When I made the decision to include destination wedding planning in my services, I imagined it would take me to some pretty incredible places. Angel Fire, New Mexico was more beautiful than anywhere I could have pictured. Brooke and Dean got married just outside of Taos, in this small village, on a piece of family land called Trail’s End.

When Brooke first reached out to me to coordinate the day, she told me all about her vision, however, I had no idea what a gift it would be to be a part of this particular wedding. I packed up my car, and drove nine hours to a dirt road—just past Angel Fire. Surrounded by untouched beauty, my little Mazda climbed to almost 10,000 feet, as I neared the latitude and longitude points in my GPS. Two rights, and three dirt roads later, I found myself at Trail’s End.

The address-less property is home to Brooke’s grandparents. The house is built into the side of an old train car, overlooking the most beautiful cliff. Everything is shaded by large pines and aspen trees. Both families of the bride and groom live in Texas. Transforming this property into a wedding venue took literal blood, sweat, and tears from everyone. The couple drove hours weekend, after weekend, to build their wedding day.

Brooke and Dean spent their morning separately, getting ready with family and friends.

After sweet moments, with their closest loved ones, they individually hiked to the cliff, for a private first-look. Brooke’s brother carried her dress, so she could make the journey, and she changed in a pop-up tent in the middle of the woods.

Dean waited patiently for his bride, surrounded by the New Mexico landscape. As Brooke braved the cliff in her wedding dress, she looked like an actual princess.

The couple shared personal vows overlooking the valley—a special moment that was just for them.

After a few moments together, it was time to return to Trail’s End. This remote property would soon host their family and friends, most of whom traveled from Happy, Texas for the wedding day. Although we were high in the New Mexico mountains, pieces of Happy surrounded us.

Back at Trail’s End, the bride shared the sweetest first look with her father, prior to the ceremony. She honored him and her roots, taking special photographs in his jacket.

Almost everyone had traveled to celebrate the couple. Their arrival in Angel Fire brought excitement as they were seated for the ceremony.

The ceremony space was clean, simple, and breathtaking. Benches were crafted from tree trunks, that once grew on the property. The entire space framed the landscape around us. Brooke’s grandfather waited at the end of the aisle to marry the couple, with the mountains as his backdrop. Cute little flower girls, ring bearers, and even a dog-of-honor, made their way down the aisle, as Dean waited for his beautiful bride.

Brooke walked down the aisle with her father. She wore a beautiful striped Hayley Paige gown with cascading eucalyptus and white flowers in her bouquet. Her uncle played a special song that he wrote for the couple’s wedding day. Both bride and groom beamed with happiness.

Cocktail hour was held on the wrap-around porch overlooking the surrounding landscape. Husband and wife were able to sneak away for photographs and a moment to celebrate their marriage!

For their reception, Brooke asked for somewhere to hang bistro lights, and her family built an open barn—complete with chandeliers hanging above the dance floor! Long tables were set with mix-and-match china borrowed from loved ones. Crystal water goblets, a family heirloom, adorned the family table. Candlelight, white flowers, and wild garlands covered long tables, creating a woodsy-fairytale.

Enchiladas were served for dinner, from the bride’s favorite restaurant, Michael’s Kitchen in Taos (a must-stop, if you ever visit). They had seven different wedding cakes—SEVEN! The reception was full of love.

The evening concluded with dancing. Brooke and Dean twirled around the dance floor for their first dance, followed by friends and family.

Country music played until the generator was about to run out of power! The couple made their grand exit showered by streamers, bubbles, and sweet wishes for their marriage ahead. As husband and wife, the duo climbed into a vintage Toyota Landcruiser and drove off into the mountains to start their forever.

Vendors:

Coordination: Details by Molly Donovan
Photography: Elizabeth Wells Photography
Dress: Hayley Paige purchased @ Blush Bridal Lounge
Hair and Makeup: Genica Lee-Hair and Makeup Artist
Floral: The Enchanted Florist-Taos,NM
Videography: Brandon Harwell Photography
Bartenders: ABQ Barkeeps