A New Mexico Fairy Tale Wedding in Casas De Suenos in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Alissa, 29 and a counselor, and Charles, 31 and a senior web designer, met at O'Neil's Irish Pub and realized very quickly that they had found a best friend in each other. Their first date lasted more than eight hours; they didn't want to say goodbye, so they kept finding reasons to prolong the date. Since that day, the couple has been inseparable. Charles had been planning on proposing for a long time, and finally popped the question while the two were biking along the Rio Grande on a cool autumn day. Shortly after Charles proposed, a coyote emerged from the forest nearby; in Navajo lore, the coyote is viewed as a sign of change and fertility. Alissa and Charles were married in a secluded garden at a traditional New Mexican adobe inn surrounded by close friends and family. The beautiful day included memorable personal details such as paper butterfly fans, DIY floral arrangements and tulle decor, a sweet rose ceremony the couple did to honor both of their mothers and original vows that the newlyweds sealed in a box for a rainy day. New Mexican flavor influenced every part of the day, from the champagne and turquoise color motif to the local cuisine. The laid back wedding was fun and joyous, and truly highlighted Alissa and Charles' love of the outdoors and love for each other.