by Deanna | Sep 1, 2023 | Elopement , Taos , Weddings
This wedding was a private elopement: the bride, groom, officiant (Dan Jones), and photographer (me) only. The start time was 7pm and the light was gorgeous however by 7:15pm the bride and groom still had not arrived. Dan reached out to the wedding couple and they were shocked as they thought their wedding was the next evening. Instantly we all reviewed our contracts and communications and sure enough their wedding date was mentioned several times and Dan and I were right on target. Bre and James were just leaving dinner and were mortified. They raced to their hotel, changed clothes, and arrived approximately 40 minutes late. We still had some beautiful light and rushed to use the golden hour luminescence around the whimsical flower garden.
Mosquito repellant, a necessary New Mexico wedding item after a monsoon rain
Bride and Groom and a simple southwest sunset in Taos, NM
A wedding kiss in the flowers at SpiriTaos Garden in Taos NM
The silhouettes of Bre and James on their wedding night in Taos NM
Sharing a kiss on wedding night at golden hour in Taos, NM
James and Bre share their wedding vows during their outdoor elopement ceremony
The sun sets on the Taos horizon after Bre and James' wedding elopement
Flowers and mountain silhouettes adorn this Taos garden wedding venue
Dan Jones officiates a July wedding ceremony in SpiriTaos garden in Taos
After a brief Taos rain, the mosquitos decided to joint the wedding festivities
Bre and James kiss in front of sacred Taos mountain
Bride and groom smile after their destination elopement in El Prado
Radiant Taos mountain with stunning bride and groom at July wedding
Bre and James, from Tennessee, elope at SpiriTaos venue in El Prado NM
SpiriTaos: El Prado and Taos wedding venue for elopements and microweddings
Red poppies and flowers surround Bre and James during their El Prado wedding
Bre and James and the beautiful Taos sunset on their wedding night
SpiriTaos always has something in bloom: here are the red poppies!
Beautiful gate and meadow at SpiriTaos wedding venue
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A Taos wedding ceremony with an altar adorned with red poppies
Ornamental bird sculpture in SpiriTaos garden
SpiriTaos provided natural mosquito repellant and the event was private once again
by Deanna | Aug 10, 2023 | Anniversary , Elopement , Taos
Michelle and Jeff returned to Taos, NM to celebrate their wedding in 2018! We did an anniversary shoot and went to the same places we went to take pictures on their wedding day five years ago. Five years ago this bride and groom got tattoos on their Taos wedding elopement so we started their shoot at the tattoo shop and walked around downtown for a minute. Next we hit the Slide Trail and just like their wedding day, the winds picked up as soon as we arrived. We ended the shoot at Adobe Pines Inn in Ranchos de Taos where this couple stayed and had a labyrinth wedding. Congratulations to five years and another Taos happily ever after.
Michelle and Jeff celebrate their anniversary with a kiss at Adobe and Pines Inn
Wedding couple in sage on Taos Slide Trail with Taos Mountains in background
Michelle and Jeff, both in turquoise, at Adobe and Pines Inn
Tattoos and Prayer Flags near the plaza in downtown Taos, NM
New Mexico love with cowboy boots and red chile ristras
Michelle and Jeff hold hands and walk along the slide trail towards the Rio Grande gorge
Michelle and Jeff share a kiss in front of painted horse mural on Ledoux Street in Taos, NM
Jeff and Michelle stand with an adobe wall, latilla fence, and yellow roses at local Bed and Breakfast
Jeff and Michelle hold hands in the long grass with Taos Mountains in the background
Michelle and Jeff smile in front of a white adobe home with vibrant pink and white roses
Jeff and Michelle walk along Ledoux Street in Taos, NM
Anniversary photos on mesa with graffiti rocks while on vacation in Taos, NM,
Yellow Goldenrod light up this photo of Michelle and Jeff walking along a trail in Taos, NM
by Deanna | Jul 28, 2023 | Elopement , Taos , Weddings
Allyssa and Glenn came to escape from the Texas heat and elope in the mountains of northern New Mexico. This couple arrived early on wedding day, ready to tie the knot in the green meadow at SpiriTaos, in El Prado, NM. Dan Jones, officiant, wrote a wedding ceremony that gave homage to the sacred Taos mountain.
