we are people first.
Karen and Jake's wedding at Nature Pointe in Tijeras, New Mexico will forever be one of those days for us, not just because of how beautiful it was, but because of what it reminded us about love, loss, and the strange, beautiful ways life has a way of connecting us.
The evening before their wedding was one of the hardest our family has ever experienced.
Our sweet senior dog, Lucy, had reached the end of her journey. Fifteen and a half years of adventures, camping trips, road trips, quiet mornings, and countless moments spent by our side had all led us to the heartbreaking decision that every pet owner hopes they'll never have to make.
Lucy in the sky with diamonds
We had been hoping she would make it through the weekend, but deep down we knew she was telling us it was time.
That evening became one filled with tears, stories, hugs, and gratitude as our family gathered to say goodbye to our Lucy Sky.
When we finally went to bed, emotionally exhausted, we knew that in less than twelve hours we'd be documenting one of the happiest days of someone else's life.
And that's exactly what we intended to do.
The next morning, we took a deep breath, grabbed our cameras, some coffee and reminded ourselves of something that felt true: Lucy would want us to have a good day.
We arrived while Karen was getting ready, and within minutes we knew we were surrounded by genuinely wonderful people.
The room was full of excitement, laughter, and the kind of joyful chaos that always happens when a bride is about to put on her dress. Between those moments Karen spoke of her sister, she talked with so much love that even though we'd never met her, we felt like we were being painted a picture of her significance to Karen.
Once Karen slipped into her dress, the room erupted in smiles and happy tears. Here was our bride to be, absolutely stunning.
It was time to head to Nature Pointe.
As we walked into the venue lobby, something immediately caught my eye.
Sitting on top of the piano was a simple sign that read:
"Lucy, we know you are dancing with us in spirit."
I froze.
For a second, it honestly felt like our Lucy had somehow found us.
After the whirlwind of emotions from the night before, seeing her name in that moment felt impossible to ignore. I felt this overwhelming wave wash over me, as if she was somehow reminding us she was still with us.
A few moments later, I learned the truth.
Karen's beloved sister, the one she had been talking about all morning, was named Lucy.
Suddenly everything made sense.
And somehow, it also felt like it didn't.
It felt bigger than coincidence.
Whether you believe in signs from loved ones, the universe, or simply the way our hearts notice what they need most, that moment is something I'll carry with me forever and Karen and Jakes wedding held this special place our hearts.
First Looks
Karen and Jake hadn't seen each other all morning and were so excited to do a first look, it was emotional, beautiful and funny. We always enjoy a sweet first look, its fun getting to set up our clients and then just letting them go and bask in the moment as they come together before the big "I Do".
Throughout the ceremony, there was an unmistakable feeling that the people who couldn't physically be there were somehow still present.
That's one of the things we love most about weddings.
They're never just about two people.
They're about everyone who helped shape them.
Parents.
Grandparents.
Friends.
Siblings.
The people sitting in the front row.
And sometimes, the people who are no longer here but whose love still fills every corner of the day.
Karen and Jake chose to exchange handwritten vows, and we'll never stop encouraging couples to do the same.
There is something incredibly powerful about hearing two people speak directly from their hearts while everyone they love gets to quietly witness it.
No script.
No performance.
Just honesty.
It's one of the greatest gifts you can give each other.
And then...
The first dance.
We've photographed a lot of weddings over the years.
We've seen elegant first dances, emotional first dances, and spontaneous first dances.
But Karen and Jake absolutely stole the show.
A friend had choreographed the entire dance over Zoom, and somehow they managed to pull off one of the funniest, most entertaining, and genuinely impressive first dances we've ever witnessed.
The room was roaring with laughter.
Guests were cheering.
And every single person was smiling.
It was perfect—not because every step was flawless, but because it reflected exactly who they are.
Joyful.
Playful.
Completely themselves.
and they were cat lovers too?
I think another one of my favorite elements to Karen and Jakes wedding was their incorporation of their kitties at home. They had little sprinkles of them throughout the wedding from signs, drinks named after them and custom tattoos of their cats.
The Universe is truly a remarkable thing.
When we finally got home that evening, we looked at each other and realized something neither of us had expected.
For the first time since saying goodbye to Lucy, we felt...happy.
Not because we had stopped grieving.
We hadn't.
We still are.
But Karen and Jake unknowingly reminded us that grief doesn't cancel out joy.
Love doesn't disappear when someone is gone.
And happiness doesn't mean you've forgotten.
Those things can all exist together.
In fact, maybe that's what love has always been.
Holding joy in one hand and grief in the other.
Karen and Jake,
Thank you for unknowingly giving us exactly what we needed that day.
Thank you for welcoming us into your family, for trusting us to tell your story, and for reminding us that even in seasons of heartbreak, there is still so much laughter to be found.
We'll never forget your wedding.
And every time we think of it, we'll think of two Lucys dancing in spirit.
people first, photographers second.
If you're planning a wedding at Nature Pointe or anywhere in New Mexico and you're looking for photographers who care just as much about the quiet, meaningful moments as the big celebrations, we'd be honored to tell your story.
Because at the end of the day, the photographs that matter most aren't just the ones that show what your wedding looked like.
They're the ones that help you remember exactly how it felt.
vendors are who make a wedding day
It takes a village to execute a wedding day and with that we always like to include all the amazing vendors who poured their all into this wedding day.
Venue/Day of Coordinator : Nature Pointe Events and Weddings
Cinematography : Cheyenne Films
Floral : Mustard Seed Floral
Catering : Street Food Institute
HMUA: Genica Lee
Dessert : Cake Fetish
Music : Olive Tree, Cali Shaw Soberanes
