Hey there! This is part two of Emma and Damola's wedding weekend series. On the first blog, I shared their inspiring Nigerian wedding celebration in Old San Juan. Today, I'm sharing their full-day Western destination wedding in Hacienda Siesta Alegre. 

A Destination Wedding Weekend

Although the primary purpose was to celebrate Damola's Nigerian roots, I loved that their first celebration helped us get acquainted with each other before their full-day western wedding. By this point, we all felt like a big family. After doing their engagement ceremony in the historic old town of Old San Juan, the lovebirds also wanted to showcase Puerto Rico's tropical beauty in its full glory. And the best venue for that is Hacienda Siesta Alegre. 

A Lush, Tropical Destination Wedding with a Boho-Glam Flair

Upon my arrival, florist extraordinaire Natalia Liriano had already set up all the tables and decor throughout the Hacienda, so I started off with that. It was a beautiful, bright summer day, but summer days in the Puerto Rico rainforest are always treacherous: we have to seize every bit of sun because rainclouds might visit at any moment. 

After photographing the tropical decor, I moved down to the bridal suite, where Emma was hanging out with her small bridal party of just her nearest and dearest. Her mom helped her get ready and into her glorious bohemian bridal gown, full of intricate lace, plunging neckline, flutter sleeves, and a dramatic train. 

Then, I moved to meet handsome Damola, who was getting ready at a breezy terrace by the Hacienda's library. He wore a fantastic emerald green tuxedo which was the perfect match for Emma's look and the surrounding nature. 

First Look and Newlywed Portraits Before the Ceremony

On longer wedding days, especially when guests are traveling worldwide, couples want to minimize their time out of the party for pictures during the events. In cases like these, I always recommend scheduling a first look session or reveal, which will require the couple to be ready earlier, but releases pressure off the cocktail hour timeline.

After a lovely bride and groom portrait session, we took some fun shots with the wedding party before going back for the ceremony. Their ceremony was made for them: it felt very personal and intentional, with the most nurturing words for the couple. 

They said yes! And then we moved straight into the party, where we danced the dancefloor off the Hacienda. I'm so grateful for having been part of such a lovely day, and I wish you a married life full of love, fun, and tenderness, just like on your first day.  

xo,

Cami