Allyssa and Glenn share a moment with the goldfish during their evening elopement
Mountain wedding with green meadows, open skies, and mountain views
Wedding Venue for Elopements and Micro Weddings in El Prado
Bride wears turquoise jewelry in private flower garden for Elopement
Dan Jones, wearing a Jerry Garcia tie, officiates the elopement
Allyssa and Glenn smile at one another during their evening elopement in Taos, NM
Beautiful summertime green meadow and raptor rests, with mountain views
Allyssa and Glenn share a laugh as purple flowers loom in background
Allyssa and Glenn were playful and funny as we captured romantic photos of them in the garden
Allyssa and Glenn are married amongst the clover and tall grasses in Taos, NM
Allyssa looks at her partner while he recites his intentions to her
Garden in El Prado, NM hosts Allyssa and Glenn's destination elopement
Taos bride wears wedding dress with train at private garden elopement
SpiriTaos: Green meadows, red barn, and mountain views
Married under a New Mexico sky with heavy grey clouds
Bride and groom tie the knot at Taos NM Elopement in July
Evening Elopement in Taos, NM in July
Beautiful view of green grass and heavy clouds on warm July wedding night
Wedding evening in Taos, NM outdoors in July
by Deanna | Jul 11, 2023 | Engagement , Portraits , Taos
Kath and Brian are visiting Taos from New York City and wanted some photos with the mountains. We had a beautiful overcast sky and the mountains were on their best display. I loved that this couple wore hiking boots with their dress-up gear (they hiked the South Boundary Trail the day before)! We took some traditional photos and some more casual photos with the landscape and some local art. By the end of our shoot the sunshine was out and it felt like a Taos summertime again!
The sculptures in front of Envision Gallery made a fun posing opportunity with local Taos art
Traditional New Mexico latilla fencing and wonderful pond with lily pads
After their Taos photo shoot Kath and Brian walked hand in hand back to their car, a photographic moment!
Brian and Kath hold hands and smile as we capture a photo of them in front of sacred Taos Mountain
Brian and Kath experience a little of Taos, NM wild west with the old wagon wheel
Kath and Brian share a kiss in front of magical Taos Mountain in a green meadow with yellow wildflowers
Kath and Brian smile at each other for the last photo of their engagement photo session in Taos, NM
New York City couple celebrates mountain life in Taos, NM
It was grey enough for a silhouette at 10am--the Taos mountains giving texture to the background
by Deanna | Jun 1, 2023 | Portraits , Senior Pictures , Taos
Casa Benavides is a beautiful and historic bed and breakfast in Taos! As a Taos photographer who has lived here for almost two decades, I am shocked I haven’t shot at this venue before. I had so much fun using the gorgeous art and beautiful blue accents in these senior photographs. The property is pristine with “Taos Blue” painted portals and vigas. The dining area and great room are brilliantly painted and the hand carved wood is traditional and unique. High school senior, Itzmir, is a brilliant student and a fabulous model. We had so much fun capturing her senior pictures at this Taos landmark. Congratulations to class of 2023!!
Itzmir looks directily into at the photographer for this Taos senior photo session
Gorgeous wooden vigas and blue paint are local trademarks in Taos, NM
With grace and style this Taos senior graduated from Vista High School in Taos in May 2023
High school senior poses in green gown by gorgeous Taos art scene
Vista Grande High School in Taos with green and white as senior colors
Senior photo shoot with Taos art in local bed and breakfast
Itzmir poses with gorgeous Taos blue gate near the plaza
Senior high student, Itzmir, has senior photos taken near Taos plaza
The property at Casa Benavides was ideal for this Taos high school senior photo session
Senior with flowering tree at Casa Benavides
Taos high school student has senior photos taken with art
With cap and gown, Itzmir celebrates her graduation with senior photos
Taos senior posing for high school senior pictures at Casa Benavides
Elegant in black, Itzmir looks at the camera for her senior photo shoot
Casa Benavides has gorgeous scenes at their property, perfect for a Taos photo shoot
New Mexico high school student with bright Taos art
Casa Benavides hosted this beautiful senior for her senior photo session
Traditional hand carved doors are the backdrop for this Taos senior photo shoot
Vista Grande graduate having senior photos in Taos NM
Taos senior high student has photos done in gallery
by Deanna | May 22, 2023 | Elopement , Taos , Weddings
As a Taos wedding photographer, I can say that this wedding venue has some of the best mountain view of sacred Taos Mountain. Located in El Prado, “SpiriTaos” is an evolving and whimsical garden which most recently added tall raptor rests. This bride and groom came from out of state for their destination micro wedding. I love how the bride’s dress matches the gorgeous New Mexico blue sky.
