Adriana and Eric’s love story started in a virtual world, but blossomed on the west side of Manhattan.
As Adriana explains, on paper they may not appear to be a “match.” Eric is a New Mexican with a stodgy finance job and a passion for the outdoors, and Adriana is a Costa Rican with a love of fashion and the arts–they came to appreciate each others interests. Eric learned the ins and outs of handbags (hobo, anyone?), while slowly picking up his second language, and Adriana learned how to snowboard and puts up with Eric’s desire to bike rides and hiking.
They had a delightful Santa Fe engagement party hosted by Eric’s parents, and Adriana shares her hindsight advice below…
Hindsight Engagement Party Advice
We celebrated our engagement party in a fabulous Fiesta themed party hosted by Eric’s parents. The fiesta included several details that tied our backgrounds together including table arrangements with New Mexican and Costa Rican flags and turquoise and seashells, a photo booth with a (Costa Rican) parrot and a (New Mexican) chili pepper hats, and orchid and succulent flower arrangements that represent our state/ country. We later went for a mini hike in the desert with photographer Steven St. John of Nuevo Weddings, who took advantage of the natural beauty of the New Mexican desert for our pictures.
Why a Mountain Engagement Party?
Eric’s mother Pat planned the party for us! We were thrilled to have our party and engagement shoot in New Mexico as it has the most beautiful natural backdrop for engagement pictures.
What were some personal details you incorporated?
Pat called the party the “Pura Vida Fiesta“. “Pura vida” is a Costa Rican saying that literally means “pure life” and means “all’s chill”, “we’re agreeing”, “it’s all good.” In other words an expression of enjoyment. She took “fiesta” from traditional Mexican/ New Mexican party. She incorporated orchids, seashells and a macaw pinata from Costa Rica. She decorated the party with cacti, turquoise and a coyote pinata from New Mexico. The centerpieces had Costa Rican and New Mexican flags. We also had a photo booth with macaw and chili hats.
Your favorite moment of the day?
Our engagement shoot, when we went to the train tracks. I loved that our photographer Steven St. John was so adventurous! He was wearing brand new shoes and I they got covered in dust…
What piece of engagement party planing advice do you wish you followed?
To spend more time with each other! We were so busy talking to people that we didn’t get to spend so much time with each other during the party. We want to make sure we don’t make the same mistake on our wedding day. I would have also liked to have taken a moment for us to gather everybody and thank them for coming.
What is your very best advice to other mountain future brides?
Mmm… bring sneakers to your photo shoot as the landscape might get hard to walk in with heels! You need comfy shoes in case adventures arise during the photo shoot…
New Mexico Engagement Vendors
- Photographer: The wonderful Steven St. John of Nuevo Weddings
- Location: Eric’s parents’ home
- Adriana’s outfit: Reiss dress, Jill Sander shoes, Vans sneakers & vintage necklace Icon Style (NYC)
- Eric’s outfit: J. Crew