A Romantic Old San Juan Couples Session | Destination Photography in Puerto Rico

Kaitlyn & Tanner

     When it comes to couples photography in Puerto Rico, few places offer the breathtaking scenery and rich cultural charm of Old San Juan. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Kaitlyn and Tanner, a young couple visiting from Mississippi, who wanted a session capturing the historic beauty of Old San Juan during golden hour. As a destination wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, I always aim to create unforgettable experiences for my couples, and this session was no exception.

Why Old San Juan is a Dream Location for Couples Photography

Green framing.

     Old San Juan is one of the most iconic photography locations in Puerto Rico, known for its cobblestone streets, colorful Spanish colonial architecture, and historic landmarks. Many couples choose this vibrant district for their engagement photos, anniversary sessions, and even elopements. The magic of golden hour photography in Old San Juan enhances the city's beauty, providing warm, glowing light that makes every photo look timeless.

     Kaitlyn and Tanner were staying at La Concha Renaissance Hotel, one of the best wedding venues in Puerto Rico. Although they loved their resort, they knew that Old San Juan's eclectic environment and vibrant energy would provide the perfect setting for their session.

Starting the Session at El Convento Hotel

Sucker for geometry.

     We began our session near Hotel El Convento, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious wedding venues in Puerto Rico. This luxurious boutique hotel, formerly a nun’s convent, features elegant Spanish architecture, lush courtyards, and romantic archways, making it a favorite for destination weddings in Puerto Rico. I hosted a wedding there at the end of 2024, and it remains one of my most memorable experiences as a Puerto Rico wedding photographer.

Exploring the Streets of Old San Juan

An Old San Juan classic.

     From El Convento Hotel, we walked down Caleta de las Monjas, a historic and picturesque street that offers charming backdrops for engagement and couples photography in Puerto Rico. The pastel-colored buildings, ornate balconies, and classic blue cobblestones create an intimate and nostalgic setting.

     We then made our way to La Rogativa, a well-known sculpture near the Governor’s Mansion in Old San Juan. Many destination wedding ceremonies take place here due to its stunning views and historical significance. Capturing romantic moments against this breathtaking backdrop made for a truly special part of the session.

Sunset Portraits at El Morro

What a way to end it.

     No couples session in Old San Juan is complete without visiting El Morro, Puerto Rico’s most famous landmark. The sprawling 16th-century fortress is a favorite among destination wedding photographers because of its dramatic ocean views and open fields that allow for stunning, natural-light portraits. As the sun began to set, I used my Godox AD100 Pro flash with an orange gel, mimicking the last rays of sunlight to create a dreamy, cinematic effect. This ended up being my favorite shot of the session, and Kaitlyn and Tanner were absolutely in love with the final images.

Book Your Old San Juan Couples or Engagement Session

     If you’re searching for a luxury destination wedding photographer in Puerto Rico or looking to capture romantic moments with your partner, Old San Juan is the perfect place. Whether you're newly engaged, celebrating an anniversary, or simply want beautiful photos together, I’d love to create something unforgettable for you.

     For inquiries about engagement sessions in Old San Juan, wedding photography in Puerto Rico, or destination wedding packages, reach out today. Let’s turn your love story into timeless imagery!

A Romantic Couple's Photoshoot in Old San Juan

Sai and Uha

     Puerto Rico is a magical place for couples looking to celebrate their love, and as a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, it’s always a delight to meet people like Sai and Uha, whose story added even more charm to my portfolio. The couple, visiting the island for just a few days, reached out to me last minute to capture their time in paradise. Without hesitation, we scheduled their session in the heart of Old San Juan, where the vibrant streets and historic backdrops provide endless opportunities for breathtaking photography.

It’s all about the details…

     We began the session at the picturesque El Convento Hotel, a historic venue rich in color and texture. Sai looked incredibly sharp in a sleek black suit, which paired beautifully with Uha’s dazzling red gown adorned with sparkles. Adding to their elegant look was a petite bouquet of three roses that became a simple yet striking prop throughout the shoot. Beneath the hotel’s canopy, the interplay of light and shadows created a dramatic ambiance that made their portraits pop.

A rose for a rose.

