The Gildea’s wedding took place at an iconic Hotel and Spa that is only steps away from the historic Santa Fe Plaza, which we took full advantage of when photographing the bride and groom. We took the whole wedding party and strolled through the Santa Fe Plaza where we captures some really neat photos. The Eldorado Hotel and Spa is a Southwestern diamond with it’s authentic furniture, art and kiva fireplaces.
The hotel’s oversized balcony created a romantic setting for Timothy and Jennifer’s Autumn wedding. They even provided the soon-to-be newly weds with a Coordinator, David Stone, who helped the couple with everything for their entire weekend at the hotel. He even had the amazing idea to return to the balcony for smores at the fire pits and first dances under the stars. The weather was perfect for this. The Eldorado Hotel provided a dream wedding for the Gildeas.
Jen looked drop dead gorgeous in her Kenneth Winston, high end, fine lace wedding gown that she purchased in Pittston, PA at Gerri Bridal Shoppe . This bridal store has been around for decades and boasts its Times Leader Readers' Choice Award for 'Best Bridal Shop' in 2014 and 2015.
And ladies, wait until you see her Disney princess-like bridal shoes from Badgley Mischka! They’re every girl’s dream when they start planning their future wedding at the age of six. Badgley Mischka designs have even graced Hollywood’s red carpet. When you scroll down and see the heels in all their sparkling glory, you’ll see why.
Jen’s hair was beautifully styled into a loose updo by Jackie Altobello and her flawless makeup was done by Maychel Platero, both from M & Company Hair & Color Lounge . Her elegant dangly earrings are from Kendra Scott. Kendra’s unique use of natural stones and one of a kind design shapes are loved all over the world.
The beautiful periwinkle bridesmaids dresses are from David's Bridal and the groom’s and groomsmen’s navy blue suits are from Men’s Wearhouse. You can’t go wrong with either of those stores when it’s time to dress your bridesmaids and groomsmen.
The couple’s polished gold, black and white wedding invitations are from Minted, a design marketplace that connects its customers with some of the world’s best artists to come up with a design that is one of a kind, just like this bride and groom.
The intimate wedding, that was held on Eldorado Hotel’s balcony overlooking charming Santa Fe, was officiated by the lovely Lynn A. Grand, Licensed Officiant/Ceremonial Minister..
The floral arrangements that boast vivid green foliage with hints of white and pale pink roses and pops of yellow and rich reds were designed by Barton's Flowers. Barton’s is a long-time inhabitant of Santa Fe with decades of experience in flowers, plants and gift baskets. They did not disappoint.
The wedding party, family and friends enjoyed the night dancing to the beautiful guitar music of John P. Martinez. And then, as tradition calls for, the newly wed bride and groom cut their elegant white three tier wedding cake that was made by A Cake Odyssey. Karyn, from A Cake Odyssey, has 35 + years of experience and it shines through the beauty of this wedding cake.
We ended the night in front of the iconic Eldorado Hotel with a fairly new tradition that we’re seeing more and more these days. No more messy rice throwing or bubbles, no, the Gildea’s family and friends sent them off with bright flaming sparklers! It was a picture perfect moment as loved ones lined both sides of the stairs holding their sparklers bursting with light; Timothy and Jennifer exited down the stairs where they paused in the middle to share a magical kiss underneath the sparks of ember.
The Eldorado Hotel afforded us many opportunities for photos that the Gildea’s will be able to look back on for many, many years to come. The balcony overlooking beautiful Santa Fe with our New Mexico sunset in the background provided lighting that made the already glowing couple look like they were beaming.
The four diamond luxury hotel lived up to all expectations we had. The wedding reception was held inside the hotel’s superlative chapel. Eldorado's grand candelabras made the room look truly elegant. My husband Chris found the golden candleholders to be one of his favorite parts of the wedding … aside from the delicious steak we enjoyed for dinner that night.
I really enjoyed the diverse settings that I was able to photograph the newlywed couple in; As I mentioned above, the breathtaking balcony that overlooks Santa Fe, the chapel that was so very elegant with its gold accents and our little stroll into the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Northern New Mexico flavor was all around us! The adobe hotel with striking wood beams, southwestern art, kiva fireplaces and chili ristras gave their photos that New Mexico flavor.
We strive to listen to the desires of our wedding couples so we can go in with the vision they have for their wedding photography and videography. This day is one of the most important and memorable days for every married couple and we want to capture each beautiful moment for families to cherish while they grow old together and live their happily ever after.
We pride ourselves on giving our all to our clients and it has paid off! Last year we were voted The Knot’s Best of Weddings and Wedding Wire Couple’s Choice for 2018! We couldn’t have done it without all of our amazing wedding clients!
If you’d like to see why The Knot placed us among the best of weddings and Wedding Wire named us their couple’s choice for 2018, head over to see more of our wedding photography at our gallery here.