a taos wedding 2016

2016 • taosnews.com/wedding • A Taos Wedding 3

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4 A Taos Wedding • taosnews.com/wedding • 2016

Plan Ahead .......................................... 10

Registry ................................................ 14

Taos Wedding Expo ............................ 16

Legalities .............................................. 20

Picture perfect ..................................... 22

Wedding Trivia .................................... 24

Themed Weddings .............................. 28

Gorge Weddings .................................. 32

A Love Story ........................................ 36

Venues ................................................. 42

The Language of Flowers..................... 46

Announcements .................................. 48

C ongratulations! You found each other in this titanic, crazy maze of a world. True love is what makes the ride through

life worthwhile.

Whether Taos is your home or the unforgettable, mountainous, high-desert scenery and romance this place captures fulfills your dream ceremony, A Taos Wedding can help you plan your special day.

Published yearly by The Taos News, this guide aims to serve as a resource for those set on simple nuptials to others visualizing a big bash, with some helpful hints and light-hearted content thrown in to keep stress at bay. Weddings don’t plan themselves, unfortunately.

As in years past, however, this edition of A Taos Wedding calmly walks you through the many decisions that go into planning a

wedding, from finding the perfect venue to obtaining legal paperwork, to name just a sampling.

Also inside are articles on the local Wedding Expo, free Valentine’s Day nuptials at the famed Río Grande Gorge Bridge, the popularity of themed weddings by Teresa Dovalpage, an inspiring and educational love story, and Virginia Clark talks to local photographers about getting the best wedding shots.

As you’re planning your big day in Northern New Mexico, keep this copy of A Taos Wedding handy because a wedding in Taos is a unique, special and truly memorable event come rain, snow or sunshine.

May every couple that unites in Taos this year fall in love with each other many times over.

— Scott Gerdes, special sections editor

‘Two souls with but a single thought; two hearts that beat as one.’ — Friedrich Halm,

Austrian dramatist, poet and novella writer

StaffRobin Martin, owner • Chris Baker, publisher • Joan Livingston, editor • Chris Wood,

advertising manager • Scott Gerdes, special sections editor • Emily Wilde, lead designer • Jordan Miera, copy editor • Karin Eberhardt, production manager

• Katharine Egli, photographer • Contributing writers: Virginia Clark, Teresa Dovalpage • Contributing photographers: Megan Bowers Avina, Brendan Curran, Tina Larkin,

Deanna Nelson

On the cover: Chavez/Zaher wedding by Tina Larkin, tlarkin.photoshelter.com • Cover design by Karin Eberhardt

Taos bliss

Contents


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SIX MONTHS OR MORE PRIORn Announce your engagement to family

and friends.

n Create a budget.

n Set a wedding date or season.

n Select the wedding party.

n Choose invitations.

n Select gowns and tuxedos.

n Register a name for your wedding website.

n Visit ceremony, rehearsal dinner and reception sites.

n Interview caterers, photographers, videographers, florists, performing artists and musicians.

n Order passports and check immunization if leaving the country.

THREE TO SIX MONTHS PRIORn Contact photographer, caterer, baker,

florist, musicians, performing artists and transporters.

n Schedule fittings for you and attendants.

n Finalize rentals and site for ceremony, reception and rehearsal dinner.

n Select wedding rings.

n Finalize music selection.

n Start selecting flowers.

n Finalize honeymoon and transportation plans (commercial or private). Get it in writing so no one is confused and late.

Plan AheadA wedding checklist

'When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life

with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as

soon as possible.'

— Nora Ephron“When Harry Met Sally”

~Continued on page 12


TWO TO THREE MONTHS PRIORn Register for wedding gifts at the stores

of your choice.

n Send invitations.

n Complete guest list.

n Reserve block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.

n Update your website with directions and hotel information.

n Set hair, nail and makeup appointments for wedding day and bridal portrait.

n Arrange care for pets if necessary.

n Get marriage license and get forms for name change if necessary.

ONE WEEK PRIORn Complete ceremony and reception

seating.

n Pack for honeymoon.

n Provide “special request” photo and music lists for photographer, videographer and ceremony and reception musicians.

n Remind attendants to pick up their formal wear.

n Finalize guest list and give to caterer or reception management.

n Assign transportation of gifts, guest book, personal belongings and return of groom’s tuxedo.

n Arrange for post office to hold mail.

n Make spa appointment for wedding party for massage, manicures and pedicures.

WEDDING DAY EVE

n Distribute wedding day schedule to wedding party.

n Attend wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

n Nap, rest easy because all is well.

~Continued from page 10


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E ven with the popularity and ease of online shopping, local wedding registries are just as convenient and more

important to the area's economy.

Registering for gifts in Taos gives the happy couple a hands-on selection experience and provides easier gift buying for locals and those travelers who don't want to lug packages around airports and onto planes.

Wedding wishes & dishes:Local registry options

MONET’S KITCHEN124-M Bent St.(575) 758-8003johndunnshops.com/monetskitchen

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L ike an engagement ring and the smile of a bride-to-be, this year's second annual Taos Wedding Expo

shines and sparkles with wedding ideas and services for every moment covering every detail of your big day.

Taos Wedding Expo 2016 will be held Feb. 13 at Sagebrush Inn & Suites, 1508 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featured are vendor exhibits; a 1 p.m. fashion show with famed, local Native designer Patricia Michaels for her label, PM Waterlilly; and door prizes, including a diamond ring donated by Leshem Diamonds and Gold,

honeymoon adventures for two and more.

The LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer — or questioning)-friendly event is a showcase of local wedding resources hailing from around Northern New Mexico's Enchanted Circle communities of Taos, Taos Ski Valley, Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest and Angel Fire.

A highlight at the expo again this year is the Fashion Show. Michaels was runner-up in the 2013 Season 11 of “Project Runway” on Lifetime Channel. Michaels also exhibited her designs at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, for the “Native Fashion Show," and she has been

‘I have found the one whom my soul loves’ -— Song of Solomon 3:4

Everything Enchanted Circle nuptials: Taos Wedding Expo 2016

Photos by Katharine Egli

Patricia Michaels Wedding Runway


the recipient of many awards for her unique, creative clothing designs.

The 2016 Taos Wedding Expo will have representatives and displays from venues, caterers, DJs, cake bakeries, music, florists, jewelers, photographers, event rentals, formal wear, officiants and transportation. Many cake and catering vendors will offer tastings to the public. Admission is $8 per person or $15 for two people at the door only.

The Taos County Chamber of Commerce is continuing this event in the ongoing campaign to “keep Taos local” — put your money where your heart is! This event will

also highlight area providers for local and destination weddings in the Enchanted Circle.

Destination weddings have become a mainstay of the wedding industry, and the Enchanted Circle draws many couples and families to hold their nuptials here. The local vendors who exhibited at the 2015 Taos Wedding Expo reported a fantastic return on investment by securing two to five weddings or event jobs as a result of participating in the expo. One exhibitor even booked more than 10 gigs. This venue provides the opportunity to present their businesses face to face to more than 300 anticipated attendees, and provides



networking with more than 40 wedding professionals serving the Enchanted Circle.

According to the 2014 Wedding Report, the following statistics support the Taos County Chamber of Commerce's work to present the 2016 Taos Wedding Expo as an economic development driver:

• 39 percent of all wedding couples will hire a wedding professional from a wedding show;

• More than 250 weddings are held in Taos County each year;

• An average of $18,947 is spent on Taos weddings with an average of 100-115 guests

attending; and

• Taos County Chamber of Commerce is getting an increasing number of calls regarding wedding accommodations in Taos.

The chamber worked with corporate sponsors to bring this event to the community. Generous sponsorship has been provided by the Sagebrush Inn & Suites’ Conference Center, The Taos News, Leshem Diamonds & Gold, Celebration Event Rentals, Taos Mountain Casino, Choice Wireless and the Taos County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and staff.



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U nless you take the right steps, your “I do’s” aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on

if, well, you don’t have the paper they’re printed on.

In the eyes of the law, regardless of whether the marriage ceremony itself is religious or civil, couples need to get and file a marriage license. Taos County and New Mexico laws in this matter are pretty simple. Couples can get married on the spot provided it’s officiated by an ordained or licensed clergyman or clergywoman or a judge. These are the only legal officiates the state recognizes.

Two witnesses, not including the officiate, must sign on the dotted line.

Marriages in New Mexico are gender

neutral. Same-sex weddings have been legal here since December 2013.

To obtain a marriage license, you are required to go to the Taos County Clerk’s Office, where you must present a photo ID that shows your birth date, such as a driver’s license or passport. Both spouses-to-be must be present to sign the application. There is a $25 cash-only filing fee. The process takes about 15 minutes.

The clerk’s office keeps a marriage license book that is open and available for public viewing. As such, marriage licenses are public record and could be published in The Taos News or any other publication. Media-shy couples can request a “do not publish” notice, which takes the form of a yellow sticky note affixed to the license, to keep it from appearing in print.

The ease of legalese

‘Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.’

— Maya Angelou, American poet, author

Marriage License

— Staff Report

WHO - Both spouses-to-be must be present to sign the application

WHAT - Bring photo identification (that contains your birth date) and the $25 filing fee, cash only

WHEN - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by appointment

WHERE - Taos County Clerk’s Office, 105 Albright St., (575) 737-6380

WHY - These are the legal requirements. After the ceremony, the license must be registered. The license can be physically delivered to the Taos County Clerk’s Office, or mailed using a provided envelope.


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C apturing your wedding memories is probably the single-most important technical aspect of wedding planning.

Practically any other thing can be replaced, a ring, a gown, “… something borrowed, something blue.” But you have to have great shots in the first place or those precious moments of the happy day simply fade away.

So just because a friend or family member has a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) or an advanced compact system camera, don’t make them your prime photographer. You want a pro.

Here’s what photographer Megan Bowers Avina, of Taos, has to say about her wedding photography.

“Good photographers can work a camera, great photographers can use a flash, amazing photographers NOTICE. Photographers are amazing observers.

“Anyone can buy a bunch of lenses and lights, but it takes a person with a gift for observation,” Bowers Avina adds, also noting that having “a big heart doesn’t hurt either, to really capture those special images.”

“The best memories from a wedding are the quiet ones,” Bowers Avina says. “The minutes in between, when a father whispers to his daughter during the first dance, when a sister fixes her brother’s boutonniere, when a grandmother holds the groom’s hand in the hallway before the I do’s — those are the moments ‘in between.’ I live for those moments.”

Photographer Deanna Nelson, of Taos, also keeps it candid and unobtrusive.

“A wedding is a very photogenic event and it’s a gift how many sincere and natural ‘scenes’ present themselves during the event. The tricky part is trying to capture the shots without being intrusive … beautiful shots present themselves and then can disappear in seconds. If I see an awesome scene appear, I have my subjects ‘freeze,’ and I will make a few minor changes and grab the shot. The pose is pretty much created without my help.”

