Wedding Day

El Monte Sagrado

Ceremony

Reception

Brunch

Our Wedding

We met at the University of Denver in 1988, when Alan was a sophomore and Ariel was a freshman. We became good friends and stayed in touch through the years. Ariel visited Alan while he was living in St. Louis in the early 1990s and Alan visited Ariel while on business in Portland in 2014. It was all strictly platonic yet we were very aware of a strong bond.In early 2023 while Alan was going through a divorce (and Ariel had been divorced herself for several years) we began to talk, text, and video chat more frequently. Soon, we were making plans to meet up - agreeing that we would either fail spectacularly or have a tremendous romance. It was explosive and the only downside was the time we spent apart. In February of 2024, Ariel moved from Portland to Deerfield, Illinois to live with Alan. In September Alan surprised Ariel by proposing Marriage on her birthday in Dubrovnik, Croatia. In October of 2024, we moved to Taos planning to explore several western towns. Within a few weeks, however, we decided we didn’t need to look any further, and in January, 2025 we closed on our new home in Taos!We can’t wait for you to visit and see why this is known as the land of enchantment.

Our Story

Photos

Our Family

Q + A

Hotels: PLEASE BOOK EARLY! ROOMS WILL SELL OUT! BUT IF YOU ARE TOLD THE ROOM BLOCK IS FILLED PLEASE EMAIL INFO@KWKEVENTS.COM AND CHECK BACK IN A COUPLE DAYS AS WE WILL ADD ROOMS AS LONG AS WE CAN El Monte Sagrado: where most of the wedding weekend activities take place. Don’t miss a thing by booking a room at the venue. <a href="https://www.elmontesagrado.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.elmontesagrado.com/</a>El Monte Sagrado, situated in the mountains of Northern New Mexico, offers a serene setting surrounded by waterfalls, ponds, and towering cottonwood trees. The perfectly manicured grounds make this mountain retreat an oasis only a few blocks away from the town of Taos’s historic plaza.El Monte Sagrado features the award-winning De La Tierra Restaurant inspired by international and local influences. Known for its global design, Anaconda Bar has a lively atmosphere where our hotel guests and locals can experience signature drinks and creative cuisine."The Living Spa is an eco-conscious, world-class rejuvenation center at the heart of El Monte Sagrado. Prepare to be pampered by professional therapists focused on your health and healing. Ten perfectly designed treatment rooms, many with added benefits of a sunlit shower and natural waterfall cooling system, await you at our Taos spa. And ask about our two romantic, candlelit couple’s suites with extraordinary treatments that are sure to heal mind, body, and spirit.El Monte Sagrado captures the healing power of the sea in its saltwater pool. If relaxation is key to your vacation at El Monte Sagrado, consider a visit to the pool as an official part of your spa regimen. Rinse away the tensions of the day in a blissful soak surrounded by plants, and flowers.We have a room block set up for our wedding. Below is a link for online bookings. The link may be used over the actual room block dates only and the date of arrival and departure should be selected. Link: <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__be.synxis.com_-3FHotel-3D67117-26Chain-3D17123-26arrive-3D2026-2D07-2D03-26depart-3D2026-2D07-2D05-26adult-3D1-26child-3D0-26group-3D2607ARIALAWED&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=xqxV7DglChPx7-enCnSDvZj4E4F62vgVp1iAleUdNcM&amp;m=Q7zTicsK4cyGA0PYPS0mDHOQdEHZRz_0KRfIcEfA0wArsZtvKin1oPJaD0lECoaB&amp;s=rPUTHv603KfkXXDnwfd-wweWX-07UV7TTmbz8UwyarA&amp;e=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2607ARIALAWED</a><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__be.synxis.com_-3FHotel-3D67117-26Chain-3D17123-26arrive-3D2026-2D07-2D03-26depart-3D2026-2D07-2D05-26adult-3D1-26child-3D0-26group-3D2607ARIALAWED&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=xqxV7DglChPx7-enCnSDvZj4E4F62vgVp1iAleUdNcM&amp;m=Q7zTicsK4cyGA0PYPS0mDHOQdEHZRz_0KRfIcEfA0wArsZtvKin1oPJaD0lECoaB&amp;s=rPUTHv603KfkXXDnwfd-wweWX-07UV7TTmbz8UwyarA&amp;e=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__be.synxis.com_-3FHotel-3D67117-26Chain-3D17123-26arrive-3D2026-2D07-2D03-26depart-3D2026-2D07-2D05-26adult-3D1-26child-3D0-26group-3D2607ARIALAWED&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=xqxV7DglChPx7-enCnSDvZj4E4F62vgVp1iAleUdNcM&amp;m=Q7zTicsK4cyGA0PYPS0mDHOQdEHZRz_0KRfIcEfA0wArsZtvKin1oPJaD0lECoaB&amp;s=rPUTHv603KfkXXDnwfd-wweWX-07UV7TTmbz8UwyarA&amp;e=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a>For call in bookings, the reservation's department phone number is: (505) 836-6700. Please use the group code: 2607ARIALAWED Please note the reservation cut-off date will be June 3, 2026. After this date, any remaining rooms within the block will be released into the hotel’s general inventory,Book early May 2026 and stay where we are staying, and where most everything happens. Hotel Don FernandoThis accommodation is located 2 miles from the venueAn authentic New Mexico experience awaits at Hotel Don Fernando de Taos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Located on six and a half scenic acres in Taos, NM, our hotel features Southwestern architecture, charming casita-style <a href="https://www.hoteldonfernando.com/relax-sleep" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">accommodations</a> and decorative artwork and tapestries by area artists to create a unique and locally inspired place to stay. Families, couples, skiers, hikers and travelers looking to explore this relaxed, eclectic city enjoy a central location near Taos’s classic Pueblo buildings, world-class museums, quirky cafés and superb <a href="https://www.hoteldonfernando.com/eat-drink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">restaurants</a>.As a participating hotel in the Hilton Honors program, Hotel Don Fernando de Taos rewards guests with points for free stays and more at all brands in the Hilton Hotels portfolio.We have set up a group room block for our guests for rooms with king or double queen rooms with two-night minimum. Feel free to come early and/or stay longer.<a href="https://www.hoteldonfernando.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hoteldonfernando.com</a> Phone 575-751-4444Please use this link to book rooms under our room block:<a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=TSMTMUP&amp;groupCode=SFWB&amp;arrivaldate=2026-07-03&amp;departuredate=2026-07-05&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=TSMTMUP&amp;groupCode=SFWB&amp;arrivaldate=2026-07-03&amp;departuredate=2026-07-05&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT</a> ADOBE &amp; PINES INN - due to a change in management, we no longer recommend this facility. If you have any questions or problems booking your hotel, please contact Karen Kelly at 575-595-1971 or info@kwkevents.com

Hotel Info

Activities

IMPORTANT NOTES: We encourage you to explore the beautiful landscapes, culture, history, art, and environment in and around Taos. Of course, you are free to explore in the days before and after our wedding, but we hope you will find a special way to enjoy the time between the 10:00 am ceremony (ending by 11:00 am) and 5:00 pm reception on July 4. Regardless of how you choose to spend your free time on July 4, please:1) Book Early - this is the busiest week of the summer and spaces will fill quickly.2) Contact Karen Kelly at info@kwkevents.com or 575-595-1971. We want to know where you are in case there's an opportunity for the wedding party and/or our photographer to drop in. Also, Karen's office will coordinate transportation and any other logistical concerns.

________________________ New Mexico River Adventures - Please book directly<a href="https://deref-mail.com/mail/client/IwqXYV5p7KM/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newmexicoriveradventures.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.newmexicoriveradventures.com</a>505.983.7756800.983.7756 The Racecourse Rafting in New Mexico is the most popular half day trip on the Rio Grande. Although river trip times can always vary, most trips last a total of 3 to 3.5 hours from the time you arrive at NMRA Headquarters to the time you leave. New Mexico River Adventures is located 30 minutes south of Taos and you will be provided with directions and a packing list upon booking. The 12:30pm trip option is nestled in perfectly between wedding festivities. Cost is $72 for adults and $62 for children 5 and above (minimum age).<a href="https://deref-mail.com/mail/client/jBgLZ4zxtlk/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newmexicoriveradventures.com%2Fthe-racecourse%2F" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.newmexicoriveradventures.com/the-racecourse/</a>

