Joseph + Nhi, a Divine Desert Engagement

Our sweet angel Nhi is get hitched next year and damn are we excited for it. Nhi and her sweet fiancé Joseph are starting their next chapter together with a beach-side day in Cancun and we already know its gonna be the party of the century!

These lovebirds first met almost four years ago at a downtown block party and have been together ever since. Joseph proposed to Nhi in early 2021 and these cuties just knew that their journey together just had to kick off in Mexico!

We adore the way these two love each and are deeply inspired by their sweet little story. Nhi loves how Joseph brings so much joy into her life every single day (he even makes her breakfast in bed, so major #husbandgoals right here) while Joseph loves how comfortable Nhi makes him feel and he’s a huge fan of how she lights up every room.

Joseph and Nhi’s stunning desert engagement sessions was one of our absolute favorite evenings this year, we can’t wait to celebrate with them in 2022!!!

Location - New Mexico
Engagement Ring - Brilliant Earth
Bride’s Dress - SHEIN
Hair + Makeup - by bride
Photographer - Alicia

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Alex + Shannon, a Colorful Desert Engagement

If there’s one way to spend a dreamy evening, its with one of the most stellar couples ever. Alex and Shannon’s engagement session was full of color, laughs, and the most stunning mountain views!

These cuties first met while both studying art at The University of New Mexico and their love blossomed during long coffee dates and endless rounds of 21 questions. Nearly 7 years later, these lovers are sooo freaking ready to throw the party of the century at The Albuquerque Museum (they say its going to have a ton of “Beyonce rents out the Louve” vibes!).

We can’t wait to have a blast with Alex and Shannon next year, see you in 2022 babes!!!

Location - New Mexico
Ring - Porter Gulch
Photographer - Bre

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Davis Family, a Precious White Sands Session

Earlier this summer, we headed to Southern New Mexico for a pretty evening at White Sands National Park with the Davis family. These three were the absolute sweetest to capture, we’re fully obsessed with family sessions at National Parks.

We braved some of the craziest weather with the Davis family, but dang was it worth. We captured the moodiest skies over White Sands and it was truly something incredibly unique. Bring on all the sessions at all the insanely pretty locations!!!!

Location - White Sands National Park
Hair + MUA - Genica Lee
Photographer - Alicia

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Michael + Kieu-Vi, an Ethereal White Sands Engagement

When Houston sweethearts Michael and Kieu-Vi reached out to us about capturing their gorgeous engagement at White Sands National Park, we knew it would be an unreal evening. These two and their love for each other were an absolute dream to witness and we’re clearly still up in the clouds over this session.

These lovers have been together for almost 11 years and Michael was even Kieu-Vi’s first boyfriend! They were immediately smitten with each other when they first met and haven’t been apart since. Together they’ve learned to love the individual growth they’ve experienced after a whole decade of love. Michael and Kieu-Vi are making it last name official this fall in Houston.

We adore all of the breathtakingly beautiful evenings we get to spend at White Sands, cheers to even more magic at this gem of a location.

Location - White Sands National Park
Photographer - Bre

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

Garrett + Kyla, a Captivating Desert Engagement

On the dreamiest June evening we got to hang out with longtime sweethearts Garrett and Kyla at one of our favorite little spots in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. These cuties were seriously everything and more.

Besides this engagement being one of the dreamiest, were were so excited to get a quiet evening alone with Garrett and Kyla during their wedding week. They made it official with an incredibly romantic, super colorful celebration at Four Seasons Santa Fe.

We can’t wait to share all the beauty from these lovers’ wedding, but until then we’ll be right here obsessing over their amazing engagement.

Location - Albuquerque Foothills, New Mexico
Makeup - Madeline McCue
Photographer - Ashley

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Colin + Amber, a Dreamy Desert Engagement

We started off our summer engagements with these little darlings at a coveted spot in all the Southwest. Colin and Amber made this sweet evening so dang fun and beautiful.

The two first met on a dating app about 4 years ago and immediately hit it off with their mutual love for all things outdoors and being total homebodies (the best combination— in our opinion). A few years, and many fur babies later, these sweethearts are making it last name official with a gorgeous garden-inspired wedding at Amber’s grandfather’s home in the heart of Albuquerque's North Valley.

We can’t wait to capture all of the magic this fall with Colin and Amber!!!

