Returning to Where It All Began

Jennifer and Philip’s love story came full circle as they celebrated their wedding at El Monte Sagrado in Taos, New Mexico—the same place where they had their very first date. With the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains as the backdrop, their special day was a blend of romance, elegance, and personal history, marking the perfect end to a beautiful summer.

For Jennifer and Philip, El Monte Sagrado was more than just a beautiful wedding venue; it was the place where their love story first began. They shared their first date at this very resort, walking through the gardens and soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the mountains. So, when it came time to choose a location for their wedding, returning to the place that had sparked their journey together felt nothing short of perfect.

As the day unfolded, I had the joy of following the bridal party as they prepared for Jennifer’s grand entrance. Surrounded by her closest friends and family, Jennifer’s excitement was contagious, and capturing those candid, heartfelt moments as she and her bridesmaids shared laughter, memories, and finishing touches was an absolute pleasure.

From there, I joined Philip and his groomsmen in the library, where the energy was completely different—a mix of camaraderie, humor, and a touch of “macho” anticipation for the big day. Between straightening ties, and sharing a few laughs, I captured the spirit of the groomsmen as they rallied around Philip, building up the excitement for the incredible journey that awaited him. These moments before the ceremony added a unique layer to the story, showcasing the joy, support, and friendship surrounding Jennifer and Philip on their wedding day.

The celebration began with a fairytale moment as Jennifer arrived at the ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage. The carriage made its way through the resort’s picturesque paths, setting the stage for a romantic and timeless celebration.

Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of El Monte Sagrado’s gardens, Jennifer and Philip exchanged their vows in front of family and friends. The peaceful sounds of nature—the fluttering butterflies and the gentle breeze—provided the perfect atmosphere for the emotional ceremony.

After the ceremony, I had the privilege of following Jennifer and Philip around El Monte Sagrado to capture intimate portraits in some of the resort’s most enchanting locations. By the peaceful fountain, they shared quiet, heartfelt glances, their joy radiating in every shot. In the sacred circle, surrounded by lush greenery, the couple embraced, savoring the serenity of the moment. Finally, in the cozy elegance of the library, Jennifer and Philip shared a few private moments together, creating a collection of portraits that beautifully reflect the warmth and depth of their love, set against the timeless beauty of their surroundings.

As the reception began, the celebration kicked off with a lively entrance from the bridal party, setting the tone for an unforgettable night! Each couple made their way into the reception with their own unique song and choreographed dance, bringing a burst of energy and laughter to the festivities. From playful spins to high-energy moves, every entrance had guests cheering and clapping along. The joy and excitement in the atmosphere were undeniable, with Jennifer and Philip’s closest friends bringing their own personalities and flair to this joyful celebration, making the night even more memorable.

As the evening unfolded, Jennifer and Philip shared their first dance beneath the open blue sky. The venue, now bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, seemed to embrace the couple as they danced, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends.

As the night drew to a close, Jennifer and Philip spent some meaningful moments with their loved ones, cut their cake, and were sent off in style with a sparkling send-off. Guests lined the pathways of El Monte Sagrado, holding glowing sparklers as the couple made their way through, hand in hand. The soft glow of the sparklers illuminated their path as they walked toward their new future together, surrounded by the love and well-wishes of their nearest and dearest.

Jennifer and Philip’s wedding was a perfect reflection of their love—deeply personal, filled with beauty, and rooted in the special memories they had shared from the very beginning. Their journey from their first date at El Monte Sagrado to exchanging vows in the same place was a beautiful reminder that love, like the mountains, is timeless and enduring. As they closed one chapter of their lives, they stepped into the next with hearts full of joy, knowing that their love story would continue to grow as beautifully as their wedding celebration surrounded by loved ones.