Jae + Elicia, a Desert Couples' Session

Outside of our usual engagement sessions and weddings, we have such a soft spot for sweet little couple sessions, especially with pups! Lovers Elicia and Jae brought their sweet fur baby, Fiona, along to their session and we’re so in love.

We kicked off our summer sessions with these babes in the New Mexico foothills at Elena Gallegos Open Space. With perfect weather, the dreamiest golden hour light, and tons of laughs and love, we adored this sweet evening so much!

Shout out to Jae and Elicia, and of course Fiona, for being the raddest little family in all of the Southwest!

Session by Alicia of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Billy + Faith, a Snowy Santa Fe Anniversary

We usually don’t get to capture sweet anniversaries with couples so when Faith, owner and boss babe of Faith Woods Events, told us that she and her hubby were celebrating 5 years and wanted to shoot with us, we were over the moon! Not only is Faith adorable (especially with her incredible boo Billy), but she is also an amazing event coordinator based out of Northern Alabama. We were so thrilled to be a highlight of their little getaway to Santa Fe this winter, come back soon lovers!!!

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

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

Sam + Brittany, a Winter Couples Session

Last December we trekked up to the mountains for a magical winter session with Sam and Brittany. Besides having the most beautiful bling and incredible cold weather style, these two were the sweetest to capture! Golden hour light literally makes snow glisten and we were so thankful to get to know this adorable pair.

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

Shane + Megan, a Fall Couples Session

Shane and Megan, aka one of the dreamiest couples out there, explored the New Mexico woodlands and desert with us last fall! We were so excited to capture even more of their love and silliness. Shane even serenaded Megan with his guitar! We adore getting to work with couples like this!

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

Landon + Bri, a Romantic Fall Couples Session

On a chilly fall evening we spent some major quality time with our giveaway winners,  Landon + Bri. This sweet couple has been together for 8 years and recently got engaged. Scroll through to see more of their crazy amazing style and swoon-worthy, total couple goals moments!

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

Heather + Jesse, a Jemez engagement session

Earlier this year, Lauren (Just Lovely Weddings) and I traveled up to Jemez, New Mexico to meet Heather and Jesse. This darling couple put so much thought and effort into making there engagement session so unique and fun, and Lauren added her personal touch to make everything come together just beautifully!  

They found this epic spot just north of Jemez, close to Cuba, New Mexico and brought along one of their most prized possessions, their rad vintage Scout! We had so much fun with this couple and we just know their wedding will be nothing short of an epic time. 

Ryan + Rachel, a Hyatt Tamaya Engagement Session

Engagement session season is in full swing and it makes a hearts so happy! Here is a blog preview from our time with Rachel and Ryan at the gorgeous Hyatt Tamaya resort and spa. Ashley and I had a great time getting to know them and we can't wait for their Ruidoso wedding later this summer!

Photos: Ashley + Alicia

A Four Seasons Santa Fe Surprise Proposal

Phil first reached out to us earlier in the year and shared with us his exciting plans of proposing to his life long sweetheart, Kayla. Now planning a surprise proposal, let alone planning one from out of the state was not an easy feat but he knew that Santa Fe had a special place in Kayla's heart and he was determined to make it happen! With the help of the great team at The Four Seasons - Rancho Encantado, Phil got down on one knee and Kayla said YES to the man of her dreams. 

Thank you Phil (& sweet Kayla) for trusting me with your momentous day! Cheers to you both and HAPPY wedding planning! 

Kayla + Austin, a woodlands Engagement session

I sincerely love engagement sessions. Especially with couples who are head over heels in love, down for any adventure and not afraid to get a little dirty! Kayla and Austin were no exception and were such a dream to work with. They didn't hesitate when asked to walk through the tall grass, weeds + cactus, they hiked up hills, and braved all the different desert elements. Not only did they travel from out of the state and set aside the time to get their engagement photos done, but they put all their trust in me and gave me the creative freedom to do my thing.

Ask any creative entrepreneur out there, that has got to be the. best. feeling. ever.  

We explored one of my favorite, most coveted trails just outside of Albuquerque and got to know each other better. I love hearing all about my couples love for each other, and their wedding plans so far. I can't wait for their La Fonda/Coyote Cafe wedding in Santa Fe in a couple months.. Until then, here are just a few of the many favorite images from our time together!

hair and makeup by Monica Stark

Diana + Mark, an Ojo Caliente Resort Honeymoon Session

Earlier last month I had the honor of photographing a fellow photographer and her husband Mark! They were honeymooning and visiting our beautiful land of enchantment from Texas. We celebrated their new marriage by adventuring the high desert mesas and exploring the Ojo Caliente resort. Here are a few of my favorites from our shoot together!
 

A huge congratulations to Diana and Mark! wishing you many years of love, health and happiness!