WEDDING IDEAS

Amanda carried a blooming bouquet of roses, orchids, and mini calla lilies in red, gold, and orange.

The wedding ceremony was held at the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe. This beautiful old church is the only French Gothic church west of the Mississippi. This intimate space in the middle of the city was the perfect location for their nuptials.

The newlyweds and guests were serenaded by a mariachi band (in true Santa Fe fashion) as they exited the church and made their way to the reception.

The mariachi band continued to entertain the guests during cocktail hour. Brie and green grape quesadillas, chicken and mango empanadas, goat cheese and sun-dried tomato turnovers, and tomato bruschetta with fresh mozzarella and Thai basil delighted each guest’s taste buds.

The site’s gorgeous French doors allowed the desert rose sunset to pour into the room. Candlelight immediately took over, setting a really romantic scene. Each table had a centerpiece of tall silver candelabra surrounded by roses, orchids, lilies, dahlias, and fresh oranges. Amanda added a personal note to each guest in the form of the place cards

Since Amanda’s favorite food is cake, the couple’s confection was sure to be delicious. Guests indulged in a three-tier vanilla bean cake with mocha and apricot fillings and vanilla buttercream frosting.

Britt’s cake was equally as mouthwatering. A two-tier chocolate cake with orange and Grand Marnier filling, topped with chocolate ganache frosting, was the ultimate sweet ending.

Each guest received a burnt-orange canvas tote bag that read: “Shaw-Newsome Nuptials.” Amanda and Britt filled each bag with an itinerary, recommendations for restaurants and sightseeing, snacks, water, and chocolate-pecan cookies made by the bride’s grandmother.

Amanda & Britt in Santa Fe, NM

Amanda and Britt planned an intimate destination wedding in the colorful city of Santa Fe, NM.

Photos By: Ben Chrisman Photography, Santa Fe

When they first started dating, Amanda and Britt spent much of their time in New Mexico, falling in love with the desert, and each other. So when it came time to start planning their wedding, a destination celebration in Santa Fe was the perfect choice.

The Bride Amanda Shaw, 29, television producer
The Groom Britt Newsome, 34, physician
The Date September 9

While making breakfast one typical Sunday morning, Amanda found her engagement ring in the egg carton! Amanda and Britt carried that same fun, laid-back attitude throughout their wedding planning. Their destination wedding embodied the spirit and culture of Santa Fe, with a bursting red, gold, and orange color palette.

-- Erin Hill