Jess and Drew’s Las Cruces New Mexico wedding was an exceptional kick-off to our wedding season! We were beyond excited to travel to New Mexico to photo all of the joy and celebration on their special day.
We first met the couple at Jess’ cousin Ashley’s wedding in Asheville, NC. She and Drew made quite an impression as they ruled the dance floor that night, so we obviously were thrilled when they asked if we would want to come out for their Las Cruces New Mexico wedding!
You know those couples that just fit together perfectly? That’s Jess and Drew. They first met while working on Congressman Harry Teague’s campaign and they have been inseparable ever since.
They both have such dynamic personalities. Drew kept us laughing all day and the best part was looking over to see Jess smiling adoringly at him the whole time. With moments like that you can tell a couple is made for each other!
Given that they were getting married in New Mexico, Jess decided to go all in with a Southwest fiesta theme. Their motto was “fiesta like there’s no mañana” and believe us they did! Jess chose vivid orange dresses for her bridesmaids and bouquets filled with desert flowers and succulents.
The entire bridal party got ready at Hotel Encanto. While Jess and her bridesmaids were having their hair and makeup done upstairs Drew and his groomsmen had a relaxing lunch down by the pool.
A highlight of the morning was when Jess and her mother went together to check out the reception decor in the tent outside. It was a really sweet moment between mother and daughter that led to an impromptu dance party with Jess, her mother and her bridesmaids!
These are the moments that we love to capture during a wedding!
One of our favorite parts of the getting ready process is when the dress is put on because you are guaranteed to capture so many genuine moments between everyone in the room. 
After their first look, which was captured near a beautiful fountain under the palm trees, we ventured out to the Organ Mountains National Monument to take some portraits of Jess and Drew.
Their beautiful ceremony was held outside in the courtyard. As is tradition in her family, it was performed by Jess’ grandfather.
Beneath a canopy of palm trees, the guests mingled and greeted the newlyweds while a mariachi band filled the air with lively music!
The reception decor was absolutely beautiful and filled with color. Each guest had a maraca at their table and were invited to shake them to welcome Jess and Drew into the reception.
After their first dance (which ended in a pretty epic dip!) the party began!
After toasts and dinner, the couple cut their cake topped with tiny piñatas.
Jess, Drew and their family and friends spent the rest of the night dancing and celebrating.
The night ended with their guests shaking their maracas as they bid Jess and Drew (and their Las Cruces New Mexico Wedding) a goodnight.
Congratulations to Jess and Drew! We wish you a lifetime of love and adventure together!
Wedding Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Venue and Caterer: Hotel Encanto
Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara
Bridesmaids Dresses: Alfred Sung
Makeup Artist: Ronna Conner
Wedding Coordinator: Judy Cassles
Flowers: Sandy Morrow
Cake: Debra Preece
DJ: Mobi Disc
Videographer: Lemon Light Productions
