Picture-Perfect Beach Elopement at Old San Juan

By Camille Fontanez | 08-27-2018 |

Aimee and David contacted me little over a month before their cruise ship vacation to Puerto Rico. They had a dream: hop off their cruise, get married on a beach somewhere, get beautiful wedding portraits, and go back to their ship to continue their family vacation. I'm so happy they found me because we worked as a perfect team to make this happen!

Elopement Planning in Puerto Rico

Early on their research, they trusted me with the role of planner for their big day. I helped them with the vendor recommendations, logistics, and a perfect timeline for the day that would allow all of their wishes to happen during their cruise ship stop in Old San Juan.

I would never do this for a big wedding, but since it was an elopement, it was easy to guide them through their day to make it feel as seamless and effortless as possible.

Beach Wedding in Old San Juan

So on their wedding day, I met with the video team a few minutes before the Ceremony on the beach, while Aimee, David, and their guests arrived from the port on two separate shuttles (so they wouldn't see each other until they were at the beach).

If planning to get married during a cruise ship stop in Puerto Rico, the most essential thing to consider for the location selection is the traffic time. Old San Juan traffic gets greatly affected when cruise ships arrive, so my best recommendation is to choose a location within Old San Juan for minimizing the time you're in traffic.

David arrived and started setting up the props and the wireless speakers for the ceremony while we waited for the shuttle to bring Aimee and the bridesmaids.

The ceremony started quickly after, and it was picture-perfect. Groomsmen in Caribbean-style linen shirts (guayaberas), bridesmaids in blue printed maxidresses and flash tattoos, and curious kids everywhere. It was such a beautiful beach wedding, so soothing to be there, listening to their vows and the waves crashing by them. After the ceremony was finalized, we did group portraits with everyone. Then, they stayed having fun at the beach, and Aimee, David, the Zurafilm team and mine left for a walk around Old San Juan.

Newlywed Portraits in Old San Juan

The dynamic for elopement portraits in Old San Juan is virtually the same to my couples sessions, with the difference that for this instance, the couple is wearing wedding attire, which always attracts happy attention, cheers and the occasional cheeky comments from tourists and locals alike.

We walked along the best views of the colonial part of town, stopping everywhere we liked for photos (and video). It felt like friends hanging out and taking portraits, which for me is client experience #goals. We finished the portraits right at the doorstep of Marmalade Restaurant, where the couple had their honeymoon dinner reservation.

Hope you enjoy this set as much as we did capturing it!

xo,

Cami