A Southwest Inspired Photoshoot
A few months ago, I was approached to create content for a local family with a mobile horse trailer bar cart and mini beer donkey named Sancho. It was a dream shoot, especially since I'll be leaving El Paso for the Gulf Coast soon, and it finally gave me the opportunity to get creative with southwestern inspired wedding photos. The first thing that came to mind was Talavera. I've been obsessed with blue and white pottery since before I could remember. I'm not sure if it was the blue willow pattern dishes that adorned the cabinets of my first apartment, the delft blue plates I picked up from a flea market while living in Germany, or the blue rimmed Polish Pottery I stocked up on before moving back stateside, but it's an obsession. It was only natural that I fell in love with talavera when I moved to El Paso. We bought our home here, and I was on a mission to add back all the character that it was missing. To bring inspiration from the local area, and to add all things talavera. That love translated out to this rustic photoshoot, and was the inspiration behind so many of the details.
From the moment we started planning, the goal was clear: to capture the essence of the Southwest charm that could reflect back to the most beautiful of love stories. The talavera-inspired details adorned the rustic mobile bar while Adobe Rose's exquisite floral arrangements brought bursts of color and texture to every frame. Each photograph not only showcased the beauty of the location, but also the genuine connection between our models Israel and Diana, set against a backdrop that felt both timeless and uniquely theirs.
Working with the Wandering Waterhole, Adobe Rose Custom Florist, Wild Child Photography and the delightful Israel and Diana was an absolute joy. Their passion and dedication to their crafts shone through, making this photoshoot a testament to the vibrant spirit of the Southwest and the power of personal storytelling through photography.
This was about more than just capturing beautiful moments; it was about celebrating love, creativity, and the rich cultural tapestry that defines the Southwest. Through the lens of talavera pottery, rich summer florals, and the warmth of Israel and Diana's relationship, we created a visual narrative that I hope will inspire couples planning their own weddings to infuse their celebrations with personal touches that reflect who they are and the love they share.
A Donkey Named Sancho
It all started with Sancho. When the Wandering Waterhole reached out to me in March, it was to capture their mini donkey. Proof that the smallest things can become much bigger than expected. From there, we decided to add in their mobile bar, a horse trailer that their daughter actually used to transport her Arabian horses. Their little home, just outside of Mesilla became the perfect backdrop for this mock wedding, and Susan and her family were so welcoming and kind.
Vibrant Summer Florals
I was so excited to get the chance to work with Adobe Rose Custom Florals for this shoot. I had first learned about them a few years ago when my husband was deployed. He would have flowers delivered, and their bouquets were always so unique and thoughtful. They brought so much passion and expertise to this project, and I couldn't imagine a better suited florist.
The couple
This shoot would not have been possible without the gorgeous Diana + Israel, a real life couple, currently planning their own wedding, and bringing very real romance to every frame. One of the unexpected elements of this shoot is the fact that it worked out as a mock dress-rehearsal, giving them the chance to see firsthand what elements resonated with them most as they prepared for their big day.
The Hotel
Special thanks to the Ramada at Las Cruces for allowing us to come in for a large portion of this shoot. The summer snuck up on us, and we decided last minute how important it would be to have an indoor area to really capture some beautiful portraits. Their lobby was stunning and embodied everything this shoot embodied.
A very special thanks to Genesis of Wild Child Photography for helping to plan this day. It would not have been possible without her help.
