George and David eloped! This wonderful Colorado couple began their life together 31 years ago. They had a previous commitment ceremony but before their Taos wedding, their union was not recognized legally. This intimate wedding was going to take place outside at the Taos Courthouse, but after consideration these gentlemen decided to get married outdoors in Arroyo Seco. Mother Nature sent snow on the day of the October wedding, so instead the beautiful ceremony (officiated by Judge Jeff McElroy) took place in the great room at The Cottonwood Inn. I had the honor to be one of the official witnesses and was proud to sign this same-sex marriage license!
Couples are traveling to New Mexico to take advantage of the fact that this is the 17th state in the nation to honor same-sex marriages and offer gay marriage licenses. In Northern New Mexico, the attitude regarding this new law is positive and welcoming. Now that gay marriage is federally recognized, couples are coming to Taos County for their destination weddings. Many of these weddings are spontaneous elopements as couples have been together and planning the ceremonies for decades. I have been a witness for several elopements and I am honored to be a part of the license signing and the photo documentation of the day.
John and Lauren came from Colorado to use the beautiful and artsy backdrop of Taos, NM for their wedding photos! The ceremony took places at Thom Wheeler’s popular art gallery. After the ceremony, we went to the plaza in Ranchos de Taos to photograph the bride and groom with famous mission church, San Francisco de Asis. The newlyweds then took the traditional drive around the Taos Plaza before heading back to the art gallery for the wedding reception. The Taos Mountain was radiant when it was touched by the light of the setting sun.
Lora and Jim got married at Our Lady of Guadalupe church off of the plaza in Taos, NM. The wedding colors, tangerine and ivory, were vibrant in the photos. Local Taos florist, The Enchanted Florist, designed the bouquets and boutonnieres with roses and lilies. The bouquets were wrapped with white ribbon. The flower girls dropped tangerine flower petals in their processional down the aisle before the bride. The reception took place at popular venue, The Sagebrush, and the newlyweds danced into the night.
Darcy and Brian were wed under a chuppah. Symbolically, the chuppah is a house that represents that the bride and groom’s life will be spent together. The wedding ceremony took place at El Monte Sagrado’s Sacred Circle and was set up in a circular fashion. The reception was a festive occasion with lawn games outdoors and a cocktail hour before a sit down dinner was served.
