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! 

A Sandia Mountain Crest Family Session

I was so happy to get the opportunity of photographing the precious Stormie family again! I had the best time doing their portraits earlier this year and i've never shot up at the crest in the snow, so when Cameron suggested a snowy mountain shoot for their winter session I was so excited! Oh, and I still can't get enough of their soft and sweet demeanor with each other, even as we were wrapping up they were still so loving and cute, goodness (see last photo)-- seriously so endearing! Love my time with this sweet family. 

Martina + Nick, a handmade Los Lunas ranch wedding

So happy to finally share this lovely DIY wedding. Martina and Nick, who met over a decade ago in high school, put so much thought and effort into the gorgeous details of their day. all the design elements were handmade, like the lawn games, wood rounds, and bar/keg the groom constructed. They wanted their wedding to have a very distinct character, and incorporating their personal style and aesthetic as a couple was a must! 

"We love being outdoors and wanted all of our guests to feel laid back and enjoy what the day was truly about, joy and love in the presence of each other’s company."

The ceremony was held at the historic immaculate conception church of tome, where martina's parents, as well as both sets of her grandparents, were married! following the ceremony, we photographed martina and nick on the family farm and fields in which Nick grew up working on.

When I asked Martina what her favorite wedding memory was, she shared:

"One of my absolute favorite memories from our wedding was our impromptu stop at our local burger joint, Circle T. It was completely random and so much fun to just sit with our wedding party and enjoy the comforts of a chocolate shake, fries and a burger! I will definitely be thanking Katrina (my bridesmaid), for a very long time for calling in that order!"

Congrats to the happy couple! we were honored to be a part of your beautiful day.

Vendors:

Wedding Gown: Bridal Elegance by Darlene

Groom’s attire: Shirt and vest from Men’s Warehouse

Bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN

Groomsmen: Shirts and bowties from Men’s Warehouse

Bouquets and Boutonnieres: Bloom Flowers in Los Lunas

Floral Arrangements on tables: Trader Joe’s and independent vendors from

Albuquerque

Catering: The Cube BBQ

Cupcakes & Cake: Cake etish

Wine: Camino Real Winery

Band: Silver String Band

Hair: Joylene Sanchez

Makeup: Charli Thompson 

Lawn Games: constructed by the groom; painted by both the Bride and The Groom

Outdoor Bar: constructed by the groom

Wood rounds: Groom

Lanterns: Pier 1

Table Runners: Joanne Fabrics; sewn by Rowena Chavez

White wedding cookies and biscochitos: Groom’s mom Alice Sanchez

Chocolate chip cookies: The Cube BBQ

Oreo cookies and snicker doodles: Chelle’s Sweets

Luxury restroom trailer- AAA Pumping

Videography-EmilyJoanne

Table and church flowers- Emeanuwa Flowers

Second shooter + Photographer’s Assistant: Emma Marie Photography + Crescynthia Padilla

Marissa + Steven, A Hyde Park Vow Renewal

We are so behind on blogging and it makes us so sad as we have so many beautiful weddings and sessions to share! 

Today we are featuring a sweet vow renewal from the mountains of Santa Fe, NM. Marissa and Steven reached out to us nearly 3 months before their planned celebration and we're so happy they did! It was a stunning day, from all the vintage details, to their easy and effortless love, it was all a joy to photograph.

Happy 9 years Marissa + Steven! 

3 tips on how to put together a stellar wedding show booth

Last week I was given the opportunity to participate in Albuquerque's Perfect Wedding guide Diamond Dash show! While I was excited to get this invitation, I was hesitant because the show was that coming weekend (Sunday) and I felt like I had no time to plan..... However, there was no way I was turning down such an awesome opportunity! Fast forward 5 days later, I shared a quick iPhone snap of my booth and instantly the questions, messages and emails poured in! They came from photographers and wedding vendors all over the world -- such gracious compliments, questions as to how we did it and requests on the vendors that helped me create my booth! So we decided to put a blog together about our experience and share with you, 3 tips on how to pull off a successful and eye catching booth in just 5 days!!

