Location: Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Setting: Cathedral ceremony and ballroom reception
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 150
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Ethereal, Old-World romance with a modern twist.
Two thousand fifteen, the stars aligned when Gladira and Juan Carlos crossed paths through a mutual friend. From that moment on, they became inseparable. Bonding over their love for electronic and soft house music, the lovebirds often competed to determine who curated the ultimate playlist. Music festivals held a special place in their hearts, and they were chosen to weave this passion into their wedding celebration. They are big foodies at heart and enjoy traveling to try out new restaurants and cool new bars.
The wedding locations and venue were integral to the wedding concept and vision. They chose old restored buildings for both the ceremony and reception to encapsulate the essence of poetic romance in the historic setting of Old San Juan.
The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, the second oldest cathedral in the Americas, set the stage for their ceremony. Its ornate decor, intricately designed ceilings, and stained-glass windows provided a fitting backdrop for the unfolding dreamlike soirée. The reception was hosted at Hotel El Convento, one of Old San Juan’s most iconic luxury hotels, originally a Carmelite convent dating back more than 375 years. Both venues inspired the couple to infuse their celebration with elements of old-world romance, etherealism, and a contemporary twist.
Gladira’s morning on her wedding day began in the hotel room, surrounded by her closest friends and her beloved dog, Jack. At this particular moment, they poured glasses of champagne, toasting to the upcoming day, which would be the happiest in Gladira’s life. Her main dress featured elongated bell sleeves, making a bold fashion statement. She opted for a sleek ponytail adorned with a satin ribbon, accompanied by a simple bouquet of three long-stem white roses.
Her friends couldn’t contain their joy when Gladira donned her magnificent wedding dress. They were so emotional and happy as they witnessed their dear friend transform into an actual princess. They were ecstatic, admiring this magical moment and feeling proud of their friend, who looked incredibly beautiful on this special day of her life.
Juan Carlos’s morning unfolded similarly, surrounded by his closest loved ones. He sat down to write his wedding vows, filled with joyful anticipation for the moment he would have the chance to recite them to his beloved.
In the heart of Old San Juan, amidst the whispers of history and the allure of timeless romance, Gladira and Juan Carlos embarked on a journey of love and unity. With a wedding immersed in old-world charm and etherealism, they exchanged their vows in a place steeped in centuries of history.
Gladira walked down the aisle, arm in arm with her father, who tenderly handed her over to Juan Carlos.
Encircled by 150 of their closest friends and family, the couple’s union was blessed beneath the ornate ceilings and the soft glow of stained-glass windows, creating an ambiance of pure enchantment.
The dynamic duo of photographers Tasha and Ray, the creative minds behind Phosphilic, transformed Juan Carlos and Gladira’s wedding into an everlasting visual tale. Their teamwork was nothing short of magic as they embarked on a creative journey to encapsulate every pivotal moment of this extraordinary day.
Phosphilic duo proved that love is indeed weatherproof. Their ingenuity and expertise ensured that the rain became integral to the narrative, enhancing the romantic atmosphere. These photographs aren’t just pictures; they are cherished memories infused with the spirit of adventure and spontaneity.
The reception was held at the legendary Hotel El Convento, a luxurious haven in Old San Juan’s heart. The architectural wonders, including vaulted ceilings, rich wooden beams, and walls adorned with vibrant mosaic patterns, provided a splendid backdrop for the celebration.
The couple carefully chose Karisha Marie Events to plan and design their wedding to achieve a romantic ethereal design, with a modern twist. Karisha opted for a monochromatic wedding palette of whites and creams to complement this stunning canvas. The wedding design harmoniously blended the venue’s heritage and modern elegance.
Long-stemmed white roses, delicate gypsophila, whimsical Lunaria, and graceful curly willow branches took center stage in the refined floral arrangements. These botanical marvels added an air of sophistication and grace to the venue, reflecting the couple’s commitment to infusing every detail with beauty and artistry. The planner Karisha Marie Events and the floral designer Jat Lozano created an installation of suspended disco mirror balls and rambling fabric, which was both delicate and fun. The ambiance inside was nothing short of celestial magic, with a combination of round and long tables adorned with candles, illuminating delicate tablescapes. Thoughtful mood lighting painted the walls and drapes, creating an atmosphere that felt like a dream come true.
The couple left no stone unturned in making their wedding day extraordinary. They introduced a custom wedding scent at the entrance of the reception hall, immersing guests in a sensory experience. To add a personal touch, the bride handcrafted their invitations using hand-torn paper, luxurious gold foil, and a wax seal.
The evening commenced with a classic dinner, heartfelt congratulations, and joyful dancing.
As the lovebirds glided together in their enchanting wedding dance, a wave of profound emotion washed over the guests, bringing tears of heartfelt joy to their eyes.
Gladira embraced multiple dress changes and varied hairstyles throughout the evening. Meanwhile, Juan Carlos changed into a striking red velvet jacket after dinner. The bride and her bridesmaids coordinated their attire, selecting dresses that harmonized with the chosen wedding color palette.
The celebration reached its zenith with a grand finale that left an indelible mark on everyone present. The “Hora Loca” or Crazy Hour, a Puerto Rican wedding tradition, was reimagined with a Tomorrowland Festival theme. Dancers dressed in costumes surprised and energized the crowd, extending the dance party. Waiters circulated through the room, offering sparkling champagne bottles adorned with sparklers, symbolizing the effervescent joy of the occasion. Guests donned LED props, adding a futuristic and playful element and paying tribute to the couple’s love for electric music festivals. As the excitement peaked, surprise stilt dancers and roller skaters made their way to the dance floor, captivating the crowd and bringing an exhilarating end to a night filled with love and laughter.
Advice from the couple:
• Our advice for future brides is to focus on what matters and not to fuss about the little things. Many things are out of your control. It rained almost the entire day of our wedding, but we trusted our vendor team to sort everything out while focusing on having the time of our lives. We embraced the rain as a blessing and as part of our wedding story, and it turned into some fantastic photos. Our wedding was perfect! For us, the most crucial reason behind celebrating a wedding was to commit to one another for the rest of our lives, which made everything else fall into perspective.
PHOTOGRAPHY Phosphilic | PLANNER & DESIGNER Karisha Marie Events | CINEMATOGRAPHY Amorfosis | MUAH Juan Escalera | VENUE Groom’s getting ready hotel: Palacio Provincial, Ceremony: Catedral San Juan Bautista, Reception: El Convento Hotel | CAKE Keik Weddings | DECOR & FLOWERS Jat Lozano | BAND Cuenta Regresiva | DJ Andrews | BRIDAL DRESS Murashka Wedding Atelier | VOW BOOKS LiliWeds | SEATING CHART Papercraft | MENU CARDS Express Eco Print | ENTERTAINMENT Sak Entertainment | WEDDING DRESS D’Royal Bride | PARTY DRESS Kriado | SHOES Jimmy Choo | GROOM’S SUIT Jaxson Maximus
