Sometimes, the people we meet on our travels end up leaving the biggest marks on our hearts and for me, Marlene is one of them. I first met her in Spain, far from home, when our paths crossed during my own travels. We became friends, sharing stories and adventures, never knowing that years later, I’d be photographing one of the most meaningful weddings of my career her wedding to Adriana.
Marlene and Adriana’s story is a tapestry of places and journeys. Marlene left Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and found herself in Miami, where she met Adriana. Adriana, half-Colombian and full of warmth, had her own story of family and roots, and together they decided to embark on a new chapter: moving to California to build a life together. Yet, despite the distance and their adventures, their hearts kept pulling them back to the island that shaped them both. They knew their wedding had to be in Puerto Rico.
Their day unfolded at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, an elegant and timeless setting that mirrored their love—classic yet deeply personal. With Mariela Fernandez of Etereo Events coordinating every detail (and yes, I adore working with her!), the celebration was seamless, joyful, and radiant. Every moment—from Adriana’s first glance at Marlene to the laughter during speeches felt saturated with genuine emotion.
Being a photographer is about capturing love, but this wedding reminded me why I do this job at all. Knowing Marlene personally made every shot feel intimate, every gesture and glance weighted with significance. I could see the depth of their bond in ways I only get to witness with couples I know and trust. It wasn’t just a wedding it was a statement about love in all its forms, and the joy that comes from showing the world that love is beautiful, unbound, and unapologetic.
Marlene and Adriana danced under the warm Puerto Rican sky, surrounded by family and friends, laughter echoing along the oceanfront. Their union was more than a celebration; it was a homecoming, a love story circling back to where it all began.
For anyone planning a LGBTQ wedding in Puerto Rico, their day is a reminder of how meaningful it is to craft moments that feel authentic to who you are—whether that’s on the vibrant streets of Old San Juan, the historic elegance of Condado, or somewhere else entirely. Every love story deserves to be celebrated, and some of the most powerful ones remind us why we do what we do.
Planner: Etereo Events
Venue: Condado Vanderbilt
Decor: Lorraine's Flowers
