A little rain did not stop all the love at Erica + RD's wedding. In the sweet valley of Valdez, NM was the perfect location for Erica and RD to say "I do" and begin their journey as husband and wife. Every detail of their special day was so intricately thought out and could not be more perfect.
The day started out with lots of sunshine, laughs amongst their wedding party and families, and tons of love. The girls enjoyed getting dolled up while the guys had a blast roping! I have never seen a groom look at his beloved bride walking down the aisle with such amazement, love, and teary-eyed emotion. Watching them exchange their rings and vows along with their first kiss as husband and wife was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever seen. After the ceremony at Holy Trinity Parish, we all headed over to Valdez to get the party started. The atmosphere was incredible. Everybody was smiling, laughing, dancing, and just enjoying the company of one another. Erica and RD's flower girl and niece, Brooke, even dedicated "I See the Light" from the movie Tangled to them before they did the bouquet and garter toss. I was bawling my eyes out behind the camera at each of their special moments. Of course, there was so much more fun and memorable moments throughout the evening.
Let me back track and tell you all a little more about the newlyweds. Erica and RD met in college in Las Cruces, NM while attending NMSU. Erica said, "RD ran into me my first day down for freshman year and had offered to help me with anything I needed. We started hanging out after that!" The beautiful pasture in which they exchanged their most heartfelt and beautiful vows is also where RD proposed to Erica. The venue belongs to Erica's family and has generations of memories and tradition. Erica and RD think it is the most beautiful place in the entire world. They are very proud of Valdez, NM.
The inspiration for their big day was rustic New Mexican. Coral and Navy tones filled the ceremony and reception areas. The ceremony was a traditional Catholic ceremony at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Arroyo Seco, NM. It was special to the newlyweds because their family friend (who is a priest) performed the ceremony in a church that they have gone to many times with Erica's grandparents. The reception was held in the sweetest tent in Valdez, NM. The property crosses the Rio Hondo and the mountain river added to the atmosphere. Erica and RD invited their friends and families to bring their campers and RV’s. It was in a pasture that has grazed cattle for many years.
When I met Erica and RD last year to take their engagement photos (in the same place that they spent creating memories with Erica's family, RD proposed to Erica, and that they started their journey as husband and wife) I was totally enamored with their love for one another and their dynamic as a couple. The way they laugh with one another, the love in each other's eyes, and the way they talked about their future together was so heartwarming. I knew when it came time for their wedding, it would be beyond special and intimate. I had submitted their engagement photos to Rocky Mountain Bride and they were published on their blog (woohoo!). Erica and her mom used Rocky Mountain Bride for inspiration while planning their big day. The flowers were done by family friend, Beth Gray. She chose the coral colored roses along with other items to tie into the theme. The wedding cake was a gift from another family friend, Noreen Romero. She knew Erica wanted a simple but rustic cake. Besides the cake, the Newmans had the traditional New Mexican cookie, the biscochitos along with cupcakes for their guests. Their favors (oh my gosh, their favors were the cutest!!) were drink koozies along with a popcorn bar that had New Mexican Red Chile Cheddar, Red Chile Caramel, Rainbow, and Watermelon/Blueberry mix.
Erica + RD, capturing your love story has been a huge blessing. You two are destined for an extraordinary lifetime of love and happiness. You are so loved and adored by your family and friends. Your wedding was amazing, your venue was out of this world, and being able to capture your engagement photos and wedding photos has been a dream come true. Thank you for letting me share in your most beautiful and wonderful day!
Cake + Baked Goods: Noreen Romero
Floral: Beth Gray
Second Shooter/Assistant: Jessica Ashley Photos
Wedding Dress: Allure Romance
Boots: Ferrinis
Veil: Hobby Lobby
Tents: Garcia Tents
Catering: Taos High School Catering
DJ: RiveraJams
Venue: Valdez, NM
Bride's Jewelry: Bride's mother + grandmother
