I'm so happy to share today one of my favorite stories I've ever captured as a destination wedding photographer: Starr and Calvin's backyard wedding near Dallas, Texas.

Their wedding was initially planned to be an intimate beach wedding on the west coast of Puerto Rico, less than a month after Hurricane Maria. However, as you might expect, their plans changed completely.

Starr & Calvin knew they were meant to be together during their first vacation in Puerto Rico. Their wedding in Puerto Rico held special significance. Still, just two days after Maria, I finally got (some) cellphone coverage and could communicate briefly with Starr.

She was heartbroken because, even if it were possible, it wouldn't feel right to visit Puerto Rico and celebrate amidst such an unbearable situation for many locals. So, she and her fiancé decided to relocate their wedding closer to home to a beautiful backyard in Arlington, Texas.

The craziest schedule ever for a destination wedding photographer!

By this time, I was already in the talks about traveling for Mariana and Chris's epic wedding in Tampa. If I could make it out of Puerto Rico, I figured I could stay on the US mainland for a week until Starr and Calvin's wedding at their chosen Airbnb in Arlington, Texas.

However, there was one tiny detail: Starr & Calvin's wedding was on October 20th, and on October 21st, I had Michelle & Alberto's wedding in Puerto Rico. If I would make it to both weddings, I needed to arrive in Puerto Rico before 1 pm.

I wrote to Starr:

"I haven't been able to check flights since the internet service is so bad. I'd need to be in PR by 1 pm on the 21st. Is this something you could check out for me?"

Luckily, just one flight departed from DFW, and it would arrive at SJU by 12:53 pm. "So you'll be able to come!" said Starr, and a chill went up my spine.

A Cozy Backyard Wedding at an Airbnb in Arlington, TX

Fast-forward two weeks, and I arrive in the friendly city of Dallas. There, I spend most of my pre-wedding time either editing using the hotel WiFi or buying supplies to help people back in Puerto Rico. And, of course, indulging in comfort food that was hard to find back home.

On the wedding day, we took an Uber to the cute and cozy Airbnb in Arlington, TX, that Starr and Calvin had booked.

Initially intended for a family dinner to celebrate their destination wedding in Puerto Rico, the space had now transformed into their intimate backyard ceremony venue.

The Airbnb had a beautiful, dreamy backyard where guests assembled for a pre-ceremony cocktail while the fiancés were getting ready. Everything was beautifully DIY'd by friends and family, including the bouquet, makeup, and hair.

Bridesmaids wore mixed outfits within the same wedding color palette, creating a harmonious and picturesque scene against the dreamy backdrop they chose for their ceremony.

There were only a handful of guests: just the essential people. You could see how happy and loving everyone was.

The ceremony was filled with joyful laughter and serene, emotive moments. Afterward, we quickly moved to portraits just in time for the sunset—a sight quite different from the Caribbean sunsets I'm used to.

Although Starr & Calvin initially felt a bit shy in front of the camera, they looked so sweet and in love! My shift ended just in time for dinner, and we were invited to stay and enjoy the most original wedding meal ever: a taco buffet!

Creating New Memories at a Texas Airbnb

This wedding had such a relaxing, laid-back vibe! Starr & Calvin are a relaxed couple who want to have a great time with friends and family. Although we couldn't have this event in the place they fell in love, we created new memories at their Airbnb in Arlington, Texas, that will be cherished forever.

Before I move on to the pictures, I want to thank the newlyweds for bearing with me during the stressful week after the hurricane and for trusting me with your memories. Also, thanks to the guests and family for being so welcoming! You were our silver lining!

XO,

Cami