Although it feels like a decade ago, Janelle and Chris traveled last February to San Juan for their Puerto Rican wedding at Casa de España. They contacted me just months before their event, interested in genuine and unique wedding photography.

Wedding day photography: Airbnb getting ready shots in Ocean Park

My day started at Chris's getting ready at his Airbnb at Ocean Park. Just 4 minutes away from Janelle's Airbnb, there were two different scenes but the same happy vibe: celebration. I did getting ready portraits, candid photographs with the wedding party, and detailed shots of the accessories, stationery, and heirloom items.

First look and couple portraits in Casa de España

The day turned grey, and like every rainy day-to-be, there was that afternoon bochorno (or sultriness). We drove to Casa de España, where Janelle and Chris would have their first look. After a beautiful and emotional reveal between them, we did most of their bride and groom portraits before the guests started coming in. It rained one first time.

Some wedding timeline changes...

When the rain backup option was presented, Janelle, Chris, and their families insisted on the outdoor ceremony. We pushed the timeline forward to avoid a rainy ceremony. While the couple enjoyed some solo time, I photographed all the decor details. It stopped raining, and I went downstairs into the patio and helped dry out the chairs for the ceremony. 

While the wedding planner team finished setting the ceremony back up, we went into the rooftop for family portraits. Everyone was there and ready, so we did immediate family and wedding party portraits with everyone. I loved the nude palette, combined with the dreamy lace and tulle dresses for the bridal party's mini members. 

Wedding ceremony in the rain

The ceremony finally started... in the rain. Challenging for obvious reasons, their perseverance utterly moved me in enjoying and making beautiful memories even if the weather wasn't in its best behavior. I have to say that the nighttime ceremony, with the glistening drops of water coming down into a shiny floor, made it extra cute and totally worth it. 

After their tearjerker ceremony, we moved into a glam ballroom decorated in black, gold with white florals. We went straight to the dances and toasts, where many of us probably had one last big party before our collective lockdowns just weeks later. I remember Janelle and Chris's wedding day as a beautiful and authentic event full of great, loving souls. May there be many more celebrations like them. With less rain, if possible. 

xo,

Cami