A bride and groom kiss on a terrace with a historic church building in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Weddings

An Intimate Destination Wedding at La Fonda in Santa Fe

The owner & lead photographer here at Aly Matei Photography. I proudly serve outgoing couples who value lively & emotive experiences.

More About Me

Explore Posts

Weddings

Engagements

Portraits

oh hey,
I 'm aly

This wedding was a little different for me, in the best way. Ashley and Christopher’s wedding at La Fonda in Santa Fe was full of soul, color, and so much meaning. It wasn’t just any destination wedding, it was my college bestie’s wedding. So yeah… cue all the emotions. I photographed this one not just as a vendor but as a guest, and I leaned into that perspective all day long. I sat in the seats, and laughed during the toasts. It was intimate, vibrant, and just full of life.

And if you’re dreaming of hosting a wedding in New Mexico, especially something relaxed, meaningful, La Fonda at Santa Fe might be your place!

A bride and groom kiss on a terrace with a historic church building in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Getting Ready at La Fonda 

Ashley got ready in the sweetest light-filled room at La Fonda at Santa Fe, surrounded by her closest friends and family. There were hugs, and so many happy tears, her mom helped her into her gown (which, by the way, looked so perfect on her), and you could just feel how special that moment was. She had a quick reveal with her bridesmaids, who immediately burst into cheers when they saw her looking like an actual goddess in her dress. One of the most emotional parts of the morning was Ashley’s first look with her dad. As she walked down the staircase toward him, you could just see how overwhelmed (in the best way) he was. Getting to capture it all while also being present as a friend made it even more meaningful!

A person wearing an off-the-shoulder white wedding dress with floral lace details and a deep neckline.
A woman in an off-the-shoulder white wedding dress sits indoors, with natural light coming through a window behind her.
A woman in a white blouse sits while another person applies makeup to her lips in a well-lit room.
A woman in a white wedding dress stands while another woman in a light-colored dress helps adjust the gown in a well-lit room.
A woman in a white wedding dress stands while another woman in a light-colored dress helps adjust the gown in a well-lit room.
A woman in an off-the-shoulder white wedding gown stands by a window, smiling, with framed artwork and beige curtains in the background.
bride having a first look with her dad on her wedding day
bride having a first look with her dad on her wedding day
bride having a first look with her dad on her wedding day

Ceremony at La Fonda in Santa Fe

The ceremony took place on the terrace of La Fonda at Santa Fe. The ceremony was heartfelt and relaxed, and filled with sweet glances, big smiles, and happy tears. This wedding wasn’t about over-the-top production, it was about people. Family. Friends. Stories. And just two people who couldn’t stop smiling at each other while promising forever, with the New Mexico sun warming up the scene and a front-row seat to some beautiful memories.

an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe
an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe
an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe
an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe
an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe
an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe
an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe
an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe
an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe
an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe
an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe
an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe
an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe
an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe

The Portraits

Okay but seriously, these portraits were a dream. Ashley and Chris looked absolutely iconic (like, model couple vibes!!), and every inch of La Fonda was just begging to be photographed. We wandered through colorful hallways, slipped into romantic little courtyards, and found the cutest staircase that felt straight out of a storybook. Ashley’s dress floated with every step, the florals popped like crazy, and the light was stunning! The wedding party photos were just as amazing! The mix of teal, blue, and lavender tones made for the dreamiest combo against the walls of La Fonda at Santa Fe. And their bouquets were bursting with color and life, matching the whole vibe of the day!

A woman with dark hair in a white off-the-shoulder wedding dress stands against a plain white background, smiling and looking slightly to the side.
A woman with dark hair in a white off-the-shoulder wedding dress stands against a plain white background, smiling and looking slightly to the side.
A woman with dark hair in a white off-the-shoulder wedding dress stands against a plain white background, smiling and looking slightly to the side.
a bride and groom take wedding portraits at La Fonda in Santa Fe
A woman with dark hair in a white off-the-shoulder wedding dress stands against a plain white background, smiling and looking slightly to the side.
A woman with dark hair in a white off-the-shoulder wedding dress stands against a plain white background, smiling and looking slightly to the side.
a bride and groom take wedding portraits at La Fonda in Santa Fe
a bride and groom take wedding portraits at La Fonda in Santa Fe
a bride and groom take wedding portraits at La Fonda in Santa Fe
a bride and groom take wedding portraits at La Fonda in Santa Fe
a bride and groom take wedding portraits at La Fonda in Santa Fe
a bride and groom take wedding portraits at La Fonda in Santa Fe
A bride in a white dress stands surrounded by six bridesmaids in blue dresses, all holding colorful flower bouquets and smiling.
A bride in a white dress stands surrounded by six bridesmaids in blue dresses, all holding colorful flower bouquets and smiling.
A bride in a white dress stands surrounded by six bridesmaids in blue dresses, all holding colorful flower bouquets and smiling.
A bride in a white dress stands surrounded by six bridesmaids in blue dresses, all holding colorful flower bouquets and smiling.
A bride in a white dress stands surrounded by six bridesmaids in blue dresses, all holding colorful flower bouquets and smiling.
Five men in tuxedos stand in an outdoor arched walkway, posing for a formal group photo.
Five men in tuxedos stand in an outdoor arched walkway, posing for a formal group photo.
A bride and groom walk together outdoors, surrounded by their wedding party holding colorful bouquets, with a flower girl in a white dress at the front.
A bride and groom walk together outdoors, surrounded by their wedding party holding colorful bouquets, with a flower girl in a white dress at the front.

