2018; A Recap of Our Year

Dear 2018 couples and friends,
This year was a breathtaking, wildly amazing year for the Alicia Lucia Photography Team. From spending extra time at some of our favorite venues, to getting the opportunity of exploring new locations with incredible couples. Besides the glorious details of every single wedding we shot, we couldn’t help but reflect on each and every couple we got to spend time with this year. We rounded up a stand-out shot from every last wedding, engagement, and styled shoot we captured this year. We so loved looking back on all of the genuine love and wonderful little love stories we got to be part of this year.

Cheers to all our our couples and vendors, thank you for choosing us to help you begin the next chapter — we love each and every one of you!!

Love,
The ALP Team

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

Behind the Scenes with the Alicia Lucia Team

With shooting 30+ weddings, engagements, and editorials this year, 2018 took our little team to some of the prettiest places in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and the surrounding areas. Here’s a teeny look at the behind the scenes of our girl squad doing what we do best, celebrating and capturing love over and over again!!!

Photos by Alicia, Ashley, Bre, Jen of Alicia Lucia Photography as well as other local photographer friends
Blog + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Groom Reactions

Wedding days are filled with so many emotions from absolute joy to giddy excitement to nervousness, we never really know what each day will bring! However, one of our favorite, heartstring-pulling moments is groom reactions. Those real, authentic looks and tears get to us every single time. and seeing grooms lose it over their brides is something that we never forget. We hope that every single person finds a soulmate that looks like him or her like these lovers do, its one of the most unreal, incredible parts of our jobs.

See all of our favorite moments from the past few years and click on any of the couples listed below to see their entire love story and view their vendors.

Wedding Venues + Real Love Stories
Eldorado Hotel and Spa - Brian + Ashley
La Posada de Santa Fe - Tyler + Cassie, Walker + Addie
Paa-ko Ridge Golf Club - Josh + Delaney
Prairie Star Restaurant and Wine Bar - Ryan + Cristina
Los Pobalnos Historic Inn and Organic Farm - Dustin + Ashley, Crystal + Amy
Noah’s Event Venue - Josue + Brandy
La Fonda on the Plaza - Derek + Brigitte
Four Seasons Santa Fe - Alex + Marcela
Hotel Albuquerque - Dillon + Stephanie
Loretto Chapel - Kirk + Taylor
Angel Fire Resort - Ammera + Nicole

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

Wedding Inspo - Wedding Signage

If there’s one thing we can’t resist snapping a few extra pictures of on wedding days, it’s wedding signage. We so love how each and every sign perfectly reflects the couple and their celebration of love. From the simple chalkboard signs adorned with florals, to elegant glass signs and handprinted wooden signs, these beauties were the perfect welcome to our couples special guests from near and far.

Scroll through for a few of our faves… we can’t wait to see the beautiful ways our future couples will greet their loved ones!

A Few of Our Favorite Signage Vendors
Hello Jori
Just Lovely Weddings
Minted
Funky Olive
Etsy
For the Love Events
Jessie Baca

Venues
Hotel Albuquerque
La Mesita Ranch Estate
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Hacienda Doña Andrea
La Posada de Santa Fe
La Fonda on the Plaza
Hyatt Tamaya
Sarabande Bed and Breakfast
High Country Lodge (Pagosa Springs)
Hacienda Corta Caro
Inn of the Five Graces
Four Seasons Santa Fe

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

Styled Sunday - Rocker Romance Elopement

If there’s one thing we love more than elopements, its elopements with a cool, carefree, rocker vibe! We spent the best little winter day at Los Poblanos with some of our fave vendors to make one a super edgy, wild in love styled elopement. From a handprinted leather jacket to llama wedding cake toppers to endless smolders from our couple, this day was beyond a dream! Here’s to hoping for even more wickedly cool days like this one!