To get essentially “unposed” images, Nelson purposely gives very little instruction so “everything looks a bit impromptu,” though she acknowledges sometimes it’s necessary to “create” a candid shot, she says, laughing at her non-sequitur. “Although the idea sounds ridiculous, the results are usually stunning. I take great pride in my work and enjoy the challenge of composing a photograph to appear uncontrived.”

Taos photographer Brendan Curran says “documentary portraiture is our style.” His assistants are his daughter and son, Sparrow Skywalker and Trempealeau Morninglight, who hold reflectors, carry gear, “watch for photo bombs” and more. “They know what a scene is supposed to look like. We go out and capture all the special things people want to make it a special day.”

“We’re going to be photographing you like you’re the president of the United States,” Curran says, noting he makes sure people are ultimately comfortable with being the center of attention, all the while he and his assistants work diligently behind the scenes. “We get them from the beginning of the day to the end. It’s a lot of work and we’re really good at it.”

Poetry in motionPicture-perfect wedding portraitsBy Virginia L. Clark

‘For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.’

— Judy Garland, American actress, singer


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Good luck, bad luck• Hey, brides, tuck a sugar cube into your

glove — according to Greek culture, the sugar will sweeten your union.

• The English believe a spider found in a wedding dress means good luck. Eek!

• In English tradition, Wednesday is considered the “best day” to marry, although Monday is for wealth and Tuesday is for health. Saturday is the unluckiest wedding day, according to English folklore. Funny — it’s the most popular day of the week to marry.

• Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck, according to Hindu tradition.

• For good luck, Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day. Ouch!

• In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the newlyweds’ home as a symbol of fertility and luck.

It’s got a ring to it• Engagement and wedding rings are worn

on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.

• Diamonds set in gold or silver became popular as betrothal rings among wealthy Venetians toward the end of the 15th century.

• A pearl engagement ring is said to be bad luck because its shape echoes that of a tear.

Fashionable lore• Queen Victoria started the Western

world’s white wedding dress trend in 1840 — before then, a bride simply wore her best dress.

• Ancient Greeks and Romans thought a veil protected the bride from evil spirits. Brides have worn veils ever since.

• In Denmark, brides and grooms traditionally cross-dressed to confuse evil spirits.

Reception know-it-all • In many cultures around the world —

including Celtic, Hindu and Egyptian weddings — the hands of a bride and groom are literally tied together to demonstrate the couple’s commitment to each other and their new bond as a married couple (giving us the popular phrase “tying the knot”).

• The Roman goddess Juno rules over marriage, the hearth and childbirth, hence the popularity of June weddings.

• Princess Victoria established the tradition of playing Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” during her wedding processional in 1858.

• The bride stands to the groom’s left during a Christian ceremony because, in bygone days, the groom needed his right hand free to fight off other suitors.

• The Catholic tradition of “posting the banns” to announce a marriage originated as a way to ensure the bride and groom were not related.

• Stag parties were first held by ancient Spartan soldiers, who kissed their bachelor days goodbye with a raucous party.

— Courtesy of theknot.com

Bet you didn’t know If you send Mickey and Minnie Mouse

or Cinderella and Prince Charming an invitation to your wedding, they will send you back an autographed photo and a “just married” button. The address: Mickey & Minnie (or Cinderella & Prince Charming), The Walt Disney Company, 500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521.

Tying-the-knot trivia:Some wedding facts to ponder as you plan your special day


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2016 • taosnews.com/wedding • A Taos Wedding 27 26 A Taos Wedding • taosnews.com/wedding • 2016


F rom “Harry Potter” to “Downton Abbey” settings, from Victorian to vintage, themed weddings are

on the rise.

The best thing about them is that there are no rules, except for those the couple makes. Those who reject the cookie-cutter approach to tying the knot can give free rein to their creativity. Other advantages: guests tend to get more involved in the function than during traditional weddings and the usually colorful ceremonies make great pictures, either for a wedding album or just Instagram.

They are all about personalizing love.

“My fiancé and I are planning a rustic-themed wedding in a friend’s goat farm,” said Celeste Barclay, a science teacher and

environmentalist. “We loved the fact that we will be declaring not only our love for each other, but also our shared passion for nature, the outdoors and all things earthy.”

An officiant’s perspectiveSusan Carpenter Sims, a Taos-based

ordained celebrant, has performed a number of themed weddings and unique ceremonies specifically created for the couple.

“Ceremonies are profound in direct proportion to how personalized they are,” she said. “This is why I love doing weddings that are uniquely designed in collaboration with my couples to reflect their values and taste, and who they truly are as individuals and as a couple.”

As an officiant, Sims always tries to find

Themed weddings take the cakeBy Teresa Dovalpage

Courtesy photo

One of Susan Carpenter Sims', a Taos-based ordained celebrant, favorite wedding themes is labyrinths.



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a guiding thread for all the ceremonies. The “theme” she devises can be pretty subtle or multifaceted.

“I’m writing a wedding currently, for example, around the motifs of spaciousness, light, circles and silence,” she said, “but it’s not going to come across to the guests as some big overarching theme.”

Sims has also done weddings with quite obvious and even quirky themes when it suits the couple.

“I did one in Red River where the entire wedding party and most of the guests were dressed in Victorian costumes with little top hats that the groom and his father had made for everyone,” she said. “The ceremony itself

had a Dr. Seuss theme. I even structured the vows to have a Seuss-like rhyme scheme.”

Love in the labyrinthOne of Sims’ favorite themes for a wedding

is labyrinths. She has performed several ceremonies at Adobe & Pines Inn, a 178-year-old Spanish hacienda with a 75-foot diameter labyrinth on the property.