Outdoor wedding in El Prado with scenic views of sacred Taos Mountain
Taos, New Mexico where the skies area gorgeous wedding backdrop
This photograph with her nails and ring, and his snaps reminds me how important wedding details are
Bride in blue wipes away a tear during her Taos wedding ceremony
The officiant of this Taos wedding ceremony blesses the wedding rings
Heart-shaped rocks adorn the wedding grounds at SpiriTaos in El Prado, NM
Red willow and raptor rests give texture to this gorgeous springtime Taos wedding photo
Surrounded by the mountains in Taos, SpiriTaos is conveniently is located 10 minutes from Taos plaza
This bride had her bridesmaids in flannels and jeans for this Taos, NM wedding ceremony
Destination wedding in El Prado, part of Taos, NM
Bride and groom hold hands during their Taos wedding in springtime
This bride and groom share a laugh with their officiant during their wedding ceremony in Taos, NM
Sun flare and red willow with this bride and groom both in white
Bride and groom with popular latilla fence in northern New Mexico
A kiss seals the wedding vows at the end of this El Prado wedding ceremony
Taos Mountain stands tall for a Taos wedding photograph
The sun shines at 95% of our Taos, NM wedding ceremonies
SpiriTaos is a perfect New Mexico wedding venue for micro wedding
by Deanna | May 17, 2023 | Portraits , Senior Pictures , Taos , Taos Ski Valley
This senior shoot was a true adventure at the Taos Ski Valley! After William and I took many photos for almost two hours, we rode the chair lift up the mountain to get some final pictures with a view. As soon as we got off the chairlift, it closed down because lightening was detected nearby. So here we are at the top of the mountain with lightening and they advise us hike down. Upon consideration of safety, we were then offered a ride down by the lift operator, in an old suburban, which we were happy to take.
Senior pictures at the top of the ski valley while on vacation in Taos, NM
William wears his Philmont hat for his senior pictures taken by photographer in Taos Ski Valley
High school senior, William, has his senior photos taken on vacation in Taos
Taos Ski Valley senior photo shoot in June
Senior photo shoot at Taos Ski Valley with waterfall
William, an avid camper and hiker, brought his camping chair to use in his senior pictures taken at Taos Ski Valley
The Taos Ski Valley chair lift and mountains are a beautiful senior photo backdrop
Taos Ski Valley waterfall popular location for Taos photographers
William smiles a photo while crossing the river on a hike in the Taos Ski Valley
High school senior, William, relaxes after his senior photos at the Taos Ski Valley
High school senior does senior photo session at Taos Ski Valley on ski hill
Adventure hike for senior pictures in Taos, NM
Senior photography at Taos Ski Valley
High school senior has senior pictures taken by photographer in Taos, NM
This senior photo shoot was done at the Taos Ski Valley in springtime
Taos Ski Valley photographer for senior pictures
by Deanna | May 4, 2023 | Elopement , Taos , Weddings
The golden sunlight kisses the new May leaves on the cottonwoods
Sealed with a kiss with the New Mexico mountains watching
Deb and Scott in front of looming cottonwood trees and Taos mountains
Destination wedding in the Taos mountains in New Mexico
Local bed and breakfast hosts Taos wedding in El Prado area
Beautiful professional bouquet showcasing Taos wedding rings
Simple New Mexico elopement in grassy garden with Taos mountains
Deb and Scott share a kiss in front of Hacienda del Sol bed and breakfast in Taos
May wedding elopement with Taos mountain witnessing
Taos wedding photographer captures the sunshine kissing the bride and groom while the mountains watch
Scott steals a look at Deb during their New Mexico elopement in Taos
Hard to find green grass at this bed and breakfast wedding venue
Rain is good luck at your Taos New Mexico wedding!
