Zac + Shelly, a Stunning Hacienda Doña Andrea Wedding

When Austin sweethearts Zac and Shelly celebrated their marriage at Hacienda Doña Andrea this summer, it was definitely one of the most unique, beautiful days out there. These two made their wedding day completely their own and we are so in love with it all.

Zac and Shelly met several years ago through mutual friends and got engaged on New Years Eve of 2018. Zac proposed to Shelly at midnight on the rooftop of Austin Central Library during a New Years bash. Soon after, these cuties just knew that New Mexico was the most perfectly magical place to make it official.

These babes decided on one of our favorite locations on earth, Hacienda Doña Andrea, because of its spectacular views and cozy vibes. And even though they had to push back their special day an entire year, Zac and Shelly still put so much of their own personal style into their beautiful June day. Shelly, who was also the dreamiest bride btw, created almost all of the decor (just peep that insane seating chart and all of the gorgeous reception signage) and it was truly straight out of our wildest boho-southwestern dreams. In addition to adding a ton of unique touches on their day, Shelly and Zac also opted to create some of their traditions, such as walking with each other down the aisle, and getting rid of some of the usual traditions they weren’t in love with (tbh every single couple should do this!). They embraced the moody skies and rain for not only the sweetest romantics, but for the most epic dance party of the summer.

We were so beyond grateful to be tiny part of this extremely special day, cheers to Zac + Shelly forever and ever!!!

Vendors
Venue - Hacienda Doña Andrea
Planning + Decor + Hand Lettering - by bride
Day of Coordination - Simply Done Events
Florals - Florecita Flowers
Invitations - Small Fire Press on Etsy
Hair + MUA - Something Ginger
Bridal Gown - Floravere
Bride’s Headpiece - Lena Rom
Bride’s Shoes - Bella Belle
Bride’s Jewelry - Love Adorned
Bridesmaids Dresses - Fame and Partners + Amsale + ASOS + Amazon Fashion
Groom + Groomsmen Attire - The Black Tux
Groom’s Jewelry - Bario Neal
Officiant - Joseph Shivers
Catering - La Posas
Lead Photographer - Ashley
Second Photographer - Bri A.
Assistnat - Jaclyn

Wedding Inspo - Northern New Mexico Weddings

While Albuquerque and Santa Fe might be two of the cities we frequent the most for dreamy weddings, we can’t deny the absolute enchantment of northern New Mexico. From the painted deserts of Abiquiu to the mystic mountains of Taos to the serene aura of Eagle Nest Lake, there’s something charming to be found at every corner of this little part of New Mexico.

Over the past few seasons, we’ve been lucky enough to catch tiny glimpses of all the bewitching area that is northern New Mexico. We’re beyond smitten with every part of the north, whether its the pretty ranches, the historic monuments or even the tiniest, most intimate spaces.

We’re so excited for even more wonderful days in the north, here’s to all the beautiful love stories still to come!!!

Featured Locations + Love Stories
The Stakeout Taos - Nathan + Cathryn
Ghost Ranch - Jake + Becky
Taos Ski Valley - Logan + Audry
Angel Fire - Jacob + Lisa
Pecos Historical Site - Jimmy + Maggie
La Mesita Ranch Estate - Solve + Alex
Eagle Nest Lake - Boot + Mallory
El Monte Sagrado - Matthew + Alysia

Weddings + Elopements by Alicia, Ashley 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

Wedding Inspo - Wedding Trends We Heart

Now that February, aka Love Month is well underway and Valentines’ Day is just on the horizon this week, we wanted to be just a little festive on the blog! We’re kicking off this week of love with trends we are absolutely head-over-heels in love with and that we hope to see for years to come! Scroll through to see a few of our favorite things and maybe you’ll fall for a few of the trends we heart!

Mix & Match Bridesmaid Gowns
This is one trend we’ve seen soar in popularity the last few wedding seasons and we are so here for it! We love the idea of not only letting each of your gals pick a dress style/cut/fit that flatters their own body, but also adore having different colored dresses to coordinate with the overall wedding colors and tones. We can’t say enough good things about this trend and we’re praying its here to stay forever and ever. A few of our favorite bridesmaid designers include:
Jenny Yoo Collection
BHLDN
Show Me Your MuMu
Katie May
ASOS
Lulus
Revolve

Mariachi Parades
Truly more New Mexican tradition than trend, this mini wedding day party still made our list because of how much we adore all things Southwestern. Similar to a New Orleans second line parade, mariachi parades combine two of the best things imaginable: weddings & live music! We love getting the opportunity of getting to dance around the historic Santa Fe Plaza with our couples who chose to add this festive flair to their day, but we’ve also seen amazing mariachis at receptions all over the state! More of this please!

