A Romantic and Elegant Wedding at La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Natalie Harding and Jason Fried celebrated the southwestern United States with their colorful, romantic wedding in Santa Fe, New Mexico. "The color palette was inspired by the desert's romantic sunsets, natural tones of sage and brown and rich blue sky," Natalie says. "We also kept it fun with cactus-themed invitations." The outdoor ceremony at their wedding venue, La Fonda on the Plaza, overlooked one of the oldest Catholic churches in Santa Fe. The couple stood underneath a laser-cut chuppah (the groom is Jewish) and guests sat on classic white folding chairs.  Natalie wore a satin wedding dress that was hand-painted in Lake Como and had a detachable skirt. She accessorized with pink chunky heels and an elegant updo. Jason sported a custom gray suit with vintage turquoise cuffs.  After the ceremony, Natalie and Jason surprised the guests with a mariachi band. "Name tags were attached to maracas, which guests shook as we had a parade around the town square. It was old meets new, and New Mexico (the bride's home state) meets New York (the groom's home state)," Natalie says. The reception took place in a ballroom with a stained glass rooftop and punched tin chandelier. Guests sat at elegant dining tables with white linens, tall centerpieces and dusty pink chargers made of Saltillo tiles. The night ended with a tiered fondant wedding cake decorated with flowers and southwestern details, as well as a romantic first dance.