Location - New Mexico
Hair + Makeup - Savannah of Betty Rose by Alanna
Photographer - Ashley

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Doug + Ray, a Romantic Desert Engagement

Earlier this spring we got to hang out with Doug and Ray for a whole evening and dang was it such an amazing night. These San Francisco hunnies are tying the knot in Santa Fe this fall, but we loved seeing them out in the wilds of New Mexico for the most gorgeous engagement session.

These two have been together for almost 7 years and first met in college, they even shared their first kiss at a Childish Gambino concert! All these years later, Ray and Doug still love doing new things together from skiing to playing pickle ball to trying all the amazing foods out there.

Doug and Ray are making their love story official with a dreamy Southwestern wedding complete with a ceremony at the historic Cathedral Basilica de Saint Francis of Assisi and a huge party at La Posada de Santa Fe. We can’t wait to celebration with these west coast babes in The City Different this October!!!

Location - New Mexico
Makeup - Ashley of Betty Rose by Alanna
Photographer - Alicia

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Rudy + Deana, a Desert Engagement

Our pretty spring engagement season started with long-time Texas lovers Rudy and Deana. These babes traveled all the way from the Lone Star State with their fur baby, Belle, for a breezy, yet completely beautiful evening in the desert.

Rudy and Deana first met over five years ago and even though they started off as friends, they eventually started dating and have been together ever since. They went to the same college, have a shared friend group, and even worked together for a bit. These hunnies are making it official up in Oregon with an intimate Cannon Beach wedding later on this year.

This evening with these cuties was nothing short of a dream, we’re still so obsessed with Rudy and Deana. Cheers to all the dreamy lovers and to the most stellar Southwestern evenings in our favorite desert spot!

Location - New Mexico
Hair + Makeup - Genica Lee
Photographer - Alicia

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Where to Elope in New Mexico - Adventurous Locations

If last year showed us anything, its that you can elope literally anywhere in beautiful old New Mexico. Our couples traded luxe venues and typical wedding days for stunning desert landscapes and national parks, and lets just say that none of that wedding day magic was lost.

With the pandemic forcing so many couples to either postpone or drastically change their plans, so many of our lovers took their nuptials outside to some of the most epic locations. From White Sands National Park’s ethereal atmosphere to the unreal rock formations of White Mesa to the beautiful, yet tangible history of Pecos National Historical Site, our couples took us on some of our favorite adventures of all time.

Even as slightly bigger weddings start to return to our lives, we’re hopeful that couples will still opt for some of the stellar, natural locations in our gorgeous Southwest home. We’re so beyond ready for even more adventurous love stories all over the place!!!

Featured Locations + Love Stories
Owen + Amelia at Elena Gallegos Open Space
Ben + Chelsey at White Sands National Park
Jimmy + Maggie at Pecos National Historical Site
Travis + Rahni at White Mesa
Gabe + Amy in Grants
Brad + Kenna at White Mesa
Christian + Kristal in Santa Fe

Elopements by Alicia and Ashley of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Inspo - Engagement + Wedding Rings

Every single season we’re awestruck over the stellar wedding details our couples bring front and center to their celebrations, so its no surprise that we’re consistently blown away by all of the stunning rings we get to see up close and personal. No matter how dainty or how elegant, every single ring catches our eye.

Whether its a classic square-cut diamond, a uniquely shaped sapphire, or even a Southwestern inspired turquoise piece, every single ring out there is our favorite. We love seeing how how couples express their love and joy for one another, and for their new beginning, with something as simple as their rings.

We already know that 2021 is going to bring the heat when it comes to wedding day jewels and we’re so dang excited to see all the pretty details!

Featured and Favorite Jewelers + Designers
Mociun
Vrai
Ooh Aah Jewelry
Sarah O Jewelry
Shiprock Santa Fe
Samantha Louise Jewelry
Patina Gallery
Tumble
Kristin Coffin Jewelry
Scenic Route Co
Mark’s Diamonds
Albuquerque Gold and Silver
Harold Finkle
Peyote Bird Designs
James Allen
Etsy

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

Ben + Chelsey, a White Sands Elopement

Last October we took a quick day trip down to heaven on earth, aka White Sands National Park, for the most serene evening with Ben and Chelsey. We were so incredibly inspired by the soft, yet powerful love these two souls hold for each other and were so excited to capture their elopement.

