The Beauty of New Mexico Was on Display at This Colorful Wedding at La Posada De Santa Fe
Love can take us by surprise, and for Ashley Ford and Charlie Strauss, it was the pandemic that brought them together. “Charlie slid into my DMs asking what I was up to,” Ashley recalls, “and that’s how our love story began.” After moving back to Texas from New York City, Ashley visited Charlie in Houston, and as she puts it, “that visit turned into me never leaving.”
Their connection was immediate, and as Ashley reminisces, “Our love quickly blossomed.” Despite never asking direct permission, Ashley made herself at home with Charlie, and they settled into a shared life (and space). “She never formally asked if she could move in with me!” Charlie jokes, but there was no doubt in their minds that they were meant to be together.
Ashley and Charlie’s destination wedding in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was a dream come true. As Ashley reflects, “Santa Fe is so special! I grew up going there for Christmas: it’s one of my family’s favorite places!” With the style of the historic town in mind, the pair incorporated lots of turquoise and other pops of color into their wedding day decor.
The historic adobe of La Posada provided a stunning backdrop for their outdoor ceremony, with two large floral pillars and white chairs complemented by classic ristras marking the aisle. Due to high spring winds, dinner was served under an elegant white tent, with Spanish tiles personalized for each guest and placed on terra cotta chargers with their monogrammed napkins underneath. “Each table was named after one of our favorite Santa Fe landmarks,” Ashley explains, and colorful flowers and stemware accentuated each table, bringing the whole space to life.
Florals played an essential role in their big day, starting with the verdant, cascading bouquets. “We kept the main colors of our wedding a bit more neutral to allow the florals to make the statement,” Ashley notes. Everything was personalized and unique, from Ashley’s pink boots (gifted by her parents) sporting a custom monogram to the wedding napkins and popcorn bags. The Mariachi Band that escorted them around the Santa Fe Plaza after the ceremony and Rosita, the "tequila donkey" who visited their reception, were just some exceptional entertainers that made the day unforgettable.
Fashion also played a significant role in their weekend, with Ashley’s favorite element being her rehearsal dinner outfit, which was her mom’s wedding gown reimagined into a mini dress. Ashley fell in love with Mira Zwillinger’s designs for the wedding day: the perfect mix of classic and unique, perfectly matching her style. Charlie wore a classic dark blue tux with turquoise cufflinks and personalized cuffs, adding a touch of Santa Fe flair to their attire. As Ashley reflects on their special day, it’s clear that their love and attention to detail made it a truly unforgettable experience for all.
From the colorful florals and Spanish tiles to the personalized details and unique entertainment, every aspect of the wedding was thoughtfully curated to reflect the couple’s unique style and personalities. As Ashley shared, “I was most excited to see my wedding and vision come to life! I had such an incredible team of people and an amazing mother who worked non-stop to make my dreams a reality. When they brought the bouquets into the bridal suite, that was it for me. There were many happy tears the rest of the day for all the hard work, time and energy that so many people had done for Charlie and me.”
The newlyweds encourage future couples to choose vendors who truly understand their vision and let them work their magic. In the bride’s own words, “Every time I look back at the day, I get so emotional knowing I truly had the best team. Choose vendors and people that understand your wedding vision, and let them go for it!”