A Puerto Rican Event

Words by Courtney Cox
Photos courtesy of Shay Cochrane Photography

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Emily and Jonathan had the perfect wedding planning relationship: she knew what she wanted and he was along for the ride. “Jonathan just wanted to make me happy – whatever I wanted, he agreed,” says Emily. So what did this bride want? Easy: a destination wedding in Ponce, Puerto Rico. “I had always wanted to get married in Puerto Rico ever since I was a little girl,” says the bride. “I grew up visiting my family who lives on the island and couldn’t imagine a more beautiful place to tie the knot.”

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Another perk of their chosen locale, was the couple’s familiarity with the island. “Picking the location was easy!” says Emily. “Villas Mar Azure started as my family’s beach home, which was later converted into apartments by my aunt. The view from the westward-facing dock overlooking the bay is breathtaking. It’s the bay where my mom and her sisters swam growing up, where my cousins and I kayaked through the mangroves and where the ashes of my grandparents were spread.”

These two kept it in the family and everything from the planning to the details of the day was handled by the bride and her family. They collected shells and used them to create many aspects of the décor. The bride’s sister was also an instrumental player in making sure everything turned out perfectly. “Planning our wedding was completely stress-free thanks to my wedding planner/sister/maid-of-honor/overall queen of awesomeness,” gushes Emily. “She handled everything on our behalf…it was the happiest time of my life.”

These happy newlyweds have some final words of advice for other couples planning their own dream destination wedding: “Besides having a wedding planner who is familiar with the destination, I would highly recommend bringing your photographer. This way you can meet with them prior to the big day (engagement photos, portrait sessions etc.) and get to know them and ensure there is no language barrier keeping you from getting the photos you want.”

Vendors: Photographer: Shay Cochrane Photography, Wedding Planner: The Majestic Vision, Ceremony/Reception Site: Villas Mar Azure, Original First Dance Song: Written by Michael Dexter, Gown Designer: Anjolique Bridal, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Brooks Brothers, Bridesmaids/Groomsmens’ Clothing Designer: BCBG