“Everyone walks the labyrinth together and the couple gets married in the center of it,” she said. “Labyrinths provide a wonderful framework and metaphor for a wedding ceremony, in that walking them is calming and meditative and symbolically reflects the twisting, turning journey that a marriage really is.”

Courtesy photo

Sims officates a Victorian-, Dr. Seuss-themed ceremony in Red River.


‘When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew’ — William Shakespeare


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ou will find, as you look back upon your life, that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the

spirit of love,” penned Henry Drummond, a Scottish evangelist, writer and lecturer who lived from the mid- to late 1800s.

That spirit of love calls to the couples who venture to picturesque, romantic Taos seeking a simple, inexpensive union, whether planned in advance or inspired from spontaneity.

That spirit also nibbled at the heart of Eighth Judicial District Judge Jeff Shannon,

who has been offering free Valentine’s Day nuptials at the Río Grande Gorge Bridge for the last three years.

When Shannon first became a judge in 2012, a couple asked him to marry them on the famed span, which he did in 2013. The ceremony gave him an idea: Why not park out there on the Day of Love, Feb. 14, whether blowing snow or beaming sunshine, and unite couples free of charge?

While thinking it over, Shannon learned about similar Valentine’s Day weddings such as those performed at no cost at the Echo Amphitheater in Abiquiú by Río Arriba County Magistrate Judge Alexandra Naranjo. Also, the ninth floor of Metropolitan Court in Albuquerque has become “wedding

Bodas gratis aquíFree Valentine’s Day nuptials at famed bridgeBy Scott Gerdes

Photo by Katharine Egli

Emily walks down the sidewalk of the Río Grande Gorge Bridge before marrying Austin Wilde on Feb. 14, 2015.


central” on Valentine’s Day.

So Shannon dove in. He camped out in his car at the Río Grande Gorge Bridge with a sign that read, “Weddings Aquí” (Weddings Here). Shannon married three couples that first year. Last year, he joined 14 in matrimony.

Weddings are a pleasant departure from the often tense and negative courtroom environment. It’s one of the few times everyone appearing in front of the judge is in a euphoric frame of mind.

“I enjoy it,” he expressed. “It’s fun seeing

people get married. And it’s nice to give people options.”

Looking back with fondness in his eyes, Shannon recalled a Jewish couple who renewed their vows on the bridge and had to be covered with a wedding canopy. Then there was the bride-to-be from Albuquerque who wore her wedding dress in the car during the entire ride to Taos. And in his courtroom, Shannon wed celebrity dancer, choreographer, artistic director and part-time Carson resident Bill T. Jones and his partner a year and a half ago. He has also officiated a couple of unions in Spanish.

Courtesy of Jeff Shannon

On left, Ray Dowd, 81, and Bebe Bass, 79, wed on the Río Grande Gorge Bridge on June 12, 2014 — the 48th anniversary of their first date.



The wedding of Oklahomans Ray Dowd and Bebe Bass, though, is one of his favorite bridge ceremonies to date. It was June 12, 2014, when the same-sex couple decided to finally get hitched. It was the 48th anniversary of their first date. Dowd and Bass were 33 and 31 years old, respectively, when they started dating in 1966, making them 81 and 79 when they legally got to say “I do.”

Shannon laughed about having to shout out the vows over the gusting gorge wind while unaware he was yelling into Dowd’s bum ear.

“His spouse-to-be said, ‘That’s his bad ear,’” Shannon shared. “So they switched sides.”

No matter the couples’ genders, religious affiliations or the weather, Shannon will be at the ready on the bridge from noon to 4 p.m. this Valentine’s Day. He cannot accept tips, and he doesn’t want them. He only asks that couples bring two witnesses who are older than 18 years, and a marriage license from any New Mexico county clerk’s office. Since Valentine’s Day lands on a Sunday this year, licenses must be attained by the Friday prior.

It is Shannon’s long-term plan that as long as he’s a judge, he’ll always clear his calendar for free Valentine’s Day nuptials, no matter what day of the week it falls on.


Photo by Katharine Egli

Taos Magistrate Judge Jeff Shannon marries his first couple of the day at the Río Grande Gorge Bridge on Valentine’s Day 2015. This is the third year in a row Judge Shannon will be performing

free weddings at the iconic landmark.


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W hoever emphatically says love and marriage can’t come full circle doesn’t know the

power of family and friendship.

Rosalie “Roe” Sabordo met Thomas Ziccarello in 1981 while auditioning for a Polynesian dance troupe in New York City; Roe as a vocalist and Thomas as a drummer. Both were hired and, over the course of a year, became best friends. Love naturally followed.

The couple wed in 1983 before embarking on a backpacking trip through Europe, mostly due to Thomas’ insistence that a married couple would be safer on such a journey. She was “almost 25,” and he was 22.

There was no question they loved each other, but immaturity and financial instability would prove to be insurmountable for the couple Roe described as having “Peter Pan syndrome.”

They welcomed their first child, Chloe, within the first year of marriage. While a joyous event, the musicians admittedly weren’t prepared. Three years later, a second child, Gian, was born.

“We divorced six years later, mainly because it is difficult to raise a family with both parents being musicians. We had two small children, ages 2 and 5. The financial ups and downs can really take its toll on a marriage. We were actually too young to

A love storyMeant to grow old togetherBy Scott Gerdes

Courtesy photo

After being divorced for 10 years, Roe and Thomas Zicarrello re-wed in 1993.



