Andrew + Deanna, an Elegant Downtown Wedding

Although weddings in 2020 may have been much smaller than we could’ve imagined, not an ounce of magic was lost. Even after New Mexico sweethearts Andrew and Deanna rescheduled their wedding (and then rescheduled it again), they still created the most beautiful, intimate day filled with love for each other.

Long before a global pandemic and even longer before these two even began planning their happily ever after, Andrew and Deanna first met by chance through a serendipitous connection between Andrew’s sister and one of Deanna’s closest friends. After these two gals decided that Andrew and Deanna should meet, Andrew’s sister played matchmaker to set up the future lovebirds. Andrew and Deanna eventually went on their first date at Le Trouqet, a French restaurant, followed by drinks at Hotel Andaluz (two places that also made it into their wedding day!!!) in Downtown Albuquerque and the rest is history. Right from the beginning, these two knew their connection was the real deal and something beyond compare.

A few years down the road in October 2019, Andrew proposed to Deanna on the front porch of her college sorority, The University of New Mexico’s Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter. The proposal, a total surprise to Deanna, not only involved one of the most memorable places in her life, but Andrew made sure that all of their close friends and family member were there to celebrate with them. And, being absolute husband goals, Andrew even called Deanna’s hairstylist the day before (!!!!!) to make sure his future finance looked and felt absolutely beautiful for their moment.

Originally aiming for a spring wedding, Andrew and Deanna opted to push back their wedding to the fall after the pandemic shut down the entire world. Yet, despite all the challenges of 2020, these two still started their next chapter together in the most wonderful way. Andrew and Deanna tied the knot with a small wedding at the ever divine Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in downtown Albuquerque followed by a dreamy fall reception at the place where it all began for them, Hotel Andaluz. And even though they were only able to celebrate with a few close friends and family members, their day was one for the books.

While 2020 had halted their initial plans, Andrew and Deanna still pulled out all of the stops for one of the most memorable weddings of the year. Deanna channeled a little bit of modern glam with a whole lot of classic elegance for a bridal look that we’re still day dreaming about. From her ethereal Martina Liana gown (which looked beyond perfect next to Andrew’s sleek black suit) to her epic veil to the tiny vintage details she included, Deanna brought in an amazing amount of intentional beauty to her day.

After their nuptials, we got to steal Deanna and Andrew away for some of the most incredible romantics all over downtown. From murals to iconic downtown architecture spots to the restaurant where they had their first date, Andrew and Deanna took us all over to capture their first moments of absolute newlywed bliss together. And if that wasn’t enough, these babes brought a vintage Mercedes Benz along with them for the most insanely gorgeous, straight-out-of-a-film romantics on a nearby rooftop. They capped off this dream of a day with a quiet reception filled with stunning florals by Floral Fetish and impeccable designs from Darling Details. We loved watching these two soak in all of the special reception moments with their closest loved ones and finally getting to make it last name official.

We were absolutely blown away by Andrew + Deanna’s love for each other and their determination to make the beginning of their new chapter together as beautiful and meaningful as possible. Cheers babes, we loved being a part of your gorgeous day!

Vendors
Venues - Hotel Andaluz + The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Rentals - Darling Details
Florals - Floral Fetish
Paper Goods - Funky Olive Design
Rings - James Allen
Hair - Waves Salon
Makeup - Ashlynne Padilla
Bridal Gown - Martina Liana
Bridal Boutique - Ella Blu Bridal
Bride’s Shoes - Badgley Mischka
Groom’s Attire - J.Crew
Cake - Cake Fetish
Cookies - Wren Made
Vintage Car - Santa Fe Classic Limo
Guest Transportation - Albuquerque Trolley Co
Reception Lighting - Black Swan Events
Videographer - Southwest Wedding Films
Lead Photographer - Ashley
Second Photographer - Melanie
Assistant - Taylor

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Andrew + Shay, an Intimate Backyard Wedding

While 2020 may have been the year that redefined weddings, it certainly wasn’t the year that changed anything about love. We were lucky enough to capture Andrew and Shay’s newest chapter in their whirlwind romance and dang was it the most stunning fall day!