2015-11-10_0023.jpg

 1. FIND YOUR STYLE AND INSPO (with your dream bride/client in mind)

Now i'm no wedding designer or decorator and given the timeline, I didn't have the budget to hire one for my booth, so I started the "old fashioned way". I pulled inspiration from Pinterest and created a mood board with ideas and art that spoke to me. I also sketched out what I wanted our backdrop and booth to look like, all while keeping my target bride & her wedding in mind --- so, a shabby chic layout and whimsy floral arrangements were a must. I also knew that I wanted to incorporate some sort of wood background, so I scoured Pinterest and was so excited to come across this post. It was such a helpful guide and the best way to start the overall direction of my booth (thanks Amanda) and my amazing, supportive husband just rocked it out (he's the best, thanks babe)! Day one we purchased all the supplies at our local home depot (about $100), we assembled on day two, and by day three we painted and distressed the wood. Seriously so easy, affordable and incredibly easy to assemble/store/move!

A glass of wine was a must.

A glass of wine was a must.

2. CREATE AN INVITING SPACE 
I suppose I have a bit of an advantage with this one as I have already invested in cozy furnishings for my studio, but I still felt like I had to add details that represented me and my personal style. So, I highlighted my love for mixed metals by adding gold decor and copper signage as well as some scented candles (Anthropologie has the best ones). I'm also ridiculously obsessed with music, so I put together a modern yet romantic playlist (think Sleeping At Last meets Ellie Goulding meets the best SoundCloud covers ever) playing in the background! Lastly, I reached out to local vendors who were interested/ available to contribute their talents while still highlighting my brand. Floriography made a romantic garland and whimsy floral arrangement, Genesis Signs created an epic laser cut version of my sign, Ashley Hamilton Lettering did the sweetest chalkboard sign and 11x14 gold love quote, we passed out the most delicious gold brushed french macarons by NM Pie Company, and Wild + Free Calligraphy knocked it out of the park with the most beautiful copper signs!  I ordered some new mounted prints via my pro lab Miller's (Free overnight shipping -- wut wut!) and Julie Haider updated my marketing materials (her speediness was out of this world and I had the digital files that Monday afternoon to send to overnightprints.com -- they got here Friday)! Design Aglow was KEY in making sure I had the best of the best physical sample products (think gold glass usb drive, beautiful handcrafted albums, etc.) Brides LOVE being able to hold and feel tangible products. 

2015-11-10_0029.jpg

3. BE YOUR TRUE SELF + HAVE HONEST CONVERSATIONS
"Be You. Everyone loves you. Not the version you think you have to be" -- Karie Denny (wedding photographer extraordinaire) said this at a branding workshop I recently attended, and it really stuck with me. I chatted weddings, Adam Levine, and photography trends with so many incredible brides over wine, great music, and yummy smells... I was me, and I was happy! I encourage you to not be afraid to be your true self and make an honest effort into creating a great "booth" experience that will hopefully lead to your dream bride!

Big thanks to Brad with A Contrast In Light for the wide shot of my booth! #communityovercompetition 

Q, 2016 Albuquerque Academy Senior

A blog preview of the stunning Q! Graduating next spring from the Albuquerque Academy. Loved my time with her and her sweet momma, who makes a surprise cameo! View more of her gorgeous session and leave her some love below.
 

Katrina + Husayn, a Monte Sagrado Wedding

Katrina and Husayn, two of the kindest people I know! They got married on a beautiful overcast day at the stunning Monte Sagrado Resort in Taos, NM -- Husayn's home town! They met in college, officially at a UNM v. NMSU game in 2008 in Las Cruces, NM. However, they didn't begin dating until 2010.  Katrina, on a first date at Kelly's & Husayn working there at the bar and grill! Husayn decided to chat up Katrina, but no numbers were not exchanged till a few weeks later when she was back celebrating graduation with friends! This time, Husayn and Katrina exchanged numbers and the rest is history! 

Their day was lovely in every way, from Katrina's first look with her parents, to their intimate ceremony with the Taos mountains as their backdrop, to dancing the night away with the raddest music from their live band, Le Chat Lunatique --  it was the perfect day! 

Katrina and Husayn, I was incredibly honored to be your wedding photographer! Cheers to your forever kind of love!

Cake: Jocelyn's Cakes of Taos

Flowers: Nob Hill Flower Shop 

Band: Le Chat Lunatique 

Stationary: Magnet Street

Groomsmen attire: Men's Warehouse 

Bridesmaid attire: Custom made by Rowena Chavez 

Wedding music: Jacob Chavez 

Bride’s gown: David's Bridal

Venue: El Monte Sagrado

Videography: Avista Video

Peter + Jacquelyn, a Hyatt Tamaya Resort Wedding

Peter and Jacquelyn's beautiful Hyatt Tamaya Resort  wedding was on a perfect Saturday, September afternoon! Jacquelyn is one the absolute sweetest brides i've ever met and Peter is as equally amazing, so it was no surprise that their wedding was a darling celebration. During their reception, they honored their Polish roots with the sharing of the bread, an old Polish tradition. Their parents welcomed the newlyweds by presenting them with this blessed bread!

