1. Real Weddings

Kerri & Mark: A Red Wedding in Santa Fe, NM

After nearly of decade of being purely platonic pals, Kerri Atter and Mark Horiis celebrate their neverending love story amid deep red roses, adobe ac

After nearly of decade of being purely platonic pals, Kerri Atter and Mark Horiis celebrate their neverending love story amid deep red roses, adobe accents, and New Mexico charm. The Bride Kerri Atter, 31, museum director/curator The Groom Mark Hoiriis, 31, construction engineer The Date June 5 Kerri and Mark owe a lot to his brother. The pair first met while she was waiting tables in Boston with Mark's brother and soon became housemates when a group of friends decided to share a place together. Though Kerri and Mark found themselves as roommates again many years later and in a different city (Denver) -- it wasn't until Mark planned to move out that the pair dropped the seven-year-long just friends charade. He took me out for a friendly Valentine's Day date and that was it, Kerri says. It didn't take nearly as long for Mark to propose. About a year later around Christmas, Mark hid a ring inside a beautiful cabinet that he had built himself. Kerry says, I think I hyperventilated when I realized that this was the someday moment we had talked about.

The Formalwear
We chickened out saying our own vows in front of everyone and decided to say them later on after everything was over, Kerri says. Performed by a minister who is also a well-respected tribal elder of the town, the vows had an earthy requirement that connected the couple to nature. As a symbol of our commitment, we were to plant a tree in our yard as a reminder to watch our vows grow, she explains.
Aiming for a simple, clean look, Kerri was drawn to deep red tones, and chose almost-black red roses and earthy red, knee-length bridesmaid dresses. I really find stark contrasts to be elegant, Kerri says. We wanted things to be warm and inviting. The letterpress invitations -- white and red cards with dark gray ink -- evoked this sophisticated without being stuffy vibe. Roses and calla lilies completed the look. They are both very aesthetically pleasing to me and convey such a simple elegance, I felt I could not go wrong, she says.
With both their families living on the East Coast, the Denver residents couldn't decide where to get married. But then in a self-described light bulb moment they decided on Santa Fe. We have always had a strong connection to the area and felt it was the perfect expression of why we fell in love with each other, she says.
The cuisine catered to local taste buds by featuring chipolte-rubbed beef and sea bass and the small wedding cake, decorated with fresh flowers and candles, experimented with more exotic flavors: white citrus cake was covered with jasmine butter cream frosting.
Kerri wore a white strapless A-line Angel Sanchez gown made of silk gabardine.
Kerri entered the garden ceremony held at a Santa Fe estate to the sounds of a Spanish guitar. Surrounded by flowers and butterflies, the couple exchanged vows before a waterfall, while their 80 guests - and flower child dog -- encircled them.
The Bride