When Lacey and Patrick reached out to me about capturing their beautiful elopement at the Valles Caldera National Preserve outside of Jemez Springs, New Mexico I was stoked! I’ve always wanted to visit the Valles Caldera National Preserve and was so excited to meet these two!

Lacey and Patrick flew in from Tennessee to elope in beautiful New Mexico. Since it was February, the weather in New Mexico can be unpredictable. It had snowed a few days before their arrival so we weren’t sure if Valles Caldera National Preserve was going to be open. Lacey and Patrick switched gears from Valles Caldera National Preserve to start planning to have their elopement at the El Monte Sagrado in Taos, New Mexico.

On the day of the wedding, Lacey and Patrick were struggling with the idea of not getting married where their hearts were truly set on. And honestly, there is nothing like the gorgeous views of Valles Caldera National Preserve. So a decision was quickly made and we changed course back to the original plan. Juliette Peralta of Viva Grace Makeup (who is also my little sister) finished touching up Lacey’s natural bridal look and we were ready to make the trip to Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Jerry and Vicky Newsom of Orange September, an event company traveled along with us all us to Valles Caldera National Preserve. We traveled from Taos, New Mexico through Los Alamos, New Mexico to make it to Valles Caldera National Preserve. It is just outside of Jemez Springs, New Mexico and it is AMAZING!

Jerry officiated Lacey and Patrick’s intimate ceremony overlooking the breathtaking landscape of Valles Caldera National Preserve and it was truly extraordinary sight. We hiked to the top of a hill with an incredible view of the volcanic field and Jemez mountains behind us. The view was breathtaking. Jerry made every moment of the wedding ceremony so incredibly special and his soft spoken words truly touches the heart. He gets to know each of his couples and creates a one of a kind ceremony experience that is 110% true to who they are — in this case, he made it personal to Lacey and Patrick and it was amazing.

The portraits are marvelous. Seriously the love between Lacey and Patrick is so grand and happiness beamed from their beautiful smiles. Exploring the caldera and taking their photos amongst the sagebrush and obsidian was an unforgettable experience. There was so much love that day!

Scroll through to see all of the majestic photo magic that was Lacey and Patrick’s elopement at the Valles Caldera National Preserve outside of Jemez Springs, New Mexico. It was AMAZING!