Old-World Elegance on Puerto Rico’s Caribbean Coastline

Writer: Veronica Gonzalez Matos

Date: February 2, 2025

Location: Royal Isabela, Puerto Rico

Time of planning: 12 months

Number of guests: 60

Setting: Spanish Mediterranean-inspired Estate

Season: Winter

Wedding Coordination : Island Life Events PR

** vero cover the bus transporting guests / maybe welcome event

Set against the backdrop of Royal Isabela’s dramatic cliffs and sun-drenched stone architecture, Natalia and Timothy’s wedding design evoked the effortless beauty of the Carribean coastline.

A Bridal Morning to Remember

Natalia began her day in the dreamy casitas of Royal Isabela, a Mediterranean-inspired sanctuary perched above Puerto Rico’s rugged coastline. With sweeping ocean views, private pools, and spacious interiors wrapped in Spanish-style elegance, it was the perfect hideaway to savor the calm before the celebration.

Joined by her best friends and her mom, Natalia enjoyed a relaxed and joy-filled morning—complete with a delicious breakfast and endless laughter. The group took playful photos on the bed, lounged by the tub, and soaked in the beauty of the moment outdoors, all while getting ready in their white robes with radiant energy and ease.

Before slipping into her dress, Natalia shared sweet moments with her beloved dogs during a portrait session and took time to quietly reflect as she handwrote her vows. When we arrived to greet her, she was glowing—present, joyful, and perfectly at peace. The morning captured everything a destination wedding in Puerto Rico should be: effortless, intimate, and unforgettable.

Thoughtful Touches & Cultural Layers

From the very beginning, Natalia and Timothy wanted their guests to experience the richness of Puerto Rican culture—beyond just the breathtaking views. Their wedding day began with a joyful ride on a traditional chinchorreo-style school bus, which transported guests from Rincón to Royal Isabela. With music playing and laughter echoing, the journey itself became part of the celebration. Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with fresh coconuts from Coco la Nieta, a charming local vendor who hand-served each sip straight from the source. It was the perfect island greeting—refreshing, festive, and filled with heart.

A Celebration of El Campo – Puerto Rican Countryside Destination Wedding

Writer: Veronica Gonzalez Matos

Updated: July 15

Location: Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Time of planning: 12 months

Number of guests: 160

Setting: Hacienda

Season: Summer

Wedding Coordination: Island Life Events PR

Alyssa and Yonas’s wedding was an “El Campo”-inspired tropical dream nestled in the lush beauty of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. This destination celebration was not only visually breathtaking, but also rooted in local culture, sustainable sourcing, and a deep appreciation for the land.

Love, Nature, and Connection

Alyssa, a thoughtful and detail-oriented Operations & Supply Chain Manager in the spice industry, and Yonas, a Product Manager with a warm presence, envisioned a wedding that felt intentional, meaningful, and beautifully in tune with Puerto Rico’s natural richness.

Their day was built around their shared love for food, music, and vibrant culture—with sustainability and Puerto Rican pride at its core. The design emphasized fresh, local elements: from florals to produce, everything told a story.

A Wedding with Roots

In collaboration with a local agricultural consultant, Antonio Rosa, we worked closely to source all fruits, vegetables, and flowers used in the design from Puerto Rican land. The planning team and vendor partners even visited la finca de Doña Rosita in Moca, where they hand-picked many of the blooms and centerpiece fruits used throughout the event.

The bride’s bouquet was a true work of art—crafted using fragrant azucenas (lilies) grown by the renowned flower cultivator from Santurce, a legendary figure in the world of Puerto Rican floriculture. These aromatic white lilies, native and nearly exclusive to the island, were a deeply symbolic and elegant choice.

In honor of Alyssa’s profession in the spice world, elements of Puerto Rican achiote (annatto) were subtly incorporated into the wedding décor and detail elements. Alyssa even harvests achiote herself, so this inclusion added a unique and personal layer to the celebration.

The floral palette for Alyssa and Yonas’s wedding was a bold celebration of island flora, blending the exotic beauty of white and pink torch gingers with the sensual textures of velvet and sexy pink heliconias. Accents like banana bunches, banana flowers, and pepitas de coco (coconut husks) added depth and authenticity, while tropical greens such as arecas and palmas brought a lush, untamed feel. The result was a setting that felt more like a tropical botanical exhibition than a traditional wedding—organic, immersive, and absolutely stunning. We hope future couples draw inspiration from Alyssa and Yonas’s vision, a vibrant reminder that Puerto Rico offers everything needed for a wedding that is as ethical as it is exquisite.

A Feast of the Land

The menu was a true farm-to-table experience, showcasing the richness of Puerto Rican harvests through thoughtfully sourced ingredients from across the island. Yautía and hoja wraps came from Salvador Coleman at Finca Caribe in Yabucoa, while breadfruit (panas) arrived from Don Benjamín in San Sebastián. The lechón was sourced from La Ceba, fish was freshly caught by Tommy Forte, and chicken provided by To Rrico. Beef came from Hacienda Alvarado, pumpkin from Don Bilin in Moca, and coconut from Billares del Este in Río Grande.

Each bite carried the essence of the island and the dedication of its farmers. The culinary team transformed these ingredients into dishes that not only nourished the guests but also told a powerful, rooted story.

The wedding cake was made by the incredible sweet masters at Eat Dunda. A unique and decadent creation, it featured a moist orange and olive oil base filled with luscious papaya compote. The cake was frosted with a rich toasted butter icing and decorated with non-toxic edible flowers, all locally grown at El Josco Bravo, Proyecto Finca Culinaria in the town of Canóvanas, Puerto Rico. It was a stunning and delicious tribute to Puerto Rico’s bounty.

Final Notes

From the thoughtful sourcing to the vibrant atmosphere, Alyssa and Yonas’s wedding was a celebration of love rooted in the land and culture of Puerto Rico. Their day reminds us that destination weddings can be both luxurious and sustainable, personal and communal.

If you're dreaming of your own Puerto Rican wedding, our team would love to help you bring your vision to life—from creative planning to culturally rich design.

Let’s create something beautiful together. 🌿💍

Looking to Get Married in Puerto Rico?

If you're dreaming of your own destination wedding in this paradise, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. From personalized touches to seamless planning, we’re here to make your journey as beautiful as your big day. 💕 Let’s create something unforgettable together! 🌴✨

Island Life Events - Puerto Rico

Planners+ Designers+ Creative Studio

Phone/WhatsApp: 939-222-9549

Email: ileventspr@gmail.com

Pricing Guide

Book Your Free 30 Minute Consultation Today

.

Dream Team Vendors Behind the Wedding Magic ✨💍

Event Coordination + Decor Design: @islandlifeweddings 🪄🎨

Photographers: @twoisbetterpr 📷🖼️

Florals: @ginovaflowers 🌺💐

Cake: @eatdunda 🍰🍓

Venue: @haciendasiestaalegre 🏰🌿

DJ: @highsetupofficial 🎧🔥

Printer: @nchicdesignspr 🖨️✒️

Catering: @chefvivoni 🍽️👨‍🍳

Live Musicians: Grupo Cassanova 🎻🎤

A Tropical Destination Wedding Masterpiece at Hacienda Siesta Alegre

Location: Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Time of planning: 12 months

Number of guests: 100

Setting: Hacienda

Season: Summer

Wedding Coordination: Island Life Events PR

Samantha and Siegfried’s wedding was a destination tropical wedding masterpiece, set against the breathtaking landscapes of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. With lush greenery, vibrant details, and heartfelt personal touches, their celebration perfectly balanced elegance and cultural charm. From oysters and caviar to Puerto Rican-inspired cuisine and espresso martinis, this wedding was a feast for the senses and a testament to timeless love.

A Glimpse Into Samantha and Siegfried

Samantha and Siegfried are the epitome of a modern, adventurous couple with a shared love for meaningful experiences. Samantha, a poised project manager with refined taste, and Siegfried, a tech consultant known for his thoughtful surprises, envisioned a wedding day that celebrated their bond while embracing the natural beauty and cultural richness of Puerto Rico.

Their wedding vision—romantic, intimate, and international—came to life in every detail, from the neutral, nature-inspired colors to tropical calla lilies at the reception. With priorities focused on delicious food, drinks, and unforgettable music, their day was nothing short of spectacular.

A Bridal Morning to Remember

Samantha began her day at the stunning Hacienda Siesta Alegre, a Spanish architectural gem nestled at the foot of El Yunque Rainforest. Surrounded by antique mirrors, wood pillars, and lush tropical views, Samantha exuded timeless elegance in her feathered robe as she prepared for the day.

Before the ceremony, Samantha had a private moment to admire the tablescapes, a fusion of tropical and romantic elegance featuring white blooms, papayas, coconuts, and lush greenery. It was a magical preview of the unforgettable evening ahead. The morning turned even sweeter when Siegfried surprised Samantha with a Cartier necklace and bracelet, a thoughtful gift that captured the essence of their special day

A Romantic Ceremony in Paradise

Under a picturesque trellis overlooking the rainforest, the enamored couple exchanged heartfelt vows. The ceremony was intimate and whimsical, with white flowers, green and Amaranthus adorning the altar, reflecting their preference for timeless beauty. Guests were moved to laughter and tears as they witnessed this touching moment. Following the ceremony, the couple got legally married with an officiant online in the cozy bridal suite, marking the official beginning of their journey as husband and wife.

Cocktail Hour Bliss

The cocktail hour was a celebration of tropical flavors and lively vibes. Guests sipped on piña coladas & crafted cocktails from HSA's bar. They indulged in decadent hors d’oeuvres, such as dates filled with pistachios wrapped in bacon and lamb meatballs with local honey and gorgonzola cheese catered by the skilled Chef Yamira from YOP Banquets.

The guests enjoyed live tropical jazz music from Eduardo Zayas, that set the perfect tone for the evening. Meanwhile, the newlyweds took pictures by the fireplace and the fountain with their family and friends.

Culinary Experience: Indulging in Puerto Rican Flavors

Guests were treated to an opulent oyster and caviar bar, complete with crispy tostones for a tropical twist. A seafood station showcased fresh scallops, sea bass, cod fish, & shrimp, expertly prepared and infused with vibrant island flavors. The menu effortlessly combined sophistication with local culinary traditions, creating a feast that delighted every palate. A dedicated rice with pigeon peas & pork belly station celebrated Puerto Rican staples.

We partnered with the top dessert chefs of Eat Dunda to create a stunning spread featuring a custom two-tier vanilla cake, mini gluten-free treats, cheesecakes, truffles, and cookies. The display was beautifully styled with elegant plates and floral accents, adding a touch of sophistication to the celebration. The highlights included mini manchego cheesecakes with walnuts and strawberry-red wine jam and the Tarta de Santiago with goat cheese cream, lavender, and olive oil.

A Reception of Tropical Elegance

This tropical wedding reception seamlessly blended Caribbean flair with modern luxury. The tablescapes, beautifully brought to life by Lorraine's Flowers, adorned with papayas, coconuts, candles, and anthuriums, complemented the lush surroundings of Hacienda Siesta Alegre, while romantic draped runners and custom square signage designed by our team at Island Life Events PR added a contemporary touch.

Our team surprised the couple with a custom creation: a stunning 24-inch wide by 72-inch long bow designed to adorn the fireplace. Paired with elegant calla lilies and cascading hanging amaranthus, it added a modern and sophisticated touch to the display. Guests dined amidst the stunning décor, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that captured the essence of their destination wedding in Puerto Rico.

Dancing, Champagne, and a Poolside Party

As the sun set, the DJ turned up the energy, and the reception transitioned into an unforgettable party. Samantha and Siegfried led the way, their joy contagious as the dance floor filled with friends and family. The night’s highlights included a sparkling champagne tower, cake cutting, expresso martinis, cigar bar, coffee cart, phone to leave messages and a spontaneous dive into the pool, with guests joining the couple for an impromptu splash.

The laughter and carefree joy of that moment epitomized the spirit of their celebration. The evening concluded with a grand sparkler send-off, leaving everyone in awe of the magical day Samantha and Siegfried had created.

A Celebration to Remember

Samantha and Siegfried’s wedding was more than an event; it was an experience filled with love, culture, and breathtaking beauty. Their day reflected the charm of Puerto Rico, from the vibrant tropical décor to the rich local flavors. As the night ended and the newlyweds began their next chapter, their wedding left a lasting impression on everyone who attended. It was a celebration of love, family, and the unforgettable magic of a destination wedding in Puerto Rico.

Looking to Get Married in Puerto Rico?

If you're dreaming of your own destination wedding in this paradise, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. From personalized touches to seamless planning, we’re here to make your journey as beautiful as your big day. 💕 Let’s create something unforgettable together! 🌴✨

Island Life Events - Puerto Rico

Planners+ Designers+ Creative Studio

Phone/WhatsApp: 939-222-9549

Email: ileventspr@gmail.com

Pricing Guide

Book Your Free 30 Minute Consultation Today

.

.

.

Dream Team Vendors Behind the Wedding Magic ✨💍

• Event Planners + Creative Vision + Signage Design: @islandlifeweddings 🪄🧙🏼

• Photographers: @twoisbetter 📷🖼️

• Venue & Bar: @haciendasiestaalegre 🏰🍹

• Catering: @yopbanquets 🍴✨

• Sweets: @eatdunda 🍰🍓

• DJ: @deejayspr 🎧🎶

• Musicians: @zayaz_music 🎻🎤

• Sparklers: @pr.fireworks 🎆🌟

• Flowers: @lorrainesflowers 🌺🌿

• Hair & Makeup: @angelrodzmakeup 💄💋ྀི

• Coffee Station: @tomacafepr ☕

• Transportation: @fivestar 🚐✈️

• Printer: @fullhousegraphic 🖨️🖋️

videos filmed by Eloia Films