wedding
Michael + Caitlin, a San Felipe de Neri Wedding
Brad + Kenna, an Intimate Old Town Farm Wedding
Dillon + Stephanie, a Hotel Albuquerque Wedding

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

Rob + Antonette, an Old Town Styled Elopement

This summer was definitely a hot one, but it was even hotter thanks to this spicy day in Old Town Albuquerque. We teamed up with the glam queens of Something Ginger for a Southwestern-inspired, temperature-raising, undeniably smokin’ hot styled elopement.

In addition to capturing these babes, Rob and Antonette, in some of our favorite little Old Town corners, we explored a little bit more of this special little gem of a location like that stellar Zia gate and that quaint little garden. We also got to collab with a few other vendor friends including The Dressing Room West for the most elegant bridal gown, Albuquerque Florist for the biggest, most eye-catching, orange bouquet we’ve ever seen, and Peyote Bird Designs for some of the most eclectic pieces of jewelry.

Colder weather might be right around the corner, but we can’t wait for more steamy elopements like this one. Cheers to all the New Mexican-infused days still to come!

Vendors
Location - Old Town Albuquerque
Styling + Concept - Something Ginger
Florals - Albuquerque Florist
Hair + Makeup - Something Ginger
Jewelry - Peyote Bird
Bridal Gown - The Dressing Room West
Groom’s Suit - H&M
Bride + Groom - Antonette + Rob
Photographer - Bre
Assistant - Jaclyn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography