ABQ Wedding Essentials

August 15, 2019 by Kori Kobayashi

By Ludella Awad

American Journalist Mignon Mclaughlin once said, “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” Here at ABQ-Live, we believe that a great wedding heralds the perfect beginning to a successful marriage.

That’s why we have worked hard to find only the most dedicated businesses ready to make your wedding a memorable experience of a lifetime.

From the perfect bouquet, to the loveliest venue and the greatest combination of music and catering available in Albuquerque, we invite you, dear readers, to join us for our Wedding Essentials!

Desert Flowers Co

Phone (505) 934-6823 Email desertflowers.co@gmail.com Website DesertFlowersCo.com Find them on Instagram/ Facebook @desertflowers.co

Photography by Crystal Cousin Photo: @crystalcousinphoto

Jewelry by Root and Feather: @desertadorned & @rootandfeathernm

The smell of peonies and eucalyptus on your big day are sure to make every step down the aisle even more memorable. Desert Flowers Co. is there to ensure the beauty of your florals is second only to your partner.

Desert Flowers Co. has been around for one year, providing their desert touch, and a one-on-one experience with customers to design arrangements that are unique to the couple and the theme of their wedding.

Desert Flowers Co. specializes in bouquets and large floral arrangements for the big day. Options are open when it comes to rentals for geometric arches. Co-Owner’s of Desert Flowers Co., Julianne Zarasua and Madi Dow, both share an energetic passion for stunning customers with the beauty of their desert flower designs.

“We provide a special experience with the brides we are meeting with by taking away every burden from them,” Zarasua stated.

Desert Flowers Co. is there to take care of every floral need ensuring every bride and groom’s focus on their special day is each other.

“Enjoy every last minute leading up to your wedding day and take in all of the little moments,” Dow said.

Mark Pardo SalonSpa

5 Locations in Albuquerque Phone 505.298.2983 Website MarkPardo.com Hours: Mon – Fri / 9 AM -7:30 PM · Sat / 8 AM – 5 PM Sunday/ 9 AM-6PM

Since opening its doors in 1973, the friendly staff of Mark Pardo SalonSpa has made it their mission to nurture inner and outer beauty through world-class salon and spa experiences. Now Mark Pardo SalonSpa wants to extend this same quality experience to brides on their wedding day.

Mark Pardo SalonSpa’s Deluxe Bridal Package has been carefully created to provide the most relaxing pre-wedding experience, all while pampering the bride! The package includes a manicure with gel polish, a pedicure, 30-minute Body Glow, 60-minute Tulasara Facial Treatment, Practice Bridal Updo and Makeup Application, as well as a Bridal Updo & Makeup Application the day of the wedding.

After one session of pampering and refreshment, every bride will walk down the aisle with a confident smile from the quality experience only Mark Pardo Salonspa can provide.

Hotel Albuquerque

Address 800 Rio Grande Blvd NW Phone (505) 843-6300 Website HotelABQ.com Hours Open 24 hours / Located in the heart of Old Town

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town delivers a combination of tradition and class to every wedding experience. With seven wedding venues, the bride and groom are sure to find the perfect scene to say ‘I do.’

Of the beautiful venues at Hotel Albuquerque couples can choose from, the Alvarado Ballroom exhibiting signature southwestern elegance and Pavilion & Gardens for a serene outdoor experience.

Through rich and authentic history, Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town offers a comfortable and unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else. The combination of New Mexican hospitality and Albuquerque sophistication, seamlessly weave together at Hotel Albuquerque of Old Town.

DJ Sider

Address PO box 1015 Phone (505) 231-2126 Website DjSider.com Hours Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri / 9 AM -5 PM | Thurs & Sat / 10AM- 6PM | Sun/ 11AM-6PM

When it comes to having a blast on your big wedding day, Party Music Pros is here with the perfect playlist.

Party Music Pros has been serving New Mexico for the last six years with over 20 years of Sider’s experience in the DJ and entertainment industry. Currently, they are working on a CD about New Mexico’s greatest hits, which is expected to be released soon.

For a wedding event, Party Music Pros offers a wide variety of music to choose from. This includes a basic sound package with authentic, New Mexican music, lighting, fog machines and your customizable music mix with hip-hop, rap and music from the early ‘50s — or whatever your heart desires.

Owner of Party Music Pros, DJ Sider, said he likes to feel what the crowd feels and hopes to help find what the bride and groom’s best fit is, which means sitting down with them a week prior to the wedding event.

High Noon

Address 425 San Felipe St NW Phone (505) 765-1455 Website HighNoonRestaurant.com Hours Mon – Thurs/ 11 AM – 9 PM | Fri -Sat/ 11 AM – 9:30 PM | Sun/ 12PM – 9PM

What makes a good toast at a wedding, according to High Noon Restaurant and Saloon, is the quality of drinks in the glass.

High Noon Restaurant and Saloon has been serving the community for 45 years. For a wedding event, there are a variety of quality drinks to choose from, including a full-service bar, cash bar and hosted bar. There is a full liquor catering package.

When it comes to choosing drinks, wine, bottled beer, draft beer and a personal, customizable selection of drinks are on the menu.

