El Verde Inn

Rehearsal Dinner

Welcome Party

Wedding Ceremony

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

“Isn’t it so pretty to think that all this time, there was an invisible string tying you to me?” Looking back, there was always a thread pulling Victoria and Stephen together. From a love of sports to a deep appreciation for schools on New York’s glacier lakes, it all came together the way any modern love story does: on an app. After a couple of swipes, a series of messages, and a few days, a first date took place, and the rest is history - here’s the story, as written so far. 2022In May of 2022, about three months after that first date at the nearby Mexican place, Victoria and Steve took their first trip together. Passing across the heated landscape of Arizona, the budding couple made their way to see none other than Coldplay. Just a couple of weeks later, less than that perhaps, the two headed north from Albuquerque to Denver for a life-changing experience: watching the Colorado Avalanche play for the Stanley Cup. As Victoria’s first game, it was the first chance for Steve to introduce her to his lifelong love of hockey. As a desert child, there was no telling how she would react — until the game started and the adrenaline hit, and she realized that the only thing more incredible than seeing NHL hockey live is enjoying it with the person who introduces you to it. After a summer of concerts and travel, getting to know the other and their pets, including her chiweenie Rory, and his cat Jackpot, and meeting parents, Victoria and Steve experienced the most important first test of their relationship, the Lobos Basketball season, each win (and loss) bringing them closer to their own endgame.

2023It turns out distance makes the heart grow fonder, and by the second year of their relationship, it had been game-tested. And it was time for Victoria to share one of her greatest passions with Steve by inviting him into her world by taking him Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. After surviving the worst parking situation of both of their lives, falling in love with some baby ducks in a pool, they made the all-important decision to move in together at the end of the summer. Before sharing keys, they shared one more trip and challenge: Victoria broke her hand while walking Rory. With Steve to the rescue, she still made it to see Beyonce in Chicago two days later. She recovered in their home with the support of Steve and their brats, where they blended together the luxury of French country with the whimsy of Legos and sports memorabilia, cat trees and baskets overflowing with dog toys. They ended the year hosting Christmas, welcoming family with 10 lighted trees of various sizes, and a growing love of shared life of sweet nothings that were becoming everything. 2024Victoria and Steve began their third year together with two of their shared passions - Lobo Basketball and travel. In fact, athletics and air travel has become the backbone of their love. Making their way from Monument Valley in February to Vermont at Christmas, Victoria and Steve continued to build a relationship based on deep love and shared experiences, taking everything together from a trip to the NCAA tournament in Memphis to an icy train ride in Colorado, facing challenges and overcoming them with patience, perseverance and profound affection. Closing the year cozy back home in New Mexico, they set out to plan their first international trip together - the adventure of a lifetime- that would alter everything, forever. 2025While having settled into a comfortable routine of away games and nights in, complete with road trip cookies and away-game flowers, Victoria and Steve continued to search for more ways to make space in their lives for one another. Victoria and Rory joined Steve on a couple of work trips, turning them into mini family adventures. Having found the one who made them each see la vie en rose, they wanted to go out and see everything! Taking their love coast-to-coast, they pre-empted their trip to Paris and Dublin with stops to Charlotte, Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod. With an heirloom ring in Steve’s pocket, picked up from his mom in Vermont, they set out to France and Ireland. Together, they floated down the Seine, crept through the crypt of the Pantheon, and twirled under the twinkles of the Eiffel Tower, and there, in the City of Love, the City of Light, in the corner of Place Émile-Goudeau, Steve knelt to the ground, pulled out a ring, and asked Victoria to be his wife. She said “yes.” After taking a brief moment to taste it, they hosted an engagement party in the fall. Celebrating their first holiday season as an engaged couple by hosting Christmas at home, bringing together their immediate families for a joyous occasion, they then began setting their sights on wedding planning and marital bliss. NowVictoria and Steve are set to wed on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at El Verde Inn in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They will have a Welcome Party and Rehearsal dinner the night before. They hope to celebrate their love story by having a marvelous time and enchanted evening with their loved ones. Please join as they start their next era together and learn how forever feels.

It's a Love Story

Photos

Matthew

April

Ashley

Heather

Dionne

Scott

Matt

Wedding Party

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?

Southwestern Formal embraces elevated evening attire with warmth, texture, and individuality.Think candlelit New Mexico evenings, silk elegance, artful romance, and refined desert sophistication. Velvet, silk, suede, wool, linen blends, vintage jewelry, silver, turquoise, polished boots, and heirloom-inspired accessories are all welcome.We invite guests to interpret the dress code through rich colors, thoughtful tailoring, artistic details, and natural materials.We also strongly encourage guests to consider circular fashion by rewearing, renting, borrowing, tailoring, or shopping vintage &amp; pre-loved pieces.Please avoid casual attire, denim, athletic wear, or overly costume-inspired Western looks.

Dress Code

Q + A

Staying at El Verde Inn El Verde Inn has been privately reserved for our wedding weekend, September 11 &amp; 12, 2026. A limited number of on-site rooms are available for invited guests. If you are interested in staying at the inn, please contact us directly for availability, room assignments, and accommodation details.

Accommodations

Visiting ABQ

Albuquerque sits high in the New Mexico desert at the base of the Sandia Mountains. September days are typically warm and sunny, while evenings can become cool after sunset. We recommend staying hydrated, dressing in layers, and wearing comfortable shoes throughout the weekend.

Exploring

As the heart of the Land of the Enchantment, Duke City offers a unique cultural experience. It's like stepping into a different country in the high desert. For guests exploring the city, we especially recommend Old Town Albuquerque, including The Lapis Room and The Albuquerque Museum

Old Town Albuquerque

Food

For food lovers, a visit to Albuquerque offers an immersive experience into flavor. Try New Mexican Green Chile, a local cuisine staple, by adding it to almost any dish at any establishment in town. The food comes in two varieties, meaning you will likely be asked: Red or Green? (We recommend Christmas.) Make sure to check out some of out favorite spots.

Restaurants

- Rudy's- Saggio's- Monte Carlo Steakhouse- Seasons

Coffee

For a delicious cup of joe, you should visit: - Little Bear Coffee- Zendo Coffee- Michael Thomas Coffee Roasters

Outdoors & Views

Albuquerque offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, birding, and trail running, as well as a National Park we can see from our window.

Victoria & Stephen

Victoria & Stephen

Wedding Party