Cozy Reception Lounges
While a still relatively new tradition, cozy reception lounges are becoming one of the hottest, most popular wedding day accents around. We love the idea of pairing an additional, extra comfy space for guests to hang out during cocktail hour and the actual reception with a hint of boho style! Some of our most beloved reception lounge details include velvet couches, pretty accent pillow, and, of course, little neon signs. Some of our favorite local rental queens specializing in amazing lounges include:
Just Lovely Weddings + Darling Details Rentals
For the Love Events + Rust Vintage

Colorful Bridal Gowns
Last, but certainly not least on our favorite current trend lists are colorful wedding gowns. Straying away from typical white and cream hues, these gowns can bring not only personality and unique style to a wedding day, but they can also bring in multicultural traditions (as seen with our bride Lauren and her THREE different Hindu wedding gowns). A little known fact is that white gowns weren’t typically worn by brides until after Queen Victoria worn a stunning white lace gown for her marriage to Albert Saxe-Coberg in 1840. Before this iconic wedding, brides tended to select different colored dresses (with black being an incredibly popular shade in Scandinavia). With so many options from bridal designers, we love when brides take a jump and choose something not only different than the norm, but something that brings out their personalities. Some of our fave dress designers (both near and far) that specialize in gowns of all hues include:
Chosen by One Day
Terese Rose Designs
Grace Loves Lace
Watters
Monique Lhuillier

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

Zach + Coli, an Old Town Albuquerque Wedding

This August, we were lucky enough to witness an incredibly genuine, intentional wedding between two souls that were definitely made for one another, Zach and Coli.

These lovers came all the way from San Francisco to share the next chapter of their story here in Albuquerque with their closest friends and family. Everything about this day was done with love and sincerity, from the intimate ceremony at Hotel Albuquerque’s San Isidro de Capilla to the very last moments of the most gorgeous garden reception at Casa de Sueños. Zach and Coli’s simple details let their love take center stage and we were so honored to capture this once in a lifetime kind of love. There was something so pure and out of the ordinary when both Zach and Coli cried during their first dance to “Bloom” by Paper Kites surrounded by the most important people in their lives in the most heavenly golden hour light. These two were a gentle reminder of how powerful love can be, we know that they are destined for forever!

Zach + Coli, thank you for sharing your day and your amazing love with us, we’re beyond grateful.

Vendors
Prep + Ceremony Venue - San Isidro de Capilla at Hotel Albuquerque
Reception Venue - Casa de Sueños
Invitations + Paper Goods - Basic Invite
Florals - Florecita Flowers
Hair + Makeup - by Bride
Bridal Gown - Jenny Yoo Collection + BHLDN
Bride’s Earrings - Forme and Sens
Bride’s Shoes - ASOS
Groom’s Suit - Bonobos
Groom’s Tie - Mango
Groom’s Shoes - Clark’s Shoes
Catering - Blue Plate Catering
Cakes - Bizzy B Cakes
Napkins - World Market
Lead Photographer - Alicia
Second Photographer - Bre
Assistant - Cameron


Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspiration - Non Traditional Wedding Gowns

If you know one thing about our little wedding team its that we’re complete suckers for all the gorgeous bridal details. One of our favorite trends we’ve been capturing more and more are unique, non-traditional wedding dresses. Whether its something as simple as selecting a blush-tone or cream dress to a more modern two-piece wedding gown (either of the matching and mix/matching set variety) to a super non-traditional caftan gown, there’s something out there for every bride wanting to shake it up on her special day. Move over pure white wedding gowns, we’ve rounded up our favorite, spot-light stealing gowns that are anything but ordinary.

Wedding Gown Designers
Blush Toned Off-The-Shouler Gown - Mia Solano at Luv Bridal
Blush Two Piece Crop Top + Tulle Skirt - Grace Loves Lace
Red Ombre Skirt + Blue Grey Ombre Skirt - Sweet Caroline Styles
Leather Mrs Jacket - Wild Rose Creative
Caftan Dress - New Crop Shop
Cream + Beaded Gown - ModCloth
Purple/Grey Gown - David’s Bridal

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

Matthew + Alysia, an El Monte Sagrado Wedding

Long before tying the knot in a gorgeous winter wedding in northern New Mexico, Matthew and Alysia first met while attending Cibola High School in Albuquerque, NM. At the time, these lovers were nothing more than friends before parting ways after graduation (Alysia went to Minnesota to pursue collegiate soccer and Matthew to Delaware for the start of his military career). Shortly after, the pair met up during a summer in New Mexico and instantly became inseparable, but decided to remain friends for the following two years. However, fate had other plans and when Alysia visited Matthew at his military station in Hawaii, they decided to give their whirlwind relationship a go. Alysia moved to The Aloha State and three years later, Matthew proposed to her! They brought their love story full circle with a stunning wedding in Taos, New Mexico this past February! We loved their moody, yet classic day at the historic El Monte Sagrado. Congrats babes, we adored being a part of your day!!

Vendors
Venue - El Monte Sagrado
Hair + Makeup - Genica Lee
Bridal Boutique - Lovely Bridal Charleston
Groom's Attire - Express + ASOS
Videography - Moonstreet Pictures

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