So many different emotions fill my heart as I start this blog post. Feelings of deep gratitude and amazement for God’s faithfulness. You might think this is not how I normally begin a wedding blogpost, but this wedding and the events that took place after…are anything but “normal.” This is one post you will want to read until the end.
Kelly, the lovely bride, and I met while studying abroad in Spain in the Fall of 2008. I was thrilled when Kelly reached out and told me she met the love of her life, Matt, and asked me to be a part of their wedding day down in New Mexico. And after they told me that they knew how important it was for me to know them as a couple and their love story, and that would be willing to road trip (7+ hours!) up to Colorado to meet me for their engagement session, I knew that this wedding would be one I would always remember. I got to see Kelly and Matt’s love and respect they shared first hand. (If you missed their EPIC Mountain engagement session at the peak of the Fall colors last year click HERE!)
Kelly is a talented author and filmmaker ( and has a beautiful love for her family’s Spanish and Mexican heritage and truly appreciates each culture and how they have blended into the culture of New Mexico. So I was not surprised to hear she was planning to beautifully infuse the Spanish, Mexico, and New Mexico inspirations into her wedding…and she did, with the help of Occasion Events, so beautifully. I felt like I walked onto the set of an old Spanish film, with a gorgeous lace gown and a full cathedral Spanish veil, Mexican papel picado hanging from the ceiling, bright deep red tones throughout the decor, delicious and elegant Mexican cuisine, and one incredible view of the gorgeous Sandia Mountains.
So on a gorgeous New Mexico day at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya, Kelly + Matt shared their vows before God and their closest family and friends and sealed their commitment with a kiss. Then as the dust began to settle as they started this new and exciting chapter, Kelly and Matt experienced the unthinkable and suddenly their vows took on a whole different meaning.
I asked Kelly to share a few words about their story.
“As a newlywed you say your vows thinking that many of the difficulties will be later on in life especially when it comes to “In sickness and in health.” We had been married for just over a month when Matt had a series of black-outs and collapses leading to sudden cardiac death. In a flash we went from being cheery, young, newlyweds to the possibility that our life together could be cut short. In an instant it felt like our marriage was propelled into a future, an unknowable future and one that we didn’t expect to happen for decades. I never left his side and prayed that whatever happens that God would bring my husband back to me…It didn’t matter how he came back or in what health he would be in, I just wanted to see his smile again.
After a long 24 hours he was able to wake up smile and crack one of his usual jokes. The following month has proved to be profoundly difficult with new adjustments to our life. Matt has been able to make a huge recovery even though we do not yet have a diagnosis for his rare electrical heart problem. For us, our vows became a quick reality “For better or for worse, In Sickness and in health” and now we like to add “In life and in death.” It is truly the greatest privilege of my life to be married to my husband, to know that whatever comes our way we will always be a team and when we don’t know what to do, we have faith. Sometimes even death doesn’t end a marriage.”
After hearing the horrifying news that Matt was in the hospital after having cardiac arrest, I didn’t know what else to do but pray. So as I edited their wedding photos, and saw their faces cross my screen, I continued to pray for Matt and Kelly. And now, I have so much joy and excitement to share their wedding story with you, knowing that Matt is alive, out of the hospital, cracking jokes, and on the road to recovery with his incredible wife by his side. Yup, I’d say they are one AMAZING team and Kelly + Matt, I can’t thank you both enough for inviting me in to document your story!
Kelly gave these sweet gifts to her parents that brought everyone to tears. It was so incredible to see the special relationship she had with her parents!
I love first looks! Matt’s excitement to see his stunning bride could be seen a mile away!
The AMAZING TEAM OF VENDORS of that made this wedding day possible!
Venue: Hyatt Regency Tamaya
Wedding Coordinator/Decor: Occasion Services & Events
Photographer : Kelly // Kelly Lemon Photography – Special Thanks to second shooter Steven Moyer!
Florals: Diamante Floral
Makeup Artist: Genica Lee
Bridal Boutique: Schaffer’s Bridal
Dress Designer: Alvina Valenta
Bridesmaids Dresses: Donna Morgan from Nordstroms
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Paper Goods : Zoe Nyasa Designs (bridesmaid)
What lovely photos. Beautiful looking wedding. Kelly was a glowing bride. Would love to see a video of the parents’ dance. Looked like great fun.
Thank you so much Billie!! Kelly was a gorgeous bride indeed! And they had a videographer team so there will be a video of the parents’ dance I’m sure!
Love! Love! Love! Beautiful photos!
This is stunning! Gorgeous colors & tones!
Simply beautiful! You captured the essence of their happiness!!
I love the bright pops of color! It really made this wedding stand out! And I love the ring shot on the old wood. So dreamy!