We arrived in San Juan Tuesday May 12 for a few days of sightseeing before photographing a wonderful wedding. April and Steve were joined by 90 friends and family members from the Pittsburgh area for their wedding at the El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico.The weather was tropical and breezy and the setting couldn't have been more perfect. April brought her couture gown and shoes (Manolo Blahnik's from Sex in the City-the movie) along with destination tuxs for the guys.
They had a rehearsal party on Friday night at the Mirrador Terrace featuring roasted suckling pig, skewers of swordfish, grilled chicken, penne pasta w/tomato pesto and for dessert Tres Leches a Dessert. Entertainment included a DJ and Puerto Rican dancers who had everyone on the dance floor practicing their steps!
Saturday morning everyone gathered for a group photo with their wedding weekend tee shirt. Afterwards everyone either relaxed on Palomino Island for a few hours of swimming and sunbathing or hung out at one of the many pools, hot tubs and infinity pools surrounding the resort.
Their wedding took place in the Casitas Garden overlooking the Caribbean. The girls wore ocean blue and guys were island sand.
There was a tropical breeze blowing and the ceremony concluded just before sunset.
The guests headed over to Trellises for cocktails and hor d'oeurves.
After a few family photos, it was off to the Pablo Casels Ballroom for their reception. It was fabulous! The room was draped with sheer fabric which glowed with pin lighting.
Their cake was spotlit with soft blue lights and they had trees lit with candlelight surrounding their table and tall vases of flowers decorating each table. Their sit down dinner featured Shrimp cocktail, Ensalada Romana, Lemon Sorbet, El Conquistador Signature Entree, chocolate shells with chocolate mousse, fresh fruit, Coulis and traditional Ruerto Rico wedding cake. Their guests danced to a 7 piece band with 3 singers who played a variety of music to the enjoyment of their family and friends.
Sunday morning everyone was treated to breakfast at Casitas Cafe at their leisure. Most guests again headed off to swim, horseback ride or to excursions around the resort. We joined April and Steve at Palomino Island for a few photos in the in the surf with her wedding gown and Steve in casual khakis and cotton shirt. Another gorgeous day!
Afterwards we went on to the rainforest and did after dark kayaking at the BioLuminescense Bay. Monday morning came way too quick as we had to pack and head home! Many thanks to April and Steve and their families for treating us as guests and for the privilege of photographing this once in a lifetime event.
