A Vintage Tea Party-Inspired Wedding at Casa Del Arroyo in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Maura Casados (28 and a wedding photographer) and Brandon Casados (31 and a physical therapy technician) met during college, working at the same tourist restaurant in downtown Santa Fe, NM. The two hit it off right away and became good friends. After graduation Maura broke up with her boyfriend at the time and made plans to move back to her hometown in Pennsylvania. "My friend and future bridesmaid Kira convinced me to stay until the end of the summer with her," says Maura. "I agreed and as a result, my friendship with Brandon quickly blossomed into much more. Needless to say, I never left." Brandon proposed on a weekend trip to the Tamaya Resort to celebrate their anniversary, surprising Maura with a carriage ride, complete with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, along the Rio Grande river and a party with their closest friends when they arrived back at the hotel. A wedding in Santa Fe, where their relationship began, was a must for Maura and Brandon. They found a stunning estate in the mountains called Casa Del Arroyo to host the affair, offering a large patio and lush landscaping that were ideal for an outdoor wedding. The convenient location, just five minutes away from downtown Santa Fe made it easy for their guests to access the venue, plus the couple and their out-of-town bridesmaids and groomsmen could stay right in the main house. For the decor, the couple opted for a vintage style with a subtle Alice in Wonderland theme, using a color palette of soft pastels like mint, blush, ivory and lavender. Maura and Brandon made many of the wedding's decorative details themselves, from the dainty garlands that decorate the dance floor to the the skeleton key escort card that directed guests to their seats. As a nod to the whimsical theme, little "Eat Me" signs were added to the dessert display, inviting guests to sample all the bite-sized desserts from New Mexico Pie Company.