Romantic Mountain Elopement in Puerto Rico: A Wedding Photographer’s Dream

Mosquito net provided great composition.

     As usual, my website's SEO prompts me that I've received yet another lead. This time it was from a young lady named Corrin who tells me that she's looking to elope in Puerto Rico after being on the island for a few days with her fiancé, Ben.

     The inquiry actually came by way of Tim Blackford from Peace, Love, Weddings, one of the best wedding officiants in Puerto Rico. Tim and I go way back to my early days as a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico and hit it off almost immediately. Since then, we've kept in touch quite frequently and referred each other time and time again because we get along so great. When it comes to wedding officiants in Puerto Rico, Tim is usually at the top and highly sought-after; as a result, he's usually the officiant of choice at more than 75% of my weddings in Puerto Rico.

Cinematic and filmic

      To no surprise, Tim was actually the one who referred me to Corrin, who was on the fence about wedding venues in Puerto Rico. As is the norm, most people prefer a lovely beach setting with a nice Golden Hour sunset as their backdrop, but not Ben or Corrin. They came to town from Rhode Island escaping the cold winter and flirted with the idea of having an elopement up in the mountains with lush greenery and epic views instead. They landed on a gorgeous home in Orocovis, a city nestled right in the middle of Puerto Rico.

     As soon as they sent me the link to Airbnb, I thought it featured a lot of nooks and crannies that I could use to my advantage to create interesting portraits and have fun with composition as a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico; I told them to book it as soon as possible because of the high demand.

The Elopement Day: A Wedding Photographer’s Dream

Elopement in Puerto Rico

     The day of their elopement rolled around, and I had to leave my house at least two hours early because just to get to Orocovis was about an hour and a half drive for me. As a Puerto Rico elopement photographer, I sometimes enjoy gifting my couples at least an extra half hour of my time, not just to prevent stress from rearing its ugly head, but to also take some getting ready shots of them and put myself in a position to tell their story a lot more thoroughly.

     Ben received me at the top of the hill that leads to the home, shook my hand, and we started making small talk while I could catch a glimpse of Corrin through the glass windows writing her vows on the kitchen table. When I asked Ben if he had vows of his own, he simply turned to me and said: "I'm gonna shoot from the hip." His bold move paid off; his words were beautiful.

Glistening

     As promised, we started our session together taking pictures of the couple getting ready and helping each other do so. I also snuck in a few requested images of their wedding bands and rings in a small statue ornament in the living room, which benefited from nice, soft diffused light.

     Tim showed up shortly thereafter, and we got started on the actual nuptials. I positioned them with Tim's back facing the mountains as soon as I realized that the sun would play a huge role in our favor as my key light. Ben and Corrin were beside him facing each other, enjoying that gorgeous glow that came in through the clouds behind me.

Just us.

     Since this was an elopement and not a convoluted wedding, I began scoping the venue for places where we could take some creative portraiture and use the surroundings for composition purposes. For the next two hours, I took pictures of Ben and Corrin embracing, being sweet, and kissing each other, which is exactly what they desired from me.

     They were the most down-to-earth couple with which I've ever had the pleasure of working. Not once did they say 'no' to me and just went with every one of my ideas that popped into my head at the spur of the moment. The images show affection, intimacy, and romance.

Why Choose an Elopement in Puerto Rico?

Kiss me forever.

     I'm starting to think elopements bring out the best of me as a photographer, and I look forward to shooting many more. If you're considering wedding venues in Puerto Rico for your own elopement, feel free to shoot me a message via my contact form to schedule a consultation. There are countless wedding venues in Puerto Rico to suit your vision, whether you prefer a secluded beach, a historic hacienda, or a scenic mountain retreat like Corrin and Ben.

Book Your Puerto Rico Elopement Today

     If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico who specializes in capturing the magic of elopements in Puerto Rico, I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Contact me via my website’s inquiry form to schedule a consultation and start planning your unforgettable elopement experience!

The Power of Vendor Collaboration: A Wedding Photographer in Puerto Rico's Perspective

Quinceañera at Casa Club, Los Paseos, Puerto Rico

     As a destination wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, I’ve learned that one of the most fulfilling and fruitful aspects of the job is building strong relationships with other wedding and event vendors. These collaborations not only enhance the final outcome for clients but also create incredible opportunities for professional growth and business expansion.

The Backstory: Meeting Ana Agosto and José Master

Class and elegance.

