This Sunset-Inspired Santa Fe Wedding Had Its After Party at Meow Wolf!

It’s a college love story that nearly never got started: “We met at Southern Methodist University, thanks to our mutual friends who were convinced their redheaded friends were meant for each other. And despite their persistent attempts to set us up on a blind date, we both initially declined,” Caroline + Parker remember. But, still, it was meant to be. “Fate intervened when we ended up in the same class, and the rest is history.”

Caroline is originally from New Mexico and has always loved the vivid vistas and desert southwest landscape of her home state. Parker quickly fell for the Land of Enchantment as well whenever he visited Caroline there. So, when it came time to plan their wedding, the couple knew Santa Fe was the spot. 

A design vision that celebrated the warm + vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples of a New Mexican sunset came together with a stunning rooftop ceremony setting at La Fonda On the Plaza, right in the heart of Santa Fe’s historic center. 

Music played a major role in Caroline + Parker’s planning. There was a string quartet, a mariachi band, a live jazz band, and a DJ. “We planned something to surprise our guests at every turn,” says the couple, “so they would have a day as memorable as ours.” 

And then there’s the unforgettable surprise after party. Cause why not close out the night with a private concert from your favorite musician at the iconically artsy Meow Wolf?

So glad Alicia Lucia was there catching all of Caroline + Parker’s day with her camera so we can give you a look!

There were definitely some DIY dreams coming true on Caroline + Parker’s big day. All of the wedding’s paper goods, invitations, and artwork were created by Caroline herself, and all of the celebration’s planning + coordination were carried off by the couple + their families!

These funky paper goods are a perfect sneak peak into the full-on rock show vibes of the Meow Wolf afterparty featuring musician Ben Kweller.

Floral appliqué detail work added lots of texture + romance to the strapless Sareh Nouri gown that Caroline found at Neiman Marcus. She paired the look with a floral wedding veil + some wedding shoes from Badgley Mischka.

Two Baroque Girls captured the colors of a Santa Fe sunset with beautiful blooms in different shades of pink, gold, orange, pastel purple, and blush. And they even added some iridescent shimmer in there!

Loving the warm tones of this mismatched bridal party palette! Caroline’s crew found their sunset-inspired bridesmaid dresses from Revolve.

The Ceremony

Caroline + Parker’s rooftop ceremony at La Fonda On the Plaza had an up-close view of Santa Fe’s beautiful + historic Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

So much southwestern sunset-tone whimsy! Love that these purple + orange ceremony flowers were a mix of of asymmetrical floral towers + smaller compote arrangements.

How cute is this light purple ruffle puff sleeve flower girl dress! Shop the look on SHEIN!

Parker kept things super sophisticated with his classic black wedding tuxedo from The Black Tux.

Still searching for the right tune to carry you back up the aisle? Check out our list of 99 recessional song ideas for an unforgettable ceremony exit!

After the ceremony, Mariachi Azteca de Santa Fe took over with a live musical procession through Santa Fe’s historic Plaza.

“For most of Parker’s guests and his family, this was their first time visiting the state,” say the newlyweds, “so we really wanted to share what we loved most about it.”

Take a look through our collections of the best terracotta bridesmaid dresses and the best rose gold bridesmaid dresses to recreate this bridal party’s warm + colorful vibe.

A. Salon Santa Fe gave Caroline’s long red locks their effortless loose wavy look and made sure she had a warm glowy makeup look to match.

The Reception

Margaritas were a must for Caroline + Parker, so there was definitely a marg on the couple’s specialty wedding cocktail menu.

Colorado Party Rentals outfitted the reception with its furniture, tabletop decor, and linens. Love the way the tablescape nodded to a New Mexican folk art aesthetic with its hammered silver flatware and turquoise glassware.

Caroline + Parker kept their wedding cake design simple with this white three tier creation from Crumb Girl Sweets but filled the cake table with fresh flowers.

Our Musical Choices
Processional
"Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring" by Bach
Recessional
"Mariachi Celebration" by Mariachi Azteca De Santa Fe
First Dance
"Texas Sun" by Leon Bridges

Throughout the reception, guests enjoyed tons of tunes courtesy of Sound Productions DJ and live band David The Sax Man Brown!

The After Party

And after all that? Caroline + Parker led their guest to the otherworldly art experience that is Meow Wolf.

We can’t think of a better way to end your wedding day than with a private concert from Ben Kweller!

And yep, that is actor Christopher Mintz-Plasse! You might know him as McLovin’ from the film Superbad. Christopher plays bass in Ben Kweller’s band!

Our Advice
From the bride: "Try and make it fun. If I could do it over I would knock out as much as possible to enjoy the wedding week to the fullest."

Our Favorite Memory
Besides the ceremony and our vows of course, it was the celebrating at the after party at Meow Wolf with all of our friends. We were so fortunate to have one of my favorite musicians, Ben Kweller, put on a performance on stage there. It was an unforgettable ending to the perfect day. 

Congratulations on this marvelous music-filled, sunset-inspired Santa Fe wedding, Caroline + Parker! GWS wishes you both all the very best!