Jen and John first bumped into each other (literally) in 2007 while playing for their college rugby teams. A few years and a graduation later, they reconnected while Jen was working abroad and kept in touch. That is, until she moved back in 2020, and they have been inseparable since. Six years later, they said “I do” at an adorable hacienda with Spanish-style architecture in the lush rainforest of Puerto Rico. 

“Puerto Rico is an absolutely stunning location, and we like it is an undiscovered gem for a lot of our family members,” Jen says. On top of that, not needing a passport and it being a short flight from the couple’s home on the East Coast made the island destination more than ideal. 

The venue choice came almost as easily as the destination itself. “We found our venue online through a Puerto Rico Destination Wedding Facebook group,” the couple says, “and chose it because of how unique it is.” 

Hacienda Siesta Alegre is a serene ten-room inn set amongst the El Yunque Rainforest. On top of its picturesque venue spaces, the property has a bustling equestrian program and non-profit rescue. How much more magical can it get?

With the sweetest venue locked in, the couple turned to their planner, Mariela with MGT Events, for next steps. Now, they can’t imagine how they would have made their wedding dreams come true without her. 

“She has strong relationships with the venue and all of our vendors,” the bride says. “She was able to navigate the entire planning process seamlessly.”

Even still, John and Jen made it a point to visit Puerto Rico and their venue twice before the big day, once by themselves and another time with Mariela and their parents. Importantly, the couple wanted to go above and beyond for their wedding goers.

“With so many guests traveling, the details and communication of these details are vital to help your guests feel comfortable,” Jen says. 

To simplify planning logistics, Mariela connected the couple with a fully local team of vendors who were already familiar with coordinating events at Hacienda Siesta Alegre. This way, when the wedding weekend arrived, it would be smooth sailing. But, of course, sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

“We had originally planned to use the outdoor ceremony space at the Hacienda,” Jen says, “but the rain came through just as we were getting ready to start. We switched to the covered backup space, and it ended up being such a wonderful, intimate space.”

Incorporating traditional Puerto Rican elements into their reception, John and Jen hired a lechon pig roaster, a Pleneros (traditional music and dance group), and a cigar roller. “They were all such a big hit with our guests!” Jen tells us. “They are still talking about those experiences.”

Looking back on their Puerto Rico destination wedding at Hacienda Siesta Alegre as a whole, the couple says one of the most special touches to them was having the photos of family members who have passed displayed. “Our signage company, Liliweds, helped set up a memorial table nestled in with the decor of the Hacienda,” the couple says. 

Through their stellar experience, Jen and John have become passionate advocates for traveling to and getting married in Puerto Rico. In fact, in the four months after hosting their wedding there, the couple tells us two of their wedding guests have returned for vacation, and many more have stated their intentions to visit again soon. 

Vendors: Photography: RC Zajac Photography; Wedding Planner: MGT Events; Venue: Hacienda Siesta Alegre; Florist: Lorraine’s Flowers; Second Shooter: Karina Rivera; DJ: Roberto Añeses (DJ Ment); Entertainment: Yuvi Plena, Prod Angeles-del-fin, CR Entertainment; Hair & Makeup: Neidaliz García; Stationery: LiliWeds; Cake: Cupkei Weddings; Bridal Gown: Grace Loves Lace; Groom’s Attire: Suit Supply