It was such a sweet wedding and I was honored to be a part of their special day! Congratulations to Peter and Jacquelyn, have a blast in Hawaii! 

 

Venue: Hyatt Regency Tamaya

Assistant Photographers: Jasmine Peralta + Jackie Marien

Floral: Stephanie Yardman Floral Design

Gown: Mori Lee Voyage

H/MU: C. Johnson Makeup

Photography: Alicia Lucia Photography

Wedding Invitation Suite: Wedding Paper Divas

Paper flowers: Brides mom, white ones were made with help from friends and family 

Dj/photobooth: Complete Music

Groomsmen suits: JcPenney

Bridesmaid attire: azazie.com

 

Corrales Family Session // Corrales, NM // Albuquerque Family Photographer

I had the best time with this sweet little family of three! Cameron and CJ have been together over a decade, and now, they have this precious little guy to add to the fun! It was great getting to know them and taking their family portraits was a breeze. Loved their natural chemistry!

Nathan + Deanna, a Delancey Street Ranch Wedding Ohkay Owingeh, NM

So much to share about Nathan and Deanna beautiful day -- truly a wedding photographers DREAM couple and wedding. From when we first met last fall, to their wedding day, they were so incredibly sweet, open minded, and kind-hearted! And their wedding day was no exception to the perfect reflection of their tender personalities. Simple and oh so incredibly sweet!

The couple chose the lush and enchanting Delancey Street as their venue. Surrounded by hanging vines, swan lakes, and weeping willows, the historic ranch made the most epic backdrop to exchange their vows. 

Deanna and Nathan, thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your greatest day, we are so excited share our favorites! Cheers to the newlyweds! 

Deanna and Nathan's Creative Team:

Gown: Alfred Angelo

Stationary: Wedding Paper Divas

Cake: Chocolate Maven Bakery & Cafe

Floral: Stephanie Yardman Floral Design

Dj- Gene Rael 

Bridesmaid attire- Alfred Angelo

Groomsmen attire: Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc.

Venue: Delancey Street

Assistant: Mikayla Strickland and Arielei Kizner

 

 

 

 

Aaron + Kathleen, an intimate Sandia Park wedding

Kathleen and Aaron met as teenagers in High School.

Aaron worked up the courage and took Kathleen out on what would be her first date, ever! Life took them on different paths and after many years apart, the universe pushed them back together -- and i'm so glad it did! 

Cheers to Kathleen and Aaron and their journey as husband and wife! 

Dress: 
BHLDN
Catering: Slate Street Cafe
Cake: Delaney Johnson
Quartet: The Giovanni String Quartet
Wine: Owen Roe Winery Rose & Fern Wines
Officiant: Kelly Atkin with Amor Ceremonies
Assistant: Jacqueline Vega Photography

Los Poblanos Wedding // Albuquerque Wedding Photography

Be sure to pick up the December issue of Rocky Mountain Bride for the full spread of this magical editorial wedding.
 

Styling: For The Love - Wedding and Event Design
Floral: Floriography NM
Venue: Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
H/MU: Genica Lee, Makeup Artist
Models: Michael Morin, Isaac Garcia, Tessa Nickerson + Sachiko Leilani
Bridal Gown: a&bé bridal shop
Designer: Rue De Seine
Maid Of Honor Dress: BHLDN 
Grooms attire: Izzy Martin Ltd
Assistant: Jackie Vega

waves of indigo, a styled shoot out

Over the weekend, we hosted our first ever styled shoot out! A wickedly talented team of incredible vendors and models came together and helped make my crazy wild indigo theme shoot come to life.

I met a group of super amazing fellow photographers, who traveled from all over New Mexico to come to this shoot! We split up the day into three different parts. Starting first with details, photographing things like the stationary suite made by the amazing Julie Haider Design, florals and set by Stephanie Yardman Floral Design and custom made mini French Macarons by New Mexico Pie Company.

We then moved to the bridal portion with both of our stunning models who were completely made over by the amazing Britney-Rae Sanchez and nail design by Bridget Herrera! We wrapped up the day with a vintage bed and with some gorgeous boudoir images of one of our models, Christina. It was such a whirlwind of fun and a super humbling experience getting to work with both the vendors, and attendees! I'm so excited to share these images with you! 

