This love story has been three thousand days in the making. Exactly. On February 11, 2017, Austin and Paula started a new chapter in their love story: day one of marriage. In picture perfect Ponce, they tied the knot at Jardín Japonés on top of a hill overlooking the historic town below. Paula was born and raised in Puerto Rico and traveling here for the first time, we’ve come to understand the caring culture that molded her to be the wonderful woman that she is. We felt it all throughout the wedding celebrations as her friends and family welcomed us as two of their own, even inviting us to the day after celebrations at a close family friend’s home.
Throughout the wedding weekend we watched as two families became one, fully welcoming Austin into their inner circle. Austin has shown himself to be a kind and loving partner for Paula and has clearly earned the trust of a close-knit family. It has been wonderful getting to know these two better and we’re honored to call them our friends.
The festivities started after the rehearsal on Friday night at an intimate, dimly lit restaurant. Laughter, love, and libations filled the air as the excitement for the nuptials built.
The wedding day began at the historic Ponce Plaza Hotel where the bridal party gathered to get glammed up.
Paula’s chauffeur delivered her to the ceremony in an elegant 1924 Ford Model T.
Off to Jardín Japonés!
The surprise of the day was that the father of the bride, Hector, not only gave her away but also performed the ceremonial rights to wed Paula and Austin.
Now it’s time to party Puerto Rican style! Provecho!
We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get out and explore the island a bit with these two. It provided plenty of time to get those stunning portraits without without taking much away from the wedding festivities. We decided on Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo, a beautiful lighthouse situated on some stunning cliffs on the southwest shore of the island.
Congratulations Austin and Paula! Thank you so much for the privilege of celebrating with you in beautiful Puerto Rico. We also want to thank your families for opening their hearts and homes to us. It was truly an honor and a privilege to be part of your wedding day. Salud to three thousand days of love already lived and salud to ten times three thousand more!