Just the two of them: Stormee and Asher’s Puerto Rico Elopement in El Yunque Rainforest

By Camille Fontanez | 05-31-2023

As part of my annual tradition, I use my blog to celebrate love and marriage in all its beautiful forms every June. However, Pride Month also serves as a reminder that the LGBTQ+ community is still fighting numerous battles, despite progressing towards achieving equal marriage rights.

This Pride Month Series is Dedicated to Community Organizers

This year, I aim to showcase diverse love stories but also raise awareness for organizations working toward justice for LGBTQ+ youth in Puerto Rico. With your support, we can help them create a better future for everyone.

I would like to highlight The True Self Foundation. This non-profit organization supports diverse communities regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. In addition, they focus on promoting social mobility and overall well-being for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The foundation provides scholarships to assist with higher education costs, encourages entrepreneurship, and supports the transition process for transgender individuals by offering partial scholarships for gender-affirming surgeries and accessible legal services for name changes.

Furthermore, The True Self Foundation aids victims of gender violence and provides emergency assistance. They also support community initiatives led by LGBTQIA+ individuals and promote safe learning spaces run by members of the transgender community.

You can learn from them at their website, and please consider making a donation via paypal to: info@trueselffoundation.org.

Stormee and Asher's El Yunque Rainforest Elopement

When Stormee and Asher decided to get married, they wanted a truly extraordinary location that would capture the essence of their love and showcase the intimacy of their relationship. Honoring Asher's Puerto Rican roots, an El Yunque Rainforest Elopement sounded like the perfect, magical experience for them.

As a Puerto Rico destination wedding and elopement photographer, I had the honor of documenting their special day and capturing their love in breathtaking photographs. So join me as I take you through their journey.

Stormee and Asher, wanting to keep things simple, opted for an elopement in their hometown courthouse, where they made their commitment official. However, they craved something more, something extraordinary to celebrate their union. That's when they set their sights on Puerto Rico and the enchanting El Yunque Rainforest. The location provided the perfect backdrop for their romantic adventure with its lush greenery, majestic waterfalls, and serene ambiance.

Exchanging Vows in the Rainforest

At the beginning of our session, I took Stormee and Asher to the perfect location within the rainforest for their private vows ceremony. Surrounded by towering trees and the symphony of a creek passing nearby, they shared their heartfelt promises to one another. As their wedding photographer, I was privileged to witness this moment, but from a prudent distance to give them the space they wanted.

When finished, we explored a bit more as we captured beautifully candid newlywed images of the couple. Then, mission accomplished, we drove back to their hotel for a final sunset photo set with a different look.

The Hyatt Regency Rio Grande Photoshoot

The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve was their chosen hotel in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. Nestled along the pristine coastline, this luxurious resort provided a stunning backdrop for their post-elopement photoshoot. With its elegant architecture and breathtaking ocean views, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve offered a captivating contrast to the rainforest's lush beauty.

As the golden sun began to set, we washed the rainforest dirt off Stormee's bridal gown on the outdoor showers of the resort. Then, just as we started the final set of portraits at The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, the heavens decided to shower their love upon Stormee and Asher as the last act.

The raindrops danced around them, adding a touch of enchantment to the atmosphere. Stormee and Asher embraced the unexpected rain, a symbol of their resilience and the beauty that can emerge from the unpredictability of life.

These final rain-drizzled portraits are definitely my favorite from their whole set.

As a Puerto Rico destination wedding and elopement photographer, I am grateful to have been a part of their love story, capturing the moments that will forever be cherished in their hearts and in these photographs.

xo,

Cami