Hey! I'm so excited to share with you today one of my favorite wedding experiences so far in 2019. Alex and Kevin inquired about my wedding photography services a while ago, with no clear idea in mind. They just knew they wanted to elope in Puerto Rico, in a picturesque chapel or small church, and that they wanted to honor and serve with their wedding and travel investments the recovery efforts of local businesses and communities in the Island. As part of the destination elopement experience, we brainstormed until we were able to narrow down every detail until we were able to find the perfect day for them.

Old San Juan Destination Elopement Photos

I met with Kevin that afternoon on the Old San Juan vacation rental they got with their two friends –and witnesses–. It was perfectly located in the middle of the old town, so we would be able to walk everywhere. While Alexandra finished getting ready in her room, we moved stuff around for their first look session on the property's balcony.

I loved their looks, Alex with the perfect bohemian bridal dress with a Caribbean flair with the off-shoulders and ruffles look, and Kevin with an all-black suit. And their friends wearing the summer trend: animal-print. So stylish!

We still had a bit of time before the appointed ceremony, so we walked around the old town for the first set of portraits.

Impromptu Destination Elopement Ceremony At Old San Juan

With destination elopements, there's always a degree of flexibility and improvisation. My logic is that, if the couple wanted every part of their day meticulously planned, they probably would have opted for the big wedding, right?

So the plan was to get down to a small chapel right in the most touristic of areas: La Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud. It is located at about 20 steps from Fortaleza street, which became a famous photo spot in early 2019 for the colorful umbrella exhibit (no longer available, btw). The chapel ticked all the boxes of our wishlist, but they don't perform ceremonies inside as it is basically a museum. So we met Pastor Eli Maldonado right in front of the chapel, where the ceremony was held. We had an unexpected audience, all the tourists and passersby participated from the ritual and cheered when they were declared husband and wife. Us Puertoricans love to celebrate, and that day, A&K gave us a beautiful reason for it!

After the ceremony, we bid the pastor farewell, and continued our walk/exploration of Old San Juan, I took the couple and their entourage to El Batey, a grungy bar that they loved, and finished the session at the old cemetery of the patriots by El Morro during a beautiful sunset.

I LOVED Alexandra and Kevin's day, and also enjoyed the opportunity to personalize their destination elopement and photo session experience to match their fun, adventurous, and unique personalities. My wish for A&K is that they live every one of their married days with the same spark and adventure as the first one. Cheers!

xo,

Cami