Vendors
Venue - Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Planning + Coordination - For the Love Events and Jessie Baca
Rentals - Rust Vintage
Florals - Floral Fetish
Ribbons + Silks - Honey Silks and Co.
Jewelry - Patina Gallery
Hair - DRS Color Studio
Leather Jacket - The Wild Rose Creative
Skirt - Sweet Caroline Styles
Cake - Sassy Bakes (Heather Guay)
Models - Bobby + Simone

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

Jordan + KC, a La Fonda Engagement

Both New Mexico natives, Jordan and KC met after they individually moved back to Santa Fe after college. These cuties hit it off at a local gym and now they live in The City Different with their two fur babies! KC also went to high school with our girl Alicia! Needless to say, we are so excited to capture their wedding this fall at Cristo Rey Church and La Fonda on Plaza!

MUA - Marisa Lux Makeup

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

Big Wedding Advice

Our little photog team absolutely adores the smaller more intimate weddings, but we’ll never say no to the big, downright fun wedding parties! There’s something so exciting about hanging out with a crew of bridesmaids and groomsmen as they help cheer on their closest friends in the next chapter of their lives. From the more chill, laid back bridal parties to the wildly energizing, down-to-party all night crews, we love getting to hang with some of the most memorable wedding day gangs around!

One of our amazing brides, Lauren, answered a few questions on the advantages of hosting a big(ger) wedding as the start to your happily ever after. Check out her answers and scroll through the blog to see a few of our fave wedding day peeps!

  • On why Lauren and her boo for life, David, chose to have a large wedding:
    ”We decided we had to have a bigger wedding than we initially wanted because there are so many important people in our lives that we wanted to witness us becoming husband and wife, and we wanted to have a big party!”

  • Their favorite part(s) of having a big wedding
    ”The best part of having a big wedding was having people from different parts of our lives come together for one event to celebrate us! It was so interesting and sometimes funny to watch our family and friends intermingle with each other. (Ex: My dad actually becoming  good friends/ dance partners with some of Dave’s friends to the point he now keeps in touch with them! Or at least makes sure to send messages via me or Dave!)”

  • Lauren’s advice for brides + grooms planning a big wedding
    ” My advice when planning a larger wedding is to go for it, even if you are apprehensive like I was. I thought I just wanted to have our parents/ couple of best friends there, but after realizing it was one of our only chances to get so many people from all over the country- and even the world together- it clicked!   It’s so special to see a large group of your favorite people come together for one night (or a weekend like our case) in a magical city they might not have ever thought to visit! I still have people telling me how much they loved Santa Fe and can’t wait to go back!”

Wedding Venues
La Fonda on the Plaza
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
La Posada de Santa Fe
Four Seasons Santa Fe
Loretto Chapel + The Inn and Spa at Loretto

Photos by Alicia + Ashley + Bre + Jen of Alicia Lucia Photography
Blog/Interview + Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Mack + Shelby, a Winter Wedding at Four Seasons Santa Fe

Mack and Shelby, where do we even begin? These babes actually went to the same high school, however their paths didn’t cross until they both attended college at Texas A&M. After dating for a bit, the pair separated, only to later on realize how special they were to each other! They reunited and later on decided that it was a forever thing. Mack, being major #husbandgoals, told us that not only is Shelby beautiful and caring, but that she is truly the light of his life. We don’t have enough words (or enough tears) for this sweet little love story!

These babes tied the knot in December 2018 at our favorite, cozy mountain getaway, Four Seasons Santa Fe. With a touch of magic and pure boho glam from Amy and her team at For the Love Events and Rust Vintage, this day was out of this world. We still wish we could keep the velvet accent furniture and neon sign from this day! Our gals at Floriography Flowers came through with the perfect moody, winter floral arrangement and made sure that every single detail was amazing. And besides the amazing design, Mack and Shelby made sure that all of their guests (and vendors too!) were well taken care of for the entire night. These little lovers helped us close out our 2018 wedding season in the most perfect way! Congrats Mr and Mrs Paulson, we love y’all so much!

