Farolitos is the Spanish word for “little lanterns.”

Santa Fe is beautiful this time of year. One of my favorite spots for viewing farolitos is the Inn At Loretto. I love how they line the adobe walls. I took this image recently for a calendar.

 

2nd shooting with Vlad Chaloupka

I had the honor and pleasure of 2nd shooting with Vlad Chaloupka. He was hired to shoot James and Ashley's wedding. My job as his second shooter was to take shots of James and the groomsmen while Vlad photographed Ashley and her bridesmaids getting ready. It was so fun to hang with the "men" for once. I was also there to shoot the wedding from a different angle and details of the reception. Here are a few of my images from the day. Vlad so generously let me post my images on my blog. Not only that, he retouched some of them. Thanks Vlad!

I love sweet little details that explain something unique about a couple. James and Ashley both bought special gifts for each other (watch and ring). Both of them planned to surprise the other the day of the wedding. Neither one was expecting a gift so they both were shocked and delighted.

Desiree Dawn Kuhn

I photographed Desiree today. Her little "bun" is due January 1, 2011. Congrats Desiree & Patricio, it was so much fun photographing you!

Michelle & Glen

I have known Michelle and Glen for years. Glen used to work with my husband so we've been to Christmas parties together and we even went on a company cruise together. I had the pleasure of photographing Michelle when she was pregnant last year (Adding to the Family) and then again when their son was a newborn ( He's Here!). They called me again this year for a family portrait. He's almost one now. I absolutely love photographing friends year after year. I love to document the changes as their children and families grow.

We shot part of the session near the Explora building in Albuquerque, which is a fun science, technology and art museum. This one almost has the feel that they are about to board an enormous ship, an ocean liner. Look at those windows! Love them.

I think Michelle is so unbelievably beautiful. I love when I can steal the couple away from the kids for a few intimate shots. It is the parents who hold the family together after all....

Last year braces on, this year braces off. Look at that wonderful smile.

These shots were so fun and unexpected. Michelle's brother drove over on his motorcycle to see what we were up to. Glen put the little man on the cycle first and he was delighted. Then the girls joined in. What a fun way to end the session. Thanks "boy" for stopping by.

2nd Shooting with Becker

I had the honor of second shooting with Becker this last weekend. For those of you who don't know, he is an internationally acclaimed wedding photographer and an incredibly down to earth guy. It was a wonderful day with a beautiful couple, Valerie & John. Thank you Becker for having me. It was absolutely amazing to shoot with you. Words can't really express my gratitude (and many, many thanks for letting me blog some of my images here).

I love this picture of me with Becker, at the end of the evening. You can see Valerie twirling on the dance floor behind us.

The bridal party got ready at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa. I love going in and photographing simply what is happening. Here are two of Valerie's bridesmaids, watching as she was getting her make-up done. Everyone was so mellow and relaxed and super nice.

Valerie getting the finishing touches of hair and make-up.

Valerie's beautiful shoes!

Here is the dress before and after she put it on and her mom seeing her for the first time.

The girls getting ready.

Valerie's bouquet and the rest of the floral designs were by Jan Dekker Designs.

The bridesmaids bouquets.

The flower girl's shoes.

Here Valerie is waiting to see John for the first time.

I love that I captured this expression as John was approaching her.

A quiet moment together.

Here Becker is taking some of his signature relaxed portraits of Valerie. I shot from the side.

These are more shots set up by Becker and I'm getting them from a different angle.

I absolutely loved the letterpress invitations!

The ceremony was beautiful.

Valerie's niece was the adorable flower girl.

Officially hitched.

Cocktail hour back at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa.

The reception area was stunning. We had the pleasure of working with event planners, Jessica Martinez and Rebecca Coberly of Embellish.

Valerie's sister giving a toast.

First dances.

Guests cutting loose!