Why You Should Hire A Wedding Planner FIRST

Courtyard Marriott Isla Verde in San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you are planning your wedding, you should consider hiring a wedding planner before a Puerto Rico destination wedding photographer. A wedding planner can help you make important decisions and take care of all the details leading up to your big day. They can help you choose your theme, vendors, venue, and even your dress. A wedding planner can also help you stay on budget and ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of your wedding. If you hire a wedding photographer first, they can only capture the moments that happen, but with a wedding planner, they can help create those moments, making your wedding day unforgettable. So, consider hiring a wedding planner before a photographer to make sure that your dream wedding becomes a reality.

As a professional wedding photographer, it may sound counterproductive to tell a client to hire them first, but in reality, a wedding planner should be the priority. Many couples believe that hiring vendors and booking venues are the first essential steps towards planning a perfect wedding. However, without a proper wedding planner, it can lead to added stress, overspending, and taking the fun out of planning your big day. By hiring them first, I can guide and advise my clients on the entire planning process, from the venue to the smallest details, and ensure that their wedding day exceeds their expectations. It is essential to understand that a wedding planner is not just an additional expense but rather an investment that will lead to a seamless and stress-free wedding day.

My ultimate goal is to capture the best possible memories for the newlyweds. However, I understand that it takes more than just my skills and equipment to make this possible. A great wedding planner plays a crucial role in creating the perfect environment for me to work in. Their expertise and attention to detail ensure that every aspect of the wedding day runs as smoothly as possible so that I, as a destination wedding photographer, can capture the most amazing moments for you. From the décor to the schedule, the wedding planner's effort allows me to focus on capturing all the important moments, both expected and unexpected. I am grateful for the partnership with the wedding planner and the trust that they have in my abilities to capture the joy and love that exists on this special day.

Courtyard Marriott Isla Verde in San Juan, Puerto Rico

As a destination wedding photographer, I understand that hiring a wedding planner may not be in everyone's budget for their big day. Planning a wedding on your own can be a daunting and overwhelming task. However, there are ways to simplify the process without the help of a professional planner. Begin by setting specific goals, establishing a budget, and creating a detailed timeline. Utilize online resources and seek advice from friends and family who have planned weddings before. Finally, on your wedding day, delegate tasks to trusted friends and relatives to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment to one another, and with a little creativity and careful planning, it's possible to have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.

If you have the wedding budget, hiring a wedding planner is undoubtedly the best decision you can make. It allows you to delegate all the necessary tasks to a professional who will take care of every detail, ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the big day. This will relieve you of all the stress and pressure and give you the chance to concentrate on the things that made you and your partner fall in love. You can enjoy the process of planning your wedding without getting bogged down by the nitty-gritty details. With a wedding planner's help, you can transform your dreams into reality while keeping your expenses in check. They will keep you on schedule, negotiate vendor contracts, suggest unique ideas, and help you navigate any unforeseen challenges. So, if you're looking for a hassle-free and unforgettable day, hiring a wedding planner is the way to go.

As an experienced wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, with numerous events under my belt, I have had the pleasure of working with some of the best wedding planners in the industry. I believe that it is essential to share their names with anyone looking to plan their big day. Each of these professionals proved their worth and delivered beyond expectation, creating an unforgettable experience for both the couple and guests. Their countless success stories and testimonials speak for themselves. I am confident that by sharing information about these planners, I can help others make the right choice and find their perfect match.

Krizia Díaz

Krizia Díaz is an exceptional wedding planner who has established her own event management firm in Puerto Rico. This proficient planner specializes in luxury weddings and promises to make your special day unforgettable. From the venue selection to the flower arrangements, she ensures that no detail is overlooked and everything runs seamlessly. In addition to weddings, she offers her expertise in organizing lavish birthday parties and upscale corporate events. If you demand uncompromising quality and an unparalleled sense of style, look no further than her event management firm for a truly splendid experience.

Ariadne Comulada

I can confidently say that Kaz Events is one of the best wedding planners with which I have ever worked. Her attention to detail and ability to handle even the most complex situations make her stand out in this industry. Ariadne has a way of making her clients feel at ease throughout the wedding planning process, from the moment they hire her until the day of the wedding. She is organized, efficient, and always willing to go above and beyond for her clients. Whether it's sourcing the best vendors or negotiating with suppliers to get the best deals, she always puts his clients' interests first. Her approach to wedding planning combines creativity, professionalism, and a personal touch, which ensures that every couple has a unique and unforgettable wedding experience.

Hayxanair Hernández

I have known this wedding planner for years, and she never fails to amaze me with her talents and dedication to her craft. With a vast array of clients, , she has become highly sought after in the industry. Despite her busy schedule, she always makes time for her clients and ensures that their weddings are nothing short of spectacular. From intricate floral arrangements to personalized table settings, she has an eye for detail that sets her apart from others. Her creativity and professionalism are unmatched, which is why she remains one of my go-to planner for any future events.

The Best Thing After A Destination Wedding in Puerto Rico Is A Surprise Marriage Proposal

Angelica said YES to Ivan! 💍

I’ve always believed that everything has an origin.

     Love has a mysterious way of creeping up on us when we least expect it. More importantly, it has the power to be cemented in perpetuity with one proposing the everlasting kind to another, seemingly out of the blue. This is why I am (and forever will be) a sucker for a great surprise wedding proposal. I’ve shot quite a few in the last couple of months and, after a wedding, it’s my favorite event to photograph for a few reasons I’d like to share. 

First and foremost, as a surprise wedding proposal photographer in Puerto Rico, I receive that initial, important phone call from a groom-to-be letting me know that they’re interested in getting down on one knee. This is an exciting moment for me because the first thing that pops into my head is that magical moment in which I forecast a resounding yes in my head; I can actually see the moment happening while manifesting it. Admittedly it gives me butterflies knowing I’ll have a front row seat to a couple’s forever.

That’s when the magic begins to happen.

For the most part, this is when the planning commences. A groom will usually already have a location in mind, one with which I’m very familiar for his surprise marriage proposal; if he has yet to land on a venue he likes, I’ll gladly suggest one that’s rich in scenery and mildly frequented. He, himself, has already chosen his ring and is comfortable with the idea of kneeling in front of his lady. What ensues is the logistics that will encompass that special day ahead. Location, timing and queues are all crucial in a successful outcome for me as a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico.

Dayana said YES to Ryan! 💍

Once the location is agreed upon, I take it upon myself to recall what the best spots for the action to happen are or scout the place a few days ahead to gauge a possible site. After this has been done, a day and time must be chosen in order for a Puerto Rico wedding photographer like myself to arrive about an hour early and decide my vantage point. This is paramount when it comes to surprise marriage proposals because of the fact that I must know everything from lighting conditions and sunset times to foot traffic and angles.

Then I wait patiently for the moment to arrive.

The last thing the groom and I must agree on is the queue: that ever-so-subtle signal that the moment of truth is around the corner. In the past, this has been done by a quick wink in my direction, a few rubs of their beard and even a fixing of the trousers! There are no limits to how I’m notified and it’s my job to be ready at all times. Sometimes the nerves get the best of the groom and I need to have that quick trigger finger on my camera to make sure I don’t miss it. Although this may very well be the most stressful situation a lover may encounter before their wedding in Puerto Rico, by no means is it easy on me. Fortunately, I’ve always stood my ground, kept a good, safe distance from the couple and snapped away some of the most precious moments of my career.

Tay said YES to Tife! 💍

Weddings to me will always ride shotgun when it comes to my photography; there’s no doubt about that. They are the pinnacle of love and hold a place near and dear to my heart. Surprise marriage proposals, however, although much shorter are just as sweet and heighten the passion for what I do. If you’re considering Puerto Rico as your surprise marriage proposal destination, please don’t hesitate to reach out and see if we’re a good match. Let’s make this happen…together!

Why I Never Shoot A Destination Wedding In Puerto Rico Alone

Two is company…

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     As fate would have it, any wedding in and of itself is overwhelming to a couple. Little do they imagine it’s the pinnacle of stress for the people tasked to document it. Don’t get me wrong, I love being entrusted to fulfill the task of commemorating someone’s special day but, from start to finish, it’s no cakewalk for us either. For this reason, and primarily this reason, is why I never show up as a destination wedding photographer in Puerto Rico alone.

1. Work Load

   Being part of a wedding is stressful; there’s no circumventing the pressure that comes with the job of wedding photographer. As a result, having someone with you from start to finish (or at least for the bulk of the festivities) takes a lot of heaviness from my shoulders. Weddings in Puerto Rico can become quite hectic which is why it always eases the tension of the amount of work required to capture at a wedding.

        Don’t get me wrong, I have absolutely no problem whatsoever shooting one alone. Do I really want to? No. That’s because I know I will have missed a few shots here and there and chances are it’s one for which the bride herself will probably never forgive me. Think about this for a second: the average wedding entails details, getting ready for both bride and groom, a first look, the ceremony, bride and groom session, cocktail hour, reception, etc. The thought of having to carry that load all by yourself is exhausting, let alone actually doing it. 

   Having a 2nd shooter comes in handy for a plethora of reasons the most important of which is knowing you have backup and you don’t have to do everything yourself.

Just the two of us…

2. Delegation

     Having a second shooter by your side at all times also gives you the ability to delegate. This, by nature, means that the photographer that you choose to accompany you will be provided with a certain amount of shots that you’d normally have to take yourself. This includes, but isn’t limited to: the venue, the details, the entourage, the lunch/dinner plates, etc. Although never less important, they help tell the story so that you can stitch it all together in post-production.

      Moreover, a 2nd shooter will almost always be able to capture the pictures that you would otherwise miss. Let’s face facts: you cannot be in two places at once. Sometimes things are happening in the pews and you’re nowhere near that side of the Church. Other times you’ll be requested to shoot both the bride and the groom getting ready simultaneously and this is where you can send your 2nd shooter to take care of one while you’re shooting the other. 

More often than not I’ll recover my SD Cards from all of my shooters (both photo and video) and, when I go to check the pictures that they’ve taken, I’ll know for a fact that there was no way I could’ve taken those images because I was somewhere else creatively.

Your turn…

3. Spotlight On You

I think that we can all agree that, when it comes to your destination wedding in Puerto Rico, you want most, if not all, of the attention to fall on yourself. And you know what? Rightfully so! It’s your wedding, not anyone else’s and I agree. When it’s all said and done, my galleries all include pictures of you and your partner 75% of the time. There’s a reason why this is the case.

You guessed it: because I brought a second shooter. You see, the main (and by far the most important reason) why I never shoot destination weddings in Puerto Rico alone is because of the fact that it allows me to place most of my attention on the bride and groom. That’s ultimately where we both want to be: you in front of my camera and myself behind it. Yes, the bride and groom sessions are paramount but what if I told you that I can make your entire wedding a bride and groom session?

You’d jump all over that in a heartbeat, wouldn’t you? Of course you would which is why I always include a second photographer in all of my packages regardless of the length and size of the destination wedding. If I can put myself in a position to succeed and provide you with more memorable moments of yourself and your other half, trust me when I say this: I’m going to do it.

We both get one shot at this: let’s do it right.

Puerto Rico: The Ultimate Wedding Destination

I Live Where You Vacation…

Before you even begin to say it, I’ll do it myself: I was born and raised here so yes, I’m a little biased. Now that the obvious has been stated, I’m still going to persuade you to choose me as your Puerto Rico wedding photographer. I’ll take this opportunity to deep dive into the reasons why you should make Puerto Rico your wedding destination outlined in my homepage.

1. It’s a U.S. Territory

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What exactly does this mean? Well, for starters, you’re technically not leaving the country (assuming you’re reading this in the United States) simply because Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. By being incorporated to the states we enjoy quite a bit of tourism because of the fact that we still cherish our former Spanish heritage which is still intact while also soaking up the benefits of being part of the U.S.

A nice perk that comes with this association is the fact that you don’t need a government passport to come on down; any government issued ID will do just fine. This means that you can come and go as you please without the need for visas and/or any fancy paperwork that could pose a threat to hiring someone like myself to be your destination photographer in Puerto Rico.

Another benefit of the island’s status has to do with currency. We use the dollar as the official unit which means that you don’t have to resort to any exchanges whatsoever. The good ‘ol buck extends its courtesy just fine and there’s no bother with figuring out if it’s gonna stretch as much as in the states. Sure, you might pay a little premium “tourism” tax (as I’m calling it) but you have the peace of mind knowing you don’t have to add another box to your travel checklist.

Umbrellas in Old San Juan…

2. Weather

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As if I have to even mention this one, weather is a humongous reason why folks pick me as their Puerto Rico wedding photographer. Having grown up on the island most of life, I can assure you that our winters are no less than 65 degrees in chilly days (usually morning and evenings). Although visiting the mountains can dip to the 40’s, the island is usually even keeled when it comes to climate, fluctuating between 75 and 100 degrees in some areas.

Granted, I don’t think that it’s even debatable: Puerto Rico wedding photography beats ANY of the continental states in terms of winter. Not surprisingly, most of my business comes during the winter months. I think this is largely due to two very important factors, the first being that folks just want to escape the cold months and the second being that they want an experience with a photographer in Puerto Rico to go hand-in-hand with the holiday season.

For fun, let’s think about this for a second: imagine all of the people that you’re inviting to your destination wedding in Puerto Rico. They’re probably going to get their invitations in the mail while having to bundle up just to walk to the mailbox. When they open it, they see a picture of you that I took as your wedding photographer in San Juan wearing nothing but a tanktop, shorts and sandals while they’re up to the necks in beanies, jackets and long johns.

Never a dull moment…

3. Venues

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If there is one thing of which you need not worry it’s definitely the location of your wedding destination in Puerto Rico. Having been in the industry for so long, I can attest to the fact that there are more than 30 extremely popular venues that can host weddings, big or small, cozy or lavish. I would even go out on a limb to say that there are spots in which I have yet to exercise photography in Puerto Rico.

A word I’d use to describe the vast amount of venues for Puerto Rico wedding photography it would definitely be eclectic. Puerto Rico has every kind of location for wedding photography imaginable, from villas on AirBnBs and huge Haciendas to restaurants and reception halls. Many of the most popular venues have a historic past such as Casa de España and Antiguo Casino and others are just otherworldly like Hacienda Siesta Alegre and the Vanderbilt Hotel in Condado, all places in which I’ve shot amazing weddings.

If you truly get down to the nitty gritty and start scoping out places as well as doing walkthroughs, there are about thirty venues that are consistently being booked because of their overall aesthetic and spacious landscapes. Don’t get me wrong: it doesn’t all have to be huge and luxurious. I’ve been known to shoot micro-weddings at smaller venues but they never disappoint. The sun is always shining, the breeze always blowing in your face and there’s nothing quite like saying “I do” in the most amazing place in the Caribbean.

See you soon!

Elopement or Destination Wedding: Which One Is Right For YOU?

Let’s decide…together.

Regardless of where you stand, your nuptials are going to be special. I first should lead with that because, in these times of uncertainty, it’s comforting to know you’ll have someone who has your best interests at heart. That’s me: my name is Francis and I’m a destination wedding photographer in San Juan, Puerto Rico. If you're coming across these words, chances are you’re also considering coming to this enchanted island for a coveted bride and groom getaway and you know what? I don’t blame you: this is paradise.

The question is: how will you be celebrating it?

This is where I come in. After being a photographer in Puerto Rico, I’ve had the privilege and honor of capturing some of the most grounded and fascinating couples to which list I would love to add you. In this short article I’ve prepared, I’m going to pinpoint the deciding factors of whether you should choose to have a cozy, intimate elopement with your closest friends and relatives or if you should go all out and have the wedding you’ve always wanted. I’ll be outlining some pros and cons of both for benefit; this way you’ll have the most important talking points clear before you reach out to me.

