An intentional ceremony in the Santa Fe mountains

It was an absolute joy to witness the August union between Travis and Michelle at Hyde Park Lodge in the Santa Fe National Forest. Travis and Michelle personalized their ceremony to include the four elements, traditions from Michelle's Jewish heritage, and the ancient druid practice of hand-fasting. After the ring exchange, the first kiss and the breaking of the glass, Michelle and Travis shared a private picnic, the Yichud, with their furry friends. Dancing and a delicious dinner followed. I was so honored to be part of their day.

Groom in a linen suit adjusting his tie while gazing out a rustic wooden window indoors.
Wedding invitation for Michelle Katz and Travis Zaffarano at Hyde Park Lodge Santa Fe New Mexico.
Groom in beige three-piece suit with teal tie and orange boutonniere standing in rustic stone building.
Bridesmaid fastening buttons on back of lace wedding dress during bridal preparations.
Close-up black and white photo of hands buttoning pearl buttons on lace wedding gown.
Black and white photo of bridesmaid applying makeup to bride in rustic stone venue.
Bride in lace wedding dress gazing out wooden window in rustic stone venue.
Elegant lace wedding dress with floral applique train displayed in dramatic stone stairwell.
Black and white photo of Spirit Hound Colorado Whisky bottle with cold feet wedding gift box.
Smiling bride in lace cap sleeve wedding dress posing in rustic stone wedding venue.
Wedding officiant performing sand ceremony at outdoor rustic mountain wedding ceremony.
Wedding officiant conducting unity ceremony with guests seated at rustic outdoor mountain wedding.
Groom in tan suit holds dog leash at outdoor wedding ceremony with seated guests in background.
Bride in lace gown walks dog wearing floral collar outside rustic stone wedding venue.
Close-up of groom in tan suit with orange boutonniere smiling at outdoor wedding ceremony.
Couple exchanges vows under birch arch at rustic outdoor wedding ceremony with seated guests.
Smiling bride and groom stand under rustic wooden arch during outdoor wedding ceremony.
Bride and groom share vows under floral canopy birch arbor at outdoor forest wedding.
Close-up of hands bound together with colorful cords during handfasting wedding ceremony ritual.
Officiant performs handfasting ritual with bride and groom at rustic outdoor wedding ceremony.
Officiant offers ceremonial drink to bride under birch tree during outdoor wedding ritual.
Groom reads wedding vows from paper under floral canopy at outdoor rustic ceremony.
Black and white photo of bride and groom sharing tender embrace during first dance.
Officiant pouring wine during wedding unity ceremony while couple holds hands.
Close-up of groom placing wedding ring on bride's finger during outdoor ceremony.
Outdoor rustic wedding ceremony with couple at altar under wooden arch surrounded by guests.
Wedding guests watching ceremony including woman breastfeeding infant near rustic wooden barn.
Group of smiling wedding guests standing in front of rustic wooden barn wall outdoors.
Laughing bride and groom holding hands at altar with officiant reading vows under floral arch.
Joyful bride and groom dancing together under rustic wooden arch during outdoor wedding ceremony.
Newlywed couple sharing first kiss embrace under floral canopy at rustic barn wedding.
Bride and groom share romantic kiss at outdoor wedding reception near stone fire pit.
Wedding couple kisses between birch trees with two dogs wearing floral collars in a lush green field.
Jubilant newlyweds celebrating after ceremony with groom raising fist in triumph outdoors.
Bride and groom share a romantic picnic with their dalmatian dog among aspen trees in a wildflower meadow.
Boho wedding ceremony items including green candles, eucalyptus bouquet, singing bowl, and handfasting cord.
Elegant woman in brown shawl reviews decorative wedding document at a rustic stone venue reception table.
Bride smiles joyfully as officiant signs wedding certificate beside colorful floral arrangements.
Bride and groom share a romantic moment under a clear umbrella outside a rustic stone and wood building.
Bride in lace gown and groom in tan suit share a loving gaze against a rustic stone wall.
Bride and groom embrace tenderly in front of a textured stone wall in their wedding attire.
Bride and groom embrace near a wooden fence in a mountain meadow surrounded by pine trees.
Groom lifts bride in lace wedding dress for a kiss while she perches on a wooden fence in a meadow.
Black and white photo of bride and groom walking hand in hand down a rain-soaked mountain road.
Bride and groom hold hands on a wet mountain road surrounded by pine trees on their wedding day.
Newlyweds share an intimate moment seated against a rustic stone wall on their wedding day.
Wedding couple sits on a bench against a stone wall sharing a smile under a clear umbrella.
Bride and groom walk hand in hand through a sunlit forest meadow on their wedding day.
Groom tenderly cups bride's face as they smile at each other in a lush green field.
Groom gently holds bride's face as they lean in close together in a sunlit meadow.
Bride and groom share a romantic forehead touch while embracing in a tall grass meadow.
Groom twirls bride in a sunlit forest clearing, both laughing joyfully on their wedding day.
Bride and groom walk hand-in-hand through tall grass in a rustic woodland setting.
Bride and groom share an intimate moment in a lush green meadow, with the bride wearing a floral crown.
Happy bride and groom hold hands while walking through a sunlit forest meadow on their wedding day.
Bride and groom laugh together while holding hands in front of lush evergreen trees.
Groom embraces bride from behind near a birch tree, both smiling warmly in a forest setting.
Bride and groom share energetic first dance on outdoor stone patio at rustic wedding.
Bride and groom stand at the altar during their outdoor wedding ceremony with stone backdrop.
Bride and groom dance joyfully outdoors with rustic birch arch and stone wall backdrop.
Bride shares an emotional father-daughter dance, resting her head on her father's shoulder.
Bride and groom exchange vows outdoors as officiant reads from paper near stone altar.
Groom dances with elderly woman in teal dress at outdoor wedding reception with string lights.
Elegant older couple poses together in a doorway, sharing a warm embrace at a wedding.
Groom laughs joyfully with bride and officiant during outdoor wedding ceremony under rustic birch arch.
Elegant older woman smiles while holding a ceramic mug at an outdoor wedding reception.
Bride and groom lifted on chairs by guests during lively outdoor wedding hora dance.
Wedding guests lift bride and groom on chairs during joyful outdoor reception celebration.
Groom playfully smashes wedding cake into brides face at rustic indoor reception.