If you were to ask me to dream up my ideal wedding I would probably say something about a kind, fun-loving couple, a beautiful dress, gorgeous details, a sunny day, and an art museum for a venue. Well, today's wedding is every single one of those and in Puerto Rico no less! Nicole and Albert's wedding was such a dream come true. As people, Nicole and Albert are the friends you keep for life. It was of no surprise to me that so many of their friends and family were present for their destination wedding in Puerto Rico. The love for this couple was present in every aspect of the day. Including a last minute wedding dress made by the talented Gustavo Arango for the bride after a mishap with her original gown! And as for the wedding, well you'll see for yourself. It was magnificent. The couple got ready at the Condado Vanderbilt before heading to the ceremony which took place inside the incredible Capilla Mayor, Universidad Del Sagrado Corazón. Then, much to my art-loving pleasure, the reception took place at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. Seriously, what a wedding. Thank you Nicole and Albert for flying me all the way to San Juan! It was a joy to photograph your beautiful wedding day.

nicole + albert ; a wedding in san juan, puerto rico (www.lydiajane.com)

VENDORS:

Hotel: Condado Vanderbilt
Ceremony: Capilla Mayor - Universidad Del Sagrado Corazón
Wedding Gown & Veil Designer: Gustavo Arango
Jewelry: Nix by Nicole A. Lefranc
Bridesmaid dresses: J enny Yoo
Hair/Makeup: Epy Joel
Flowers/Decor: Un Tocco Di Classe
Name Cards: Claudia Rosario
Reception: Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
Band: Extasis Band
Caterer: Chef Mario Pagan
Cake: Vanesa Caro
Videography: Amari Productions (see their film from the wedding here!)

Alyssa + Bryce | Photos by Lydia Jane Photography (www.lydiajane.com)

Today's blog post features one of my favorite weddings from this year so far. I second shot this wedding for Jaimee Morse, a very talented friend and photographer based out of the Twin Cities. When Jaimee first pitched the idea of assisting her at the wedding, I thought it was maybe an hour away, just over the border to Wisconsin. Not being very fluent in my Midwest destinations yet, I didn't know Bayfield was literally on Lake Superior and a solid four hours away. But my, oh my, was the early morning drive was so worth it when I pulled up to Alyssa and Bryce's wedding. Alyssa's styling and design business Love Over Gold along with Secret Garden Floral and the help of family and friends transformed the location from an already beautiful lakeside destination to a lavish, brightly colored floral paradise. I've never seen so many flowers at a wedding. Flowers by the entrance, massive floral arrangements on the tables, flowers and greens as a canopy over the altar, flowers at the hotel, flowers in Alyssa's hair...it went on and on! Each guest dressed perfectly for the affair in bright summer dresses and colorful accessories. Kids played on the beach during cocktail hour while their parents helped themselves to a generous spread of cheese, grapes, vegetables, bruschetta and more. Dinner was a choice between tacos or pulled pork sandwiches. But don't forget to save room for dessert! Cupcakes topped with frosting and fresh fruit. My mouth is actually watering just writing all of this down. The amazing thing is, despite all the attention to decor and detail, the reason for the day was still very much preserved. It was about Alyssa and Bryce, their love for each other, and their love for their family and friends.