invite you
to celebrate
their wedding!
Friday
May 29th, 2026
at 4:00 PM
OUR STORY
When Nessa and Elliott first met on October 19th, 2016, Elliott wasn’t entirely convinced Nessa was real.
To be fair, dating apps are full of fake accounts, and when he came across her profile a few days earlier, he suspected hers might be one of them. Still, he spent 99 cents on a Super Like, mostly because it let him attach a message: “I know this account is probably fake, but is the girl in the photos real? If so, do you know who she is?”
When Nessa received the notification that someone had Super Liked her, she was equal parts confused and concerned that anyone would spend money on a dating app. But after reading the message, she laughed. It struck her as a clever way to get a response, so she replied, insisting that she was the girl in the photos and that she was, in fact, real.
Elliott, unaware of his clever flirting skills, remained unconvinced, so he proposed Nessa prove she is real by meeting for coffee.
Nessa thought, Does he really think that is going to work?
Elliott thought, How do I report fake accounts?
A few days later, they met at the now-closed Deep Space Coffee on historic Route 66 in Albuquerque. It felt fitting, even then, to meet on a road famous for bringing people together, carrying wanderers forward, and turning brief intersections into life-changing detours. That afternoon, it quietly did the same for them.
What started as a small detour became an eight-year journey. The road carried them across cities and seasons, through distance and reunion, along paths they never could have planned. Yet no matter how far it took them, it never let them drift apart.
Eight years later, the road brought them back to where it all began. Just down the street from that first coffee, surrounded by family and friends, as Elliott asked Nessa to marry him.
Although the detour was over, every mile in between had mattered, and the ending always felt inevitable. Nessa and Elliott were ready to begin mapping the route for the rest of their lives, knowing that no matter how far they traveled, the destination would always be each other.
Wedding Ceremony
Friday | 4pm
La Fonda on the Plaza
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Cocktails, Dinner, &
Reception to follow.
Colorful Cocktail
Attire Encouraged!
HOTELS
Where To Stay
Santa Fe has amazing hotels at every price point, and the good news is that you really don’t need to overthink where to stay. If you book a hotel near the Santa Fe Plaza, you’ll be in great shape.
Our wedding will take place at La Fonda on the Plaza, right in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. This area is incredibly walkable, with restaurants, galleries, shops, bars, and historic sites all within a few blocks.
If you are deciding where to stay, we recommend booking a hotel within the downtown core, roughly inside this area:
La Fonda on The Plaza
Located right on Santa Fe Plaza, La Fonda is the city’s most iconic historic hotel and the heart of our wedding weekend. With vibrant Southwestern design, rich history, and unbeatable walkability, staying here places you directly in the center of all the festivities.
We have secured a room block for our guests — to book within our group, use the reservation link below or call the hotel and reference the Valdez–Enriquez Wedding. The room block will be available through April 27, 2026, while availability lasts.
Inn and Spa at Loretto
This stunning Pueblo-style hotel sits beside the historic Loretto Chapel and offers one of Santa Fe’s most recognizable silhouettes. With a serene courtyard, full-service spa, and classic Santa Fe ambiance, it’s a favorite for visitors wanting both charm and amenities.
Distance from La Fonda: ~1 minute walk (around the block)
Hotel Chimayo
This colorful and cozy boutique hotel captures the warmth of Northern New Mexico with vibrant interiors and traditional details. Just a block from the Plaza, it offers a quieter stay while remaining incredibly central.
Distance from La Fonda: 1–2 minute walk (across the plaza)
Eldorado Hotel & Spa
A larger boutique hotel a few blocks from the Plaza, the Eldorado offers full-service amenities including a rooftop pool, spa, and spacious rooms. It’s a great option for guests who want resort-style comforts while staying downtown.
Distance from La Fonda: ~5–6 minute walk
Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza
This reliable and comfortable option blends a well-known brand with local Santa Fe style. Located just a short walk from the Plaza, it’s a great choice for guests who prefer familiar amenities in a central location.
Distance from La Fonda: ~5 minute walk
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
A modern and guest-friendly hotel close to the Plaza, Drury Plaza offers excellent value along with extras like complimentary breakfast and evening snacks. It’s a popular choice for guests looking for comfort and convenience at a moderate price point.
Distance from La Fonda: ~4–5 minute walk
Piñon Court by La Fonda
This sister property to La Fonda offers a more affordable, motor-lodge style stay while still keeping you close to the Plaza. It’s a great option for guests who want proximity to the venue at a lower price point.
Distance from La Fonda: ~10–12 minute walk
Santa Fe Motel & Inn
A retro roadside motel turned boutique stay, this charming and affordable option is great for younger guests or anyone seeking a relaxed, local feel. It’s about a 10–15 minute walk to the Plaza and close to the Railyard District.