Vendors
Venue - Four Seasons Santa Fe
Planning + Coordination - For the Love Events
Rentals - Rust Vintage
Florals - Floriography Flowers
Paper Goods - Letterpress Made
Hair + MUA - Genica Lee
Bridal Gown - Martina Liana Bridal
Bridal Boutique - Pasty’s Bridal Boutique
Bride’s Shoes - Badgley Mischka
Groom’s Attire - Ted Baker
Groomsmen Attire - The Combatant Gentleman
Cake - Cake Odyssey
DJ - Cutmaster Music

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

Winter Florals

It is no surprise that winter has a special place in our hearts and even though we don’t shoot a ton of winter weddings and elopements, we adore them beyond belief. One of our favorite details is, of course, winter florals and all the variety they bring to wedding days. From the dark and moody, to the celebratory pops of color, to the more muted cold-weather tones, to jewled tones, we love all the flower color palettes we’re treated to every winter. Check out some of our most memorable bouquets and arrangements from the past few years and we’re sure you’ll wish every wedding was in the winter!

 

Florists
Floral Fetish
Renegade Floral
Viva Flora
Enchanted Florist (Taos)
Floriography
Agave Florist

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

Table Setting Inspo

When we’re not obsessing over the amazing pre-wedding details our couples always bring to wedding days, falling in love with first looks, or crying our eyes out during ceremonies, you can find our team swooning over reception table details at basically every single wedding we capture. We’re seriously so lucky that every couple we work with brings their a-game to all of the little touches that make receptions so special. From the clean and classic, to the glittering and pastel, to the rustic and boho chic, girly and glam, muted and minimalistic .. we’re not sure what our favorite has been so far because we’re in love with every set up! Shout out to the rockstar planners and rental companies we’ve worked with, y’all know how to make wedding day dreams come true!

Coorinators + Planners
For the Love Events
Jessie Baca
Just Lovely Weddings
Rocky Mountain Bride

Rentals
Rust Vintage
Darling Details Rentals
Adobo Catering
AA Events and Tents
Ocassion Services

Venues
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Sarabande Bed and Breakfast
La Posada de Santa Fe
Santa Fe Opera
Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs, CO)
La Fonda on the Plaza
Ghost Ranch
Four Seasons Santa Fe
SITE Santa Fe
High Country Lodge (Pagosa Springs, CO)
El Zocalo
La Mesita Ranch

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

Elopement + Intimate Wedding Advice

As much as we love the big weddings and the fun energy and big amazing wedding parties they bring, elopements and intimate weddings have an incredibly special place in our hearts. There is something so special about capturing couples as they profess their love and promise their lives to each other with just a few of their closest friends and family. We’re forever living for these organic moments and the couples who ask us to be a part of such incredibly sweet days.

We asked one of our past brides, Mallory, who had a very intimate elopement/wedding, for any advice she may have for couples who are considering a more non-traditional ceremony route.

  • On why they chose to have an intimate ceremony (only surrounded by super close friends/family)
    Mallory: “Neither of us are fond of being the center of attention, and it made more sense for us to be with our families for an intimate ceremony. Cost (or lack of) was also a plus to this decision. Since graduating college was still half a year away, I didn’t want to stress anyone out with a big wedding cost. I was only interested in spending money on great photographs (which I definitely received) since these would be the thing we would be looking back on for years to come.”

  • The best part of having a small wedding
    Mallory: “No stress!  Being 26, I was one of the last of my friends to be the bride instead of the bridesmaid. I have seen some throw up the day of, and almost all of them cried from all the worrying over every little detail. I wanted zero part of that, haha.”

  • Advice for couples considering an elopement or intimate wedding
    Mallory: “Just decide what is most important to you and go for it. It’s a day to celebrate y’all, and if having EVERYONE there is something you need, more power to you! I think it comes down to what most brides have pictured their whole lives as being their ‘perfect wedding’. For me, my perfect wedding was the lace dress and my groom.”

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

Styled Sunday - Desert Lovers

This fall, we asked one of our fan favorite couples, Dillon and Stephanie, to adventure with us into the New Mexico desert for some golden hour magic with a handful of extremely talented vendors. From the stunning florals the gals over at Renegade Floral brought, to Hello Jori’s delicate hand-lettering, to Emerald Pie Bakery’s sweet little personalized macaroons and pies, we were in heaven for one brief little evening.