Mini Reception for Deb and Scott at this colorful bed and breakfast
Deb and Scott cut a professional wedding cake made in Taos, NM
The Hacienda del Sol is so New Mexico with the turquoise gate and pueblo style adobe rooms
Deb and Scott look at one another after a successful Taos wedding day
Deb was happy to leave her wedding shoes behind for this wedding pose
Deb and Scott smile at one another as Dan Jones officiates in Taos, NM
by Deanna | Apr 26, 2023 | Elopement , Portraits , Taos , Weddings
In lieu of the construction in and around of the Taos Plaza for the next year, I thought a blog post on a wedding in the gazebo at Taos plaza was a good tribute. This wedding happened on May 5th several years ago, so a very similar time of year as now. The weather, however, is amazingly differently than shown in these photos. We had snow falling in town this morning, which is not unusual for April or May.
The Taos Plaza was established in 1796 and has been a venue for meetings, gatherings, and celebrations for over two centuries.
The adobe buildings on the plaza are all connected and are a simple and beautiful New Mexico background, especially with the hanging chile ristras. The Taos plaza gazebo is one of our larger elopement package choices for a venue. This venue is unavailable until next year, and we’ll be ready to shoot the plaza after the facelift of the old jailhouse.
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Formal wedding pictures under the Taos gazebo at the popular Taos plaza
The groomsmen with the groom and ring bearer in Taos NM plaza
Wedding signing stones are fun to display in your garden after wedding day
Groom, wearing a bolo tie, waits for his bride to walk to Taos plaza
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Newlyweds kiss after their Cinco de Mayo springtime wedding in Taos
Bride and groom on a Harley in front of Hotel La Fonda on plaza in Taos
Altar photo of "the guys" honoring the groom's new bride; adobe and chiles in background
The Taos plaza is a beautiful place for a wedding under the cottonwoods
Bride and groom are married by Dan Jones under the Taos gazebo
The ring bearer offers the rings at this springtime Taos wedding ceremony
The Taos plaza gazebo has hosted many weddings, family reunions, celebrations and centuries of community gatherings.
Bride and groom smile after their gazebo wedding in Taos NM
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After a wedding on Taos plaza, these lovebirds are ready to drive off to the mountains
This groom loves his bride and his motorcycle and made sure both were included in their Taos wedding photos
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Proud father of the bride walks his daughter to the gazebo through the Taos plaza
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Taos gazebo wedding wtih birdseed confetti toss afterwards
Bride and groom seal their vows with a kiss under the gazebo in Taos, NM
After wedding photographs with bride, groom, and bride's parents
The bride and groom steal a quick look at one another during their Taos plaza wedding
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Destination wedding in Taos plaza under gazebo
Taos plaza with chile ristras and pueblo style adobe buildings make nice wedding backgrounds
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The gazebo on Taos plaza is an awesome wedding venue in Taos offering shade and some privacy
An early May Taos wedding under the cottonwoods and plaza gazebo
Bride and groom and her father in important after-wedding photography
Bride and groom exchange wedding rings under the Taos gazebo
Cinco de Mayo wedding in Taos, NM on the plaza
Bird seed wedding confetti is an environmentally friendly and photogenic
His and hers handmade wedding ring bands made and purchased in Taos, NM
The license signing is an important part of the wedding day that usually takes places after the wedding ceremony
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Groom smiles with his father on his wedding day in Taos
The white birdseed was brilliant in the photos during the confetti toss
With a giant rev of his engine, the groom and bride drive off the Taos plaza on a Harley
The ring bearer talks about his important job with the groom
Hugs and Cigars of congratulations after this Taos NM wedding
Dan Jones officiates a wedding under the gazebo in Taos plaza
Bride and groom walk hand in hand through the Taos plaza after their New Mexico wedding
Taos gazebo on the plaza provides great shade from the hot New Mexico sunshine
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Wedding ceremony with gorgeous adobe Taos architecture in background
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New Mexico springtime wedding in Taos, NM
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Wedding under latillas of the plaza gazebo in Taos, NM
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A springtime gust of wind greets this bride and her father in the Taos plaza
Beautiful dip in Taos plaza for New Mexico wedding in May
The blue New Mexico skies were a stunning backdrop for this destination wedding in Taos NM
Family photos with the wedding couple in the Taos plaza
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The groom and his ring bearer hit knuckles signifying a job well done
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by Deanna | Apr 19, 2023 | Taos
If you want a snowy winter wonderland wedding, look no further than the Taos Ski Valley in wintertime! The ski valley has mountains of snow in the winter and is a gorgeous backdrop with the blue skies and aspen trees. Kiersten and Andrew had their micro wedding in Taos and their friends came to watch! About 20 guests stood in the snow for the ceremony and screamed Mazel Tov! when the champagne sprayed everywhere at the 95000 foot elevation.