     Towards the end of last year, I had the pleasure of working with Ana Agosto, an amazing wedding planner renowned for her meticulous attention to detail. Ana’s expertise isn’t limited to weddings—she also handles corporate events, which is how I got involved in an exciting project. She reached out because her event decorator, José Master, needed someone to document the behind-the-scenes magic of his process for a corporate event at the Sheraton Hotel in the Puerto Rico Convention Center.

     The moment I met José, our collaboration clicked seamlessly. We quickly found common ground and shared a vision for showcasing his stunning decorations. This synergy led to more opportunities: just a few days ago, José contacted me to photograph his decor for a quinceañera client. Of course, I eagerly accepted, knowing how much I enjoy working with him.

Why I Love Collaborating with Vendors Like José Master

Glass cake is a nice touch.

     Vendor collaborations are invaluable for photographers, and my work with José Master exemplifies why these partnerships are worth cultivating. Here are the top reasons I prioritize collaborations like this:

1. Building Long-Term Relationships

     Working with vendors opens the door to becoming their go-to photographer. For instance, my partnership with José has the potential to develop into a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship. He gets world-class photography to showcase his artistry, and I gain a consistent source of income between larger events like weddings at some of the most stunning wedding venues in Puerto Rico. This kind of relationship fosters trust and reliability, making every collaboration smoother and more efficient.

2. Efficient and Quick Assignments

     José Master values efficiency, which makes working with him an absolute pleasure. Typically, these assignments take no more than an hour of my time. I arrive, capture the shots I know he’ll love, and deliver professionally edited images within 48 hours (sometimes even faster!). This quick turnaround not only impresses clients but also keeps my schedule flexible for larger events.

3. A Chance to Hone Artistic Skills

     Collaborating with vendors like José provides consistent opportunities to refine my detail photography skills. From perfecting composition to experimenting with creative angles, each assignment helps me tell a compelling visual story. As a Puerto Rico wedding photographer, this practice is invaluable—it sharpens my ability to capture the ambiance and intricate details that make wedding venues in Puerto Rico unforgettable. These storytelling skills enhance my wedding photography, ensuring I deliver a complete narrative from start to finish.

The Broader Impact on My Career as a Puerto Rico Wedding Photographer

Tiara for a princess.

     Working with talented vendors doesn’t just benefit my portfolio; it enriches my career as a whole. Every project teaches me something new and allows me to connect with other professionals in the industry. These relationships can lead to referrals, collaborations on larger events, and opportunities to photograph breathtaking wedding venues in Puerto Rico.

     From the picturesque beaches of Vieques to the elegant ballrooms of the Sheraton Hotel, the venues I’ve had the chance to work in are as diverse as the clients themselves. Documenting José Master’s work has given me a deeper appreciation for the artistry and effort that go into transforming these spaces into dream settings.

Why Vendor Collaboration Matters for Wedding Photography in Puerto Rico

The stage is set.

     Puerto Rico is a hub for destination weddings, with couples traveling from all over the world to say their vows in this tropical paradise. To stand out as a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, it’s crucial to offer more than just beautiful images. Collaborating with vendors allows me to:

• Build a network of professionals who can recommend my services to future clients.

• Gain access to some of the most exclusive wedding venues in Puerto Rico.

• Continuously improve my craft by working with talented decorators, planners, and florists.

     Collaborating with vendors like José Master has been a game-changer for my business and my skills as a Puerto Rico wedding photographer. These partnerships not only lead to incredible projects but also provide a platform to grow, learn, and thrive in the competitive world of wedding photography.

     If you’re looking for a photographer who values collaboration and storytelling, whether it’s for your wedding, quinceañera, or corporate event, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s create something extraordinary together, capturing the magic of Puerto Rico’s most stunning venues.

Ten Must-Have Wedding Photos & How To Achieve Them

Angelique writing her vows at Copamarina Beach Resort

     Capturing the perfect moments on your wedding day is a top priority, and as a professional photographer in Puerto Rico, I’ve seen firsthand how the right photos can preserve the magic of your special day. Whether you're planning a Puerto Rico destination wedding or tying the knot on the stunning beaches of San Juan, these must-have wedding photos will ensure your memories are beautifully documented. Here are ten essential shots every couple should include, along with tips from experienced wedding photographers in Puerto Rico on how to achieve them.

