Caribbean Weddings

With the Puerto Rican sun shining bright, these two said “I do” in front of friends and family and got ready to dance the night away. Their smiles never faded and Love & Light Photographs captured every beautiful moment, from the Bride and her merry maids getting ready earlier in the day to endless sweet moments between the new Mr. and Mrs. Let’s kick off the week in a wonderful way with this gorgeous gallery and you can thank me later for that grin that just won’t go away.

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From the Bride… After my husband and I got engaged in Greece, we didn’t really have an idea as to where we wanted to get married; all we knew was that we wanted to plan the best party to celebrate our love with our favorite people. Finding the ‘perfect’ venue was probably that hardest part, and after endless searching, my husband was actually the one who suggested we go back to our favorite courtyard in Puerto Rico, which was at the Hotel El Convento. And then just like that Puerto Rico seemed the obvious choice for many reasons but the main reason was that it was the first place we traveled to together, fell more in love with each other, and fell in love with the island. Old San Juan was the perfect place to encapsulate our vision for our wedding which was: timeless, romantic, and a day you’ll never forget!

There was so much love that went around all weekend, between our friends and our family. From the ceremony at La Rogativa – my mom walking me down the aisle while my cousin sang the acoustic version of Empire of the Sun’s, “Walking on a Dream” (it was so hard to hold back tears); Will and I sharing our own written vows, to the reception at El Convento – both of us sharing special dances with our moms; Will’s family belting out the German toast, Ein Prosit, every hour; everyone letting loose and ripping up the dance floor; being thrown up in the air more times than I can count; surprising everyone with a five person Puerto Rican band called, Pleneros, to liven up the party, and the vejigantes to dance the evil spirits away, AND last but not least everyone belting out Bohemian Rhapsody (from memory) even after the DJ was gone! It was a complete whirlwind and we both wish we could re-live it again and again. Puerto Rico will always have a special place in our hearts!

More recently it’s hard to look back without crying because of the devastation Hurricane Maria caused to everyone on the island, including our friends and family. We ask that everyone please help our fellow Americans by donating in any way possible.

Photography: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Floral Design: Angel Vasquez Vega | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Invitations: Marlie Vodofsky | Hair + Makeup: Unik Stuio | Band: In-Sync Wedding DJ Cuquitin | Wedding Venue: Hotel El Convento

I am totally obsessed with our Travel features on SMP Living. My travel bucket list grows every week, and today it’s growing even more. We’ve got a wedding in Puerto Rico that is seriously a piece of art. Dziekonski Photography captured the Old San Juan wedding in a way that has left me speechless and packing my bags. Before you grab your monogrammed luggage tags, make sure to visit the gallery to fully fall in love!

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From the couple … Puerto Rico! Armina and Erick live in Hollywood, Florida but lived in Puerto Rico most of their life, so it was only right to plan a destination wedding in the beautiful city of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

After ten years of having met each other and then getting lost in the distance, Armina & Erick reconnected only to realize that there was something that, unassumingly, they shared. In order to determine what was really happening, Erick who was living in Fort Lauderdale decided to board a plane en route to Puerto Rico. He was determined to find out if what he was feeling was as real to her as it was to him.

When Armina picked up Erick at the airport, she asked him: “So, what are your plans for this trip?” He replied: “Not really sure. I came to see you, so I’ll go wherever you take me or tell me to.” After the initial shock, they went to “Pal Cielo” where Erick asked her on their first date. We have the memory saved on a napkin…

Before embarking on their first trip to Argentina, they decided to go out for a romantic dinner. Erick had planned a night to remember. They went to a five star restaurant overlooking the ocean where they dined and enjoyed some fine wines for relaxation. After dinner they went for a walk on the beach: there was a full moon and the starry night was perfect. All of the sudden Erick stopped and while looking into her eyes said: “…this night would only be perfect if you would give me your hand in marriage”. Armina replied: “Yes!” The rest is history!

They where married at the historic 500 year old Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is located in the center of the city, just a few blocks from the Castle San Felipe del Morro. We didn’t find it necessary to do much decoration to the church; this would take away from the beauty of the Cathedral. After the ceremony the reception was held in the Hotel El Convento, a landmark monument of the Conquistador Age, it was originated as a Carmelite Convent 356 years ago. Our wedding colors where a light lime green, white and a light cream. Our flower was Orchids. The decoration was subtle and elegant. Since most of their dating time was spent on weekend trips between Fort Lauderdale & Puerto Rico, it only seemed natural that the wedding theme was Travel. Erick, being a Graphic Designer, created all of the artwork for the wedding including: the photo signs instead of table numbers, airport boarding signage for table setting, the guest book was a passport, favors, invitations, menu, etc. To top it off, Armina’s brother is a home brewer, so he brewed a special Beer, which we labeled as Full Moon Flight for our occasion, which we gave out as favors. it was the perfect gift.

Every moment of our wedding was memorable, I don’t think we could pick just one. Thanks to Marek’s Vision & Photography these moments are now captured forever and ever.

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Photography: Marek from Dziekonski Photography | Cinematography: Pablo Patrignani | Flowers: EOS | Event design: Erick Sala | Event Planning: Wedding Agenda | Ceremony Location: San Juan Cathedral | Reception Location: Hotel El Convento | Invitations: Erick Sala | Shoes: Marc Fisher | Dress: Calista by Maggie Sottero

I have been swept off my feet by the pastel goodness found on the streets of Old San Juan and I love that the sweet, soft hues are mimicked in the pretty bride’s bouquet and adorable candy favors.  It’s taking all my control not to lick the computer screen because Dia Rao Photography‘s images are like fluffy clouds of cotton candy yumminess.  The dramatic and elegant reception just tops off this already delectable treat of a wedding!  Click here to see even more!

Click here to see the entire image gallery!

From Dia Rao Photography… Terra & Kevin were married at the Old San Juan Cathedral, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Terra’s family is from Puerto Rico, many of whom hadn’t been back for many years. And with many of Kevin’s family coming from Ireland, the couple settled on a destination wedding in the middle.

Terra & Kevin spent the week in a lofty Old San Juan rented flat which doubled as the bride’s getting ready space. They roamed the streets of San Juan with their family and friends, enjoying the local flavors, tastes and smells. The reception took place at the El Convento Hotel, a former convent, turned quaint boutique luxury hotel.

The small group of guests were greeted at the reception by an assortment of family photos by escorted to their tables with XOXO lollipops.

Wedding Photography: Dia Rao Photography / Wedding Coordinator: Milly Centeno / Wedding Ceremony Location: San Juan Cathedral / Wedding Reception Location: Hotel El Convento / Wedding Invitations: The Bride / Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade