Much like the Puerto Rican setting around them, Karina and Christian’s destination wedding was romantic and elegant. The tropical affair took place at Hacienda Siesta Alegre, a venue with the most lush ceremony spot we’ve seen to date. Bethany and Dan Photography so perfectly captured the summery decor and the couple’s sweet moments on their wedding day.
The Couple:
Karina and Christian
The Wedding:
Hacienda Siesta Alegre, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
The Inspiration:
Although we were having a destination wedding in Puerto Rico, we knew we did not want to have a ceremony or reception on the beach. We actually stayed away from the beach entirely and focused on other notable features of the island – the cobblestone-lined streets of Old San Juan and the mystical Yunque Rainforest. We were inspired by the Spanish colonial architecture and wanted to infuse DIY décor with a rustic and earthy theme.
Because our ceremony and reception was going to have the rainforest as the backdrop, we decided to opt for gentler colors for the wedding party – blush dresses for the girls and navy blue suits for the boys. We wanted to highlight the natural beauty and colors of the rainforest. Therefore, our reception décor featured potted plants, lanterns, ivy, and wildflowers – similar elements were brought into the bouquets as well.
The Moments:
It’s hard to choose one favorite moment from our wedding. However, I would have to say it was our first look. Christian was outside waiting for me to come out of the building, with his back turned, so that he wouldn’t see me. I had rented an apartment from AirBnB on a secluded cobblestone street in Old San Juan, coincidentally with a small chapel on the corner. I was nervous yet excited as I walked down the three flights of stairs from the apartment. I walked towards him – unable to hide my smile and anticipation – he turned around and we both smiled, laughed, cried and hugged, just overwhelmed with emotions. It was a beautiful moment that just he and I shared.
The Couple Recommends:
We had an incredible experience with our wedding planner, Merylin Andino. We were so distraught after a terrible experience with our initial planner on the island (who we had to eventually fire), and hired Merylin after reading her many positive reviews. At that point, we only had about 3 months left before our wedding. As a result, we decided to hire Merylin as our “Day Coordinator” which means that she would primarily be responsible for running the show on the wedding day. She actually went above and beyond! She provided us with such personalized service and attention, making us feel like her only clients. This was truly a breath of fresh air, after feeling like our former planner was inconvenienced by each of our questions or requests.
Her attention to detail is outstanding. One can tell she really loves her job and takes great pride in making the couple feel special and relaxed throughout it all. I would recommend her to anyone without an ounce of hesitation.
Similarly, our photographers, Bethany and Dan, were incredible. They, too, gave us personalized attention and made us feel extra special. We had periodic calls to touch base throughout the planning process and would often share what was going on in our personal lives with one another. They flew into Puerto Rico a few days early to scope out the best locations to take photos. Even though they were not from the island, they had our photo session route completely mapped out, thereby taking another load off of our shoulders. They were so easy and fun to work with!
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Bethany and Dan Photography
Event Planning – The Event by Marylin
Venue – Hacienda Siesta Alegre
Floral Design – Intic Design
Catering – Chef Marisoll
DJ – Big J Music
Videography – Joseph Minasi
Congrats to Karina and Christian on their Puerto Rican nuptials and thanks to Bethany and Dan Photography for sharing! For more from Bethany and Dan, check out Karen and Roshan’s Indian fusion wedding in Cape Cod.
Jessica and James were inspired by their classic and chic venue The Ryland Inn when designing their New Jersey wedding. Navy blue, pale pink and glamorous gold tied together the elegant mix of sentimental and DIY details. Michelle Arlotta Photography beautifully captured the vintage-inspired celebration and we can’t get enough of all the delicate florals by Twisted Willow.
The Couple:
Jessica and James
The Wedding:
The Ryland Inn, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey
The Inspiration:
Ultimately, I describe my wedding theme as “vintage glam.” I loved the lace & burlap look, but the venue was a little too polished to go very rustic. I used lots of lace, glitter, mercury glass, & antiqued picture frames. I also incorporated a lot of sentimental things, like my grandmother’s prayer book and jewelry in my bouquet & a lot of D.I.Y projects, like my table numbers & my shoes.
The Moments:
My favorite moment from the wedding was the first look! We saw each other before the ceremony & it was just so nice to spend some time with James before all the craziness started. It was also so exciting to see his reaction!
The Couple Recommends:
All of my vendors were amazing & I would recommend every single one of them to any brides considering them.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Michelle Arlotta Photography
Venue – The Ryland Inn
Floral Design – Twisted Willow
DJ – Elite Sound Entertainment
Invitations – The Satin Bow
Makeup Artist – Samantha Agostino
Hair Styling – Panache Salon & Day Spa
Wedding Dress – Sincerity Bridal
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Bill Levkoff
Groom’s Apparel – Men’s Wearhouse
Groomsmen’s Apparel – Men’s Wearhouse
Congrats to Jessica and James on the wedding at The Ryland Inn and thanks to Michelle Arlotta Photography for sharing! For more of Michelle’s elegant work, check out Katie and Todd’s blush and ivory wedding at Windows on the Water.
.jpg "Photographers")
