Starlight Intimacy
Sweet smiles and romantic looks defined this elegant night, a display of intimacy between two people truly in love. Nothing was more important to Brandon and Melissa than being present in the moment—with each other. Even though the celebration was meant to be about them, Brandon and Melissa wanted nothing more than a night to bring their loved ones together as one family, connected by the bond of their traditions. On this lovely night, dancing in the romantic candlelit pavilion, eating ice cream and cake, they found exactly that.
Details
Brandon and Melissa’s wedding was a dream, with elegant white highlights and navy blue details seamlessly complementing the painted ceiling and muted pastel tones of the Rice Family Pavilion. Floral arrangements by Fairbanks Florist tied the day together with luxurious white orchids and roses. Their intimate love language—soft looks, gentle hand-holding, and the anticipation of signing their ketubah—was magical and sweet. Other moments that were important to the couple included the ceremonial breaking of the glass, the sparkle of Melissa’s beautiful earrings, and the joy of sharing their day with her grandparents.
Bridal Details
Melissa was a stunning bride, both elegant and sweet, carrying a bouquet of white orchids and roses styled by Fairbanks Florist that matched her draping white dress. Her hair and makeup were done by Gina from About Face Design, resulting in thick, cascading brown curls that withstood the night of emotion and dancing. Delicate silver earrings and a matching necklace enhanced her look, all the more beautiful for their simplicity. Funky Olive Stationery, an Albuquerque-based company that designs for couples all over the world, provided the invitations, which were thoughtfully arranged on the table of the bridal suite, adding a personal touch to the room.
Loyalty & Love
Melissa and Brandon are a fun-loving, steadfast, and empathetic couple. Nothing meant more to them than the little details—the small, simple things. The ice cream was especially meaningful, as both Brandon and Melissa love trying new things. Another joyful moment was when Melissa’s grandfather’s offered a heartfelt blessing over the bread and wine. He and his wife have been together for 70 years, and the new couple hopes this luck and loyalty will be passed down to them and their union.
As foodies, they enjoy nothing more than exploring new tastes together, and their wedding was no exception, from specialty foods from Author’s Catering to their amazing cake from Sugar Sugar Bakery.
They plan on continuing their exploration after their wedding, retreating to a mini honeymoon in the mountains of Santa Fe, where they plan on watching a meteor shower together, soaking in natural springs, exploring the local restaurant scene, and admiring the mountains.
Ketubah & Ceremony
For Brandon and Melissa, the ketubah signing was one of the most intimate moments of their wedding. Standing before the rabbi and their witnesses, with Melissa’s grandfather by her side, they signed the beautifully decorated marriage contract— a symbol of their devotion and the promises they made to one another. To them, it was a heartfelt commitment to their future together, a declaration that this was truly their forever.
Brandon and Melissa“It is important to us to be ourselves and enjoy this special day…”
Reception Details
White highlights with warm gold details filled the elegant reception hall, with its rounded ceiling and delicately painted walls. Every detail was coordinated, from the gold place settings and cutlery to the cream tablecloths. Candles flickered on every table, thoughtfully surrounded by flowers from the amazing Fairbanks Florist. A local favorite, Kelly’s Ice Cream, was served for dessert.
Reception
Between laughter, conversation, and the traditional chair dance, guests enjoyed drinks and celebrated as a live band, provided by C’nergy, played in the background. While the catering from Author’s Catering was excellent, the true showstopper was the stylishly decorated cake from the renowned Sugar Sugar Bakery. Firefly Productions enhanced the atmosphere with ambient lighting as the couple and their guests danced.
Entire Gallery
Click below to view and pin all the highlights from the day!