Kiersten and Andrews friends watch the wedding in the forest
Andrew holds a wedding ring before he places it on Kiersten's finger
Kiersten's father wipes away a tear at an emotional wedding ceremony
A champagne toast at high altitude often times isn't cooperative
Outdoor March wedding at Taos Ski Valley among aspens and ponderosas
Kiersten and Andrew recite a prayer during their outdoor snowy wedding
Kiresten smiles with her dad before her wedding ceremony
Andrew, with a blue suit, holds his wife's hand as they show off their wedding rings
Andrew holds Kiersten's hands during their outdoor wedding at the Taos Ski Valley
Ring exchange during snowy wedding in March
Kiersten and Andrew seal their wedding vows with a kiss!
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The brides white dress blends perfectly into the white snow at this outdoor wedding
Andrew carves their initials into the aspen tree bark as a forever Taos Ski Valley memento
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Andrew looks intensely at his bride during their wedding ceremony
Andrew, in a blue suit and cowboy boots, has groom portraits taken before his wedding
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Dan Jones officiates Taos Ski Valley wedding ceremony
Kiersten and Andrew share a nervous laugh as their wedding begins
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are a beautiful host to snowy mountain weddings
Kiersten recites her vows to Andrew during their wedding
Kiersten wears a sleeveless wedding dress in the snow covered mountains
Wearing boots under the wedding dress was a good idea for this snowy wedding at Taos Ski Valley
Elopement package at Taos Ski Valley with officiant Dan Jones
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Kiersten holds her cascading white roses which perfectly match the snow and ponderosa pines
A dip in the Carson National Forest, on wedding day
The bride and groom holding hands after their wedding ring exchange
Celebrating this TSV marriage with a taste of champagne!
by Deanna | Mar 29, 2023 | Elopement , Taos , Weddings
Linsey and Nathan had a destination elopement in February in Questa, NM. When Linsey booked this elopement package she knew she was taking risks with an outdoor winter wedding in the mountains. We ordered good weather. Linsey and Nathan’s wedding week was stormy but their wedding day was a perfect. It was 50 degrees, calm, and dry. The wedding ceremony was officianted by religious and included special bible verses that Sajit delivered. The mountains, pinon trees, and patches of snow were beautiful under the cloudy New Mexico sky. Linsey word a gorgeous two piece Bohemian style wedding dress with long lace sleeves. Linsey’s stunning wedding bouquet included fresh pink, peach, and white roses with dried willow, protea, and pampas grass.
Linsey waits in anticipation for her wedding ceremony to begin; a true elopement!
Linsey and Nathen smile and pose for a photo with the snowy mountains
Newly eloped couple walk hand in hand with shoes and boots with purple accents
Gorgeous wedding elopement with Sajit in turquoise jewelry
Wedding rings with cowboy hat and peacock feather
Stunning outdoor February wedding elopement in the mountains north of Taos, NM
Linsey listened to Nathan's wedding vows at their elopement in Questa, NM
Beautiful professional wintertime wedding bouquet by Carly
Linsey pins Nathan's boutonniere onto his collar before their private wedding elopement in the Questa mountains
Bouquet and his and her's cowboy wedding hats for Questa wedding
Sajit officiates this February destination elopement to Questa, NM
The mountains look behind as Linsey and Nathan seal their wedding vows with a kiss
Linsey in a white long sleeve wedding dress and Nathan in a blue blazer, Questa wedding photography
Winter wedding outdoors north of Questa in front of beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountains
Linsey and Nathan smile after their afternoon wedding ceremony, outdoors in February!