Andrew and Shay first met in Cancun, Mexico in November of 2019 while separately attending the wedding of mutual friends and in a straight-out-of-a-movie story, these two immediately gravitated towards one another. During their time together, whether they spent it walking on the beach or dancing the nights away, these two quickly fell head-over-heels in love. At the end of their stay in Mexico, these two decided to take a chance on love and jump into a long distance relationship (of about 1,500 miles away from each other)! As sweet Shay once told us of hers and Andrew’s romance, “when it's for the right person no distance could be far enough”. Truthfully, Andrew and Shay’s connection wasn’t just love at first sight, this was soulmates at first sight.

After about 6 months of being together, Andrew and Shay knew that they were beyond ready to make it last name official. They decided to celebrate their love in Shay’s home state of New Mexico before making the move to West Virginia to start their new beginning together. On the most beautiful fall day, these lovers said “I do” in in the quaint, historic, Blessed Nativity Catholic Church in Albuquerque surrounded by only their closest loved ones. They followed up their intimate ceremony with the prettiest little candlelit backyard reception. And thanks to the amazing fall weather, we were able to steal these two away for some gorgeous romantics in the desert.

We were so blown away by Andrew and Shay’s love for one another, cheers to finding your soulmate against all odds and taking a leap of faith for love!

Vendors
Venues - Blessed Nativity Catholic Church + Private Home
Florals - The Flower Company
Vow Books - Ivory and Sage Co
Ring Box - The Family Joolz
Makeup - Mariah Luu
Bridal Gown - Maggie Sottero
Bridal Boutique - Bridal Elegance by Darlene
Bridesmaid Dresses - Birdy Grey
Groom + Groomsmen Suits - Suits Unlimited
Cake Topper - Raw Krft
Photographer - Alicia
Assistant - Jaclyn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - Wedding Planning Advice from Just Lovely Weddings

If there’s one thing we’ve learned so far in 2020, its to expect the unexpected and to embrace joy where we find it. Luckily for us, and for a ton of our couples, Lauren of Just Lovely Weddings and Darling Details Rentals has been an absolute angel in guiding everyone through it all.

This wedding coordinator queen gave us some insight on what couples are doing to still celebrate love during a pandemic, how to deal with planning a wedding/elopement in the face of uncertainty, and what to expect in the future of weddings!

Alicia Lucia Photography: Long before 2020 and all of its challenges, how did Just Lovely Weddings and Darling Details Rentals come to be?

Just Lovely: I got started with events in 2012, when I worked as a catering manager for a small hotel. I had a series of similar roles in the industry until early 2015, when I started Just Lovely and took on my first wedding that summer. It’s crazy to think that 2020 would’ve been/is my 6th season as an independent wedding planner & coordinator. Near the end of 2016 an industry colleague asked me if I wanted to take over Darling Details, and I have been working to grow our rental collection since then. I’ve loved being a part of so many special days, sometimes for both Just Lovely & Darling Details, and sometimes for just one or the other. 

ALP: With the major shifts of 2020, what are more and more weddings starting to look like?

JL: Every wedding is different, and the needs of each couple reflects that. None of us wanted this to happen, and it’s just terrible for everyone. I am so grateful that most of our clients have decided to postpone, but I also get why some couldn’t. A lot of couples have decided to elope this year and have a party later on when they feel it’s safe. Some have decided to downsize significantly and have very intimate ceremonies and go to dinner after. The best decision right now is the one that feels most comfortable to the couple. 

ALP: How is Just Lovely changing and pivoting during this time?

JL: My biggest goal in all of this has been to show up for our affected clients, providing advice and basically just guiding them through this challenging situation and showing them that they aren’t alone. We’ve helped them move dates and also transition to elopements. This is new territory for all of us and I am grateful to be in a position where I can guide my couples on the best options for them. 

ALP: How should/can couples plan a wedding during a pandemic?