     From El Convento, we ventured to Caleta de Las Monjas, a cobblestone street steeped in history. The narrow alley, framed by colorful walls and wrought iron details, was the perfect place to create intimate images. As we moved through the street, Sai and Uha’s chemistry shone through, making my job as a photographer both easy and deeply rewarding.

Met at work; almost two years of marriage.

     Their request to include El Morro, Puerto Rico’s iconic fortress, was no surprise. However, I encouraged us to take a detour to capture moments along the way. Walking the streets of Old San Juan offered countless candid opportunities, from gentle laughs shared over the roses to quiet moments with the ocean breeze in the background. These spontaneous shots added a layer of authenticity to their gallery, showcasing their genuine connection amidst the vibrancy of Puerto Rico.

Au naturelle…

     As a Puerto Rico wedding photographer, I pride myself on adapting to my clients’ visions while weaving in my creative touch. At El Morro, I embraced the challenge of balancing Sai and Uha’s desire for classic fortress shots with my inclination for fresh perspectives. Using the sweeping landscapes and dramatic skies as our backdrop, we captured timeless images that truly encapsulated the essence of their bond.

The simpler, the better…

     The bouquet of roses became more than a prop—it was a symbol of the simplicity and beauty of their love. We used it to highlight certain poses, such as Sai gently holding the flowers while Uha smiled at him, and even as a playful element during candid moments. The red roses paired effortlessly with Uha’s dress, creating a striking color palette against the soft tones of the historic walls.

VOGUE-ing

     Old San Juan’s charm lies not just in its landmarks but also in its quiet corners. A secluded bench, a rustic doorway, or the reflection of light on cobblestones can transform a photograph into something extraordinary. Sai and Uha’s session reminded me why I love working as a photographer in this enchanting city; every corner tells a story waiting to be captured.

Make it interesting…

     When we finally reached El Morro, the expansive view was worth the walk. Against the fortress’s iconic stone walls and lush green grounds, Sai and Uha’s love took center stage. The light was perfect, casting a soft glow that enhanced the mood of their final portraits. It was the perfect conclusion to a shoot that blended elegance, spontaneity, and adventure.

Have fun with each other…

     Being a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico is more than just documenting special moments; it’s about connecting with people and helping them preserve their memories in meaningful ways. Sai and Uha’s session is a testament to the beauty of love and the magic of Puerto Rico as a destination.

Elegance.

     To couples considering Puerto Rico for your photoshoot, this island offers endless possibilities. Whether it’s Old San Juan, the beaches of Vieques, or the lush El Yunque rainforest, the options are as vibrant as the love stories I’m privileged to capture. If you’re looking for Puerto Rico wedding photographers who blend creativity with heartfelt storytelling, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make your moments unforgettable.

The must-have in Old San Juan

Strike a pose.

Making memories…

Make sure you always dip her.

Decanter Hotel & Old San Juan: The Perfect Backdrop for Bryan & Mary Luz

Ladies and gentlemen, the future bride and groom…

The Engagement Session in Puerto Rico

Bryan and Mary Luz met during the pandemic. Like many couples, they resorted to each other in difficult times which is a great starting point a wonderful friendship. Finding solace in a partner in the face of adversity can lay the foundation for an incredible romantic partnership. They hail from Connecticut but wanted to escape the continental U.S. to get married in Puerto Rico at La Concha Hotel in Condado, a venue that, as a professional photographer, I’m extremely familiar with. I shot one of my most complete weddings there last year with Carlos & Denise and memorized all of the great spots for pictures. I trust I can achieve the same results with these two lovebirds.

They flew in recently to Puerto Rico to secure the venue and we figured it would be a great opportunity to shoot their engagement session in Old San Juan, a city that is eclectic in nature and as colorful as they come. As a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, this happens to be one of my most frequented stops along my journey because the feeling Old San Juan provides is just otherworldly. You get the classic Spanish vibes mixed with modern nooks and crannies making it the perfect backdrop for an engagement session as a prequel to a wedding. Once the venue was secured, we proceeded to meet up at the Decanter Hotel across the street from El Convento, also a popular wedding venue in Puerto Rico.

What a tender moment…

Our first order of business was getting to meet in person. Believe it or not, we hadn’t even met virtually beforehand and I was looking forward to doing so. After getting to Old San Juan rather early for some grub, I asked Mary Luz if she’d be OK with me heading into the Decanter Hotel and taking some pictures of them getting ready together. Not only do I think it’s super cute but it just so happens to be one of my favorite parts of being a destination wedding photographer in Puerto Rico. Intimacy and romance is a combination I enjoy photographing and, being the hopeless romantic I am, it’s safe to say that it’s very near and dear to my heart seeing my couples interact with each other in an organic and authentic manner.

Not only did Mary Luz think it was a great idea but I showed up early since I tell all of my couples that, as a professional photographer, I’m always “annoyingly punctual” anywhere I’m requested in Puerto Rico. One of my reasons for doing so, regardless if it’s a wedding or elopement, is due to the fact that I enjoy a stress-free environment, something I take great pride in providing for all of my clients. When the doorman let me upstairs, I quickly made my way to the elevator and in a matter of minutes I was knocking on their door and shaking hands. Immediately I could feel a sense of togetherness and warmth and their vibe was definitely down-to-Earth.

How does this go again…?

As soon as we were done exchanging pleasantries, I went immediately to scout the room that they had rented and, although it was quite cozy, it did have a lot of natural light allowing me to capture genuine moments of them getting ready. Admittedly, Mary Luz was still wondering what dress to go with and, after comparing her original choice to a more yellow, sundress vibe we decided to go with a classic white sleeveless number. Bryan, on the other hand, opted to leave his suit jacket behind and stick to just a tie seeing as how it’s as hot as it gets in Puerto Rico.

Once I felt as though we had taken enough pictures to put together a solid prequel to their outing, we then proceeded to exit the premises but not before making a few pit stops along the way. First, I noticed the nice archways perfect for an engagement photography session. I maintained my distance as much as I could and snapped a few portraits of them for a safe distance (although I could hear them whispering sweet nothings into each other’s ears). We then took the elevator downstairs where we stumbled across the lobby garden I had seen on the way up; I knew that coming down I’d want to sit them there, specially when I saw we had it all to ourselves for a few minutes. There’s nothing quite like an uninterrupted session for an engagement photographer in Puerto Rico.

“Hi…hi back

I was actually surprised by the fact that the Decanter Hotel happens to be a solid choice for an engagement session in Puerto Rico. Their staff was welcoming, the rooms were easy to find, it looked like they had all of the amenities one might need and the overall ambiance of the place was extremely versatile during my visit. I wholeheartedly recommend taking a look at this and considering incorporating this as a wedding venue in Puerto Rico to some extent because it appears you have everything all in one place and could be a wonderful precursor as part of the portfolio to a wedding photographer in Old San Juan.

As fate would have it we made our way out into the hot streets of the city where we met up with Bryan, the Swiss-Army knife of my photography team and my chosen assistant for the day. I figured it’d be an excellent way to test my flash photography skillset by having him carry a monopod pole all session long with a Godox AD100 strobe at the end of it. Paired with my new Godox X3 trigger it was an absolutely breeze to shoot Bryan and Mary Luz and let them know what would be taking place for the foreseeable future. Dimming down the background a bit and then shining the light on this lovely couple made for a wonderful engagement session in Old San Juan that I shall not soon forget.

“Lights, camera…LOVE!”

I feel like I certainly outdid myself as far as creative lighting is concerned. That’s why I love a great engagement session prior to the wedding day because it allows for that outside-the-box mentality that’s required and not allowed for the most part during the bride and groom session at a nuptials ceremony in Puerto Rico. By having an assistant like Bryan shadow us around, I was able to take a step back and shoot from the cuff while not thinking too much and forcing my back against the wall to think on my feet.

We actually ventured to spots I normally don’t visit like Casa Blanca (admittedly, we sneaked in before the venue was open and took some of my favorite shots in their lovely green areas). The sun was steadily setting and we knew we were burning daylight but at the same time it was the perfect opportunity to capitalize on a combination of artificial and natural light which captivated our eyes and made for an amazing end to my session as a Puerto Rico engagement photographer. I’ll leave you now with what I think are some of the best flash photography I’ve taken. Remember that if you’d like to get together with me, you can simply click here and send me a message so that we can perhaps talk about putting together an epic wedding photography memory in Puerto Rico. Thanks so much for reading along and I’ll see you in the next blog! -F

Walk with me…

“Oh, hi there…”

Cheers to us.