Vendors
Venue: Hacienda Siesta Alegre
Photography: Tom Russo Photography
Videography: Zura Films
Wedding Planner: Merlin Andino Weddings
Florist: Miriam Doba
Make-up: Merya Abreu
Hair: Merya Abreu
Dress: Elysse Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo
Tux: Vera Wang / Mens Warehouse
DJ: DJ Big Joel
Cake: Cm Cake Designers
Cigars: Don Rosario Cigars
Coffee Bar: Cafe Obregrecas
Imagine having your wedding in a rich tropical rainforest, feeling the warm gentle tropical breeze swirl around you, accenting your picture perfect day in paradise.
Located at the edge of the El Yunque Rainforest in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, you’ll find Hacienda Siesta Alegre.
This truly special Spanish Colonial-Style Hacienda is part of the Rio Grande Hotel chain giving you the excellence you’d expect with the unique and breathtaking details of a secret hidden paradise.
When Tom Russo Photography was asked to be the wedding photographer for Lillianna and Joel — of course we had to say yes!
This Bed & Breakfast style hotel hosts intimate spaces with only 10 rooms and lots to explore.
Check out the terraces, gardens, balconies and courtyards, or simply enjoy the view of the foothills of El Yunque Rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in the national rainforest system.
There’s stunning spaces everywhere you turn, leaving you with unlimited and swoon-worthy wedding photo backdrops.
Tom Russo Photography loves to leave space for our couples to share in their own words some of their memories from their day, so read on to see what Lillianna and Joel shared with us.
Hear More From Our Couple
What was your most anticipated part of your wedding day?!
The most anticipated part was finally seeing each other at the alter. Joel played the guessing game leading up to the wedding and would often send me ideas of what he thought my dress looked like & I wouldn’t budge. Lol but he definitely knows his wife’s taste.
Did anything happen that was unexpected?!
The light rain during the ceremony was slightly unexpected. However getting married in the rain forest comes with that risk! It was nice to see the weather clear up as soon as we shared our first kiss as husband and wife, the cherry on top was seeing the rainbow!
Were you nervous?! How did you squash those nerves?!
We were definitely nervous, I think we were both up the night before in our separate hotel rooms until 2 am because we couldn’t fall asleep. I think being with our friends and getting ready kept our minds busy the morning of.
What song did you walk down the aisle to?!
Kina Grannis; Can’t Help Falling in Love
What are you looking forward to most as a married couple?!
We’re most excited to purchase our first home together.
What was your wedding inspiration?!
The wedding inspiration came from the rain forest . We knew a lot of our guests were coming from the mainland and so we wanted our guest to truly feel like they were a part island and the culture. We included this in all aspects from the food to the music etc.
We stayed true to the natural beauty and colors of El Yunque and embraced all of the greenery; we used elements of white and gold as accents.
As far as florals naturally the Monstera leaf and orchids were the star of the show.
Favorite food from cocktail hour?!
We can’t decide ! All of the food during cocktail hour was delicious. We had miniature versions of Puerto Rican dishes.
What was your wedding song?!
Honeymoon by Johnny Stimson
What song did you dance to with your parents?!
Father of the bride and bride: It won’t be like this for long by Darius Rucker
Mother of the groom and groom: Slow down Nicole Nordeman
How did you feel at the end of the day?!
We were in total disbelief ; we felt like we had the most epic night of our lives.
Any advice for couples getting married?!
The best advice that we given that I would like to share with other couples is ; take a moment during the night when your seated at your table and take it all in; everyone’s faces, the decor, and most importantly each other.
