Ever since my first emails with Shay, I knew her wedding with José would be something special.

They were planning a destination wedding at Hacienda Azucena, one of my favorite hidden gems in the mountains of Río Grande. The hacienda’s elevated terrace, surrounded by lush greenery and sweeping views of the northern coast, makes every wedding there feel intimate, almost magical.

Getting Ready at the Hacienda Azucena

I started the day visiting José, who was getting ready in one of the hacienda’s open, tropical suites. The warm light filtered through the palm trees, wrapping the scene in soft green tones that balanced perfectly with his navy suit and brown leather shoes. He was calm but quietly excited, taking in the moment with his closest friends and family before heading to the terrace for a few portraits under the canopy of ferns and bamboo.

In another room, the atmosphere was serene. Shay and her bridesmaids, all in matching floral robes, filled the bright bridal suite with laughter and easy conversation. The room—white walls, natural wood floors, and sunlight streaming through sheer curtains—felt like an oasis of calm before the ceremony. Her elegant gown from BHLDN hung near the window, next to a beaded clutch and a hand-embroidered handkerchief with their wedding date. Those quiet details told so much about her style: timeless, sentimental, and effortlessly chic.

Hacienda Azucena: Ceremony with a View

The ceremony took place on Hacienda Azucena’s wooden deck, perched above the lush mountains. The space was framed by white drapery and greenery, creating a soft, romantic altar under the tall palms. As the music started, Shay walked down the aisle arm-in-arm with her parents, the sun glowing behind them in that perfect Puerto Rican light.

From my perspective, this moment captured everything I love about photographing weddings at Hacienda Azucena—the open air, the sound of birds in the distance, and the way the golden light brushes the couple’s faces as they exchange vows. When Shay and José looked at each other, their expressions said everything: deep love, partnership, and gratitude. Their vows were intimate and emotional, setting the tone for a celebration that felt personal and true to them.

Golden Hour Portraits Around Hacienda Azucena

After the ceremony, we explored the property for portraits as the sun dipped behind the mountains. The tropical gardens around the hacienda—lined with red ginger and palm trees—gave us the dreamiest backdrop. Shay’s simple gown and classic bouquet of white roses contrasted beautifully with the lush greenery, while José’s navy suit brought a timeless touch to their photos.

As the light softened, they shared quiet laughter between poses, the kind of genuine connection that makes a photograph come alive. It was one of those evenings where every corner of the venue felt like a postcard.

Dinner, Dancing, and a Touch of Tradition

When night fell, the terrace transformed into a cozy, glowing reception space. Candlelit tables and string lights created the perfect atmosphere for toasts and first dances. Guests enjoyed the cool mountain breeze, the sound of laughter echoing off the stone walls of the hacienda.

Later that evening, Shay and José ended the night with a friendly (and competitive!) Puerto Rican domino match—a nod to their playful spirit and local roots. It was the perfect way to wrap up a day that felt both elegant and laid-back, just like them.

xo,

Cami