We met with everyone at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Museum, a popular spot for weddings since their patio over looks our beautiful Organ Mountains. Alyssa was a little nervous, but once the dress was on, and the ceremony began, the nerves subsided. She visibly relaxed when she saw Bill waiting for her at the alter. After a short but beautiful ceremony, we took the couple out around the grounds of the museum for some bridals. I have to admit, these are some of my favorite images in a very long time – we couldn’t have had better skies, light, and subjects!

Now I know that some of you who follow the blog are used to our ring shots, and usually I include one with every wedding. But I liked her ring so much that I included TWO this time!

The cake was beautiful too – and we learned that Alyssa made it HERSELF! That pretty much floored me, since my cakes look like something that belongs on Cake Wrecks. Cake, flowers, dress…. it was all gorgeous.

We had a wonderful evening you guys, thanks for letting us be part of your day!

Roz

Meanwhile, Luis and Joey got into their tuxes at Joey’s house in the Las Cruces historic district, after a morning of running last-minute errands. Luis wore a white top over an all-black suit, and looked amazing.

As soon as he was dressed, Luis took off for Pioneer Park, where Gina from All You Can Linen had the gazebo and chairs decorated for the ceremony, and family members were already beginning to arrive. Soon, Cynthia pulled up in a white limo, and the bridal party filed down the aisle as music played softly.

The ceremony was relatively short, as a concession to the hot New Mexico sun. It included many traditional Catholic touches; the lasso and arras were featured prominently. Afterward, we took some family portraits before the bridal party loaded back into the limo for the short drive down to Mesilla. There, we spent some time getting some of the most stunning bridal portraits we’ve ever created.

Soon enough it was time to head to the Corbett Center at NMSU for the reception. When they walked into the ballroom, Cynthia and Luis stopped dead and just stared around. The room was eminently elegant; from the centerpieces to the table settings, everything reflected the black-and-silver color scheme of the wedding. The centerpieces especially caught my attention. Each table held a central column, which was filled with water and housed a live beta; each column was gently lit from beneath, and topped with a bowl of calla lilies and greenery.

As dinner was served, Mariachi los Toritos serenaded the guests. The lead singer, Valentin, had a very versatile and powerful voice, and he was backed up by some of the best instrumentals we’ve heard. The lead violinist especially was amazing; her talent was showcased by several solos. After dinner, the best man and maid of honor led toasts to the newlyweds, who then cut the wedding cake. Heavenly Yours provided the confection, which again reflected the elegance of this reception with an ornate pattern of swirls in white-on-white icing.

I’m not sure who came up with the idea of giving the single ladies small veils for the bouquet toss, but the guys who received aprons for the garter toss wore them with good humor. As the evening dissolved into happy chatter and dancing, Luis and Cynthia were having the best time of anyone. We headed for home after shooting a few hours of dancing and merrymaking. Cynthia and Luis, we had a blast at your wedding, and I can’t wait to show you the images!

Jason

After everyone got into their tuxes, and I pinned on the guys’ flowers, we headed downstairs to where Barb was doing her usual exemplary job decorating the reception hall. The ceremony was held in one of the ballrooms near Azul, and we made great use of the stone cross at the end of the hall as a backdrop for some of the formal photos. The formal images also included a road trip – the guys and girls piled into matching black-and-white limos for the short drive to Sonoma Ranch, where the golf course had graciously agreed to permit us to use the driving range to get some images of the bridal party with the Organ Mountains in the background. Immediately after we got the image, it began to rain, and we all made a mad dash back to the limos. The guys didn’t get to stay in theirs for very long though – when the driver turned out of the clubhouse parking lot, the limo bottomed out, and they all had to get out before it could get over the turnout!

We shot a few more formals after our return to Encanto, then Aubri and Anthony joined their guests for the tail end of the cocktail hour. After the happy couple was introduced, they danced a slow number on the floor, and then dinner was served to the guests. After dinner, the best man and both maids of honor stood up to toast (and share embarrassing stories about) the newlyweds. Anthony took the mic from his brother Jason to say a few words about Aubri’s father, who passed away last November; Anthony’s toast of thanks to the deceased was answered – by a short power outage! We’re assuming that was one way of saying “you’re welcome”. Then, the DJ played a Rolling Stones tune in tribute, and the guests filled the floor.

After the cake was cut, the garter and bouquet were thrown, and the party was on. What a great wedding!