The Getting Ready Moments
The getting ready phase is a wonderful opportunity to capture the anticipation and excitement of the day. As your Puerto Rico photographer, I recommend allocating time to photograph both the bride and groom as they prepare. These photos should include candid shots of the bride with her bridesmaids, the groom with his groomsmen, and the final touches like putting on the veil or adjusting the cufflinks. Puerto Rico wedding photographers often suggest scheduling this time when natural light is abundant to create soft, flattering images that capture the intimate details.

The First Look
The first look is a beautiful, private moment where the couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony. For couples who want a more personal experience, as a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, I always encourage setting aside time for this special moment. Position yourselves in a scenic, secluded spot with natural light, allowing the emotions to flow naturally. This candid interaction is one of the most touching photos and is cherished by couples who choose professional photographers in Puerto Rico to capture their love story.

Kfir & his boys during his Jewish destination wedding in Guánica, PR

The Ceremony Kiss
The first kiss as a married couple is a quintessential shot that no wedding album should be without. Puerto Rico wedding photographers know the importance of positioning and timing to capture this iconic moment. I always discuss with couples how to pace their kiss to allow time for multiple frames—holding it just a second longer can make all the difference. For a Puerto Rico destination wedding, consider a beachfront ceremony where the natural scenery complements this perfect moment.

The Confetti or Petal Toss Exit
Exiting the ceremony with a confetti or petal toss is an exciting and visually dynamic photo opportunity. As a Puerto Rico photographer, I recommend coordinating with your wedding planner to ensure all guests are ready and the toss is well-timed. Photographers in Puerto Rico are skilled at capturing these vibrant, joyful moments in a way that showcases both the couple and the energetic crowd. This shot is sure to be a standout in your wedding album.

Ceremony at the Courtyard Marriott Isla Verde

The Couple’s Portraits
After the ceremony, taking the time for couple’s portraits allows you to enjoy a few quiet moments together while creating stunning, timeless images. Puerto Rico wedding photographers often suggest using iconic locations like El Morro or a hidden beach for these portraits. A professional photographer in Puerto Rico will guide you through poses that feel natural and reflect your relationship, making the most of the island's breathtaking backdrops.

The Bridal Party
Fun and playful bridal party photos are a great way to capture the spirit of your friends and family on your special day. As a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, I love incorporating unique locations and props to personalize these shots. Whether it's striking a pose under the palm trees or laughing together on the sand, Puerto Rico photographers excel at creating memorable group photos that everyone will cherish.

Flower arrangement at a destination wedding at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in Puerto Rico

The Reception Details
Don't forget the little details that make your wedding uniquely yours. Puerto Rico wedding photographers are adept at capturing the beauty of your reception décor, from the table settings and floral arrangements to the cake and centerpieces. These detail shots are more than just pretty pictures—they're a way to remember the thought and care that went into planning your wedding. A professional photographer in Puerto Rico will ensure these images are captured in a way that highlights their beauty and significance.

The First Dance
Your first dance as a married couple is another key moment that deserves to be immortalized. Photographers in Puerto Rico often use a combination of wide and close-up shots to capture both the overall ambiance and the intimate expressions of the couple. For a Puerto Rico destination wedding, consider an outdoor dance floor under string lights for an added romantic touch that will look stunning in photos.

Couple's First Dance at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Resort

The Sunset Photos
One of the greatest perks of having a Puerto Rico destination wedding is the breathtaking sunsets that can serve as the perfect backdrop for your portraits. As a professional photographer in Puerto Rico, I always plan a time to sneak away with the couple for a quick sunset session. This golden hour provides warm, flattering light that enhances the beauty of the landscape and the love between the couple.

The Grand Exit
Ending your wedding with a grand exit, whether it’s through sparklers, a classic car, or even a boat if you're by the water, creates a dramatic and memorable final photo. Puerto Rico photographers are experts at capturing these dynamic exits in a way that wraps up the story of your day perfectly. A Puerto Rico wedding photographer will work with you to ensure the lighting and timing are just right, creating a cinematic and unforgettable end to your wedding album.

Nels and company getting ready 

     These ten must-have wedding photos are essential to capturing the essence of your special day. As a dedicated wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, my goal is to provide couples with a stunning collection of images that reflect their love, joy, and the unique beauty of their celebration. Whether you’re searching for wedding photographers in Puerto Rico or simply seeking inspiration for your wedding day, remember that every shot should be as special as the moment it captures.