Distance from La Fonda: ~12–15 minute walk
TRAVEL
Getting To Santa Fe
Whether you’re driving, flying, or taking the train, getting to Santa Fe is easy—and once you’re here, you really don’t need a car. Our wedding will be held at La Fonda on the Plaza, right in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. The Plaza is extremely walkable, with shops, restaurants, galleries, and bars just steps away.
Santa Fe also offers free shuttles and public buses to many popular areas like Canyon Road, The Railyard, and Museum Hill, making it simple to explore without worrying about parking or driving. Between walkability, shuttles, and rideshares, a rental car is more of a hassle than a help.
Below are the easiest ways to get here:
From ABQ Sunport | Train
Take the train from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, just as Nessa did when we first met nine years ago. This is our most recommended route!
From the ABQ Sunport, you can get to the Alvarado Transportation Center in downtown Albuquerque via the free ABQ Ride Route #50 bus or a quick rideshare.
From there, pay $10 to hop on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express north to the Santa Fe Depot.
The train ride is comfortable, affordable, and genuinely beautiful, following the Rio Grande and classic New Mexico landscapes along the way.
About an hour later, you’ll arrive at the Santa Fe Depot, which is walkable to the Plaza or an easy hop on Santa Fe’s free shuttle system — or a quick rideshare to your accommodations.
No traffic, no parking, no rental car — just sit back and enjoy the ride.
From ABQ Sunport | Rideshare
This is the most convenient but also the most expensive option. A private rideshare from the ABQ Sunport to the Santa Fe Plaza typically costs $70 to $100, depending on ride type, time of day, and surge pricing.
Your driver will take I-25 directly north to Santa Fe. The drive usually takes about an hour, depending on traffic.
This can be a good choice if you are arriving late, traveling with a lot of luggage, or want a direct door-to-door ride without transfers.
From Santa Fe Airport | Rideshare
This is the easiest option if you are flying directly into Santa Fe. A private rideshare from Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) to the Santa Fe Plaza typically costs $15 to $40, depending on ride type, time of day, and availability.
The airport is about 20 minutes from downtown Santa Fe, making this a quick and simple ride.
Once you arrive at the Plaza, everything is walkable, including La Fonda, restaurants, galleries, and shops. Free city shuttles and buses are also available to nearby areas like Canyon Road and The Railyard.
Wedding FAQ
Can I bring a plus one?
If your invitation includes a plus one, it will be clearly noted on your RSVP. Due to venue capacity, we’re only able to accommodate the names listed on the invitation.
Are kids invited?
While we love your little ones, our wedding will be primarily an adults-only celebration unless otherwise noted on your RSVP.
What should I wear
Dress code details will be listed on the Events page, but generally:
- Ceremony and reception: festive cocktail attire / semi-formal
- Think colorful, celebratory, and comfortable for dancing
Santa Fe style leans artistic and expressive, so feel free to have fun with it.
What airport should I fly into?
The two best airport options are Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) and Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF).
ABQ has more flights and is about an hour from downtown Santa Fe.
SAF is much smaller but only about 15 minutes from the Plaza.
Check the Travel Tips page for detailed transportation options.
How do I get to Santa Fe?
There are several ways to get to Santa Fe from either airport, including rental cars, rideshare, and trains. We’ve outlined the easiest options on the Travel Tips page.
Do I need a car?
If you’re staying near the Plaza, you likely won’t need a car. Downtown Santa Fe is very walkable, and most wedding events will be within a short distance.
Where should I stay?
We recommend staying near Santa Fe Plaza if possible. Anything within the area bordered by Paseo de Peralta and Guadalupe Street will keep you close to the action and within walking distance of most events, restaurants, and shops.
We’ve listed hotel recommendations at a range of price points on the Hotels page.
Is Santa Fe at high elevation?
Yes. Santa Fe sits at about 7,000 feet above sea level. If you’re coming from a lower elevation, you may notice it.
Helpful tips:
- Drink lots of water
- Take it easy your first day
- Limit alcohol if you’re sensitive to altitude
You’ll adjust quickly, but hydration is key.
Will events be indoors or outdoors?
The ceremony and cocktail hour will be held outdoors on the Garden Terrace, while the dinner and reception will be held indoors in the La Terraza Ballroom. The Garden Terrace will be open to guest for the entire evening.
What will the weather be like?
Late May in Santa Fe is beautiful but can vary. Expect warm sunny days and cooler evenings, especially at altitude.
Typical temps:
Daytime: 70s–80s°F
Evening: 50s–60s°F
We recommend bringing layers, especially for nighttime events.
Is there a registry?
Your presence is truly the best gift, especially for those traveling. That said, if you’d like to contribute, we’ve put together a registry below.