Puerto Rico is an incredible beautiful and tropical place. It has pristine beaches and colorful cities, waterfalls and rainforests. Pretty much anything you’re looking for, you can find there. It was the perfect place for Carly and Jacob who were looking for something totally unique, but didn’t require a passport. They chose to get married in city of San Jaun, which is full of history. There’s pastel buildings, blue cobblestone streets, and amazing flowers everywhere you look. They were joined by 30 of their closest friends and family at the historic El Convento Hotel to celebrate their wedding day.

The Hotel el Convento is a stunning place to get married. In addition to its striking yellow exterior, there are black and white tiled floors, colorful wall murals, open air courtyards, and plants everywhere. While taking photos of Carly’s dress at the beginning of the day I actually ran into one of the gardeners that told me a bit about her love for keeping the place so lush. She was so passionate, it was clear she loved her job.

Carly and Jacob got ready separately with the members of their wedding party before doing a private first look. First looks are so wonderful because they also give the couple a few minutes alone before being swept up in the whirlwind that makes up a wedding day! Doing a first look meant we also got almost all of the photos done pre ceremony allowing Carly and Jacob to be a part of cocktail hour and the reception without being interrupted.

After a perfectly intimate ceremony with personal vows on one of the hotel’s terraces, it was time to celebrate! Everyone gratefully retreated to the air conditioned (Puerto Rico in July is no joke) reception room. The rooms walls had been painted by Antonio Martorell adding amazing flare to the room and reception. Jacob is color blind and is only able to see bright colors so the couple had tried to incorporate as much color as possible into their day. It turned out amazing, Puerto Rico is definitely a place where color is no short supply!

The couple danced the night away with their guests. There can be a misconception that you don’t get a party with a small wedding, but that is totally not true! The dance floor was never empty and not a single guest left before 10pm. It was a true celebration filled with joy. After all- if you’re willing to travel over 2000 miles to be with someone on their wedding day, you must really love them.