Vintage Romance in Northern New Mexico Mountain Elopement {Real Couple, Styled Shoot}

Jul 19, 20243 min read

Updated: Jul 21, 2024

Nestled in the heart of northern New Mexico, just outside Los Alamos, the Jemez Mountains provide an enchanting setting for couples seeking a unique and intimate elopement experience. Captured by Queanna Lynn Photography LLC and styled by Luna Designs LLC, our team drew inspiration from the beauty of nature while incorporating a touch of vintage romanticism. The vintage gown, luxurious textured tablescape, and the natural rustic beauty create a balanced and harmonious feel, both in design and throughout the day.

In this styled elopement shoot, we were joined by a real newly engaged couple, Tom and Lexy, and began at the Aspen Ridge Alpaca farm. The owner, Mickey, and her four alpacas welcomed us to their cozy and quaint mountain scenery. While they have been a working farm for 30+ years, they have opened their doors to cozy Airbnb accommodations and they have provided the perfect setting for any couple's private ceremony. Couples can exchange vows in a heartwarming ceremony surrounded by the gentle hum of alpacas and the rustic beauty of the farm.

We then ventured down to a serene meadow clearing near Redondo Creek, a hidden gem in the grand landscape of the Jemez Mountains. Here, a romantic styled tablescape awaited the couple.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the meadow, this newly engaged couple shared a dance to their favorite songs. With the sounds of nature as their backdrop, they swayed together, lost in the moment, celebrating their love in the most intimate and enchanting way. Any elopement in the Jemez Mountains is a testament to your love and storytelling.

This styled elopement encapsulates the beauty of simplicity, the rough edges in rustic adventures, and the magic of the expansive mountainous surroundings. From the alpaca farm's warm embrace to the romantic meadow dance, the Jemez Mountains are truly the most stunning backdrop to create a storybook beginning for a lifetime of adventures together.

The Design:

We aimed to balance luxury with a rustic backdrop. Pastel peach and lavender florals provided fresh pops of color. For the tablescape, we enhanced the mountain foliage's natural hues with brighter greens using fresh fruit and playful custom stationery, complemented by vintage red toile napkins. Luna Designs LLC added a custom textured chiffon linen draped over the low table, creating a fluid texture as it hit the ground. The tablescape was framed with pillar candles for a luxurious glow, and fresh fruit on antique silver trays, crystal goblets, and trendy custom stationery added vibrant touches. Pearls and ivory satin bows are huge in the trends currently and completed the elegant look.

Tips for the look:

Focus on textures and moments. Every single thing from the day ties the style together. It doesn't just start with the decor and table-scape, but also the attire, the bounciness of the florals, and the environment around you. Select pieces to feature that will truly catch your eye and create a "wow" moment and forge a memory. Don't be afraid to add things in to your design that might feel a bit out of place. For example, we weren't going to use the vintage red toile napkins, but that added pop of color and pattern brought the design full circle. I think the success and feel of the design is truly from the balance that occurs in its entirety: the natural and rustic environment adorned with a luxurious twist.

Thursday Floral Co created a stunning bouquet and boutonniere with wild and bouncy flowers in soft pastel colors of peach and pops of lavender.

The Dressing Room West in Santa Fe graciously supplied us with a stunning vintage gown, with swooping details and fine fabric. Adding in a touch of vintage luxury, our gorgeous bride adorned the gown with a fur jacket. This tied into the mountain style, and really shows the versatility that bridal fashion can have throughout different seasons.

We had SO much fun with Lexy and Tom doing this shoot! Not only were they an amazing vibe and very "go with the flow" - the excitement of being in love and newly engaged really reflected in these photos!