This wedding was an exceptionally wonderful, beautiful, amazing, incredible, inspiring, yet difficult wedding for me. Jackie and Andrew’s Puerto Rico wedding took place at Hacienda Siesta Alegre, the venue at which I had planned my dream wedding that was to take place just a few months ago. If you follow me, you know Antonio and I had to cancel our wedding because of Hurricane Maria, which was a heartbreaking experience for me as a wedding professional.

Leading up to Jackie & Andrew’s Puerto Rico wedding, my friends and family asked me constantly if I would be ok photographing a wedding there, how I would handle it, etc. To be honest, I wasn’t sure. I knew that I would be professional and composed. I mean, that’s just how I roll. But I wasn’t sure how the experience would really make me feel.

Tbh, I teared up a few times throughout the day. I visualized my plans and my decor and my family and friends constantly. I know they all would’ve LOVED it. But, despite those very few and very quick moments of sadness, I felt so loved and supported and included and welcomed throughout the entire day. Not just because Antonio was there shooting with me, but because Jackie and Andrew and their friends and family are so wonderful. Most of them knew my story and greeted me with hugs and kind words, which was so special for me.

Photographing Jackie and Andrew at Hacienda Siesta Alegre was the single most wonderful wedding of my career. Being part of such a gorgeous wedding at my dream venue with such a fun and loving couple at such a significant time in my life is something I’ll never forget. That’s probably why these photos are some of my most favorite wedding photos ever.

Jackie + Andrew’s Puerto Rico Wedding Photos

Hacienda Siesta Alegre is, like, the most gorgeous venue in the world (I may be biased, but whatever). It’s an old, Spanish style hacienda in the middle of El Yunque rainforest. Everywhere you look, you’re greeted with mountain views. It’s full of tropical plants and coqui. Its open air design, old world architecture, and twinkle lights make it feel like something out of heaven. It’s such a dream.

Their first look was so sweet and gorgeous and in the perfect location. Just look at their faces. That’s some serious freaking love right there. *cue the tears*

Although Jackie and Andrew are PURE CLASS, we had to throw in a bit of “gang shit.” It wouldn’t have been a proper Miami-Cuban-Puerto Rican celebration without it.

Get ready for those tears again. HOW GORGEOUS IS THIS CEREMONY AREA?! And how cute are Jackie and her dad?

Ok, now let’s talk about this decor. I mean, WHAT. How is it so pretty? Can I just live there forever?

Ok, now it’s time to party. And, damn, this crowd knows how to party. They KILLED the dance floor, and I don’t think a single person let the rain showers stop them.

Ok, so just when you think it’s over…

IT’S NOT!

A few days after the wedding, Jackie and Andrew got all dressed up again, hopped in my rented mini van, and trekked into the wilderness with me and Antonio. We stopped at a gorgeous beach, ran through the rainforest, hung out beneath towering bamboo shoots, played with stray dogs, and even did some rock climbing. Yes, Jackie scaled huge boulders in her wedding dress…LIKE A CHAMP. And she looked damn good doing it, too.

Jackie, you have no idea how happy I am that we randomly met on Facebook, that you chose to put your trust in me and my photography, and that, despite everything Mother Nature put us through, I was able to share in your and Andrew’s epic Puerto Rico wedding. You two have such a deep, obvious love and I wish you both continued laughter, adventure, and happiness. And, a whole lot more gang shit.

xoxo,

E

Shoutout to the following vendors who helped make this dream wedding come to life:

Venue: Hacienda Siesta Alegre

Planner: Sonia Medina

Florals: DOBA Miriam Dobano 

Catering: Nilsa Colon Creative Chef

DJ: Big J Music

Cinematographer: The Film Writer

Cake: Granito de Azucar

Photo Booth: Pixealo

Hair & Makeup – Melonie

All photographs by Erica Kay Photography