Puerto Rico is home, roots, and the place that felt right to celebrate the start of their marriage for Shannon and Ben.

Ben was raised in the San Juan metro area before moving to upstate New York. Shannon, born and raised in New York, shares a love for adventure, good food, and meaningful experiences. Their Casa de España San Juan wedding perfectly reflects who they are as a couple: relaxed, intimate, and full of genuine joy.

From the beginning, Shannon and Ben knew their biggest goal for their wedding day was to create lasting memories with their closest friends and family. With guests traveling from the mainland United States, the day unfolded like a warm reunion under the Puerto Rican sun. Their choice of hosting their wedding in Casa de España, Puerto Rico, brought elegance with its grand architecture.

Yet, the entire celebration felt refreshingly unhurried and deeply personal...

Getting Ready and Pre-Ceremony Portraits in Hotel El Convento

My day started at Shannon and Ben's suite, where they got ready together at Hotel El Convento. Behind the scenes, my approach with Shannon and Ben was to be fully present, sensing when to guide and when to step back.

With clients who describe themselves as a bit camera-shy, it becomes all the more important to respect their pace and create space for authentic moments to unfold naturally. I could feel their quiet trust, allowing us to capture honest, beautiful memories without feeling pressured.

We moved outside to the Old San Juan streets, capturing some of my favorite iconic locations, before hopping on an Uber for our final destination for the evening: Casa de España.

A Microwedding Ceremony and Reception in Casa de España, San Juan

At the venue, since we were a bit early and it was a small, intimate event, I started by capturing all the decor elements before the event began. One of my favorite details was how they included their beloved dogs in the celebration, even though they could not attend in person. Custom-made figurines of their pups graced the bride and groom's table, a sweet reminder of their family.

The color palette reflected a timeless style: lush greenery, white florals, and gold accents, complemented by Ben's wine-colored suit and the subtle hints of burgundy in Shannon's bouquet. Every element felt cohesive and thoughtful, from the delicate settings to the romantic floral arrangements, making this micro wedding in Puerto Rico feel elegant.

A Sweet Tribute and a Musical Surprise

Ben's mother, a talented pastry artist, curated an unforgettable dessert table brimming with Puerto Rican classics. Tembleque, tres leches, coconut and guava cupcakes, natilla, panetelas, and flanes filled the table, each bite offering a taste of home and tradition.

Although they had planned a sit-down dinner with no real dancing, the celebration took an unexpected turn when the pleneros arrived for a surprise performance. The rhythm of Plena filled the air, and what started as a quiet evening quickly turned into a lively dance floor. I could not help but smile when even their mostly Stateside guest list immediately recognized the pleneros' cover of Bad Bunny's "Café con Ron" and joined the festivities.

A Wedding Full of Heart at Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Shannon and Ben's wedding day at Casa de España San Juan was a beautiful reminder that weddings do not have to follow a script. Their celebration proved that with intention and love, even a simple, relaxed day can be profoundly moving and unforgettable. They focused on what mattered most: being surrounded by their loved ones, enjoying the flavors of Puerto Rico, and creating moments that would linger in their hearts long after the last dance.

As a photographer, it was my joy to witness their connection and document a day that naturally reflected their story at one of the most charming Old San Juan wedding venues.

Thank you for letting me witness this beautiful day.

xo,

Cami