_______________________________ Roadrunner Tours Horse Stables - Please book directlyAngel Fire, NM(575)377-6416<a href="https://deref-mail.com/mail/client/6IYdxe1hVAk/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Froadrunner.rezdy.com%2F" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://roadrunner.rezdy.com/</a> Book with Nancy Burch's Roadrunner Tours Horse Stables on July 4 for a 2 hour guided trail ride from approximately 12 to 2pm. The High Country Tour provides enough time to truly experience the nature and beauty of the Carson National Forest. Enjoy copious amounts of idyllic picture spots on this ride as well! The cost is $135 per rider. Roadrunner Tours is a 40 minute drive from Taos.

________________________________ Rio Grande Balloons - Please book directly(575) 208-1888<a href="mailto:info@riograndeballoons.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@riograndeballoons.com</a><a href="https://deref-mail.com/mail/client/Lx5UVwXpmAA/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.riograndeballoons.com%2F&amp;lm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">riograndeballoons.com</a> The unique and vibrant landscape coupled with dry weather and clear skies makes Taos a fabulous place to experience hot air ballooning. Ballooning can not be done between the ceremony and reception. Trips typically depart around 4am from Rio Grande's facility approximately 20 minutes north of El Monte Sagrado. However, if enough of our guests book for the morning of July 4, Rio Grande Balloons will pick-up at 5am at El Monte Sagrado and return by 10am (in time for the ceremony). The cost is $350 per passenger and the minimum age is 5.

________________________________ Self-guided drive of the Enchanted Circle The most popular tour in our area, this National Forest Scenic Byway circles Wheeler Peak, the highest in New Mexico at 13,161 feet. Throughout the drive, you’ll see some of the oldest rocks in the southwest – quartz and feldspar that date back two billion years. You will pass through the quaint towns of Questa, Red River, Eagles Nest, and Angel Fire, each overflowing with artists, studios and galleries, as well as shops and restaurants. The Rio Grande Gorge and Taos Pueblo may be visited with brief detours, as well as the D.H. Lawrence Memorial. More information available here (cut and paste into your browser):https://taos.org/discover/enchanted-circle-driving-tour/andhttps://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-enchantedcircle/

___________________________________ Visit the Taos Pueblo - A Unesco World Heritage Site Taos Pueblo is unique for being continually inhabited since inception, and it remains the home of 150 native people living in the historic adobe structures as well as 1900 families in the tribal lands. The ancestors of the Taos people lived in this valley long before Columbus discovered America and hundreds of years before Europe emerged from the Dark Ages. Ancient ruins in the Taos Valley indicate their people lived here nearly 1000 years ago. The main part of the present buildings were most likely constructed between 1000 and 1450 A.D. They appeared much as they do today when the first Spanish explorers arrived in Northern New Mexico in 1540 and believed that the Pueblo was one of the fabled golden cities of Cibola. The two structures called Hlauuma (north house) and Hlaukwima (south house) are said to be of similar age. They are considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the USA.For more information (cut and paste into your browser): https://taospueblo.com/

_____________________________ Guided Hikes - Please book through Karen Kelly We have organized two hikes: a challenging hike that will involve some steep assents and occasional use of both hands and feet to scale rocks and boulders; and an easy flat hike. Both hikes will take you to beautiful landscapes with breathtaking views and opportunities to view wildlife.

___________________________ Self-guided gallery tour Taos is home to over 70 galleries and many formal museums. Whatever style or medium excites you, it can be found in Taos. More information is available here (cut and paste into your browser):https://taos.org/explore/arts-culture/art-galleries/andhttps://www.taosnews.com/magazines/taos-gallery-guide/

_______________________________ self-guided retail tour Taos is rich with unique shops where you can find clothes, pottery, carpets, native american products, food, and art, including many locally made products. More information is available here (cut and paste into your browser):https://taos.org/explore/arts-culture/shopping/andhttps://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/new-mexico/taos/things-to-do/shopping

_____________________________ Spa Day? Maybe you arrived late? Maybe you did the early morning balloon ride? Maybe you want to save your adventures for another day. Whatever the reason, its your time and El Monte Sagrado has a fabulous spa. Book your treatment for after the ceremony and come to the reception refreshed and ready to celebrate!