JL: My advice is to trust your feelings. Planning right now is a challenge due to uncertainty, so if you’re starting to feel stressed or anxious about your date (and if gatherings will be allowed then) start to consider a backup plan and discuss options with your vendors. Also, the wedding industry has taken such a hit, so try to be patient with your vendors. Most of us are in this industry because it’s where our hearts are, and our lives have been turned upside down. Any grace that we’re shown is appreciated even more right now. 

ALP: How do you think this is going to change the industry? 

JL: With only smaller celebrations being allowed, many couples have had to transition to more intimate gatherings than they would’ve originally considered. I think that this shift has started to show couples that, truly, all that’s needed to get married is a couple of witnesses and an officiant. Everything else should be fun, so hopefully this will alleviate some of the pressure to plan in the future, and help guide couples to plan events that are meaningful to them.

ALP: What has been the hardest part of this pandemic for your business? And, conversely, what has been the most rewarding part for Just Lovely?

JL: The hardest part has been our hearts breaking for our couples whose plans changed overnight; they had to make some really tough decisions, but at the end of the day I think they all did what was best for them and their guests. The second hardest part has been losing the majority of our income for the year, for both businesses, while expenses did not change. 

The most rewarding part has been seeing the value of what a planner does, and how much we can truly help the couples we work with. Also, forcing myself to consider different sources of revenue and opportunities will make the businesses stronger in the long run. 

ALP: What are your goals for Just Lovely past this pandemic and into the future?

JL: My goal past the pandemic is to continue to show up for our couples. I have been thinking a lot about how I can provide more resources and more value, and have been working on new processes and content to be able to do that. In the future, I would also love to get into planning more corporate events as well!


ALP: Finally what do you miss the most about big weddings? And what do you love the most about little weddings?

JL: I love weddings of all sizes! What I miss most about weddings in general is seeing the love and friendship that surrounds a couple on their wedding day - that’s what is most important. I feel like there has been this pressure to live up to this standard of weddings that was exhausting for everyone. I hope that at the end of this we all just remember that weddings are celebrations, and they’re meant to be fun and filled with love.

Featured Weddings + Styled Shoots by Just Lovely Weddings
David + Lauren at La Fonda on the Plaza
Whimsical Wedding Inspo in Albuquerque, NM
Ashwin + Lauren, a Catholic-Hindu Wedding In Santa Fe
Desert Romance Styled Elopement at Los Poblanos
Intimate Desert Compass Wedding in Old Town Albuquerque (coming soon to the blog)
Tyler + Cassie, a La Posada Wedding
Geoff + Jocelyn, a Hacienda Doña Andrea Wedding
Michael + Lucia, a Los Poblanos Wedding
Drew + Lauren, a La Mesita Ranch Wedding
Michael + Caitlin, an Old Town Wedding
Tyler + Jordan, a La Fonda on the Plaza Wedding
Shane + Megan, a Backyard Albuquerque Wedding


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

Fathers' Day with ALP's Favorite Dads

Today more than ever we want to give a little extra love to all of the amazing dads, father figures, and dads-to-be that we’ve met over the years!

Wedding days are that much more special because of these wonderful men and all the love and guidance they bring our couples on their big days and beyond! We love getting to see all of the father-daughter first looks (and even a few flower girl and groom first looks with our grooms who are already lucky enough to be dads!), those emotional walks down the aisle, and of course parent dances during receptions.

Cheers to all the incredible fathers out there, our world is that much better because of your love and kindness!

Featured Weddings
Jake + Angela at Sandia Event Center
Stuart + Kelly at Los Poblanos (coming soon to the blog)
Morgan + Mattie at Las Campanas
Adam + Jill at Los Poblanos
Ashwin + Lauren at the Inn and Spa at Loretto and La Posada de Santa Fe
Gustav + Jackie at Los Poblanos
Garrett + April at Casa Perea Art Space
Chris + Ari at Los Poblanos
Patrick + Niki at Enchanted Vine Barn
Jordan + KC at La Fonda on the Plaza
Ben + Emilee at Sandia Event Center
Zach + Coli at Hotel Albuquerque and Casas de Suenos
Michael + Sarah at La Fonda on the Plaza
Drew + Lauren at La Mesita Ranch
John + Anna at La Fonda on the Plaza
Qwist + Cara at Los Poblanos
Trey + Clara at a Private Estate in San Patricio, NM
Carter + Carrie at La Fonda on the Plaza
James + Lauren at Los Poblanos