Out among the endless sea of white, rolling, sand dunes Ben and Chelsey (along with their sweet pup Doug!) made their love and commitment to each other a forever thing. Hearing their words of affirmation and joy for each other was a moment that touched us deeply and one that we will always hold so close to us. After their short, yet wonderful ceremony, we spent the most peaceful evening capturing Ben and Chelsey in those very first magical moments of marriage.

We are so beyond grateful to have crossed paths with two of the most kind human beings on the planet, cheers to so many more years of love and exploring life together Ben and Chelsey!

Vendors
Location - White Sands National Park
Rings - Scenic Route Co
Bride’s Jumpsuit - BHLDN
Bride’s Earrings - Holly Yashi
Groom’s Attire - Vintage
Photographer - Alicia
Assistant - Jaclyn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Adam + Shubha, a Desert Engagement

East coast lovers Adam and Shubha might be new to the Southwest, but we’re so beyond excited for these babes to kick off their next chapter in New Mexico. We loved hanging with them on this chilly, but completely gorgeous desert evening!

Even though they didn’t know each other for long, Adam and Shubha knew their love was meant to be from the very beginning. They initially met in Baltimore, MD and after exploring their city (and Canada and Seoul and London!) together, these hunnies decided to keep exploring side-by-side for the rest of their lives. Once Adam received a job offer in the Southwest, they knew it was time for a brand new beginning.

We’re so beyond excited to celebrate with these two this spring high up in the mountains at Four Seasons Santa Fe!

Location - New Mexico
Photographer - Bre

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Caleb + Erin, an Enchanting Desert Engagement

In the middle of last fall, we got to hang out with long-time sweethearts Caleb and Erin on one of the gorgeous evenings of all. We adored soaking up every last second with these Nebraska cuties and hearing all about their amazing little journey together.

Even though Caleb and Erin sort-of knew each other in college, they didn’t officially meet until after graduation when they were both out on the town with mutual friends. Caleb immediately caught Erin’s eye and after a few drinks (and some shameless flirting), Erin made her move with a kiss at closing time (we LOVE this power move). And the next day, Caleb texted Erin thus beginning their wonderful little love story.

About four years and two dogs later, Caleb proposed during a hike in Albuquerque in the middle of March 2020. Erin said yes, but had to journey back home to Nebraska where she was still living at the time. However, these two didn’t get to see each for ten whole weeks when everything completely shut down due to the pandemic. After weathering some of the worst of 2020, these two officially made Albuquerque their home and started planning their next chapter together.

We can’t wait for Caleb and Erin’s beautiful Hacienda Doña Andrea wedding this fall, cheers to these cuties and to going the distance for love!

Vendors
Location - New Mexico
MUA - Ashley of Betty Rose by Alanna
Bride’s Dresses - Wolf & Badger, Express
Groom’s Attire - Express
Photographer - Alicia

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

Gabe + Amy, a Breathtaking Desert Anniversary Session

One trend starting to pick up this year that we simply cannot get enough of is styled anniversary shoots. Whether its a celebration of one year of marriage or fifteen years, we adore when couples wanna pull out all of the stops to celebrate their love story year after year. A few months ago, Gabe and Amy celebrated their ten year wedding anniversary and dang was it a stunner.

We met up with these lovebirds in the middle of the desert and we were absolutely blown away by the details these two brought to this dazzling September evening. To celebrate ten whole years of marriage, three adorable kids, and two amazing careers together, Gabe and Amy brought a whole lot of whimsical glam to their little shoot. From not one but two gorgeous gowns from Dalliance Bespoke (especially that dreamy jade toned one) to the softest, most beautiful glam by Alanna and Jayce of Betty Rose by Alanna to a killer florals by Rose Rebels Floral Designs, these lovers know how to take an anniversary shoot to the next freaking level. And if all of those striking details weren’t enough, Gabe and Amy ended the evening by cracking open Marble Brewery beers at the top of the most divine rock formation.

Congrats on a whole decade of love cuties, we can’t wait to see what the next ten years brings for you guys!

P.S. - Couples, please please hop on this anniversary idea because we’re beyond obsessed with it.

