When I first met Gisselle and Gabriel in front of my camera, it was during their engagement session in Old San Juan. We wandered through cobblestone streets and watched the sun set over the bay, and it felt so natural to photograph them. After that day, most of our planning for their Hotel El Convento wedding happened quietly over e-mail, across time zones and school semesters.

Months later, when they landed back in Puerto Rico for their wedding week, we met up again for a casual hangout before the big day. It was the perfect warm-up, a chance to catch up, laugh, and remember how it felt to work together. By the time their wedding day arrived, it already felt like we were continuing a story instead of starting a new one.

Getting ready between Old San Juan balconies and a leafy courtyard

Their Old San Juan wedding day started in two different but equally special spaces. Gabriel got ready at a nearby Airbnb on Calle San José with his groomsmen. When I walked in, I started with details and quickly moved into the easy banter between him and his friends.

There were sharp tuxedos, polished shoes, and that mix of nerves and excitement that always fills the room right before a black tie wedding. One of my favorite moments was watching his mom help with the last touches outside in a small courtyard filled with plants. It was a quiet pause in the middle of a very full day.

From there, I crossed the street to Hotel El Convento, where Gisselle and her bridal party were getting ready in one of the hotel spaces. Her details were so thoughtful and elegant. Lace heels, delicate fans, classic jewelry, and a dress that looked like it was made for those tall wood beams and warm textures in the room. She wore a satin robe with feathered sleeves that moved beautifully every time she lifted her hands, bouquet in her lap, taking it all in.

Once she stepped into her bridal gown, the room shifted. Her bridesmaids helped fluff the train and veil, and we used the soft window light for portraits in the suite. Gisselle looked radiant and calm, surrounded by her closest friends, ready to cross the street and marry Gabriel in the very heart of Old San Juan.

A Catholic wedding at Catedral de San Juan Bautista

Honoring their shared Catholic tradition from their Mexican and Puerto Rican upbringings, Gisselle and Gabriel chose a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony at Catedral de San Juan Bautista, just a short walk from the hotel. It is one of my favorite places for a church wedding in Puerto Rico. The tall doors, black-and-white floors, soft walls, and early Spanish Colonial accents always feel timeless in photos.

Inside the Cathedral, friends and family filled the pews as the music began and the doors opened. Gabriel waited nervously at the altar while Gisselle walked down the long aisle, framed by the historic architecture around them. Their mass was full of emotion and meaningful glances between them and their families.

After the final blessing, we stayed inside for family formals. Because we had planned this part of the timeline so carefully, we moved efficiently through all the combinations they requested, keeping grandparents, parents, and the wedding party close so we did not lose anyone. Planning ahead for these portraits allowed us to get every important group photo without rushing or cutting into the rest of the evening.

Pleneros, talavera tiles, and newlywed photos in Old San Juan

Outside the cathedral, BatuPlena was waiting to start the celebration. As soon as the newlyweds stepped out, the pleneros filled the street with drums and song. It is such a special part of many Puerto Rico weddings, and it was the perfect way to lead their guests from Catedral de San Juan Bautista to Hotel El Convento.

We stayed with the group for part of the parade, then slipped away so Gisselle and Gabriel could cool down in the air conditioning before portraits. While they refreshed, I photographed the ballroom decor inside Salón Campeche. We stepped back out into the streets of Old San Juan for newlywed photos.

The classic pastel facades, balconies, and cobblestone streets looked extra romantic in the soft evening light. We walked slowly, letting them enjoy a few moments together as newlyweds, away from the crowd. We stopped by one of the bastions overlooking the San Juan Bay for those iconic Old San Juan wedding photos with the stone garita. Then we headed back to the hotel just as the sun was setting.

A black tie Hotel El Convento wedding reception in Salón Campeche

For their Hotel El Convento wedding reception, Gisselle and Gabriel chose Salón Campeche, one of the grandest spaces in the property. The design by Fioridella was elegant and warm, with long, round tables, candlelight running down the centerpieces, and white florals spilling over the wooden tables. Gold and patterned chairs echoed the checkered floor, tying everything together in a classic black tie but colorful way.

One of the most meaningful details of the night was their talavera tile seating cards. Each tile held a personalized message for every guest. While guests entered the reception, Gisselle and Gabriel watched quietly from the balcony above, taking in their reactions. It was such a sweet way to see how loved their people felt before the formal reception even started.

The night continued with entrances, emotional dances, and a surprise bouquet dedication from Gisselle to her mom. After dinner, we moved into toasts, cake cutting, and a fun photo dash around the room so they could have a picture with each table. Once the dance floor opened, it stayed full. Fans waved in the air, guests sang along to the music, and there was constant movement and laughter under the warm lighting.

From our first engagement session in Old San Juan to this black tie wedding at Hotel El Convento, being invited back into Gisselle and Gabriel’s story has been such a joy. Their day was thoughtful, rooted in tradition, and full of genuine celebration. I left the reception feeling grateful for their trust and excited for all the life that will keep unfolding for them far beyond these photos.

xo,

Cami