When I first met Maria and Kenneth for their relaxed sunrise engagement session, I had no idea how special our connection would become. From the beginning, their relationship exuded a quiet kind of love, a genuine bond that radiated warmth and comfort.

As they shared their story with me, I learned more about how they met, the values they hold dear, and the journey that brought them to the beautiful moment we celebrated together at Hotel El Convento in Old San Juan.

Throughout their wedding planning, Maria and Kenneth would contact me—not just for photography-related advice but to discuss aspects of their celebration that were important to them.

It felt like I was a part of their journey, and by the time their wedding day arrived, I felt more like a close friend than just their photographer.

El Convento Wedding: A Day Full of Emotion and Connection

Their wedding day was a heartfelt testament to their love and respect for one another. As I entered Kenny’s suite at Hotel El Convento, the air was filled with anticipation. There was a sense of nervous excitement in the room, a blend of joy and tears waiting to spill over. When Kenny opened the gift Maria had left for him—a customized book filled with personal notes and memories—his emotions overwhelmed him.

What he didn’t know at that moment was that Maria had received the same gift from him. I can’t describe her reaction when she realized they both had the same beautiful idea. Her laughter filled the room, followed by tears as she read through the heartfelt words he’d written. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do so much.

From Kenny’s suite, I headed over to Maria’s. Her closest friends and family surrounded her, and the air was electric with excitement. As she got ready, there was a moment of calm where Maria looked out the window at the picturesque courtyard of El Convento and took a deep breath. “It’s really happening,” she whispered softly. That pause, that quiet moment of reflection, stood out to me. It was as if she was grounding herself before stepping into the next chapter of their lives.

A Ceremony of Love and Tradition at Old San Juan Cathedral

Their Old San Juan Cathedral ceremony was a beautiful fusion of their different backgrounds. Although it was a Catholic ceremony, some elements honored Kenneth’s Jewish heritage, truly celebrating two families coming together.

Watching the couple stand at the altar, I could see their admiration for each other. Their vows were sincere, filled with promises that went beyond words—they were promises of partnership and mutual support, the kind of vows that I knew would be lived out daily, year by year.

After the ceremony, we took a moment to walk around Old San Juan. The cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and historic charm of the city created the perfect backdrop for capturing the magic of their first moments as newlyweds. There was a lightness in the way they moved together, and their laughter echoed through the narrow alleys. These candid moments, away from the hustle and bustle, allowed them to bask in their love for each other.

El Convento Wedding: A Celebration That Felt Like Home

Back at Hotel El Convento, the intimate Salon Campeche reception was what Maria and Kenneth envisioned—a lively celebration filled with love, joy, and family. What struck me the most was how their guests, many of whom came from different places and backgrounds, effortlessly connected with one another. It didn’t matter if they were old friends or meeting for the first time; everyone danced, mingled, and celebrated as if they had known each other for years. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the hora dance—a whirlwind of laughter, cheers, and high-energy moves that swept everyone into the heart of the celebration.

Maria and Kenneth’s wedding reception was filled with thoughtful details that reflected their personalities. They hired a caricaturist, a semi-permanent tattoo artist. They even brought in a group of pleneros to keep the energy high.

But it was never about impressing their guests; every element created a space where people could let go, connect, and be present with each other. It was less of a formal event and more of a family reunion—a celebration of life, love, and unity.

When I think back to that day, what stands out is not the grandeur of the setting or the beautiful decorations. It’s the small, intimate moments—Kenny’s tears, Maria’s laughter, the way they held each other as they danced their first dance.

It’s the feeling of being part of something bigger than a wedding. It was a celebration of everything they’ve built together and everything they will build in the future.

Maria and Kenneth’s wedding at Hotel El Convento will always hold a special place in my heart. It was a day filled with love and connection. On this day, two people who had already chosen each other celebrated that with their closest family and friends.

I feel so honored to have been there to witness and document every moment. Their wedding is a reminder that, at the end of the day, what truly matters isn’t the venue, the décor, or the grandeur—it’s the love that ties it all together.

xo,

Cami