At High Noon Restaurant and Saloon, there are three private rooms available depending on the event. For the bride and groom, specialty drinks are offered — it’s a one-stop shop for planning an event.

Owner of High Noon Restaurant and Saloon, Carla Villa, gives out valuable wedding planning advice: “You want to do something that is fun and that is really uniquely yourself.”

ABQ Live Photo and Video Services

Address 4615 Lomas Blvd NE Phone (505) 365-4725 Website ABQ-live.com Office Hours: Mon- Fri / 9 AM – 6 PM | Sat / 10AM- 5PM | Sun/ 11AM-5PM

You’ll want to remember everything about your wedding day. And what better way than with professional photos and video from a team of photographers who have spent years focusing on amazing event, food and portrait photography and videography.

Photography captures a moment in time. Whether that moment is your wedding day or an annual family portrait, pictures enable us to relive and remember special occasions again and again.

Whether our photographers are using natural light or flash, unique details, raw emotions and capturing the true essence of an individual or event is their obsession. The ultimate goal for ABQ Live is to create timeless photographs and video for you and your loved ones to cherish forever.

The Bride and Groom will both be able to enjoy their day with family and friends, knowing everything will be captured for them to enjoy for years to come.

Front Cover Photo by: Crystal Cousin Photo

Corrections: A previous version of this article contained errors regarding Desert Flowers CO. address and phone number this version of the article contains the correct updated information.

Top Places to Party on New Years Eve

December 10, 2018 by Gabriel Aro

Effex Nightclub

Image by Effex NightClub via www.effexabq.com

Dance into 2019 and head into Albuquerque’s most lively and vibrant night club! Effex’s New Years Eve party takes off Monday December 31, 2018. Keep it bumpin’ to headliners featuring DJ’s Devin, Malik, Stitch, Spunjy, and Josh Burg. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the entrance fee is $20 — ages 21+ only.

Effex NightClub: 420 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Hotel Andaluz

Image by @hotelandaluz via Instagram

Stay classy with champagne in your hand, and toast to a new year as the balloon drops in Hotel Andaluz. Join around for Hotel Andaluz’s Pop! Fizz! Groove! On December 31, 2018 at 8 p.m. and dance to DJ Sidekick, Melodious Groove, and DJ Alissa Divine.

Hotel Andaluz: 125 2nd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Blue Agave Republic

Image by @blueagaverepublic via Instagram

Look back on your favorite 2018 moments with tacos and tequila! With a beautiful handcrafted drink in your hand, and live DJ’s, there is no better way to start off the coming year. Forget those diet resolutions you made twelve months ago, order plates on plate on plates of tacos!

Blue Agave Republic: 6001 Osuna Rd NE suite a, Albuquerque, NM 87109

Poki Poblano Fusion Lounge

Image by @pokipoblano via Instagram

Speaking on throwing out that diet, get a jump start on that New Years resolution list and eat adventurously at Albuquerque’s newest hotspot, Poki Poblano. Show up in your shiniest dress or most dapper suit, pull up a stool, order a poki bowl, get a side of caviar, and take a sip of handcrafted cocktails.

Poki Poblano: 6910 Montgomery Blvd NE suite a, Albuquerque, NM 87109

QBar – Hotel Albuquerque

Image by QBar via www.hotelabq.com

Feeling a little extra bourgeois? At a mere $209 a party package, you can spend your last night of the year in a sophisticated nightclub and lounge, with admission to Qbar for two, hotel accomodations and breakfast for two on January 1, 2019. Described as upscale, posh, and sleek, one is welcomed with extensive wine, entertainment by DJ Pete Nic, exotic appetizers, and a champagne toast. Head down and be treated like the Beyoncé and Jay-Z that you are.

QBar: 800 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 —Inside Hotel Albuquerque, Old Town

Nob Hill

Image by @nob_hill_abq via Instagram

Nob Hill Bar and Grill never disappoints when it comes to awesome parties! The “upscale joint” is having a party on New Years Eve featuring DJ Ian Evan! Be sure to follow them on social media to get all the details. We are even giving away a New Years Package that will include a table for 6 and 2 bottles of Champagne! Stay tuned for more details!

Featuring DJ Ian Evan.

Abq-Live giving away a table for 6 and 2 bottles of champagne.

New MIXico – ABQ-Live’s 2nd Annual State-Wide Bartending Competition. April 1st, 2017

March 1, 2017 by Josh Vanlandingham

ABQ-Live presents the 2nd annual NEW MIXICO, state-wide bartending competition.

32 bartenders, 5 rounds, 1 state-wide champion!

Many will enter, only a select 32 will be able to compete.

Sponsored by Beam Suntory

A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation

DATE: April 1st, 2017

LOCATION: The Library Bar and Grill, Downtown Albuquerque, NM

TIME: Noon to 6 pm.

How to Enter:

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Find all the Competition Details HERE

THE WINNER will be selected by virtue of collection of all 4 rounds of points. The point totals increase as the rounds go on.

Top 3 bartenders receive trophies. Winners will be featured in ABQ-Live the Magazine. The winner will receive a Vegas Vacation Package courtesy of The Library Bar and Grill.