Vendors
Location - New Mexico
Florals - Rose Rebels Floral Designs
Hair - Jayce of Betty Rose by Alanna
Makeup - Alanna of Betty Rose by Alanna
Bride’s Dresses - Dalliance Bespoke
Bride’s Hat - Gigi Pip
Bride’s Earrings - Root and Feather
Groom’s Attire - Tommy Hilfiger, Bonobos, and Men’s Wearhouse
Brews - Marble Brewery
Photographer - Alicia

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Tyler + Taylor, a Styled Anniversary Session

When our girl Taylor, aka one of ALP’s amazing assistants, told us that she was planning a styled shoot to celebrate one whole year of marriage to her husband Tyler, we knew it had to be absolutely stunning. Even after we were initially rained out due to that New Mexico monsoon weather, we were still able to pull off this beautiful August evening.

Long before they were married and even before they went off to separate colleges, Tyler and Taylor were high school sweethearts. They met in a marketing class at La Cueva High School and according to Taylor, Tyler had that “swoopy boy band hair and brown eyes” that instantly caught her attention. A mutual friend in the class gave these two the ultimate excuse to get to know each other. That same year, Tyler asked Taylor to Homecoming and they’ve been together ever since. Taylor eventually went off to college in Texas to pursue a degree to Biology and to play colligate soccer while Tyler stayed in New Mexico to study pre-med. After about 3 years of long-distance, Tyler moved to Austin and they lived there together for 1 year before moving back to Albuquerque.

After many years of love, these two finally tied the knot in August of 2019 in Santa Fe. One of their biggest wedding themes was Paulo Coehlo’s The Alchemist, a book that they both read during their years apart in college. For these two, it was the perfect summation of their love story and how distance and time don’t always have to be the great decider in a love story, sometimes we get to make those choices and take those chances.

Tyler and Taylor currently live in Albuquerque with their gorgeous huskies Dash, the very sassy and very fluffy one, and Nyx, the snuggly sweetheart. Taylor also doubles as a styling and wedding day assistant for our girl Lauren of Just Lovely Weddings and Tyler is in his last year of med school before these two move for his residency(!!!!!).

Even though that New Mexico weather was working against us for this shoot and forced us to reschedule, we still did the damn thing. We were so beyond grateful for our angel Kim of Something Ginger for creating the most stellar glam not one, but two days in a row, for Floral Fetish with that beautiful bouquet, and Darling Details for letting us borrow a bit of magic for the evening. We adored how Taylor and Tyler not only planned the best outfits, but wore their actual wedding attire for the first half of the shoot (because why the heck not?!).

We’re so inspired by Tyler and Taylor’s enduring love for each other, for life, and for showing us that love really can withstand it all if you give it a chance.

Vendors
Location - New Mexico
Planning + Design - Taylor of Just Lovely Weddings
Florals - Floral Fetish
Rentals - Darling Details
Hair + MUA - Kim of Something Ginger
Rings - Kristin Coffin Jewelry + Samantha Louise Jewelry
Ring Box - Written in Ribbons
Bridal Gown - Willowby by Watters
Bridal Boutique - Blue Bridal Boutique (Denver, CO)
Bride’s Shoes - Vans
Bride’s Red Dress - Cleobella
Bride’s Hat - Goorin Bros
Groom’s Shirt - ASOS
Cake - Honey & Salt Cake Co.
Photographer - Alicia
Assistant - Jaclyn

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Tim + Noelle, a Rad Couples Session in the Desert

If you know anything about us, you know that we LOVE hanging with the raddest couples around and we love running around in the desert with them even more. Spending the most perfect evening with Tim and Noelle, the coolest lovers around, was literally how we’d want to spend every single week night forever.

These hot babes have been married for 2 years, but dang do they just give off those madly-in-love feels. They brought their killer style and downright unreal power couple vibes to one of our fave spots, so yeah, we’re just a little obsessed. If you’re looking for married couple inspo, just take a glance at these two because Tim and Noelle only have eyes for each other and wow is it truly captivating to see.

So grateful to have crossed paths with these two for most crazy beautiful session in NM. Hey Tim and Noelle, we’re gonna need to make some more magic with you guys real soon!

Location - New Mexico
Photographer - Alicia

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Mai-ly, a Senior Session in the Bosque

This year we’ve had even more time for senior sessions and we couldn't help but throw it back to one of our all time favorite sessions from a few years ago!

We adventured out into the Bosque with beautiful Mai-ly for the most gorgeous little evening. From the prettiest views (cue those stunning Sandias and patches of tall desert grass) to Mai-ly’s amazing outfits, we love love love when seniors bring their absolute A-game to sessions.

We’re so excited to capture even more seniors in our favorite New Mexico places!

Location - New Mexico
Photographer - Alicia

Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography