Getting Ready



Preparación en el Hotel Four Points by Sheraton en Caguas


En la preparación de Michelle & Jean Paul hubo de todo! Muchas amistades y familiares les rodearon en esta parte, los detalles y decoraciones en sus habitaciones con globos complementaban en ambas. Por parte de Jean Paul sus mejores amigos estuvieron apoyandole en todo momento, entre el vacilón como decimos acá en Puerto Rico, se mantuvo en orden y hasta logramos sacarle una sonrisa al Novio, cosa que Michelle anhelaba, no quería que estuviese serio en las fotos. Pero lo entiendo perfectamente!, charlamos luego respecto a esto haha, y es que habemos personas que no nos gusta estar frente al lente. Y me incluyo! Pero poco a poco uno se siente cómodo ese disfruta esta parte y hasta pedimos algunas tomas en particular como fue el caso de Jean Paul! Ya luego de esto nos marchamos a donde la novia...


In Michelle & Jean Paul's preparation, there was a bit of everything! Many friends and family surrounded them during this part, and the details and decorations in their rooms with balloons complemented both of them. Jean Paul’s best friends were supporting him at all times, and amidst all the joking around, as we say here in Puerto Rico, everything remained orderly. We even managed to get a smile out of the groom, something Michelle really wanted—she didn’t want him to be serious in the photos. But I completely understand! We chatted about this later, haha, and it's true that some of us don't like being in front of the camera. And I include myself! But little by little, one feels comfortable, enjoys this part, and even asks for some specific shots, as was the case with Jean Paul! After this, we headed to where the bride was...

Bride in white robe and crystal crown poses by window with dramatic lighting.
Sparkling silver peep-toe bridal heels with ankle straps on wooden surface.
Groom in a black textured tuxedo with bow tie and floral boutonniere.
Getting ready photo of bride having makeup applied while laughing.
A delicate boutonniere with white roses and yellow flowers on a textured black fabric.
Close-up of groomsman helping pin boutonniere on suit lapel.
Collection of white rose boutonnieres with baby's breath arranged on grey textured fabric.
Bride lounges on bed with balloon decorations and bridal bouquet.
Bridal party in matching navy robes poses together before wedding ceremony.

Llegamos a la habitación de Michelle justo a tiempo! Ya estaban por terminar la parte de su maquillaje y aprovechamos a realizar algunas tomas. La novia estaba super emocionada, se podía ver en su rostro que todo lo que estaba ocurriendo en su "getting ready" era como lo esperaba. Hubo Champagne y un mini Brindis entre ellas y sus damas, se lo gozaron!

Y hubo una parte muy especial que nunca antes había visto en bodas anteriores y es que Michelle también tiene un hijo y quizo hacer un "First Look" entre ellos... mamá quería ver a su hijo listo para su gran día y pasar a escoltarla hasta el vehículo donde se irían, un momento lleno de muchas emociones. Por otro lado Jean Paul tampoco quizo irse sin realizar un "casi First Look", asi que subió nuevamente al piso donde estaba su novia y entre risas logramos captar un momento muy especial. Ya nos teníamos que ir pero aprovechamos a realizar algunos portraits de la novia de camino al lobby y nos fuimos al lugar de la ceremonia.


We arrived at Michelle's room just in time! They were just about finishing her makeup, so we took the opportunity to capture some shots. The bride was super excited; you could see on her face that everything happening during her "getting ready" was exactly as she had hoped. There was champagne and a mini toast between her and her bridesmaids—they had a great time!

There was a very special moment that I had never seen before at previous weddings: Michelle also has a son and wanted to do a "First Look" with him. Mom wanted to see her son ready for her big day and have him escort her to the vehicle they would leave in—a moment full of emotions. On the other hand, Jean Paul also didn’t want to leave without doing an "almost First Look," so he went back up to the floor where his bride was, and amidst laughter, we captured a very special moment. We had to leave, but we took the chance to do some portraits of the bride on the way to the lobby, and then we headed to the ceremony location.

Bride in lace wedding dress smiles radiantly during first look moment.
Emotional wedding first look moment captured in hotel hallway.
Joyful couple sharing a laugh during their wedding portrait session.
A romantic moment between newlyweds as they share their first kiss in formal wedding attire against neutral doors.
Playful wedding photo showing a bride in white gown peeking around a door corner.
A bride in white dress and veil descends stairs while looking at someone waiting below.