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

Mother's Day with ALP's Wedding Day Mamas

If there’s one group of amazing women we appreciate more than anything, its all the incredible mamas out there! For us, Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate these incredible women, but honestly we want to make all of the mothers in our lives feel extra special everyday!

Due to all of our pretty weddings and elopements, we’ve met some beyond wonderful mamas. From mothers of the brides and grooms, to stepmoms, to mother-in-laws, to grandmothers to mother figures, we’ve witnessed so many angelic women make wedding days that much more beautiful with their love, compassion, and light.

Our team is made up of a strong group of gals and many double as badass mamas as well. We’re in awe of the mothers we’ve met on wedding days and the mothers we have in our very own lives. Cheers to being surrounded with so many stellar women, today and every single day of the year!

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

Wedding Inspo - Wedding Cakes

If you’ve been craving a sweet escape, we can’t help but mention that this blog is just for you! We’ve featured some of the most stunning cakes we’ve captured over the past two years and we’re still drooling over them.

From succulent accented beauties to bright and festive babes to the classic, yet pretty floral beauties, we gotta say that these cakes certainly had their own personalities (and some of them definitely stole the show). We love seeing when couples get super creative with wedding day details and its always such a treat to see how some of local baking beauties pull off these sweet masterpieces!

We’re still on a sugar high for some of these cakes so scroll through and find your new favorite sweet treat!!!

Featured Bakers
Maggie’s Wedding Cakes
Chocolate Maven
Simply Sweet by Darci
Mellow Cakery (formerly Maimie’s Cakes)
Bizzy B Cakes
Q’s Cakes & Sweet Boutique
Small Cakes
A Cake Odyssey
Emerald Pie Bar
Sassy Bakes (Heather of Los Poblanos)

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

Wedding Inspo - Groom Style Third Edition

While its true that we have a huge affinity for stellar bridal style on the blog, we can’t help but share a little bit of love with our stylish, dapper, and downright handsome grooms! Not only are these guys total on-camera knockouts, they’re also some of the kindest, most personable dudes you could ever ask for on wedding days!

We love a sleek, traditional black suit or tux, so how do grooms elevate this classic style? Our grooms have tapped into everything, from incorporating Southwestern flair with bolo ties or designer cowboy boots to adding personal touches like a cool pair of sunglasses or a surprise pop of color in their boutonniere or suit jacket lining!

And we’ve had plenty of grooms chose other colors for their wedding days suits as well including blue, grey, tan, and even mix-and-match colors! We’ve loved seeing how these guys dressed up colors other than black for their big day and adored seeing so many unique details including ties with tiny prints on them (from polka dots to florals) to broaches (instead of a traditional bow tie or tie) to opting for unique textures like wool.

Last season we saw an incredible variety of groom style and honestly we’re thrilled to see what our next guys have in store for us, we’re crossing our fingers for a few extra daring grooms with non-traditional suit colors! Until then, take a look at these wedding day hunks, we had the best time capturing each one of these wedding day hubbies!

A Few of Our Favorite Suit Designers + Shops
The Black Tux
Bonobos
ASOS
Mango
Ralph Lauren
Indochino
Suit Supply
Ted Baker
Lanieri
Neiman Marcus
Jos. A Bank
Banana Republic
J. Crew
Kenneth Cole
Hockerty
The Tie Bar
Tommy Hilfiger
Perry Ellis
Joseph Abboud
Men’s Wearhouse
Suits Unlimited

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

2019 Wedding Moments

To our 2019 couples,
As the year winds down and we get ready for brand new decade, we cna’t help but reflect on all of 2019’s stellar weddings! From the super intimate, heartfelt days to the incredible bashes full of life and amazing details, this season was truly one for the books.