Besides having amazing style, these lovers even brought their sweet pup Penny along and we were beyond thrilled to capture this sweet little family together! Here’s to more incredible twilight moments with gorgeous couples and stunning details!

Vendors
Venue - New Mexico
Florals - Renegade Floral
Silks + Ribbon - Honey Silks & Co
Bridal Gown - Maggie Sottero
Bridal Boutique - Bridal Elegance by Darlene
MUA - Betty Rose by Ashley
Signage - Hello Jori
Sweets - Emerald Pie Bar
Couple/Real Life Sweethearts - Dillon and Stephanie Blackerby

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

Mundy Family, an Evening Desert Session

It’s always such a sweet treat when we get the rare opportunity, outside of weddings, to shoot family portraits. After all, it was in photographing families and seniors where our love for photography really started (way back when). I loved shooting this session of sweet Brittany and her precious family! They are a kind, wholesome, laid back bunch and I was super honored to grab these images of them as a new family of F O U R! So fun!
-Alicia

Photo Curation by Jaclyn of Alicia Lucia Photography

Groomsmen Style

Even though brides and grooms steal the show on wedding days, we can’t help but crush on all of the stylish, handsome, and downright fun groomsmen we get to hang out with almost every weekend! We love how much personality these amazing fellas bring to weddings and, of course, can’t get enough of all of the insanely sleek suits and tuxes we get to capture. If you’re looking for a new Man Crush Monday, we’ve got you covered with some of the coolest guys around!

Tux + Suit Vendors
Mens Wearhouse
Suits Unlimited
Mr. Tux
Jos A Banks
Banana Republic
ASOS
Boss
Groomsland
J. Crew
The Black Tux
Indochino
Perry Ellis
Ted Baker

Venues
La Fonda on the Plaza
La Posada de Santa Fe
SITE Santa Fe
Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs, Co)
Prairie Star Restaurant and Wine Bar
Hacienda Dona Andrea
Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club
La Mesita Ranch Estate
Four Seasons Santa Fe
High Country Lodge (Pagosa Springs, CO)
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Hyatt Regency Tamaya

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

Shaun + Jessie, a Sarabande Bed and Breakfast Wedding

Last November we captured one of our favorite, intimate weddings of all time at Sarabande Bed and Breakfast. Shaun and Jessie had so many unique details, from a rainbow bouquet to stationary and custom roadrunner pins designed by the groom himself to amazing donuts instead of cake, we’re not even sure which part was our favorite.

These babes met almost a decade ago in Ohio when Jessie was working at a coffee shop and Shaun slowly but surely became one of her favorite regular customers. To her surprise, Shaun started working at the same coffee shop only a few weeks after they initially met! Eight years later, these lovers moved across the country with their pups to our amazing little desert state of New Mexico to start new jobs and a brand new chapter in their lives. In one of the coolest proposal twists we’ve ever heard of, Jessie asked Shaun to marry her with nothing but whiskey and a hair tie (that he even wore for a few days after).

Shaun and Jessie gave us major Jim and Pam vibes with their chill, genuine, down-to-earth love. We will probably never recover from their incredible day. Congrats babes, we love you both so much!!!

Vendors
Venue - Sarabande Bed and Breakfast
Handheld Flowers - Bagel’s Florals
Reception Flowers - DIY
Stationary + Custom Roadrunner Pins - Shaun Pienllo (the groom)
Hair - Genica Lee
MUA - Betty Rose by Alanna
Bridal Gown - Maggie Sottero
Bridal Boutique - Bridal Elegance by Darlene
Bride’s Shoes - Lucky Brand
Groom’s Suit - Tweed Maker
Donuts - Rebel Donut


Photos by Alicia + Bre 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

Jon + Paige, a Colorful Los Poblanos Wedding

Last November we were so beyond thrilled to head back to our favorite Albuquerque gem, Los Poblanos, for an intimate blush-toned wedding with sweet lovers Jon and Paige. Every second of this sweet day was precious and downright magical!

