Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner and Brindis

DJ and Dance

Our Wedding

It all began in Albuquerque, New Mexico — though not quite in the way you might expect. Daniel had recently moved to Albuquerque to pursue his dream in MMA at the renowned Jackson Wink Academy after graduating from Parkside, Wisconsin, where he wrestled and earned his degree in Communication. Alejandra, born and raised in Albuquerque, had just returned home from an immunology research internship at the University of Pennsylvania. By pure chance (and a little help from modern technology), our paths crossed in the summer of 2017 when we matched on an online dating site. We had our first date at Satellite Coffee, and from that moment on, something just felt right. Dan swears he fell in love that very day — you could say it was a technical knockout of the heart. At the time, Alejandra was an undergrad studying Biology at UNM and working in a research lab. Dan was early in his fighting career with only one amateur bout under his belt, preparing to corner a friend in a UFC title fight — a fight that ended up being postponed, keeping him in Albuquerque longer than expected. It was just enough time for something special to begin. We officially became a couple in September 2017. Over the next few years, Dan competed in numerous amateur fights, honing his craft while Alejandra pursued her degree. In 2019, Alejandra graduated from UNM with a BS in Biology, and Dan made his professional MMA debut with Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA). In 2020, Alejandra was accepted into dental school at USC, and we made the big move to Los Angeles together. Not long after, Dan was selected as a contestant on the reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter, spending three months away filming while Alejandra continued her studies. When he returned, Dan went on to win the LFA Bantamweight Championship in 2022 and shortly after signed a multi-fight contract with the UFC — a major milestone in his career. Then, on July 29, 2023, Dan proposed at our favorite restaurant, La Casita Mexicana in Bell, California. Of course, Alejandra said yes. It was a moment so sweet, it gave us cavities. In May 2024, Alejandra graduated from USC Dental School, and the following month, we returned to our roots — moving back to Albuquerque, surrounded by the love of family and friends as we step into our next chapter together.

Our Story 

Photos

Alejandra and Daniel will be married by Rt. Reverend Daniel G.P. Gutierrez surrounded by friends and family.

Wedding Party

Q + A

Call and use code: DeLaCruz-Argueta Wedding King $195 block rate. Double Queen $210 block rate. Upscale continental breakfast included. Complimentary internet. Complimentary parking. *cut off date is 30 days prior to Sept 19th

Hotel Parq Central

Hilton Garden Inn ABQ Airport 2 Queens - $139 + Taxes Complimentary Breakfast Early check in on availability Heated indoor Swimming pool Gym Complimentary parking Bar and Restaurant on Property *cut off date is 30 days prior to Sept 19th

Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Airport

Lodging

Take a walk through history around Albuquerque's Old Town, the serene village that has been the focal point of community life since 1706.&nbsp;&nbsp;Quiet hidden patios, winding brick paths, gardens and balconies are waiting to be discovered. Wrought iron and adobe benches beckon you to rest in the shade and watch people stroll by. Visit historic San Felipe de Neri Church and relax in the Rose Garden.Shopping in Old Town is a truly delightful experience. Unique items from around the world, as well as those that are distinctly Southwestern, can be found in more than 150 shops, boutiques, galleries and artist studios.

Old Town Plaza

The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway transports you above deep canyons and breathtaking terrain. See nature’s dramatic beauty unfold before you. At sunset the desert skies produce a spectacular array of color from the observation deck atop 10,378 foot Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest an 11,000 square-mile panoramic view of the “Land of Enchantment”.

Sandia Peak Tramway

Casa Rondeña Winery offers a rare vineyard experience, tucked away among the ancient cottonwoods in ABQ's serene North Valley in the Village of Los Ranchos.Featuring a superb portfolio of handcrafted fine wines, wine gifts, wine tastings and unsurpassed hospitality for weddings, parties and special events amid ABQ's most charming vineyard setting.The Tasting Room allows you the opportunity to sample the entire portfolio of our fine wines made at the winery. The Tasting Room staff is passionate and knowledgeable about wine and truly exemplifies New Mexico hospitality.

Casa Rondeña Winery

In the heart of Old Town just off Route 66, Albuquerque Museum is a leading institution for art, history and culture in New Mexico and the American Southwest. This family-friendly museum has interactive spaces, a sculpture garden, store, and café.

Alejandra & Daniel

Alejandra & Daniel

A&D

Wedding Day

5:30 PM–6:00 PM

Ceremony

6:00 PM–6:45 PM

Cocktail Hour

7:00 PM–8:00 PM

Dinner and Brindis

8:00 PM–11:00 PM

DJ and Dance