Once you’ve spent some time documenting love stories in the southwest, you start to notice things.
Like the seasons changing the landscape, or when the bright, desert sun is at its most flattering position for filming and photography, or how the little, effervescent moments can add up to magnificent, and sometimes life-changing, experiences.
For Mika and Ben, their little moment — which did, indeed, change both of their lives — came on Mika’s 21st birthday, when she left her passport at a restaurant.
(Before you start nervously chewing a nail, though, don’t fret. All the stories on this blog end in happily ever afters!)

Ben, her soon-to-be knight in shining armor, was her server that night, and in a gentlemanly fashion true to his personality, returned the passport to her promptly.
Flash forward six years, and the two were hand in hand, strolling through the deep snow of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Rather than dropping to one knee, Ben fell into the powder to do a snow angel, and popped the question in the middle of it.
If that isn’t the most adorable marriage proposal, we don’t know what is!

With hundreds of perfect, little moments in between that snow angel and their first kiss as a married couple, Mika and Ben said their vows surrounded by loved ones, pampas grass, the venerable Sandia Mountains, and warm, desert decor.
Though the delicately balanced, muted-boho palette of Mika and Ben’s wedding ceremony suggests all things refined — we have to let you in on a secret: their personalities were as vibrant and playful as can be!

The combination of lightheartedness and earthy decor made Mika and Ben’s wedding day one of our absolute favorites.
Mika, like our team of creative storytellers, knew the importance of the little moments. She was drawn to the moody tones of the signature Miller Media style, and wanted to be able to relive the candid moments of her guests celebrating the occasion with dancing, drinking, and delectable eats.
That, and when Ben first saw her walking down the aisle, which was, without a doubt, an unforgettable moment.

Thank you, Mika and Ben, for the opportunity to document all the perfect moments of your wedding day — we’ll be reminiscing on each one for a long time to come.

















Share the love by following the other creatives who made this gorgeous day possible!
HMUA | @genicalee_hmua
Bridal Party HMUA | Tess Bixby
Bride's Hair | Michaela Jaramillo Estrada
Florals | @peoplesflowershops
Gown | @grace_loves_lace
Suits | @express
Cake + Desserts | @all_dees_sweets
Invitations | @theknot
Decor + Rentals + Planning | @uniquelyyoursbyveronica
Venue | @hyattregencytamaya
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