“Valery and Adam’s love story is one of those you feel like movies should be based on. They met in high school, but it wasn’t until years after they graduated and had moved on to new lives in separate states in college that they reconnected through several games of Words with Friends. A romance was born. They had their first date at an Albuquerque Isotopes baseball game and it’s now tradition to go every year and compete for who can eat the most hot dogs on 50 cent hot dog night. They married at the Gutierrez-Hubbell House in their hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. To honor the original game that brought them together, they decorated each table with Scabble boards and tiles. They had a hot dog bar and three kinds of pie for their All-American, baseball-style food. Bubble gum scattered the display tables and Cracker Jacks were their gift to their guests. It felt like they were taking their guests on a journey back to that first date and the kindling of their relationship. Each and every detail had pieces of their personalities and experiences together laced through it. But my favorite part of this day wasn’t even the theme. It was learning their story as they told it in their vows and as their friends told it in their speeches. It was watching Adam surprise Valery with a song, and her tearing up as he sang to her. And it was witnessing just how visibly excited they were to be married and sharing their day with everyone they loved.” –DBK Photography

What is your favorite wedding day memory?

Valery: While the whole day was absolutely perfect, I have to say that the ceremony was my favorite part. I remember walking with my dad from the “holding area” to the aisle and I was filled with butterflies. I remember turning the corner and seeing Adam just beaming at the end of the aisle – I smiled so hard that my face hurt. Our photographer got amazing shots of this moment!

Adam: my favorite moment was surprising Val with the song I played for her.

What did you DIY for your wedding?

Also most all of the decor was DIY’d. I had ALOT of help from my bridesmaids, especially Erin Phillips who is one of my oldest friends. The biggest task was the flowers. We ordered them from Fifty Flowers and Erin put together all of the centerpieces and bouquets. In lieu of a photobooth we put together a “selfie station.” We put out a selfie stick and bought a ton of props and hats and things from the dollar store. The centerpieces were made from vintage scrabble boards that I purchased on ebay along with extra letter I bought on Amazon. We topped it off with the flower arrangements made by Erin. Erin had also hand lettered all of the signage on various chalkboard surfaces we got from Hobby Lobby. Tom Meyer, one of the groomsmen made these beautiful lapel pins for the boys and our dads that matched our colors perfectly. I loved how almost every element of our wedding had a personal touch from a family member or friend. So many people chipped in to help make the day amazing.

Did you have a something old, new, borrowed and blue?

Adam and I both have September birthdays {and we got married in September!} and our birthstone is sapphire. My engagement ring has two sapphires in it. I also received sapphire earrings from my parents and a sapphire necklace from my mother in law. All served as my “something blue.” My something new was my dress and I had a custom veil made using lace from my mothers wedding dress and the lace was my something old.

I forgot about the something borrowed until the last minute and my dad said “I have an idea.” My dad has carried a small pocket knife for most of his life. When my brother was deployed to Afghanistan he sent the knife with him and told him that he needed to “come home and bring it back.” On my wedding day, my dad let Adam “borrow” the knife during the ceremony and he kept it in his pocket.

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

Take it one step at a time. Stay true to your vision and the kind of ceremony and reception that you and your fiance want to have – you may receive some criticism along the way, but this day is about the two of you and how you want to celebrate. On your wedding day, it is so easy to get pulled away by family members and friends. It is so great getting to see all of these people, but make sure you spend time with your husband/wife and enjoy the day together. -Valery, the Bride

Event Credits

Photographer: DBK Photography // Venue: Gutierrez Hubbell House // Florist: Fifty Flowers // Catering: The Cooperage // Pie's: Sam’s Club // Ceremony Music: The Virginia Creepers // Transportation: Herrera Coach // Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas // Rentals: It's an Event! Rentals // Engagement Ring: Zales // Bride's Attire: David's Bridal // Groom's Attire: Men's Warehouse // Groom's Tie: The Tie Bar // Bride + Groom's Shoes: Custom Converse