Registry

We have all we need, and we don’t have room for more stuff. Please just come to celebrate with us.

No Gifts Please

Pros Dish on What to Wear to a Wedding

40 Affordable Guest Dresses to Save Money

Affordable Suits? They're a Click Away

There are no hard rules here: We want you to be comfortable and ready for fun. We hope you don't need to buy a new outfit for this event. If you have something creative or colorful that's been hiding in your closet, this might be the time to break it out. Let's make some fabulous memories!We're trying to have fun with our dress code, but we don't want anyone to stress over trying to dress right. On the other hand, if you want a little guidance here you go:We think of Boho Chic as Taos Formal - colorful, creative, stylish, with natural fabrics and simple designs. AI defines it as: a free-spirited, eclectic fashion and decor style blending bohemian (hippie/gypsy) and chic elements, characterized by flowing fabrics, earthy tones, natural materials, layering, vintage textures and global-inspired patterns, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated look that celebrates individuality and a connection to nature.

Dress Code

Getting Here and Around AIRPORTS: Taos has a tiny local airport served by two regional carriers, JSX, and Contour Airlines. Contour advertises that passengers can book flights on American Airlines and United Airlines seemlessly from your home airport, but Contour doesn’t operate every day. More information is available at: www.jsx.com, and www.contourairlines.com Santa Fe Regional Airport is the closest major airport. It’s roughly a 75 minute drive to Taos. United Airlines and American Airlines provide daily service to/from the larger airports in the region (Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, and and L.A.), and car rentals are available through Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz. Albuquerque Sunport is a large international airport roughly two and a half hours away. The Sunport is served by most major airlines and rental car companies. Because many more cities have direct flights into Albuquerque it may be quicker and easier to fly into the Sunport than Santa Fe or Taos Airport, even though more driving is required. GROUND TRANSPORTATION: We recommend that someome in your group rents a car (or drives here). In addition to the car rental companies operating at the airports Enterprise has an office in Taos. However, the following services are also available: The Blue Bus - http://www.ncrtd.org. This is a public bus operating between Santa Fe and Taos. Service is mostly free but the schedule is slow and infrequent. Shuttle Taos - www.shuttletaos.com, 575.770.4033. This company provides on demand shuttle service throughout the region for a reasonable fee. Taos Rides - www.taosrides.com, 575.613.3256. This company provides private airport transportation from all airports listed above for a reasonable fee as well as custom charter services. Mountain View Shuttle - 575.770.8759. This company provides airport transportation and other local destinations.

Getting Here and Around

FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE GORGE BAR AND GRILL:Please join us for a welcome drink on Friday, July 3 anytime between 8:00pm and 10:30 pm at The Gorge Bar and Grill, centrally located at 103 E. Plaza, in the Taos Plaza and only 1/2 mile from El Monte Sagrado. CARPOOL HELPWe’d like to connect friends and family that need a ride or would like to share a rental car with friends and family that have empty seats. If you need a ride; want to share a rental car, or have room for one or more passengers then please email us with the details and we’ll try to make a connection. Be sure to include which airport you’re flying in and out of and your arrival and departure dates and times. Please send your email to: afnet@mail.com ALTITUDE WARNING Taos is nearly 7000 ft above sea level. If you aren’t acclimated to high altitude climates, please plan to drink A LOT of water and limit your activity for the first day or two. Some people do cardio-vascular training before entering high altitude environments. There is also medication available for altitude sickness called acetazolamide. Physicians typically prescribe 125 mg twice a day, starting 24 hrs before ascent and continuing for 2-3 days after peak arrival, or upon descent. WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!!!

Ariel & Alan

Ariel & Alan

Photos