Timothy + Jennifer Gildea | An Eldorado Hotel Wedding | Wedding Photography New Mexico | Wedding Photographer

Santa Fe, New Mexico Wedding at Eldorado Hotel & Spa

Timothy and Jennifer’s wedding was absolutely beautiful down to every minor detail. The couple was married on September 22nd, 2018 at the Eldorado Hotel and Spa in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This quirky couple was an absolute pleasure to work with. They’re adorable, funny and … did I say adorable?? Watch these two love birds in the wedding highlight video we shot below. Get ready to burst out with, “awwwww!”

We thoroughly enjoy the videography side of our business and have already been able to shoot many weddings, engagements, music films and a commercial! If you’d like to see more of our work go to our videography gallery here.

Now what are you waiting for? Check out the Gildea’s wedding highlight video below!

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.

Our Favorite Invitation Company | Basic Invite | Custom Invitations | Destination Save The Dates | Wedding Photographer's Top Picks

Albuquerque Wedding Photographer’s Top Pick For Your Invites And Save The Dates

Having the honor of photographing many beautiful weddings, we’ve been able to learn the industry inside and out; the do’s, the don’ts and the best companies to use. Today I’d love to highlight one of our favorite invitation companies for our wedding couples to consider; Basic Invite.

If you are looking for invitations that no one else has, that compliment your unique wedding decor, look no further. Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you select a design you can change the color of each element on the card to over 180 different color options. So, you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it - down to the littlest detail. 

This complete control of the tiniest details truly sets Basic Invite apart from the rest.

Right now, I am loving their destination save the dates. These travel theme save the dates have everything from nautical to the desert prickly pear; the city life to the forest and majestic mountains and literally everything in between.

Make sure your family and friends mark your momentous occasion on their calendars all while giving them a sneak peek into the polished celebration they’re about to experience.

There is no way you won’t be able to find what you want with so many diverse destination save the dates to choose from and the endless customization possibilities.

I’d also like to point out their absolutely adorable wedding drink coasters! Take one of your beautiful shots from our engagement photo sessions and customize a unique keepsake for your wedding guests. Add class and style to function by creating one of these coasters, your guests will love them.

As if all of these points weren’t enough to explain why Basic Invite is one of our top picks, check out more of what they have to offer below:

Free Wedding Websites - Their all-new wedding websites are just as customizable as their invitations. They are mobile friendly and user friendly, so you can customize it, upload images, maps and directions with ease. How convenient for your guests!

Almost Unlimited Colors - As I mentioned above, this sets them apart from other companies, you can change and customize the color of every little detail to make your invites as unique as your wedding.

Custom Samples - Another feature that sets Basic Invite apart from other companies, they give their customers the ability to order printed samples of their invites. Weddings can be stressful to plan, nobody wants to be surprised by invitations that weren’t printed to their liking. This takes the guesswork out, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.

Over 40 Different Colors of Envelopes - These easy to use peel and seal envelopes will have your invitations standing out before they are even opened!

Over 900 Wedding Invitation Sets - Every wedding invitation is part of a set. This allows all of your wedding stationary to flow seamlessly together, from save the dates to wedding invitations and enclosure cards, wedding menus, wedding programs and even matching thank you cards!

Free Address Collection Service - This makes the daunting task of collecting your guests addresses so simple! Share a link, collect addresses, and get free envelope printing.

Seal & Send Wedding Invitations -  Our Brides are loving these! The Seal & Send Wedding Invitations are an all-in-one wedding invitation with a tear-off RSVP postcard included. Your guest’s address is printed on the front of the invitation which eliminates the need for an envelope. These are simple, easy and totally trendy!

If you’d like to learn more about Basic Invite make sure you go visit them at any of their social media platforms:

Facebook

Pinterest

Instagram

Twitter

GET YOUR SAVE THE DATE PHOTOS WITH LAUREN CHERIE PHOTOGRAPHY! SEE DETAILS HERE.