From Southern New Mexico to Albuquerque to Santa Fe, we’ve been to some pretty incredible places and seen some amazing love stories. We adored each and every one of our couples, from our New York City cuties to our Las Cruces lovers to our stunning Santa Fe babes, this season has been full of love from across the U.S.! We can’t wait for what’s to come and we can’t help but thank these beyond amazing couples for letting us be a little part of their forever! We adore each and every one of you to the moon and back!

Love,
The Alicia Lucia Photography Team

Our 2019 Lovers
Trey + Clara Peter Hurd Guest House and a Private Residence in San Patricio, NM
Qwist + Cara at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Patrick + Niki at Enchanted Vine Barn
Geoff + Jocelyn at Hacienda Doña Andrea
Gustav + Jackie at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Garrett + April at Casa Perea Art Space
Carter + Carrie at La Fonda on the Plaza
James + Lauren at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Morgan + Mattie at Las Campanas
Adam + Jill at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Zach + Coli at Hotel Albuquerque and Casas de Suenos
Ashwin + Lauren at Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi and The Inn & Spa at Loretto
Ashwin + Lauren at La Posada de Santa Fe
Ryan + Jennifer at Sarabande Bed and Breakfast
Jake + Angela at Sandia Event Center
Pablo + Alejandrina at Old Town Albuquerque
John + Anna at La Fonda on the Plaza
Chris + Ari at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Jason + Ryan at Ghost Ranch
Ben + Emiliee at Sandia Event Center
Colton + Lindsey at Hyatt Tamaya
Drew + Lauren at La Mesita Ranch Estate
Jason + Natalie at La Fonda on the Plaza
Jordan + KC at Cristo Rey Catholic Church and La Fonda on the Plaza
Suraj + Celina at a Private Residence in Albuquerque, NM
Michael + Sarah at La Fonda on the Plaza (coming to the blog soon)
Bryan + Jennie at Loretto Chapel and Four Seasons Santa Fe
Brad + Kenna at Old Town Farm (coming to the blog soon)
Conner + Laura at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm (coming to the blog soon)

2019 Lead Photographers - Alicia Padilla, Ashley Shaw, Bre Bloomquist, and Brittany Miller
2019 Second Photographers - Cameron Storie, Melanie Montoya, Molly Morgan, and Brianna Archuleta
2019 Assistants - Jaclyn Younger, Cameron Storie, and Taylor DeJong

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Jordan + KC, a Cristo Rey and La Fonda Wedding

Fall weddings in Santa Fe are ALWAYS next level so we were beyond grateful when Jordan and KC asked us to capture their big day in New Mexico’s beautiful capital! A stunning ceremony at the ever historic Cristo Rey Catholic Church right off of the plaza, followed by the best party ever at La Fonda made this day sooo freaking amazing!!

They always say that you find love where you least expect it and Jordan + KC’s story brings that truth to the light. About 5 years ago, KC spotted Jordan at a local gym in Santa Fe and knew that she just had to get this hunk’s attention! She was leaving with a close friend (who happened to be a guy, but just a guy friend KC assures) and not wanting Jordan to mistake her friend for her boyfriend, KC snuck a cute little note with her phone number into Jordan’s gym locker! The rest is history because these lovers have been together ever since (ladies, let KC be your inspo for making the first move in 2020!) .

Fast forward to fall 2018 and these lovers were on a trip in Austin, TX for KC’s 30th birthday when Jordan surprised her with a proposal. He made sure that all of they friends were there for this major surprise!

One year later, Jordan and KC made it last name official with the prettiest, yet incredibly meaningful Santa Fe celebration. Opting out of a first look, these two got ready with their closest friends and then started off the day with an intimate ceremony at Cristo Rey Catholic Church (the same parish that KC was baptized at). We’ll (probably) never get over Jorden’s reaction to KC walking down the aisle or the unique beauty of this special church. We snuck off with these two for lots of dreamy romantics in some of our all-time favorite Santa Fe spots before capturing them twirling away on La Fonda’s terrace during blue hour. And if these babes couldn’t be even more fun, they not only danced to “Diamonds and Twine” by Ryan Hurd for their first dance, but they kicked off the party with a SECOND first dance to “All My Life” by KC n JoJo (pretty clever huh?!).