After they chatted and snuggled for a few minutes, we did several portraits around their home, inside and out, before heading to the UTEP campus, where Rocio had made arrangements to take some photos at the Alumi Lodge. Then, we headed downtown to Camino Real, where we placed them in the Dome Bar and on the marble-and-brass staircases for more portraits. We also did a few outside the Plaza Theater next door, where the upcoming production of Wicked was advertised by the inflatable feet of the Wicked Witch protruding from the front door.

Rick and Rocio had budgeted plenty of time for their portraits, so we were running well ahead of schedule by the time we were ready to head to the next location. We spent the down time chilling in the Central Grill and Bar before we met up with the rest of the bridal party at Club Vanilla, in the bar district where we did Rick and Rocio’s engagements. Vanilla was an incredible background for some very compelling group portraits, and we ended the session with Rocio standing on the bar, backlit by the shelves of drinks.

The wedding mass was held at All Saint’s Catholic Church, an older cathedral with plenty of character. The balcony wrapped over the entire seating area, allowing Roz to get very close to the bride and groom during the ceremony, while shooting from above. I shot from the floor as usual; although the church was very small and pretty crowded, I was able to move around a little without interfering with the ceremony in the slightest. After the mass, we photographed the families on the alter, and then headed over to the reception.

When I walked in to Isaron Hall, my first impression was of the huge, octagonal gazebo-like structure dominating the center of the two-story space. My second was of the huge amount of lighting and effects gear hanging from the ceiling! After dinner, the party kicked off in grand style with a waltz by the bridal couple. They’d obviously practiced the dance, it looked very natural and some of the poses provided perfect photo ops (which we took full advantage of!) Then the dance floor opened, the smoke machines and lasers kicked in, and we were off into some of the best dance images we’ve ever captured!

Eventually, Rick and Rocio stopped dancing for long enough to cut the cake (which was decorated with custom bobble-heads, dead ringers for Rick and Rocio) and throw the garter and bouquet, but the party started right back up and was still going strong when Roz and I bowed out sometime after midnight. Rick, Rocio, we had a wonderful time, and we got some incredible images! Keep an eye on the blog for even more incredible images, this time from the Trash the Dress session we did on Sunday, out at Red Sands on an ATV!

Jason

Carrie and the girls got ready over at Hotel Encanto, and the guys all got ready over at Erich and Carries place – and then we all headed over to the golf course. We had quite a time keeping them from seeing each other, because the guys were in the bar, overlooking the course, and the girls and I were out on the green, getting some formals before the ceremony. Jason managed to keep them distracted though, and it all went off seamlessly. They had chosen Tiffany blue for their main wedding color, and everything looked gorgeous all decked out there on the patio at the clubhouse.

It’s hard to say what my favorite part of the ceremony was – there were so many stunning moments that it makes it hard to choose! Lauren, Erichs daughter – twirled down the aisle sprinkling flowers as she went, and it was so cute I almost cried. She’s six – and missing more than a few teeth, making her so freaking adorable that I wanted to just take her home with me! They also had a group of Carrie’s students sing a gorgeous song during the ceremony, with acompniment of a gutairst (who doubled as the officiant) and a flautist. It was just so beautifully done! As a grand finale to the ceremony, they danced back down the aisle to Black Eyed Peas “I’ve Got A Feelin’” and it was just PRICELESS!

The reception got underway after a few bridals and couples portraits out on the course, up in the clubhouse. Their cake was not only delicious, but very well done! We loved the little golf cart on top, it was the perfect touch! They partied into the night, and even did some karaoke! Normally, that sort of thing would be fairly frightening at a wedding reception – but not at this one! Since almost all the people there were very talented musicians and singers in their own right, the karaoke was GREAT!

We had so much fun you guys! We wish you well in your life together!

Roz and Jason

Before their ceremony however, Rebecca and her bridesmaids had their hair and makeup done by the unmatchable Rob Crawford of Crawford Studios. Rob does SUCH a fantastic job on brides, and always gets their hair and makeup just right! We love working with him, and our brides are always so very pleased with his work. Rebecca was no different – Rob did his usual stunning job for each member of the bridal party, and Rebecca’s mom as well. It was a morning filled with laughter and tears.

As usual, the bride was the last to have her hair and makeup done, so that it would be as fresh as possible for the ceremony – but right before Rebecca had her hair done, she came down with an AMAZING case of hiccups. I rarely make an appearance in photos here on the blog, but Jason took some photos of me trying to cure her hiccups with my amazing concentration trick. We were all laughing so hard – and it WORKED! We got rid of them just like that. If you ever get a case of the hiccups, come see me, and I’ll show you the trick!