Natural light from indoors before February wedding
Questa wedding with bride and groom wearing cowboy hats
The bride and groom share a laugh after their northern New Mexico wedding elopement
Wintertime wedding in Questa, NM with earth tone colors and snowy mountains
Linsey before her wedding elopement in Questa, NM north of Taos
Nathan smiles in front of pinon tree in gorgeous cloudy light that on his wedding day
Linsey and Nathan kept each other warm by holding hands during a 50 degrees February wedding ceremony.
Nathan and Linsey smile after their elopement in Questa NM
Questa elopement on private land with beautiful mountain views
Gorgeous long sleeve wedding dress and stunning bouquet by Enchanted Florist
Bride, Linsey, with with pinon trees, snow, and mountains in Questa
The Sangre de Cristo mountains were a beautiful blue omnipresence during this Questa elopement
Surrounded by mountains in northern New Mexico. Linsey and Nathan listen to Sajit's wedding ceremony
Tiny details like this Wifey For Lifey purse are documented in photographs to remember forever
Wintertime February wedding in northern New Mexico with snow on the ground!
by Deanna | Dec 20, 2022 | Elopement , Taos , Weddings
This young couple drove from Texas to Taos, NM to elope at SpiriTaos in El Prado. When I asked them if anyone knew about their wedding, Mikayla responded, “Yes, and my mom is so mad that she’s not here!” This bride and groom were absolutely delightful: super easy going, funny, and clever. It was cold outside but the sun came out and warmed everyone up at the perfect moments. Congratulations to a beautiful and unique couple!
Texan couple enjoys private elopement in Taos
The Taos light kisses the wintertime grasses at SpiriTaos
Bride in long sleeve dress by Taos Mountain
SpiriTaos owner and officiant Dan Jones
Taos elopement package at SpiriTaos in El Prado
Groom with cowboy hat and Taos mountain
Bride and groom silhouetted by Taos' evening light
Young Texans elope to Taos in December
Mikayla wore turquoise jewelry and Cole wore a turquoise buttondown
Winter grasses and paths adorn SpiriTaos wedding venue
Mikayla and Cole posing in front of Taos Mountain
Bride and groom's wintertime Taos wedding
Young Texas couple elopes to the mountains in Taos, NM
Sunset in El Prado on wedding evening
Mikayla and Cole take in Taos mountain on their wedding day
Taos mountain overlooks this December elopement at SpiriTaos
Wintertime wedding with garden and barn
Taos groom in turquoise and cowboy hat
Romantic kiss to keep warm at December Taos wedding
Taos sunset with wedding silhouettes
Garden wedding venue with plants and snow
Frozen pond at wintertime Taos wedding
The Taos light kisses the wintertime grasses
Newly wedded couple with Taos landscape and mountains
Smiling bride and groom with tipi after eloping in Taos
The wedding officiant prays with the Mikayla and Cole during their wedding ceremony
Embracing Ceremony officiant Dan Jones blesses the wedding rings
Red headed bride and Taos Mountain
by Deanna | Dec 10, 2022 | Taos , Weddings
Beautiful bride and groom with winter bouquet and pink Taos mountaintops on the horizon
Wedding cake with wintertime decor with conifer and pinecones
Mexican pottery, Christmas decorations, and adobe adorn this Taos bed and breakfast courtyard
Their wedding rings and her cowboy boots on the coffee table at Adobe Bed and PInes Inn
Small Jewish elopement in front of adobe bed and breakfast in Ranchos de Taos
Holiday bouquet with red berries, pinecones, and white roses
Smiling bride, Jenn, waits nervously for her groom to arrive for their Taos elopement
The holiday decor at Adobe and Pines Inn in Taos was perfect decoration for this wedding elopement
The wedding couple share a smile with their officiant during their New Mexico elopement
Crisp leaves underfoot as we catch the dusk and the bare trees in this December wedding
December wedding with the sunlight touching bare cottonwood trees
Hairpiece made by local New Mexican artist
Mazel Tov! The groom breaks the glass to signal the end of the Jewish wedding ceremony
Bride in magenta walks with her groom toward their adobe rental in Taos
Outdoor December elopement with conifer background
A quick after-wedding walk from the ceremony to the Adobe and Pines Inn home-away-from-home.
Wintertime bridal portrait with greenery bouquet and background of snowy sagebrush