We can’t get enough of these genuine, kind, downright beautiful human beings! Jordan and KC, thank you for reminding us of why we love this sweet gig, we love capturing love!!! Cheers to many more years of being one of Santa Fe’s hottest couples!!! #KCnJoJoSayIDo

Vendors
Venues - Cristo Rey Catholic Church + La Fonda on the Plaza
Florals - Renegade Floral
Invitations + Signage - Minted
MUA - Marisa Lux Makeup
Hair - Chic Boutique by Julia and Krista Peterson
Bridal Gown - Lillian West
Bridal Boutique - The Dressing Room West
Bride’s Shoes - Vince Camuto from BHLDN
Gift Book - Love Book Online
Custom Rings - deBella Jewelry
Bridesmaid Dresses - Birdy Grey
Bridesmaids Gifts - Michael Kors + Birkenstock
Groom + Groomsmen Suits - Hockerty
Ties + Pocket Squares - The Tie Bar
Shoes - Cole Haan
DJ - John Edwards
Cake - Cake Odyssey
Lead Photographer - Alicia
Second Photographer - Bre
Assistants - Jaclyn + Taylor

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Ashwin + Lauren, a Hindu Wedding Celebration at La Posada de Santa Fe

Following the absolutely stunning traditional Catholic wedding in downtown Santa Fe, Ashwin and Lauren kept the celebration going with a Baraat, a Hindu wedding ceremony in which the groom travels on a white horse with a parade of family and friends to the wedding venue where the bride and her family awaits. We were so excited to capture this incredibly unique, yet beautiful tradition.

Ashwin kicked off the day in Cathedral Park, the garden area surrounding the Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi where he had celebrated part one of his marriage the day before, just as the sun was rising in Santa Fe. Once his white horse (named Gandalf!) arrived, Ashwin led a parade of his friends and family up the street to La Posada de Santa Fe, where Lauren and her family was waiting for him. After greeting Lauren’s parents at La Posada, Ashwin and the other guests were lead inside where a gorgeous mandap adorned with florals had been whipped up just for this day. Even though the ceremony is longer than most church weddings, the intricate traditions of it are beyond amazing to witness.

During the ceremony, the bride’s parents give away their daughter for marriage and floral garlands are exchanged between bride and groom to symbolize their acceptance of one another. Our dream bride Lauren started the day off in a gorgeous blue and purple sari (to symbolize her mother) and then changed into a vibrant red and organge sari (to represent her new husband’s family). After the ceremony, all of the guests were invited to the prettiest brunch and we got to spend just a little more time with these lovers. We loved that nearly every single person wore traditional Hindu saris or other colorful attire and to be honest, we’re OBSESSED with all of the bright, stunning colors. After this weekend, we wish that every single couple could have a two day long wedding weekend with all of the downright stunning traditions.

Cheers to this couple and their one-ofa-kind wedding celebration! SO grateful for sweet souls like Lauren and Ashwin, we loved celebrating this genuine, unforgettable love story!

For the first day of wedding celebration, click here.
This incredible weekend was also featured on Carats & Cake.

Vendors
Venue - La Posada de Santa Fe
Planning - Just Lovely Weddings
Florals - Floriography
Hindu Mandap - Simply Decor and Events
Traditional Sarees - Groom’s Family
Hair - Beauty Bar Santa Fe
MUA - Betty Rose by Alanna
Lead Photographer - Alicia
Second Photographer - Bre
Assistant - Jaclyn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Ashwin + Lauren, a Hindu-Catholic Wedding in Santa Fe

When sweet Lauren and Ashwin first reached out to us last summer about capturing their two day Catholic-Hindu wedding, we knew it would be like nothing we’ve ever been a part of before. This past Labor Day weekend, these kind souls tied the knot and celebrated the melding of two very different, but very beautiful cultures.

