Want some old world romance at your destination wedding? Then take a look back at this stunning ceremony and reception in Old San Juan.
Melissa and David said I do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico after a love affair that had them living far apart to start. We asked the couple to share their story with us. “We met in January 2010 when we were introduced by mutual friends. Dave lived in Wilmington DE at the time and I lived in NYC. We met in a bar called the Other Room in NYC’s Greenwich Village. We met the day after to watch football and then started our two and a half year love affair with Amtrak and the NJ Turnpike. The long distance made us closer and we were engaged in May of 2012.”
“One of the best moments of the wedding day was electing to do a “first look” before the ceremony began. This allowed us to have some special alone time before the big day officially kicked off with all of our family and friends. Taking photos at the forts in Old San Juan was really fun and exciting.”
For the ceremony the couple incorporated Filipino wedding traditions close to their hearts.
“Our favorite photo is the infamous “grassy knoll” shot where Dave is chasing me up the hill (mostly because he is helping to keep me from falling down the hill). It really captured the beauty of San Juan and the playfulness of our relationship. It was also very hot and we kind of forgot about all that for a minute.”
After the grand Cathedral wedding, a swanky reception was under way! “Our theme was Classic. We wanted the beauty and charm of Old San Juan and the history of the Cathedral and El Convento to set the stage for a simple and elegant celebration.”
“The color palette was kept neutral to help emphasize the architecture and the old world feel of this part of the city.”
We always ask couples for advice for our readers as they look back. This bride’s tip is priceless! “It is important to let all of your planning and hard work go into “autopilot” in the days leading up to your wedding. A lot of the little details that you sweat and agonize over are just that — little. Keep sight of the big importance of the day and the uniqueness of the moment. It is rare and once-in-a-lifetime to have all of your friends and family in one place for one day. Take time to savor the special day and absorb as much of the moment as you can… it zooms by too fast.”
And for the honeymoon? The couple was then off to the W Resort Vieques, Puerto Rico – an island nearby but apart from their wedding party. Great idea!
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Caroline + Ben Photography
Wedding Vendors: Cake Designer:C&M Cakes, Makeup Artist: Caridad Vidro, Event Designer: Festivo, Reception Venue: Hotel El Convento, Event Planner: Momentus Special Events & More, Band:Sin Prisa