Thomas and Rebecca did such a wonderful job with the details for their wedding – her dress was to die for, her shoes were stunning, and her ring…. oh the ring! What a gorgeous one Thomas picked out for her. We couldn’t help ourselves with the detail shots as usual. Barb at Barb’s Flowerland handled all the flowers – if you’re looking for a great florist, this is who you go see. Rebecca’s flowers could not have been more amazing. And they smelled even better. Rebecca was walking in front of us at one point, and the flowers smelled so good as she carried them in front of her!

By the time the ceremony started, it was already pretty warm outside, but thankfully, there were bottles of ice cold water available for all the guests as they entered the plaza at the ceremony. We could not have asked for a more gorgeous blue sky, and the ceremony was just beautiful.

After the ceremony, we took some time around the museum grounds to get some great shots of the happy couple, and some beautiful bridals of Rebecca. Then it was time to get the party rolling!

The party lasted long into the evening, with friends and family enjoying themselves and clinking their glasses to have the couple kiss whenever they felt like it! The shot of Rebecca dancing with her dad makes me tear up a little when I look at it, it was truly a special evening.

Congratulations Thomas and Rebecca, we wish you a happy new life together!

Roz

Ed and Darby elected to have a first sight, which let us shoot most of the bridal party photos before the wedding. Ed was a tad delayed by his Boxer puppy Sasha, who hopped into the car when the guys stopped by his place for a few last-minute items and did not understand why she couldn’t come to the wedding too. Darby of course looked stunning, and Ed’s face lit up when he first saw her sitting on a bench in the Kent Hall courtyard, where the scene was set for a gorgeous ceremony.

After a lot of really incredible portraits, and a minor incident involving some dead tree branches that were in my way (I triumphed eventually, but it was a messy victory , Darby and her maids headed to another building while the guests got seated. La Cella Bella provided music to set the scene, then segued into the Wedding March as Darby entered, preceded by the wedding party. There were sprinkles of rain for luck during the ceremony, but the shining sun kissed the raindrops into molten gold. Afterward, we shot a few more sunset bridals (Darby’s cathedral-length veil provided options Roz just could not pass up), then everyone piled into the limo for the short drive to Old Mesilla and Josephina’s Old Gate.

Josephina’s was decked out to the nines with garden lights and black-and-white linens that turned the gardens into a New Mexican fairy-tale grotto as twilight descended. Soft music and happy conversation blended with birdsong; I completely forgot that we were just off Mesilla Square! For dessert, Darby and her maids created a delicious chocolate mousse, topped with garden-fresh berries and served in cups of milk chocolate.

After dessert, the party really got rolling. The guys broke out cigars, while the girls tore up the dance floor. Around midnight, Josephina’s was shutting down, but the party was still going strong, so the bridal party hopped into the limo and rode over to El Patio. Roz and I tagged along, and we got some more excellent images of everyone at the bar before we called it a night.

Ed and Darby, you guys had one of the prettiest weddings we’ve ever had the privilege of participating in. We’ll give you a shout when you get back from Hawaii!

This Saturday we were so privileged to photograph the wedding of Anthony and Allison, who are both huge Beatles fans! We were so excited about their wedding – we knew that all the music would be The Beatles, and there were also lots of other little details, as I’m sure you’ll see, that had our shutters clicking away in sheer delight!

First, I met Allison over at Crawford Studios, where Robert Tellez did his usual fabulous job with Allison’s hair and makeup. Allison had brought in a magazine photo that she really liked, and Robert wasted no time getting straight to work! Her makeup and hair were flawless, and they stayed that way all day long! Allison’s Maid of Honor, Melissa, also had her hair done at Crawford Studios, and looked equally fabulous. Time was running short however, so we rushed over to the brides parents house, where we got her into her dress!

Meanwhile, Jason was hanging out with Anthony and his parents at their house not too far away. As usual, things were a little more relaxed for the groom – they even broke out the guitars and had an impromptu jam session with Anthony’s dad! When they were finished jamming, Anthony had to get not only himself, but Allison’s little yorkie Hannibal ready for the wedding! Hannibal was starring as the ring bearer, and was quite dashing in his little tuxedo.

We all met up at the NMSU Botanical Gardens just outside Mesilla. Despite the fact that we’ve been having a week of on again – off again rainstorms, it couldn’t have been a more gorgeous day. The gardens were almost magically spring-like, with the birds chirping, the slight dampness in the air, and everything so fresh and green. Allison’s choice of blues, creams, and the brilliant colors of peacock feathers accented everything perfectly! Her bouquet, done by Barb’s Flowerland in Las Cruces was just perfect! The look on Anthony’s face when he saw his bride for the first time was priceless! It was an absolutely wonderful ceremony, ending with a butterfly release and many cheers for the newlyweds. After some quick bridals at the gardens, we were off to the Stan Fulton Center at NMSU, overlooking the stadium for the reception!

At the reception, the couple showed a slideshow, set to their favorite Beatles songs with their favorite snapshots and photos from their lives before they met, and while they were dating. After some very emotional toasts, it was time to cut the delicious looking cakes from Si Bistro! We were so excited, because we knew beforehand that one of the themes that the couple were trying to work into their wedding decor was Dia de los Muertos, and their cake toppers were skeletons dressed as a bride and groom! We loved them, original things like that really make a wedding special! We wish you both the best in your new lives together!

Roz

Suzanna picked Mountain Annies for her wedding venue and reception; and it’s really a neat place! Mountain Annies is a dinner theater, with a huge stage, and some gorgeous tables – perfect for a wedding and reception. They also have an outdoor place for weddings, however, it was just too chilly in February to do that! The ceremony was gorgeous and emotional, the look on Julio’s face when his bride walked down the aisle was just priceless.

It was a gorgeous day, and we were so honored to be there to document it for both of you! We wish you and your gorgeous family the best! Now on with a few photos!

I went with Laura and her sisters to their parents’ house, where Laura did her make-up and put on her dress. Laura’s mom actually made her wedding dress by hand. It was hands down the most gorgeous dress I have ever seen, made of champagne-colored silk with simple and elegant details (especially the beaded waistband, which Laura and Jose brought back from Barcelona). I was floored by the beauty of this garment. Her mom joked that she wasn’t ever going to make any more wedding dresses, but we’ll see – Laura has two younger sisters, and I know they’ll want equally beautiful dresses for their weddings!

Jason went with Jose and his family at the Marriott, where he was getting ready. Jose’s family had flown in from Spain for the ceremony, and Jason got a lot of great shots of the family helping Jose dress, and just chatting and enjoying the day. Jose’s father is a connoisseur of fine suits; he helped Jose get the details just so. I have to admit a failure here – Jason and I know absolutely no Spanish! Even though Jose knows English fairly well, his family knew as much English as we do Spanish. The majority of the day (and the entire ceremony and reception) was entirely in Spanish. Thanks to Laura and Jose’s occasional translations, the language barrier didn’t slow us down at all, but it did give us a good New Years Resolution: Learn Spanish NOW.

The ceremony took place at St. Marks, which is a fairly new (and very, very pretty) catholic church on the east side of El Paso. Many of Jose and Laura’s family and friends are musical; the ceremony was accented by a largish band which played in the front pews. Many of the musicians wrangled instruments through the intricacies of international air travel to play at the wedding! All of the musical parts of the ceremony were accompanied by these wonderful musicians, with mandolins, guitars, congas, castanets and more. I have never been so moved by a ceremony. Even though we didn’t understand most of what was said, the emotion came through loud and clear. It was truly stunning. One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was when the bride and groom did a ceremony with Spanish coins, symbolizing the sharing of their assets. It was so pretty, and so moving.

After the ceremony, we headed out to take a few photos, and then off to the reception! The Marriott Airport staff was so attentive, and the ballroom looked GREAT! Dinner was served in 5 courses, and was absolutely delicious. Our gracious bride and groom had even set a place for us – with place cards! I was so excited about that that I took a picture of mine. I’ll spare you that photo. I did take some photos of the really tasty biscochos though. They came directly from Mexico, and were some of the best I’ve ever had. The DJ, who was with Jukebox Entertainment was very professional, and really kept the party rolling. He did a great job of rolling with the changing schedule, something we wish more DJ’s in this area were capable of. After the cake cutting and toast, the wonderful mariachi from Mariachi Allegre came in and entertained with some wonderful music. They were so talented!

Here are a few more images from the day!

Come and join our fan page on Facebook, there’s even more to be seen there! It was a long and beautiful day, and we wish both of you the best in your life together in Spain. Congratulations Laura and Jose!
Roz