Suzanne and Fred
Loretto Chapel
Santa Fe, New Mexico
September 22, 2006
Mike and I traveled to Santa Fe last weekend for Suzanne and Fred’s grand, three-day wedding celebration. Neither of us had been to Santa Fe before, and we loved it there. Suzanne and Fred’s wedding beautifully reflected the great culture, food, and history of the city.
Suzanne and Fred have a fun story. They have known each other ever since high school, but at the time, Fred was too shy to ask her out. When they reunited 26 years later, Fred didn’t let his second opportunity pass him by. Now they are as giddy together as two teenagers in love.
They got married on Friday night, in the gorgeous Loretto Chapel in downtown Santa Fe. Afterward they celebrated at an intimate dinner with close family and friends. The following day, they had an enormous reception for hundreds of their friends, at a historic mission outside of the city. Then on Sunday, Mike and I joined Suzanne and Fred for a fantastic post-wedding portrait shoot.
As you can imagine, we have tons of great pictures from this three-day extravaganza. Here is part one: Friday. I’ll have to share the other pictures in two additional posts. Stay tuned!
A pretty walkway next to the church
Inside the chapel. That beautiful staircase is known as the “Miraculous Staircase.” Legend has it that when the chapel was built, there was no way for the nuns to reach the choir loft. They prayed to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. Then a man appeared at the church and built this staircase. When it was complete, he vanished without a trace. The sisters believed that it was St. Joseph himself.
The staircase has two 360-degree turns with no visible means of support. It’s known as the “Miraculous Staircase,” in reference to its origin as well as its engineering.
Of course, my engineer husband’s reaction was, “That doesn’t make it an engineering miracle.
That just means it hasn’t fallen down yet.”
Preparing for the guests’ arrival
Fred, on the right, greeting guests
Suzanne’s fabulous shoes and shawl
Fred’s daughter
Suzanne’s son escorted her down the aisle.
Suzanne’s son and daughter and Fred’s daughter each did a reading.
After the ceremony. Mike always sees these wonderful moments.
Greeting her granddaughter
After the ceremony, we went to Cafe San Estevan to celebrate over dinner.
One of several delicious courses
The best chili relleno I’ve ever had.
Coming next: Pictures from Saturday
To be continued…
Wow! I absolutely liked the body shot of her, where she’s holding the callas and the orchids!! And chilis rellenos–mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!! Craving!
If you ever find yourself in Albuquerque, I’d love to meet up.
ooooooh, yes please. 😉 Mike and I both adore Australia!
Thanks so much for the compliments!
Deja vu 😉
Wow, great timing!
Re: you guys are amazing!
I’m so happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed the pictures, Fred and Suzanne! Thanks very much for inviting us to be a part of your wedding!
Oh yes, they fed us some delicious and elaborate meals!
I can see why you’d want to move there!
I don’t know if those poles were chimes, but they definitely moved in the breeze and made pretty formations as they turned. I spent some time the following day staring into them, and they are almost hypnotic.
I definitely need to spend more time in New Mexico. I loved it instantly.
Thanks! Sometimes I can’t believe how all my dreams are coming true.
Everyime I see your photogrpahy ti amkes me want to ask you to fly out here (Australia) when I finally do get married (have a wedding business so constantly exposed to this) I LOVE the unposed style you have and the capturing of the details. LOVE LOVE LOVE your work Charlotte!
i’ve been to that chapel! the only thing i remember about it is the staircase, though. i was only 12 or something, though…
beautiful pictures!
we were just talking about that staircase in one of my classes. it was awesome to actually get to see it.
you guys are amazing!
we finally got a peek from our hotel in NY and we love what you’ve done! We can’t wait to see the whole collection… thank you, thank you, thank you! Fred and Suzanne
amazing shots!! the one of the readings… fred’s daughter looks like she’s annoyed with something – it made me giggle!
it seems like they fed you, huh? 🙂
Gorgeous photos! Nice work Charlotte and Mike!
Santa Fe is gorgeous! I’ve been there a few times. I wish my brother and his fiancée were still planning on getting married there.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE santa fe. and that church and staircase are so cool. I will live in Santa Fe someday. glad you enjoyed it too!
I love to see the happiness on the bride & grooms in each of your photos. :0)
3rd photo- there’s looks to be a chime pole – to the right of the walkway. Did you notice whether it moves or makes noise?
That staircase gives me the willies!
I grew up in the southwest. I miss the themes in these photos muchly.
Thanks 🙂 As soon as I heard that line, I emailed my icon-making friend and begged for this icon. I had to have it!
Just wanted to say I like your icon. I loved that quote right off the bat. :0)
Absolutely beautiful! I love the Loretto Chapel – the Miraculous Staircase is simply amazing.
Santa Fe is a great town – I’m glad you guys loved it.
It looks as lovely as you said it was. Great pictures!
hah! i love the picture of the little man holding the business cards!
They look so happy, and what a beautiful family! I love her dress! I love the bridesmaids dresses!
Santa Fe looks like a wonderful town!
Beautiful shots! I’ve heard about that staircase on TV.
wow. what a beautifl story! Love their love story and adore these photos. gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
I love how your passion and hobby has led to such a brilliant career with so much travel , yur other passion.