Lorraine and Brendan | Wedding at Los Portales Venue | Anthony, New Mexico Wedding Photographer

Lorraine and Brendan’s blush and gold rustic wedding at Los Portales Venue in Anthony, NM was such a beautiful event. It was the perfect location for their intimate day, shared with their most cherished friends and family. As soon as Lorraine described her wedding plans to me, with rose gold bridesmaids dresses, gray and navy suits, lots of greenery and wood, and a minimalist, chic aesthetic, I just knew it was going to be a gorgeous day!

Brendan and Lorraine were introduced back in 2012 by a mutual friend. He worked at Macy’s, and she worked at MAC (inside the store), and they often spent their lunch breaks together. Brendan was always such a gentleman and he showered Lorraine with gifts and respected her, which was so different from other men she’d dated. She really loved that about him.

Lorraine and Brendan have the sweetest little boy, and Lorraine says that seeing Brendan become a father just melted her. “I knew that I wanted to spend my life with him. Our story is different…but I love our story. We didn’t do things traditionally and I love that about us, it solidifies it even more that we can do this thing called life together.” Brendan and Lorraine had already decided they wanted to get married, but Brendan proposed after showing the ring he’d picked out to their son Brody. “Should I give this to Momma?” he asked. Brody, of course, said “Yes!” and the rest is history.

Brendan and Lorraine go so well together. I love the way Brendan makes Lorraine crack up laughing, while he himself is totally straight-faced! He’s got this really great subtlety to his sense of humor. He looks at her with the sweetest expressions—well, they both do. Throughout their whole Las Cruces/White Sands engagement session, as well as through the entire wedding day, you could just tell they completely adore each other.

These two kept their wedding simple, sophisticated and chic. I loved the combination of greenery and woodgrain (the chargers!), the beautiful minimalist stationary, and especially Lorraine’s stunning Cocomelody dress and her gorgeous veil and headpiece. Her attire was the perfect compliment to Brendan’s sharp, slim cut navy blue suit.

Lorraine and Brendan opted to include my absolute two favorite parts of wedding coverage—a First Look, and Sunset Portraits. As we prepared for the First Look, Brendan waited patiently on the other side of the building while I got Lorraine into place, and when he walked around the corner, he was absolutely beaming when he saw her! These two shared a quiet moment just taking in their emotions and each other before we rolled through their portraits and the rest of the lineup.

Lorraine had told me a few times that she was bound to cry during the ceremony, and I think she was probably fighting tears back from the time she walked down the aisle. While the officiant read a special poem selected by the couple, which spoke of cherishing each other through all life’s changes, and always offering love and respect, her eyes were brimming—as were many of their guests, and wedding attendants. Again, the way they looked at each other…seeing the depth of emotion in my couple’s eyes when I witness and document their wedding is such an honor.

The reception started right after the end of the ceremony. Lorraine and the crew at Los Portales Venue had put together a team of amazing vendors to pull off a wonderful evening! The food was fantastic, the cake was stunning, and the dessert table was brimming with the prettiest treats!

After dinner and just as the sun was beginning to set, we stepped out into the back of the venue property. I was so glad we had nice soft light, since we missed out on that during their engagement session! But the sky did not disappoint—between how easily these two melt into each other’s arms and the dreamy backlight, I couldn’t contain my excitement! At one point, I ran over to show them the back of my camera because DANG, these two looked AMAZING!

Brendan and Lorraine, I can’t thank you enough for including me in your perfect dream wedding! Documenting your wedding day was such a privilege, especially because KNOWING YOU has been one, too!

All my best in your new life together as Man and Wife!

XO, Erin

Lorraine and Brendan totally adore their little guy, Brody, and it’s no wonder why! He’s such a sweet kid, with the cutest smile. I asked him at one point if he wanted to help me take some pictures, and if he was hesitant with me before, that sure made all the difference! He stood on my stool and snapped a few pictures of his parents and grandparents—and did a really good job. 🙂