Ceremony


Ceremonia Jardin Botanico de Caguas, Isla de la Identidad



La ceremonia se llevó a cabo en un espacio singular dentro de el Jardín botánico. Y es que estuvimos rodeados por agua! Sin duda alguna uno de los lugares más bonitos de el jardín. La ceremonia fue corta y muy emotiva y nos dió tiempo de realizar un par de tomas de los ya esposos antes de ponernos en marcha hacia el lugar de la recepción.


The ceremony took place in a unique spot within the botanical garden. We were surrounded by water! Without a doubt, it was one of the most beautiful places in the garden. The ceremony was short and very emotional, and we had time to take a few shots of the newlyweds before heading to the reception venue.

Outdoor garden wedding ceremony with guests seated in white chairs and sage green bridesmaid dresses.
Wedding party walking across a teal-colored bridge with palm trees in the background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony under white fabric arch with couple exchanging vows.
Close-up shot of hands during wedding ring exchange ceremony.
A black BMW decorated with light blue ribbons for a wedding celebration.

Recepción al aire libre


Un toque rústico complementaba la decoración y el lugar. Familiares y amigos pronunciaron discursos de cariño recordando momentos importantes en la vida Michelle & Jean Paul. Después del primer baile y brindis llegó la hora de comer!


A rustic touch complemented the decor and the venue. Family and friends gave heartfelt speeches, recalling important moments in the lives of Michelle & Jean Paul. After the first dance and toast, it was time to eat!



Elegant wedding table setting with crystal stemware, gold napkin and blue floral centerpiece.
Three-tiered white wedding cake decorated with lace patterns and eucalyptus leaves.
An outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs and a tent canopy on a grassy lawn surrounded by palm trees.
Elegant wedding table setting with floral centerpiece, gold napkins and crystal glassware on lace tablecloth.
Round wedding reception table with white floral centerpieces, gold napkins, and formal place settings.
Formal round dining table with gold napkins, crystal plates and fresh flower centerpiece for wedding reception.
Black and white detail shot of bride and groom's feet on wooden boardwalk.
A happy couple poses after their outdoor wedding ceremony with white floral arrangements.
Newlyweds stand together on manicured lawn with a scenic pond backdrop.
Wedding couple shares a lighthearted moment on lush grounds with pond view.
Wedding couple stands on bridge over reflective pond surrounded by tropical landscaping.
Newlyweds celebrate on wooden boardwalk with tall palm trees in background.
Wedding couple poses on wooden boardwalk with towering palm trees overhead.
Close portrait of newlyweds in formal attire against tropical garden setting.
Intimate black and white portrait of newlyweds sharing tender moment.
A couple stands on a stone wall reflecting in a tranquil pond surrounded by lush gardens and tropical greenery.
A couple shares a romantic moment on a turquoise bridge with palm trees in the background.
A couple celebrates with joy on a wooden deck with tropical foliage in the background.
A couple shares an exuberant moment on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by palm trees.

Party / Fiesta

Esta vez no se lanzó el ramo, la novia fue picando las cintas que estaban envueltas en el, una a una hasta que la ultima es quien se queda con el ramo. les hice una petición a los esposos en realizarles algunas tomas adicionales en el Jardín a lo que los novios dijeron aceptaron antes que empezara la fiesta y llegara los pleneros...


This time, the bouquet wasn’t thrown. Instead, the bride cut the ribbons wrapped around it one by one until the last one standing kept the bouquet. I asked the newlyweds if we could take a few additional shots in the garden, and they agreed before the party started and the “pleneros” arrived...

A group of guests reaches up to grab ribbons during a festive wedding reception celebration.
Illuminated LED dancers perform at a nighttime wedding reception under string lights.
Performers in glowing winged costumes entertain guests at an outdoor wedding reception.
LED wing performers create a magical light show during an outdoor evening wedding celebration.
A performer in illuminated costume dances at night under a white tent during wedding festivities.
An illuminated angel-like performer entertains wedding guests with glowing wings at an outdoor reception.
A joyful couple dances at their wedding reception, with the bride wearing iridescent fairy wings and a white gown.

Le agradezco a Michelle & Jean Paul por darme la oportunidad de poder realizarles las fotografías de su gran día y tener el privilegio de poder conocerles.


I want to thank Michelle & Jean Paul for giving me the opportunity to photograph their big day and for the privilege of getting to know them.



Daniel Pagan Photography