The Details

The reception space at La Fonda was an actual dream. Every corner was bursting with color, and personality. It felt so fresh, fun, and totally them. Each table had these gorgeous, wildflower-inspired arrangements that seriously stole the show, pinks, yellows, soft whites, lush greenery, you name it! And the textures?! Everything looked effortlessly styled, but still so full of life. 

an outdoor wedding ceremony in La Fonda in Santa Fe
A display of name cards arranged in rows on a wooden surface, each card decorated with a small floral design in the corner.
Round tables with blue tablecloths and floral centerpieces are set up in a room with a tiled fireplace and wooden chairs at La Fonda
Round tables with blue tablecloths and floral centerpieces are set up in a room with a tiled fireplace and wooden chairs at La Fonda
Round tables with blue tablecloths and floral centerpieces are set up in a room with a tiled fireplace and wooden chairs at La Fonda
Round tables with blue tablecloths and floral centerpieces are set up in a room with a tiled fireplace and wooden chairs at La Fonda
Round tables with blue tablecloths and floral centerpieces are set up in a room with a tiled fireplace and wooden chairs at La Fonda
Round tables with blue tablecloths and floral centerpieces are set up in a room with a tiled fireplace and wooden chairs at La Fonda
Round tables with blue tablecloths and floral centerpieces are set up in a room with a tiled fireplace and wooden chairs at La Fonda
Round tables with blue tablecloths and floral centerpieces are set up in a room with a tiled fireplace and wooden chairs at La Fonda
Round tables with blue tablecloths and floral centerpieces are set up in a room with a tiled fireplace and wooden chairs at La Fonda
A two-tier cake with a bride and groom topper sits on a gold stand next to a tray of cupcakes with white frosting, surrounded by candles and floral decorations.
A two-tier cake with a bride and groom topper sits on a gold stand next to a tray of cupcakes with white frosting, surrounded by candles and floral decorations.
A two-tier cake with a bride and groom topper sits on a gold stand next to a tray of cupcakes with white frosting, surrounded by candles and floral decorations.
A booklet titled "Something to Color" lies on a blue tablecloth next to two crystal glasses and a small red crayon.

The Wedding Reception at La Fonda

The energy at their reception was everything! Ashley changed into the most fun and flirty second look, perfect for dancing the night away. But this wasn’t just any outfit change… she stepped behind the DJ booth and started spinning tracks herself! The vibe was electric, everyone was on the dance floor, from parents to the flower girl, and Ashley had the best time hyping up the crowd. Between the string lights, champagne toasts, and her surprise DJ moment, this reception was unforgettable. And the film photos from this part of the night were AMAZING!

A bride and groom hold hands and enter a venue; the bride raises one arm in celebration, both are dressed formally.
A bride and groom hold hands and enter a venue; the bride raises one arm in celebration, both are dressed formally.
A bride and groom hold hands and enter a venue; the bride raises one arm in celebration, both are dressed formally.
A bride and groom hold hands and enter a venue; the bride raises one arm in celebration, both are dressed formally.
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
a group of people dance on the dance floor with peoples hands up
A woman wearing headphones is DJing indoors, operating a professional DJ mixer with both hands.
A woman wearing headphones is DJing indoors, operating a professional DJ mixer with both hands.
A woman wearing headphones is DJing indoors, operating a professional DJ mixer with both hands.
A couple kisses while guests celebrate around them, waving white streamers at an outdoor event decorated with string lights at night.
A couple kisses while guests celebrate around them, waving white streamers at an outdoor event decorated with string lights at night.

Congratulations Ashley & Christopher!

Ashley and Chris, your day was such a beautiful reflection of who you are. Every detail was full of personality, love, and intention, your wedding was just as fun and heartfelt as the two of you. Wishing you a lifetime of laughter, and you two are magic together! So happy I got to be your photographer on your special day!

Let’s Connect! Our team would love to serve you! Click here to contact us

«
»

My philosophy is simple: your wedding day was meant to be EXPERIENCED and not just posing in front of a strangers camera the entire day. I want to capture the must-have portraits and document you truly loving every moment of your wedding day.

the aly Matei Experience

For the couples who love to party

learn more

follow @alymateiphoto

based in houston.
serving nationwide.

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook