husband and wife on the beach in puerto rico

Puerto Rico Wedding

An Intimate Celebration in Isla Verde

In mid-October, Tierra and Colten set off to say ‘I do’ amidst the sun-kissed paradise and soft sandy beaches of Isla Verde for their Puerto Rico wedding

Tierra and I met through a mutual friend. I had the pleasure of photographing their engagement session in Columbus, Ohio, where they expressed interest in my destination photography work and began to tell me about their plans for a wedding in Puerto Rico.

After sending them a personalized proposal for destination wedding photography, I got the amazing news that they wanted me to capture their big day—a dream come true! Tierra and Colten are incredible people, and I knew this would be the celebration of a lifetime. Isla Verde was the perfect setting for them to begin this next chapter together.

Puerto Rico Wedding Venue

They held their event at the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort, a stunning venue located right by Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, with easy access for all the family coming from out of town.

Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde offers four event spaces, with the largest area holding up to 200 people. They provide both indoor and outdoor ceremony locations to accommodate unpredictable weather.

This venue offered all the necessary amenities and more. They provided full catering services, event equipment, and supplies. Guests could also stay on-site and enjoy excursions like jet skiing, surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. In their free time, guests could drink a piña colada at the poolside bar or gamble in the casino.

In addition to all the amazing amenities on-site, the resort is only a quick 15-minute drive to Old San Juan, where you can enjoy the historical sites, stroll through the colorful neighborhoods, and enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop bar.

Not to mention, the iconic El Yunque National Forest is only a 30-minute drive away.

Tierra & Colten’s Beautiful Ocean Front Day

The day before the wedding, we met by their ceremony space to run through a rehearsal. This was the perfect opportunity to review the ceremony plans and layout of the area.

On the day of the wedding, Tierra got ready in the resort’s conference room with all her girls by her side, filling the room with warm laughter and high-spirited energy. Everyone made me feel so welcome that I suddenly felt more than just a photographer—I felt like part of the family.

Their day consisted of a first look with Tierra’s father and brothers, wedding party photos among the palm trees, and pre-ceremony drinks at the bar.

Afterwards, they held their ceremony against the stunning backdrop of Isla Verde Beach and had their reception on the Las Brisas terrace, a space with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Their loved ones gave tear-jerking speeches and then danced the night away with a bottle or two (or three).

In conclusion, Puerto Rico is the perfect paradise to host your destination wedding!