1. Planning

Let’s get organized…

It goes without saying but, for all intents and purposes, I will: it doesn’t matter if you go with elopement or destination wedding, planning is going to be crucial. Nuptials that are not well planned and shot from the hip are bound to be a disaster regardless of size. Granted, I think it’s safe to say that an elopement will require a lot less planning than even a micro-wedding (four hours or less). That does not necessarily say that you should wing it and be spontaneous on the spot either. In this section we’ll be discussing how planning is always going to be a part of the equation and how the tasks of putting together a timeline may ultimately affect the way you lean.

Elopements are much less convoluted than any style of wedding and rightfully so. An elopement is usually done on a whim and is something that comes naturally to couples. Partners who are more laidback and relaxed as far as their relationships are concerned tend to choose elopements over a wedding simply because they won’t want to get tangled up “in a hot mess”. Elopements are shorter and this require much less attention to detail as opposed to weddings. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that an elopement can be planned in literally a day if you do it right. All you really need is to book a flight to Puerto Rico (which can take minutes if you fly often), check out a venue you like and book a suite and finally hire an officiant to take care of business for you. That’s exactly what my couple Anthony & Joanna did when they paid me a visit at Copamarina last year. Fun fact: I was one of their witnesses! The extra mile can also be applied by asking just a handful of folks to tag along but, for the most part, the planning for elopements is easy, quick and should constitute no more than 10 people.

Weddings, on the other hand, is a whole different story. From micro-weddings to more lavish ones, the planning can be quite overwhelming depending on just how complex you’d like your special day. Based on my experience as a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, most couples usually resort to the hiring of a wedding planner to do all the heavy lifting. This takes a load off and makes the planning more enjoyable for the fact that you’re paying someone to do it for you. A wedding planner is tasked with most of the more important aspects of your wedding such as picking the venue, the photographer/videographer, DJ, catering, decor, etc. The list goes on and on depending on the magnitude of your special day but I’m sure you get the picture.

Choosing to put all of this on your shoulders can be a daunting feat but the good news is that you get to decide just how big that weight is since you’re in control one hundred percent of the time. Not delegating does have its benefits and one of those is being behind the wheel of the vision you’ve had in your head this entire time. This may prove to be useful if you’re in the business of not butting heads with anyone and prefer having a bird’s eye view for the day to come. Conversely, having that person by your side who is equally invested in you will go above and beyond to make that happen.

2. Investment

Money matters…

Let’s not cover the sky with your hand here: both options on the table will put a dent on your finances. From a simple, one-hour elopement to a ten hour destination wedding, either choice will not come cheap. This section isn’t about money as much as it involves deciding just how much you’re willing to invest in a day that will (hopefully) come once in your life. A few factors to consider when taking budget into consideration is your current financial state of affairs. If you’ve got a heavy mortgage, paying a premium on a luxury vehicle, up to your neck in student debt or simply lack the savings on which to fall back, then eloping with a handful of folks or, at most, having a micro-wedding is going to look like a viable option.

Like with all matters of life, there’s a flip side to every coin. If you’re one of those couples that has always wanted to experience getting married like royalty and/or you’re affluent enough that a few thousands wouldn’t matter as much then a full-blown wedding might just be up your alley. What exactly does that entail? Well, for starters hiring a solid planner to tie up loose ends is a good start. Right after that comes entrusting the documentation to a reknowned Puerto Rico destination wedding photographer like myself. If you’re willing to spend this amount of money to commemorate your big day, the last thing you want to do is to allocate that responsibility to someone not experienced enough to know what they’re doing. Details, getting ready, first looks, the ceremony, bride and groom sessions, cocktail hour and reception are all moments that you’re going to want to capture and coverage like that will not be inexpensive. Add to that the venue rental, catering, musicians, floral arrangements and all of a sudden you’re looking at a pretty penny.

At the end of the day, what matters is how you feel, not what you spent.

One thing is certain: money comes and goes. When it’s all said and done you have to check the wallet and ask yourself one very important question: if I’m going to do this only once, will I be happy with something low-key and modest or will I eventually regret not having the wedding of my dreams? Only you can answer that.

Whatever you choose, make sure it will make you happy.

Make it special…