Lauren and Ashwin met, and eventually fell in love, while on call in a hospital while both working on their medical residency at Harvard in Boston, MA. Even though Ashwin, who was two years ahead of Lauren, went to Philadelphia, PA for his cardiology fellowship, these two not only made a long distance relationship work for three years (!), but their relationship became that much stronger. Ashwin surprised Lauren by proposing in his apartment right before dinner and the rest is history. In Lauren’s words, “We are truly best friends and love that we constantly make each other laugh and inspire each other to be the best versions of ourselves” We adore how much these two love and care for each other, something that was so tangible and beautiful throughout their weekend in Santa Fe.

Day one of Ashwin and Lauren’s wedding consisted of a traditional Catholic wedding at the historic Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, right in the heart of Santa Fe. Lauren blended super classic and gorgeous bridal details like her pastel bouquet and dreamy Pnina Tornai gown with stunning Henna on both her hands and feet. After their beautiful church wedding, Lauren + Ashwin and their guests were led to The Inn and Spa at Loretto by Mariachis (because what Santa Fe is complete without them?!). We got to spend an entire hour (!) with these lovers just strolling around the plaza and taking more gorgeous romantics than we ever could have asked for. With a whole lot of wedding day beauty, from Floriography’s stunning floral elephant (named Gus btw) and Maggie’s Wedding Cake’s bright and colorful Indian themed cake, along with the always stunning planning of Just Lovely Weddings, their reception was out of this world. They kicked it off with traditional speeches, cake cutting (Lauren cut the cake with a sword!), and a first dance, before changing into beautiful, traditional Hindu attire to party the rest of the night away! Lauren surprised Ashwin with a speech in his native Indian language and performed an Indian dance with her friends. Their reception included the best mix of Indian, American, and Latino music we’ve ever heard.

The first day of this incredible weekend was one that our team will never forget, we were so honored to capture such a tender, compassionate, and thoroughly genuine love story. Ashwin + Lauren, we love you and how much your love inspires us!!!

To see day two of this incredible wedding weekend click here.
This special weekend was also featured on Carats and Cake.

Vendors
Getting Ready Venue - La Posada de Santa Fe
Catholic Ceremony Venue - Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi
Reception Venue - Inn and Spa at Loretto
Planning - Just Lovely Weddings
Florals - Floriography
Hair - Jewel Hair Design
MUA - Betty Rose by Alanna
Bridal Gown - Pnina Tornai
Bridal Boutique - Kleinfeld Bridal
Bride’s Shoes - Mango
Jewelry - Vintage
Bridesmaids Gowns - Jenny Yoo Collection
Traditional Sarees - Groom’s Family
Cake - Maggie’s Wedding Cakes
Linens - BBJ Linen
Reception Music - Absolute Entertainment
Lead Photographer - Ashley
Second Photographer - Bre
Assisitant - Jaclyn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Ashwin + Lauren, a Snowy New Mexico Engagement

Earlier this year, we took full advantage of the wild snow storms New Mexico threw at us to capture the ever so sweet and serene Ashwin and Lauren. In something straight out of a movie, these lovebirds, who are also both physicians, met while working night shifts at a hospital in Boston. They slowly fell in love over late night snacks and even did a long distance relationship when Ashwin moved to Philadelphia for a cardiology residency. Lauren mentioned that her and Ashwin not only love laughing and bringing out the best in each other, but they’re also best friends. And after three years of loving each other, they’re soooo ready to make this a forever thing.

These babes will also be setting the bar for Santa Fe weddings sky high this Labor Day weekend with a two day celebration! They’ll kick of their forever with a New Mexico inspired, classic, elegant wedding at the iconic Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi off of the Santa Fe Plaza followed by a vibrant, colorful Hindu celebration (including a groom entrance on a white horse…real life fairytale much?!) in honor of Ashwin’s culture. We can’t even begin to describe just how excited we are for this giant, beautiful weekend!!

MUA - Bettyrose by Alanna

Engagement by Ashley of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography