Nichole + Richard :: Ballinger Wedding | Rustic Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn Wedding | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Albuquerque, New Mexico Wedding Photographer

Nichole + Richard have the craziest love story + it all began when Richard found out Nichole was a professional vampire (aka she works in the medical field). The first time they met, Nichole drew his blood! He was a patient of hers and they would give each other grief back and forth. When it came time for Nichole to move to a new location, Richard said he might have to get his blood drawn from there so he could check out her new digs. A month later, he showed up at her work. They exchanged numbers and the rest was history!

They knew they were “the one” for one another when they had their first hug after lunch one day. They hated to see each other go to the point that Nichole would cry when Richard left to go home.

When it came time to pop the question, Richard was a sly one. He had come home from work and Nichole said that he looked like he wasn’t feeling good at all. He asked her if she would go get him some medicine along with some other groceries. She went right away and came home to the house being locked. Richard rushed to unlock the door. As she walked into the house she noticed the lights were low, a fire was going, and there were tea light candles all throughout their home. Richard said he had a heavy gift that he wasn’t able to wrap for Christmas and wanted to gift it to Nichole early. He had Nichole close her eyes as he left the room. The song “Change Your Name” by Chase Bryant began to play as Richard came back into the room and this is when he proposed to Nichole.

As they started to plan their dream wedding, they faced one obstacle: getting their wedding photographer. The photographer that Nichole and Richard had hired to photograph their Save the Date images was booked on their wedding date. He became ill so they rushed to find another photographer. That’s where Jasper K Photography came in! After a quick phone call and fantastic meet up over coffee at Flying Star Cafe, they booked right then and there! We were all set and ready for their best day ever.

Nichole + Richard promised each other forever at Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn in Albuquerque, New Mexico on a beautiful September day. These cuties were surrounded by 75 of their closest family and friends as they celebrated their love for one another.

Growing up in Wyoming and as a “country girl”, Nichole was inspired by the country lifestyle for their beautiful wedding decor. They chose a beautiful neutral color palette - sand, white, and a little sparkle. The florals they chose were wildflowers from a lady that Nichole had met at the local farmers market downtown. The vases were old bottles like milk bottles or medicine bottles. They also had an old chest for cards, burlap sacks with goodies, and a frame made from barn wood with hearts for their guests to sign and drop in. They had a beautiful tribute to their angels in heaven which was so beautifully special. Casas de Suenos was the perfect venue choice because it had country written all over it. The lush greenery from the gardens along with the neutral tones of the decor was fabulous.

The biggest WOW factor from their day was Nichole’s wedding dress. She’s not one to wear dresses and struggles with her makeup because she was always a “tomboy” growing up. So seeing her walk down that aisle looking as glamorous and radiant as ever had everyone’s jaws dropped. She looked absolutely magnificent.

Their favorite part of the day was having their family and friends together to celebrate. Their day was filled with so much love, happy smiles, lots of laughs, and rad dance moves. It was seriously one of the best wedding days EVER.

Nichole + Richard promised each other forever at Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn in Albuquerque, New Mexico on a beautiful September day. The lush greenery from the gardens along with the neutral tones of the decor was fabulous. They chose a b…

The positivity energy that radiated throughout the entire day was extraordinary. Nichole + Richard have such a zest for life. Their love will certainly make you believe in fairytales. <3

I asked Nichole if she would be willing to share some tips + advice for future couples planning to tie the knot so here's some words of advice from a kick ass bride!

What advice would you give to future brides for their wedding day?

"Try to get everything planned and booked as early as possible. So much easier to pay for over time rather than weeks before."

What advice would you give to future grooms for their wedding day?

"Just chill. You got this."

What one moment will last with you both forever?

"Kissing each other as husband and wife."

How did you tame your wedding day nerves?

"He was fine, I had a mimosa!"

What was your biggest surprise on your wedding day?

"That the weather held out, it wasn't too hot, and it didn't rain!"

What are you most excited for as your relationship grows?

"All of our bucket list trips and photos. We are making memories!"

What photography-related advice would you offer to other couples?

"Have fun with it!"

HUGE congrats to the beautiful Mr. + Mrs. Ballinger!

Nicky + Ash, you two are AMAZING! SO incredibly happy for you two! I wish you both a lifetime filled with love, laughter, + the best happily ever after.

TESTIMONIAL

"Jasper K Photography was an excellent choice and we were very happy to have such a wonderful and personable photographer to photographer our day!"