This past weekend I had the privilege of being a part of a beautiful, destination wedding in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Danielle Elizabeth Inc, was the lead photographer, floral designer, and coordinator, her husband, Josh Guthrie providing video services, and myself doing hair and makeup. Danielle invited me to be a part of photography as her second shooter for the day, and it was an absolute honor to work with her.

(Fun Fact: Danielle of Danielle Elizabeth, Inc. is married to a Josh, as am I!)

The bride and groom, Ann and Prateek, met online, and are seriously a match made in heaven. Throughout the entire weekend, the two of them beamed with happiness and excitement.Their love for God, each other, and their families naturally flowed from them.They were truly one of the kindest couples I have ever encountered.

The First Look

Their first look took place the day before the wedding (following the rehearsal). Ann started off by revealing herself in her full wedding day wear to her dad, and then to Prateek. Both moments so sweet and special. I couldn’t help but think back to my own wedding day, remembering the moment my dad first saw me, followed by Josh. In the event you are planning a destination wedding, this type of reveal (doing the first look the day before), is spectacular! It lends a lot more portrait time than you may have otherwise, and is a great way to “test” the look you have planned.)

After the reveal the couple ventured out into the Sandia area for a portrait session, before changing out of their wedding attire and heading to the rehearsal dinner.

The Ceremony

Monday, August 6th, the ceremony and reception occurred. Both were intimate celebrations with some of their closest friends and family. Prateek is from India, so the couple chose to include some beautiful traditions from his culture into their day. One tradition I found very fun, was the placing of rings on the bride’s toes. Ann shared with me that in the Indian culture those rings would stay on her feet for life (similar to our Western tradition of rings worn on the left hand). The reception was held at a NOAH’s Event Venue in Albuquerque, and conveniently situated right across the street was a desert area that made for more gorgeous portraits of the couple, with the mountains rolling in the back ground.

 

Ann and Prateek – I wish you both a lifetime of love, happiness, and many blessings from the Lord. I was honored to provide hair and makeup services for this wedding!

Danielle (with Danielle Elizabeth, Inc.) thank you so much for the privilege of second shooting for you! You are truly amazing at what you do and such an inspiration to me!

xx, Danielle