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Adventure/ rAfting04 Los Rios River Runners

CAkes14 Cakes by Mariel

CAtering 03 Albertson’s33 Delancy Street24 Farmhouse Café20 Jethro’s Genuine Texas BBQ

CosmetiCs & dermAtology36 Dillard’s29 Rodan & Fields15 Younique Lavish Lash Babe

dJ’s & sound engineering/rentAls19 DJ Oliver Knight19 Soundworks

event rentAls8 & 13 Celebrations Event Rentals19 Soundworks

fAshion31 Patricia Michaels for PM Waterlily

flowers09 Enchanted Florist23 Margaret Palmer Floral Design17 Taos Floral Design

gifts/ housewAres30 Cheryl Neuenschwander Gifts36 Dillard’s 07 Dinner 4 Two

* Choice Wireless

* Moxie Fair Trade

insurAnCe34 Holy Cross Hospital11 Molina Heath Care

* Wanda Lucero State Farm Agency

Jewelers22 & 27 Leshem Diamonds & Gold

PhotogrAPhy 21 Carville Bourg Photographer

06 E&E Special Events 02 Lucky Shot Photo Parlor32 Nick and Suelo Photography25 Poetic Images by Deanna05 Sean Kelly Portraits

sPeCiAl event PlAnners06 E&E Special Events09 Zia Event Design

vAlet & limousine * Santa Fe Valet & Limousine Service

venues01 Angel Fire Resort33 Delancy Street12 El Monte Sagrado30 Elope to Santa Fe 24 Farmhouse Café35 KTAOS28 Old Martin’s Hall26 Sagebrush Inn and Suites16 Taos Art Museum10 Taos Country Club

* Town of Red River

* Lobby

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10AM – 4PM • SAgebruSh Inn & SuIteS • 1508 PASeo del Pueblo Sur

tIcketS $8 At the door, $15 for two tAoSweddIngexPo.coM

exhIbItS oPen & door Prize drAwings

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PAtriCiA miChAels for Pm wAterlily

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Diamonds & Gold

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Adventure/ rAfting Los Rios River Runners 575-776-8854 losriosriverrunners.com

CAkes Cakes by [email protected]

CAtering Albertson’s575-758-1250albertsons.com

Delancy Street505-852-4291 · dsf.com

Farmhouse Café575-758-5683farmhousecafeandbakery.com

Jethro’s Genuine Texas BBQ575-770-4317 [email protected]

CosmetiCs & dermAtologyDillard’s505-473-2900Dillard’s.com

Rodan & Fields575-779-2260mgonzales.myrandf.com

Younique Lavish Lash Babe505-360-8799 lavishlashbabe.com

dJ’s & sound engineering/ rentAlsDJ Oliver [email protected]

Soundworks575-779-4413 [email protected]

event rentAlsCelebrations Event Rentals575-758-8463taoscelebrates.com

[email protected]

fAshionPatricia Michaels for PM Waterlily575-779-5322patrciamichaels.com

flowersEnchanted Florist575-758-3030taosflorist.com

Margaret Palmer Floral Design575-741-0408 taosflowerdiva.com

Taos Floral Design575-737-0245 taosfloraldesigns.com

gifts/housewAresCheryl Neuenschwander Gifts435-901-4767 [email protected]

Choice Wireless 1-800-CHOICE9nm.choice-wireless.com

Dillard’s 505-473-2900dillards.com

Dinner 4 Two 608-669-3069dinner4two.com

Moxie Fair Trade575-758-1256

insurAnCeHolly Cross Hospital575-751-5811holycrossfoundation.org

Molina Heath Care505-342-4660 molinahealthcare.com

Wanda Lucero State Farm Agency575-737-5433wandalucero.com

JewelersLeshem Diamonds & Gold575-758-1573leshemdiamonds.com

PhotogrAPhy Carville Bourg Photographer575-770-7676f1eight.com

E&E Special Events 218-808-9680elenacone.com

Lucky Shot Photo Parlor575-613-5462 luckyshotphotoparlor.com

Nick and Suelo–Photography505-289-0090nickandsuelo.com

Poetic Images by Deanna 575-779-0755poeticimages.net

Sean Kelly Portraits575-770-4367 seankellyportraits.com

sPeCiAl event PlAnnersE&E Special Events214-808-9680elenacone.com

Zia Event Design575-779-9008 ziaeventdesign.com

vAlet & limousine serviCesSanta Fe Valet & Limousine Service505-424-2171accentsantafe.com

venuesAngel Fire Resort575-377-4321 angelfireresort.com

Delancy Street505-852-4291 · dsf.com

El Monte Sagrado575-737-9822 elmontesagrado.com

Elope to Santa Fe 435-901-4767 [email protected]

Farmhouse Café575-758-5683 farmhousecafeandbakery.com

KTAOS575-758-5826ktaos.com

Old Martina’s Hall575-758-3003 oldmartinashall.com

Sagebrush Inn and Suites575-758-2254sagebrushinn.com

Taos Art Museum575-758-2690 x106 taosartmuseum.org

Taos Country Club575-758-7300taoscountryclub.info


handle the responsibility of being parents as well, which eventually led to our divorce (in 1989),” Roe revealed. “However, our backpacking adventure also led to a deeper and more spiritual connection that would sustain our friendship.”

So often divorce leads to irreparable separation exacerbated by distance. But Thomas wasn’t about to let that happen, even though he moved to New Jersey and Roe returned to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education at Georgia State.

“Thomas became the best ex-husband ever,” she stated wholeheartedly. “He not only sent me child support faithfully, he would buy his kids clothes at yard sales and send us packages monthly. He also would just send extra money out of the blue. To boot, he flew to Atlanta every other month just to see his kids.”

Because of the regularity of seeing each other and spending time together as a family, they became best friends all over again.

