When you think of an epic location, maybe your mind immediately goes to a beachfront wedding in a tropical climate.

Or maybe you think of one of the gorgeous villas in Lake Como, here in Italy. 

But, sometimes? You don’t have to leave your backyard for an epic location. Don’t discount the natural landscapes that are already around you! 

That’s exactly what this beautiful couple did for their southwestern-inspired, Santa Fe wedding. Rather than hop on a plane, they embraced the amazing view around them! 

Keep reading to see how it all came together:

The Santa Fe Wedding Aesthetic and Inspiration

Just as they were inspired to have their wedding at the bride’s parents’ house, they were also inspired to host an event that took its cue from the location. 

It was a wedding day filled with vibrant, eclectic details and aesthetics. From the styles of the bride, groom, and wedding party to the ceremony decor, all the way to the laid-back wedding reception – no small detail was left out! 

A Bohemian, Southwestern-Inspired Aesthetic

So, how did they pull it off? From the start of the wedding planning, they decided on an entire aesthetic inspired by the bride’s parents’ ranch. 

The ranch is settled on 8 acres of pinon and sage land in Tesuque, New Mexico – close to Santa Fe. Since the family purchased it in 1994, this beautiful bride imagined having her wedding day right on the property. 

With a Santa Fe wedding venue that was, literally, so close to home, the bride and her mother couldn’t help but frame the entire event around the family ranch. 

A Turquoise-Accented Color Story

To go along with the aesthetic, they knew they needed to tie in one of the most quintessential colors of the region – turquoise. 

Turquoise stones are traditionally used in the region for healing and blessing ceremonies. So the bride opted to include a variety of real turquoise stones in her wedding day style. She also chose to add it into the color story. 

While the entire palette wasn’t turquoise, the two of them added in just enough to let the color shine through. It was such an eye-catching accent throughout the whole day! 

From silver earrings with pops of turquoise stones to the statement necklace the bride wore with her wedding gown, and the turquoise bolo tie the groom wore, the color was the “centerpiece” for the whole color story. Even the bride’s gorgeous engagement ring had a small band of turquoise stones in it!

An Invitation Suite Inspired by New Mexican Folk Art

The moment guests received their invitation in the mail, they knew exactly what aesthetic the couple was going for on their wedding day. 

With vibrant turquoise-colored envelopes and a wedding invitation style inspired by New Mexican folk art, which was designed by the groom’s mother, the vibes for this Santa Fe wedding were set immediately!

The Vibrant Wedding Styles

True to the rest of the wedding aesthetic, and much to my fashion-loving heart’s delight, there was plenty of style throughout the entire day. 

From the bride’s stunning gown to the bridesmaids’ dresses which showcased a southwestern flair, there was so much style to soak in. I’m thrilled I was able to be part of the team to capture all of the special touches as the couple’s Santa Fe wedding photographer! 

A Stunning Vera Wang Bridal Gown and Accessories

Once her hair and makeup were ready, the bride stepped into an immaculate Vera Wang bridal gown. Even more amazing? The wedding dress was originally made with long sleeves. But to make it even more unique to her, the bride altered it. And she walked down the aisle in a shoulder-sleeved gown. 
The design on the bodice of the Vera Wang wedding dress was perfect for this wedding – almost as if it was made specifically for her.

To round out the wedding day look, the bride opted for classic Miu Miu mule heels for the ceremony. And to make the reception more comfortable, she changed into a pair of short, studded cowboy boots.

And as a final nod to the importance of the location, this amazing bride opted for a vintage turquoise squash blossom necklace, handmade by the Zuni Tribe.

The Eclectic Bridesmaid Dresses

In keeping with the bohemian aesthetic, the bridesmaids’ gowns were a mix of colors and patterns by Ulla Johnson. The variety created the eclectic vibes the bride and groom were going for. Needless to say, the photos of everyone looked incredible, too!

The Santa Fe Wedding Day Details

For most wedding days, the details are what create the cohesive aesthetic. This wedding was no different! While the location set the tone, all of the Santa Fe wedding day details brought everything together. 

The Bridal Bouquet: A Tribute to the Natural Landscape 

When you think of a bridal bouquet, you might picture a full, structured bouquet of peonies. Or maybe a collection of roses. 

But, those “traditional” types of bouquets just wouldn’t have matched this vibrant wedding day style. So, instead, the bride opted for her favorite – wildflowers. Renegade Floral created a bridal bouquet that captured the essence of this southwestern-style wedding. They even used flowers from the bride’s parents’ Tesuque garden!

The Breathtaking Santa Fe Wedding Ceremony View

I know so many couples want an epic location for their wedding photos, so they often think of beaches or lakefronts. 

But there is something so unreal about a desert wedding. And the view at the Santa Fe wedding ceremony was nothing short of that! Mountains framed the backdrop for their ceremony arch, creating a stunning setting for their story.

A Unique Tented Wedding Reception

And to wrap it all up, the couple planned a tented wedding reception that created a laid-back, festival-style atmosphere. All of the reception tables were put together with handmade decor elements, like milagro heart escort cards created by the groom’s mother.

Natural centerpieces of cacti and vibrant wildflowers in terracotta pots lined each of the tables, while colorful glass goblets helped create the eclectic vibe. And handmade tablecloths and candles from Oaxaca, Mexico tied the entire authentic look together.

One of the greatest parts of my career is seeing how couples weave in the most important aspects of their relationship into their wedding day. Capturing this incredible Santa Fe wedding as it unfolded was nothing short of incredible!

Find more destination wedding inspiration on our blog!

Wedding Day Vendors:

Photographer: Lilly Red Photography
Videographer: Santa Fe Audio Visual
Planner:  For the Love Wedding and Event Planning
Floral Designer: Renegade Florals
Tabletop Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals
Specialty Rentals: Rust Vintage
Catering: La Boca Santa Fe
Cake: Maggie’s Wedding Cakes
Paper Goods: Penny Smiths
Music: Leftover Salmon
Makeup Artist: Genica Lee
Wedding Dress: Vera Wang
Bridesmaid Dresses: Claribel by Ulla Johnson
Bride’s Ring: Gem Set Love
Groom’s Ring: Ship Rock Santa Fe
Ceremony Shoes: Miu Miu
Bride’s Necklace: La Boheme