Alicia Lucia Photography (concept/styling + design)
Stephanie Yardman Floral Design (floral and set design)
Britney-Rae Sanchez (makeup)
New Mexico Pie Company (macarons)
Emily Joanne (wedding films)
Christina M Harrell and Kenna Graff (Models)
Darling Details (props)
Julie Haider Photography + Design (stationary)
Bridget Martinez Herrera of On the Gogo salon (nails)
Tracey Durham Harrell and Brandon (set assistants)

Kalen + Emily, Hacienda Vargas B+B Wedding Algodones, NM // Albuquerque Wedding Photographer

Their love was 7 years in the making... This day, their wedding, their union was S E V E N years in the making people. So when I say that the Cosper wedding was truly, completely out of this world beautiful, I mean it was seriously SO completely out of this world beautiful!

Kalen and Emily put so much thought and effort into every last detail of their day. From their exquisitely sweet venues (Hacienda Vargas Bed and Breakfast + the historic El Zocalo) to the beautifully done rustic/glam theme, to their written vows (both to themselves and to their little princess Lilly-- cue the awww's), down to the incredibly delicious catering by locally owned The Range Cafe (you can't go wrong with gourmet chicken fajitas am I right?).. And the bridal party/family speeches, you guys! So many happy memories shared and happy tears shed! Every last detail of their love fest was magical, but boy the abundance of radiating smiles and joy from both Kalen and Emily, and all their guests trumped. it. all... They are so loved, and they have so much love to give.. Love, love, love -- True love in every form was most definitely in the air friends! ;)

In all sincerity, Kalen and Emily thank you so much for choosing me as your wedding photographer.. It was so incredible to get to capture your sweet love and to celebrate with you, your friends and family! Enjoy our very favorites from your stunning wedding day!

Kalen + Emily's Dream Team:

Bride and Bridesmaids Gown- David's bridal

Groomsmen/groom Attire- Vera wang

Flower girls- Davids bridal

Photography - Alicia Lucia Photography

Photography assistants - Julie Haider and Mikayla Strickland

Hair and makeup- Kata Baron and Brittany-Rae The Pretty Committe

Hair assistance- Tanya Harris from Sheer Madnesses 

Jewelry- Butterfields Diamonds and Jared's 

Reception- El Zocolo

Ceremony- Hacienda Vargas

Decorating- Kirshelle Anthony

Coordinator- Abby Greenwald

Floral- Albuquerque Florist

Cake/Catering/Bar Service- The Range Cafe and David Perry :)

Band- Leah Leyva

DJ- Joseph Chavez

Glenn + Kalie, a Four Hills Backyard Wedding Albuquerque, NM

A blog preview of the most tender and sweetest celebration of all, Glenn and Kalie's wedding! I'm absolutely smitten with backyard weddings, and this one was no exception...

Tons of sweet rustic details like the custom wood signage, baby's breath and mason jars.. It was the perfect representation of Glenn and Kalie's simple but sweet personalities. Their day was complete with bright blue skies for the ceremony, a nice overcast for their portraits, and the perfect drizzle during the reception! 

They were so happy and so in love, it was truly incredible to witness! Glenn and Kalie, your day was amazing, thank you for letting me be a part of it! I’m so excited to share my favorite images from their perfect wedding day! Cheers to the newlyweds!

Wedding design/coordination: Velma Thomas

Photography: Alicia Lucia Photography

Assistant: Mikayla Strickland

Videography: Avista Video

Catering: Blue Plate Special

Cake: Small Cakes Albuquerque

Dress: Grace Loves Lace, Style: Josee

Groom's Attire: Express (Pants and Shirt), The Tie Bar (Bow Ties)

Invitations: Personalized and hand made from Karma K. Designs 

Wood Signage: Hand made

DJ: Ed Castorena 

Officiant: Thomas Canyon

Hair: Alicia Rocco

Aaron + Rosalyn, a La Mesita Ranch Wedding // Santa Fe, New Mexico

Oh the Moorehead wedding...where to begin! The beauty.. The smiles.. The details.. The Fun.. The love.. It was all undeniably present. Every single aspect of Rosalyn and Aaron's wedding was pure perfection.