“We each dated other people, and because we were such close friends, we sought one another’s advice about the ups and downs of the whole dating scene,” Roe confessed. “The epiphany came when I realized that I loved talking about my kids with him.”

Being able to share her “exuberance” of parenting with Thomas ultimately led them to fall in love all over again. But this time they were more sensible.

“Being older, wiser and more mature allowed us both to prioritize,” Roe explained. “Our mutual love for our children was paramount to everything. Plus, our shared interests of music, travel, hanging out with kids and overall passion for life led us to the understanding that we were truly meant to grow old together.”

The couple remarried in 1993 after Roe attained her degree. She teaches the sixth grade at Taos International School.

“While I was a single mother of two, I was able to receive enough financial aid to pay for school,” Roe said. “Becoming gainfully employed immediately lessened the original financial burdens.”

One burden no parent anticipates, however, is the death of a child. Sorrowfully, Gian was killed in a car accident in 2003. He was just 15 years old. In 1997, the Ziccarellos had their third child, Joey. In 1999, they adopted Chloe’s best friend, Rachel.

“Moving to Taos in 2004 allowed us to heal amid the glorious scenery and friendly surroundings,” Roe described about the time following Gian’s death. “Becoming foster parents two years later allowed us to continue to share our love for children. It also gave our youngest son, Joey, enormous opportunities to experience and conceive compassion and empathy for those less fortunate. Our relationship has had tumultuous sorrow, but also astounding joys. As we are learning to weather this new phase of empty nest, our greatest joy is knowing that we have each other.”

On April 18, the Ziccarellos will celebrate their first marriage’s anniversary of 33 years. Then, on July 10, they will celebrate the anniversary of their second marriage of 23 years.

Roe also shared that both daughters waited to wed until they were 28 years old, “probably due to my recommendation of waiting for wisdom and maturity.” That, and instilling the importance of marrying your best friend.

Courtesy photo

A portrait after the Ziccarello family’s first wedding in 1983.



ADOBE & PINES INN4107 State Road 48, Ranchos de Taos1-855-828-7872(575) 751-0947adobepines.com

Often nationally voted as one of the most romantic bed and breakfasts in the Southwest, this charming, preserved adobe hacienda — more than 170 years old — features scenic country grounds and private patios for strolling and sitting, and full gourmet breakfasts. There are many choices for your ideal ceremony, including a labyrinth.

ALPINE VILLAGE SUITES110 Thunderbird Road, Taos Ski Valley1-800-576-2666alpine-suites.com

The conference room is perfect for receptions, rehearsal dinners or bachelor/bachelorette parties.

AMIZETTE INN AND RESTAURANT1295 State Road 250, Taos Ski Valley1-800-446-8267amizetteinn.com

The Amizette Inn is a small mountain inn located at 9,000 feet, with a spacious

dining room overlooking the Río Hondo, bordered by a trout stream, wilderness area and hiking trails. It is just 1.5 miles from the ski lifts. A nondenominational Christian minister is available to officiate weddings. Accommodations and on-site catering are available for up to 40 people.

ANGEL FIRE RESORT10 Miller Lane, Angel Fire1-888-472-0124angelfireresort.com

Nestled high in the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico, Angel Fire Resort provides the ideal backdrop for a perfect wedding day. The indoor or outdoor venues accommodate weddings of any style, meticulously planned by an experienced event staff.

THE AUSTING HAUS BED & BREAKFAST 1282 State Road 150, Taos Ski Valley1-800-748-2932theaustinghaus.com

Hold your wedding in the tallest standing timber-frame structure in the country.

THE BAVARIAN LODGE AND RESTAURANT100 Kachina Road, Taos Ski

Valley1-888-205-8020(575) 776-8020thebavarian.com

A favorite hangout for skiers and snowboarders, The Bavarian is also available for weddings and receptions. Its seclusion and luxury within a pristine wilderness provide an intimate alpine wedding.

CASA BENAVIDES137 Kit Carson Road, Taos1-800-552-1772taos-casabenavides.com

This charming and beautifully appointed bed and breakfast inn makes for a perfect backdrop for a Taos wedding. The courtyard and gardens offer a wonderful outdoor setting. Indoor event facilities express unique Southwest ambience. Casa Benavides is located in the heart of Taos, just steps from Taos Plaza.

COLUMBINE INN1288 State Road 150, Taos Ski Valley1-888-884-5723(575) 776-5723columbineinn.com

This locally owned and operated mountain resort at Taos Ski Valley provides a stunning place for nuptials amid pristine views and all that Taos Ski Valley has to offer from world-class skiing and crowd-free hiking

‘Now join hands, and with your hands your hearts.’ — William Shakespeare

VenuesPerfect places to say ‘I do’


to small-town festivals. Columbine Inn specializes in outdoor ceremonies of 10 to 75 people. Lodging, meals and transportation can be provided.

EDELWEISS LODGE AND SPA106 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley1-800-458-8754(575) 737-6900edelweisslodgeandspa.com

In addition to being a luxurious place to stay and relax, the lodge’s Club Room is an ideal spot for small events, such as rehearsal dinners. Tables and chairs can easily be arranged for theater seating (approximately 30 people), U-formation (approximately 24 people), or individual tables to best suit your needs. The Club Room also offers an integrated sound system, wireless and ethernet Internet, as well as complete audio-visual facilities.

EL MONTE SAGRADO LIVING RESORT AND SPA317 Kit Carson Road, Taos1-855-846-8267(575) 758-3502elmontesagrado.com

This unique setting has an array of customized and regular wedding packages.Located in the heart of Taos, the lushness of El Monte Sagrado presents a dream destination for couples wishing to make their wedding day truly special. Imagine a wedding,

commitment ceremony or reception in their Sacred Circle surrounded by views of mountains, waterfalls, ponds and towering 80-year-old cottonwoods.

