MY LAST WEDDING OF 2021: A RECAP

Katie and Pedro's wedding was my last event for 2021, and what a way to end such a whirlwind year! It was such a rush that I couldn't even check my stats until now in March 2022! 

2021 had me out of my home for 138 shoots and weddings: 1 out of every three days. I photographed 43 weddings, 17 elopements, and 55 couple and proposal photoshoots. In addition, 132 projects were local, and I traveled for 6 of them. 

There's a reason for such amount of business and events: the pandemic halted Puerto Rico's wedding and event industry for over 4 months with quarantines and restrictions meant to keep us safe, but that also slow for business. As a result, many weddings and events were postponed to 2021 and 2022. We're still picking up the pieces with irregularly busy times!

To no one's surprise, my most repeated wedding venue in 2021 was Hacienda Siesta Alegre. I shot 12 times there in 2021, one of my favorites for outdoor hacienda weddings in Puerto Rico. So it was only fitting I celebrated the end of the 2021 season at my second home!

A LAID-BACK WEDDING DAY AT HACIENDA SIESTA ALEGRE

I have done weddings of all sizes at Hacienda Siesta Alegre, and Katie and Pedro had a full house that night. However, it felt so casual and laid-back that I never felt rushed or late to anything. My wedding day started moving back and forth between Katie and Pedro's getting ready rooms with their details and items while they finished their process. 

The guys were ready first, so I took them outside for some portraits. Pedro looked super stylish in his light blue suit with brown shoes with a floral print on this pocket square. His groomsmen complimented him on a semi-formal look with beige pants and suspenders. The bowties took some time to put together but were the perfect final touch for all the guys. Finally, we celebrated with some Diplomatico rum.

I moved to the bridal suite for a status check. All the ladies were done with hair and makeup; portrait time was almost there, so I sent everyone to get dressed and start with the bridal portraits and the first look with Pedro and Katie. We scheduled a quick, candid run-in between them; they were just so excited and ready for their day! We would do the official newlywed portraits after the ceremony to have more fun times with the bridesmaids. 

BRIDE AND BRIDESMAIDS' Tropical Boho Wedding PORTRAITS AT HACIENDA SIESTA ALEGRE

A successful bride and bridesmaids' session depends heavily on the hair & makeup timeline. The bigger the bridal party, the more time you need to schedule for hair and makeup, so we can all be ready and dressed at least 45 minutes before the photographer leaves for the ceremony. 

Here's a great wedding planning podcast on this and other wedding party-related topics.

I loved Katie's bridal gown. It was perfect for an outdoor rainforest wedding in the Caribbean: a light fabric without too many layers, a streamlined silhouette with beautiful lace patterns, and some transparency. Her bridesmaids all wore different dresses in the same lilac color that complemented the light coral hues in their bouquets.

A HEARTFELT CEREMONY, FOLLOWED BY A GREAT PARTY!

Their ceremony was officiated by their loved ones instead of a minister, giving the event a personal and emotional element. We laughed, cried, and swooned at their beautiful love story and special readings. 

We were blessed with a cloudy day, which kept us fresh and a clean, diffused light throughout the ceremony. However, cloudy days mean we must act fast because the light falls out earlier. So, after the ceremony, we did a lap around the Hacienda for their newlywed portraits during sunset. 

The reception started with toasts and eased right into the delicious dinner by Nilsa Colón; after dessert, Pedro's Abuela recited a beautiful poem, followed by the newlywed's first dance. After that, we danced the night away at a fantastic party by DJ Eric from SBN entertainment. My new friends from Nativo Rumeliers hosted a unique artisanal fruit rum bar. They followed guests around the dancefloor, serving them tasting shots. An unforgettable experience!

xo,

Cami