Oh yes! Today I'm sharing one of my recent favorite elopement stories. It happened in one of the most unique elopement places in the world. And they were such a cool couple to work with, even at the prospect of the growing coronavirus craziness. They were the second-to-last gig I photographed right before the coronavirus lockdown in Puerto Rico, which has recently finished, as we reopen for business and travel. 

A Unique and Unconventional Elopement Story

My dear Tinderellas and Tinderellos, there is hope! Yolimar and Michael met through a dating app. She thought he had amazing eyes, he thought she was a cute dork. After four months of friendship, they officially started dating and became inseparable ever since. Since then, she has enjoyed how caring Michael is, and his dry sense of humor. Michael says there are just too many things he likes about her to list.

He Said Yes!

I love about Yolimar and Michael that their relationship started in a very non-traditional way, and continued that non-traditionality all the way through their wedding day. My favorite story is their engagement: they were in Park Güell, where Yolimar proposed to him on a beautiful hill overlooking Barcelona's vibrant city. Obviously, he said yes. 

Planning a Small and Intimate Wedding

Somewhere along the way, they decided they weren't the big-wedding type (which looking back was quite a wise decision), and opted for a micro wedding with just their VIPs. On a previous visit to Yolimar's hometown, Michael (logically) fell in love with Puerto Rico, so it was a no-brainer that the wedding would happen here. 

During their elopement research, I was so lucky to have been found by them. We set up a phone call, and within a week, we had already started the location and logistics planning process.

Wedding Day by El Morro, Old San Juan One of the Most Unique Elopement Places in the World.

On their wedding day, I met with Michael in front of El Morro so we could walk together towards the location. Unfortunately, our Plan A wasn't available for that day, as the gates were closed due to maintenance. The good thing about elopements is they're flexible, so I showed them around to a Plan B I had already in mind. On Michael's wedding location wishlist, we needed views of both the fortress and the ocean. I think we made it happen quite nicely! 

Eventually, the guests started arriving little by little. Finally, when we gave the cue that we were all ready, Yolimar arrived, escorted by her father. The Ceremony was performed by a close relative, so we kept it very intimate. When they were finally married, we were all so excited that Yolimar even had a spontaneous garter and bouquet toss right there. It was hilarious. After all the essential hugs and congratulations were exchanged, we moved to a shaded location for family and group photos. Afterward, everyone else left us for Yolimar and Michael's newlywed photos across Old San Juan. We finished by Castillo San Cristobal with a gorgeous sunset shoot that I'm still swooning about. 

I hope you enjoy this set as much as I enjoyed capturing it! 

xo,

Cami