HACIENDA DEL SOL 109 Mabel Dodge Lane, Taos1-866-333-4459taoshaciendadelsol.com

This bed and breakfast inn has a full-service wedding package for up to 100 guests.It boasts a beautiful courtyard garden with Taos Mountain as the backdrop, indoor/outdoor reception/dining area and food prepared by professional owner/master chef, plus luxurious accommodations for the bridal party and families. Special group rates are available for 10 or more rooms.

KIT CARSON HOME AND MUSEUM113 Kit Carson Road, Taos(575) 758-4945kitcarsonmuseum.com

Situated right in the middle of Taos, the Kit Carson Home and Museum still stands in its original footprint. The territorial-style adobe was built circa 1825. This historic homestead is where Kit Carson and his family lived and where Carson conducted affairs as an Indian agent for the Northern Ute and Taos Pueblo peoples. The courtyard is available for intimate weddings.

KTAOS SOLAR CENTER9 State Road 150, El Prado(575) 758-5826ktao.com

The KTAOS Solar Center, home of KTAO radio, is available for weddings and receptions. Indoor seating arrangements can accommodate up to 450 people and the scenic backyard area can host up to 600 guests.

OLD MARTINA’S HALL 4140 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos(575) 758-3003oldmartinashall.com

Newly renovated and enhanced with state-of-the-art equipment, the venue more than adequately accommodates weddings big and small. There is also a large music and dance hall and restaurant.

PALACIO DE MARQUESA405 Cordoba Road, Taos(575) 758-4777marquesataos.com

Located in a quiet, tree-lined residential neighborhood, the luxury of Palacio de Marquesa is the perfect place for smaller, more intimate weddings with available packages and specials.

RED RIVER CONFERENCE CENTER101 W. River St., Red River1-877-855-3885(575) 754-1708redriver.org



With plenty of space to hold the rehearsal dinner, reception and wedding, the state-of-the-art center — with a full-service commercial kitchen and easy access to Brandenburg Park in the heart of town — is a popular place for large-scale weddings.

SABROSO RESTAURANT AND BAR470 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco(575) 776-3333sabrosotaos.com

This restaurant and bar is housed in a historic 150-year-old adobe in the tiny village of Arroyo Seco in between Taos and Taos Ski Valley. The cuisine and atmosphere is great for weddings, rehearsal dinners, day-after brunches and receptions.

SAN GERONIMO LODGE1101 Witt Road, Taos1-800-894-4119sangeronimolodge.com

Off the beaten path, San Geronimo Lodge is a semi-rustic, serene spot for a wedding. For more than 80 years, the lodge has featured a pavilion dripping in New Mexico character and an outdoor space that hosts up to 300 people.

SNOW BEAR INN22 Firehouse Road, Taos Ski Valley1-800-243-5253(575) 776-2313snowbearinn.com

Snow Bear Inn is a popular spot for an outdoor wedding surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountain. The inn features accommodations including hotel rooms, luxury suites and condo units.

TAOS CONVENTION CENTER120 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos(575) 737-2617taosconventioncenter.com

Coronado Hall at the Taos Convention Center offers the El Alcade, Los Angelitos and El Taoseño rooms available for rent, providing a variety of options for any size wedding party. In addition, two patios provide more than 5,400 square feet of open air space.

TAOS COUNTRY CLUB54 Golf Course Drive, Ranchos de Taos(575) 758-7300taoscountryclub.com

Something old, something new, something with a fabulous view. Taos Country Club has an onsite, experienced wedding planner for a memorable event planned down to the

finest detail.

TAOS TENNIS AT QUAIL RIDGE88 State Road 150, El Prado1-800-624-4448(575) 776-2211taostennis.com

Taos Tennis at Quail Ridge has 6,000 square feet of building space and 7.5 acres at its disposal. This includes a large and a small conference room, a large and small patio, .3-acre park and a heated swimming pool complex open Memorial Day through Labor Day with a 4-foot gas grill.

TOUCHSTONE INN 110 Mabel Dodge Lane, Taos(575) 758-0192touchstoneinn.com

The secluded grounds at Touchstone Inn (circa 1800) provide a wonderful option for your Taos wedding. Choose among many special sites in the gardens bordering Taos Pueblo lands and special wedding packages for 20 to 100 guests. Touchstone offers grassy lawns, secret patios and playing fountains to add ambiance to your wedding reception. The inn also provides catering, a romantic honeymoon suite and an ordained minister or a Taos Shaman officiate.



ELEGANTE FLORALS... FLOWERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Weddings & Special Events

Mercedes Valdez 575-741-0637 Taos, NM eleganteflorals.com

Pro-Mobile DJ EntertainmentBridal Showcases, Corporate Events,

Holiday Parties, Teen Events, Trade Shows, Weddings, Sports Jam Arena, Community Events

Over 20 Years of Mobile Sound and Lighting ExperienceJoJo Valdez

575-741-6061 [email protected]

Elegante FloralsCONTEMPORARY, TRADITIONAL AND UNIQUE DESIGNS

PHOTO BY MILESWITTBOYER.COMPHOTO BY ROBIN PARROTT PHOTOGRAPHY


T he colors, shapes and scents of flowers are added impact to any wedding. Choosing the right flowers for bouquets, corsages,

boutonnieres and arrangements comes down to personal taste, season and even location of your wedding.

In the Taos environs, wildflowers, sage and sunflowers are naturally abundant. Local florists also have portfolios of other flowers and a choice of arrangements.