Additional Sponsors include

Downtown ABQ 11.21.15

November 24, 2015 by Kori Kobayashi

Downtown Albuquerque always has something fun going on. From live music and dancing to food and drink specials, we love coming downtown! Check out more images from downtown Albuquerque HERE .

Check out the highlights and post-fight reactions below from UFC 193

23 Freebies for Veterans On Veteran’s Day November 2015

November 10, 2015 by Josh Vanlandingham

First off, we here at ABQ-Live the Magazine want to thank every veteran for their service! A ton of restaurants are celebrating our veterans this year by giving out free stuff! Who doesn’t love free stuff? Check out the list we compiled below!

Applebee’s – free meal, Nov. 11, 2015: Last year, Applebee’s served over one million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. There will be 7 entrées to choose from, beverage and gratuity not included. Military ID or proof of service required. More.

BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Free entree, up to $12.95 value. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service. More info. Locations.

California Pizza Kitchen, Nov. 11, 2015. Choose a pizza, full size salad, or pasta from the special Veterans Day Menu. Dine-in only. Please come in uniform or bring your military I.D. or other proof of service. Find a location near you.

Chili’s – Free meal, Nov. 11 2015. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of any lunch combo, or your choice of a dinner meal from a select menu, including any full-size flatbread. Offer only available at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

Claim Jumper, Nov. 9, 2015. Free entrée from select menu, with official proof of service. Dine-in only. Locations.

Denny’s, Nov. 11, 2015. Free Build Your Own Grand Slam® on Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon for all active, inactive, and retired military personnel. Participating locations only. Please call ahead. Locations.

Fox & Hound and Bailey’s Sports Grille, Nov. 11, 2015. Free Sandwich or Entree (up to $10) for active duty military and veterans with ID or proof of service. Dine-in only and at only at participating locations. Locations.

Golden Corral – Free meal, Nov. 11, 2015 (5pm – 9pm): The 15th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation dinner. For more information visithttp://www.goldencorral.com/military/.

Heimat House, Nov. 11, 2015. 20% off for all Veterans.

Hooters, Nov. 11, 2015. Hooters invites all veterans and current servicemen and women to enjoy a free meal from a select menu. Requires drink purchase. Only valid at participating locations. Locations.

IHOP, Nov. 11, 2015, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free Red, White and Blue pancakes, or Red, White and Blue pancakes combo plate including eggs, bacon and hashed browns. Participating locations only. Please call ahead to verify participation. More info. Locations.

Little Caesars® Pizza, Nov. 11, 2015. Free pizza or $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo to all US Armed Forces veterans and active military members between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. With proof of military service, at participating stores nationwide. Call ahead to verify participation. Locations.

LongHorn Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Complimentary Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage. Offer good for Veterans and active-duty military members. Proof of service required. Visit their site to find a location near you.

Olive Garden, Free entrée, Nov. 11, 2015. Offer good for veterans and active duty military; proof of service required. Guests that dine with a Veteran also receive 10% off of their bill as well! Locations.

Outback Steakhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage. This offer is available to Military Personnel and veterans with ID. Also receive 15% off your purchase from Nov. 12-Dec 31, 2015. Locations.

Red Lobster – Monday, November 9 through Thursday, November 12, 2015. Free Appetizer or Dessert during the week of Veterans Day with military ID or proof of service. Vets may choose from a select list of appetizers and desserts. Find a location near you.

Red Robin, Nov. 11, 2015. Free Red’s Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries for all Red Robin guests with a military ID or proof of service. Locations.

Rock & Brews, Nov. 11, 2015. Complimentary pulled pork sandwich with a side choice of natural fries, house potato salad, pasta salad or coleslaw. Proof of military service required. More Info. Locations.

StarBucks, Nov. 11, 2015. Free tall brewed coffee for active duty, veterans, and their spouses. Participating stores only. Please call ahead.

Texas Roadhouse, Nov. 11, 2015. Free lunch event to honor the men and women of our armed forces. Choose from one of 10 free meals, plus sides and a soft drink, coffee, or tea. Offer good for All veterans – including all active, retired or former U.S. military. ID Required. Dine-in only. Call ahead to verify times and locations. Find locations.

T.G.I. Friday’s, Nov. 11, 2015. Free lunch for all current military members and veterans from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Valid ID or proof of service required. Dine-on only at participating locations. Be sure to contact your local T.G.I Friday’s for details. Locations.

Twin Peaks, Nov. 11, 2015. Free menu item at participating locations. Please call ahead to verify participation. Locations.

Village Inn, Nov. 11, 2015. Free breakfast any time of day (choice of buttermilk pancakes, French toast, or a Belgian waffle). Wednesday is also Free Pie day, and veterans will be able to receive a free slice of pie. Veterans who visit on Veterans Day will also receive a “Thank You for Your Service Card” valid for 20% off their total bill on their next visit. Participating locations only. Please call ahead. Locations.

Wienerschnitzel, Nov. 11, 2015. Free hot dog and small soft drink at participating locations. Locations.

Source: http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/