When Rosalyn chose us to be her wedding photographers we were incredibly humbled, super pumped and just a bit more nervous then normal. She is a photographer herself, so naturally, everything HAD to be just perfect! And that it was. Rosalyn incorporated her grandmothers vintage clutch, muted tones of Jade bridesmaids dresses, custom cut wood grain signage and chose soft tones for floral pieces, which all complimented the whimsical and timeless feel of their equestrian venue, La Mesita Ranch

Aaron and Rosalyn, you two have turned from clients, to friends to now more like family to us, we adore you both, love love love your kiddos and absolutely LOVE your family! The venue was amazing, the wedding was out of this world breathtaking and the photos-lets just say I sobbed like a baby while prepping this post!

Coordinator: Just Lovely Weddings

Venue: La Mesita Ranch

Floral: Stephanie Yardman Floral Design

Hair and Makeup: Britney-Rae Sanchez

Music: Dj John Edwards 

Cake, catering & linens: Buffalo Thunder Resort

Asst Coordinator: Melanie 

Asst Photographers: Studio Amy Luna and Jackie Vega Photography

Invitation suite: Paper and Honey

Dress: Katie May Colelction

Wedding programs: The Oysters Pearl

All wood wedding signage: Gina Hagerty

Cake Topper: Better off Wed

Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Place cards: Brittany Viklund Designs

 

Maddie + Brendan, A Casa Rondena Wedding // Casa Rondena Winery // Los Ranchos, New Mexico

Light rain and a whole lotta love were found at Maddie and Brendan's spectacular wedding celebration. Nestled in the timeless, and insanely beautiful Los Ranchos Winery, Casa Rondena was the perfect backdrop for their classic old-hollywood wedding. Even though the ceremony was moved inside due to the rain, Brendan and Maddie exchanged their trueset and deepest vows, with their closest friends and family circling all around them. The rain didn't stand a chance! 

Brendan and Maddie, getting the opportunity to meet and know both of you and your families was such a delight...  The sincere vows you proclaimed to each other absolutely took my breath away.. thank you for letting me share in your most intimate, beautiful day!

Cake + Baked goods: New Mexico Pie Company
Floral: Peoples Flowers
Venue: Casa Rondeña Winery
Assistant: Jackie Vega
Bride's Dress: Theia
Bride's Shoes: Diane von Furstenberg
Bride's Jewelry: Nicole Miller and Sarah Magid
Bridesmaids Dresses: Marchesa Notte and J Crew
Engagement Ring: Custom design by Suzanne Stern Studios for Stuller
Groom's Tux: Vera Wang
Groomsmen Tux: Calvin Klein  
Catering: Garcia's Kitchen
Wine: Casa Rondena
DJ: Red Sapphire Entertainment
Officiant: Bride and Groom's dear Friend from DC, Jamie Mansy

A Tanoan Wedding // Albuquerque, NM Albuquerque Wedding Photographer

Hair and Makeup- Genica Lee

Venue- Tanoan Country Club

Second shooter - Emily Joanne

Dress: David's bridal, Galina Signature

Grooms Attire: Suits Unlimited

Cake: Simply Sweet by Darci

DJ: Cutmaster music 

A Four Seasons Santa Fe Wedding \\ Mr. & Mrs. Fuller Alicia Lucia Photography \\ New Mexico Wedding Photographer \\ Santa Fe, NM

It was a beautiful Saturday in Santa Fe. Ten years in the making, May 9th would be the day that Shane and Elaine would forever commit themselves to each other. The weather, in typical New Mexico fashion, was a concern (it literally snowed, yes it snows in May here). The wind subsided and the blue skies came out just in time for their portraits.

Without further adieu, I present to you Mr. & Mrs. Fuller!

Venue: Four Seasons Rancho Encantado Santa Fe

Photographers: Alicia Lucia Photography and Amy Luna 

Dress: Davids Bridal

House Of Flynn Camera Bag

I attended a workshop recently where a few of the attendees were curious about my camera bag, so I decided to blog a little bit about it!

A couple months ago I stumbled upon House of Flyn and fell absolutely in love with the unique and eccentric yet sleek look of the camera bags. I loved how the outside of it was chic and simple but the inside of the bags had fun patterns! I decided on the Evermore in black. Aesthetically, it's absolutely beautiful and I of course love that it compliments my branding! But most importantly it's an incredibly spacious bag! I've used it for the last couple months and absolutely love it!

I can fit two pro camera bodies, my 70-200, 135L, 50 1.2, 24-105, 16-35L, 2 speedlites and my 13in MacBook Air with tons of pockets/space for extra batteries, chargers, all the accompanying hoods to the lenses and any other wedding day necessities -- PLUS it's super comfortable! 

Check out more of their products here: http://www.thehouseofflynn.com/