Long before their wedding, Paige let us know that her and Jon wanted a day that would focus less on all of the usual wedding day details and more on their family and close friends from all over the country. For her, the most important part of the day to capture was all of their loved ones celebrating together for the first time which is one of our favorite things to hear from brides!

Even though details weren’t the focus of this incredibly special day, Paige still managed to awe us with her gorgeous, off-the-shoulder, blush wedding gown and absolutely killer, bright florals from our gal pals over at Viva Flora. And, per usual, our girl Genica Lee made sure that this stunning bride looked absolutely angelic on the first day of being a Mrs.

Jon and Paige, you two were an absolute treat to capture, we’re sooo grateful to be a small part of your new beginning! Cheers to you lovely babes!

Vendors
Venue - Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
Florals - Viva Flora
Hair + Makeup - Genica Lee
Bridal Gown - Mia Solano
Bridal Boutique - LUV Bridal
Bride’s Earrings - Twigs and Honey
Junior Bridesmaid Dresses - Dillards
Groom’s Attire - Jos A Banks
Signage - Minted
Programs - Hope Street Creative
Cake Topper Bunting - Ay Mujer
DJ - Cutmaster Music

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

Bridal Accessories

There are tons of wedding details that excite us as we finally approach a wedding day. One of the many things we get excited about is the bridal style and all of the bridal details. From southwestern inspired statement jewelry to luxurious fur coats for winter weddings to the classic and clean bridal look, our brides always bring the fire when it comes to accessorizing. We found a few of our favorite veils, clutches, and hair pieces as well because there is seriously a look for every soon to be wifey out there. Whether you’re traditional and simple or modern and boho chic, we’ve included a little something for everyone. We can’t wait to see what details our future brides are going to rock for us to swoon over!

Venues
Los Pobalnos Historic Inn and Organic Farm
SITE Santa Fe
La Fonda on the Plaza
La Posada de Santa Fe
Santa Fe Opera
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Four Seasons Santa Fe
Gerald Peters Gallery
Paa-ko Ridge Golf Club
Garden of the Gods Park (Colorado Springs)

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

Daniel + Rebecca, an Intimate Santa Fe Wedding

After nine years of being in love, out of the 15 that they’ve known each other, Daniel and Rebecca knew that it was time to make it last name official, but they wanted to celebrate in their own special way. These babes went with a non-traditional, super intimate wedding in Santa Fe this past fall. They skipped the wedding party and Rebecca decided to go with a super unique, boho-inspired caftan gown making this day extra special to be a part of. After exchanging vows in the ever ethereal La Capilla de Oro at Eldorado Hotel. Along with their closest friends and family members, Dan & Rebecca had the sweetest little Southwestern inspired party at the beautifully quaint Neptune Studio Gallery and Event Space. From the giant piñatas to personalized ornaments to Lotería cards, this reception was colorful and downright amazing. We adored these two and this day, congrats babes! We can’t wait for more non-traditional, wonderfully authentic wedding days to come.

Vendors
Ceremony Venue - Eldorado Hotel and Spa
Reception Venue - Neptune Studio Gallery and Event Space
Florals - Barton’s Flowers
Catering - Walter Burke Catering
Hair - Chrome Salon Santa Fe
Dress - New Crop Shop

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

Trey + Clara, an Old Town Albuquerque Engagement

Even though they weren’t typical high school sweethearts, Trey and Clara met through mutual friends in their small hometown of Las Cruces, NM. About six years after initially meeting each other, these two ran into each other by chance at a bar during Thanksgiving break and shortly after, Trey asked Clara out on an official date. They went to a local coffee shop called Milagro and Clara said that it was the best two hour date she had ever been on! Trey even visited Clara three days later when she had returned to Durango, CO where she was attending college and ended up meeting her parents for the first time during that trip. Ever since, these lovers have been inseparable.

Next April these total babes will tie the knot in Ruidoso, NM on their family owned property. Their classic, yet rustic wedding will have a special focus on the gorgeous nature of the space! We can’t hardly wait for Trey and Clara’s big day, spring can’t come soon enough!

P.S. can you believe this total babe Clara did her own hair and makeup in the car for this session?!

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