Flowers aren’t just beautiful accents; they have a language all their own. Beginning in the Victorian era, some flowers replaced words in a most romantic way.

Here is a sampling of some popular wedding flowers and their wedding-appropriate meanings.

Baby’s BreathMEANING: InnocenceBEST FOR: Filler in bouquets, corsages and boutonnieresSCENT: NoneIN SEASON: Year-roundPRICE RANGE: Inexpensive

CarnationMEANING: Pink represents a mother’s undying love; light red symbolizes adoration; dark red signifies deep love and affection; and white means pure love and good luck. Beware the striped carnation (it means refusal) and the yellow variety (it means disdain).BEST FOR: Bouquets, boutonnieres and arrangementsSCENT: Very light fragrance or none at all, depending on varietyIn season: Year-roundPRICE range: Inexpensive

LilyMEANING: Majesty, truth, honor (except for the yellow lily, which signifies falsehood)BEST FOR: Bouquets and arrangementsSCENT: FragrantIN SEASON: SummerPRICE RANGE: Moderate to expensive

OrchidMEANING: Love, beautyBEST FOR: Bouquets, corsages and boutonnieresSCENT: NoneIN SEASON: Year-roundPRICE RANGE: Expensive

RosesMEANING: Red signifies love, beauty, respect and courage; dark red means unconscious beauty; white represents happy love; pink symbolizes gentility, femininity, elegance and refinement; yellow means joy, gladness, friendship and promise of a new beginning; and red and white placed together signifies unity.BEST FOR: Bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres and arrangementsSCENT: Lightly to very fragrant, depending on varietyIN SEASON: Year-roundPRICE RANGE: Moderate to expensive

‘If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever.’

— Alfred Lord Tennyson, British poet

The language of flowers

Local floristsBuds Cut Flowers & More

711A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos

(575) 758-3555

The Enchanted Florist233-C Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos

taosflorist.com(575) 758-3030


Designer • Ethical Sources • Custom

• custom & handmade in Santa Fe

• canadian diamonds

• america’s only fairtrade gold jeweler

912 baca st., santa fe 888-733-5238

reflectivejewelry.com


The engagement of (spouse-to-be 1) of (town) to (spouse-to-be 2) of (town) has been announced:

______________________________________________________________________

Spouse-to-be 1’s parents are (names) of (town):

______________________________________________________________________

A (date, month, season) wedding is planned at (location):

______________________________________________________________________

(Spouse-to-be 1) is a graduate of/attends (high school, vocational school, college):

______________________________________________________________________

Spouse-to-be 1 is a member of (clubs, affiliations):

______________________________________________________________________

Spouse-to-be 1 is employed by (employer):

______________________________________________________________________

Spouse-to-be 2 is the child of (names) of (town):

______________________________________________________________________

Spouse-to-be 2 is a graduate of/attends (high school, vocational school, college):

______________________________________________________________________

Spouse-to-be 2 is a member of (clubs, affiliations):

______________________________________________________________________

Spouse-to-be 2 is employed by (employer):

______________________________________________________________________

Signature and telephone number of responsible party:

______________________________________________________________________

Note: Engagements and weddings are published in The Taos News as space permits. Please bring information into The Taos News offices a month before the wedding. Announcements may be accompanied by a photograph of the bride or couple. Color photos are preferred, although black and white is acceptable. If neither the bride nor groom is a Taos-area resident, list the nearest relative living in the Taos area. Email is the preferred method for receiving announcements. Send email to [email protected].

Or, mail forms and photos to: The Taos News, P.O. Box 3737, Taos, NM 87571.

Attn: Engagement (or wedding) announcements

Engagement Announcement


Find the latest edition online at enchantedhomeseller.com

Tied the Knot?Now it’s time to buy your dream home!

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Wedding AnnouncementThe marriage of (spouse 1) of (town) to (spouse 2) (date) occurred in (location):

_________________________________

(Clergyman, other) officiated in the double/single ring ceremony:

_________________________________

Spouse 1’s parents are of:

_________________________________

Spouse 2’s parents are of:

_________________________________

The (location) was decorated with (altar, flowers, candles, other):

_________________________________

Music was provided by (organist, soloist, other):

_________________________________

Spouse 1 wore (simple description of the formal wear, including unusual or traditional elements):_________________________________

The maid/matron of honor was (name) of (town), (relationship to couple):

_________________________________

_________________________________

Bridesmaids were (names, towns, relationships):

_________________________________

_________________________________

Best man was (name) of (town), (relationship to couple):

_________________________________

_________________________________

Groomsmen were (names, towns, relationships):

_________________________________

_________________________________

Flowergirl was (name) of (town), (relationship to couple):

_________________________________

_________________________________

Ringbearer was (name) of (town), (relationship to couple):

_________________________________

_________________________________

The wedding cake was (description of cake):

_________________________________

Spouse 1 is employed at:

_________________________________

Spouse 2 is employed at:

_________________________________

Signature and telephone number of responsible party:

_________________________________

_________________________________

Poetic Images by Deanna

Y O U R S P E C I A L D AY

S H O U L D B E E X T R A O R D I N A R Y

Le t u s b e y o u r c h e f , f l o r i s t a n d y o u r p e r s o n a l c a ke m a ke r

7 1 0 A P a s e o d e l P u e b l o S u r • Ta o s • 7 5 8 . 1 2 5 0 • a l b e r t s o n s . c o m

FROM AN INTIMATE GATHERING TO A LAVISH BANQUET WE CATER TO YOUR NEEDS

a taos wedding 2016

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