:
Where to stay - Location?
Old San Juan
If you haven’t visited Old San Juan before, you’re in for a treat - not only is it historic, colourful & beautiful but it’s also very walkable! So if you choose to stay in Old San Juan (like we have), don’t get too held up on specific streets e.t.c - anywhere in OSJ will offers you easy walking access to all the wedding venues, great food, great bars & many historic attractions!
Condado / Isla Verde / Further Afield
If OSJ isn’t for you - there are lots of good options nearby to suit any budget and some have the additional benefit of the beach nearby. Ultimately you’re in charge - but please just be aware that traffic in/out of OSJ can get very busy - so what might look like a 10-15 minute taxi on Google Maps - can sometimes be 45 mins to an hour. We’re mentioning it as it’s worth being conscious of it and leaving plenty of time to get to any wedding-related fun!
Please also be aware that there is no ‘wedding transport’ being offered outside of OSJ. So if you do choose to stay outside, you’re responsible for any logistics.
Where to stay - Hotel or Airbnb?
Hotels offer great convenience, choice and flexibility so we’ve listed some of our favourites in Old San Juan - but sometimes, hotels in Puerto Rico can get expensive so Airbnb (or VRBO!) is a well-established alternative to offer more space for less moolah. Do what’s best for you & your group!
International wedding guests!
We’re especially grateful for you being a part of our special day - so to help you plan, we’ve created this short guide so that you can get the most out of Puerto Rico!
First up - there’s no ‘official wedding hotel’ because we’re not getting married in a hotel so you will have full discretion over where you want to stay and Puerto Rico has options to fit most budgets.
Our recommendation is to base yourself in Old San Juan (OSJ) because it offers the most stress-free, simple, walkable, and charming atmosphere close to everything… But we are not your parents.
Choose your own adventure.
OSJ Hotel Recomendaciones
We’ve stayed in all of these hotels so can vouch for their suitability to give you a great stay. Ultimately, it’s only a bed for a few late nights - so don’t overthink it too much! There are also many hotels in OSJ that have not made it into our list below - that’s not because they suck, it’s just because we haven’t stayed there.
-
The grand dame of Old San Juan - this former monestry is one of the best hotels in the city. Rooftop pools, luxurious rooms and wonderful architecture await. This is the hotel I'll be putting my family in, so you'll have some friendly faces at least!
-
Sister to the El Convento, this offers fabulous rooms & great food in a more modern environment. This will appeal to all those in search of a more modern amenities and comforts.
-
Decanter is a really well located hotel with a great rooftop bar - we stayed there on our most recent visit and were extremely comfortable. Many of the rooms have great useable balcony and whilst it might not have a pool, it's a great option for those seeking to explore the sights.
-
Parrots, pools & artistic energy. This is probably the most unique hotel on the list. It's also one of the best value options. Gallery Inn has BAGS of character and part of your booking cost will go towards supporting local artists - which we think is wonderful
Puerto Rican Folklore
Puerto Rico has an incredibly rich culture but its folklore and wonderful storytelling has always been a great source of enjoyment for us. So we wanted to share some of it with you!
La Rogativa!
On our third date, Alana told me the tale of La Rogativa….
Sir Francis Drake, legendary English explorer, famous for circumnavigating the globe in a single voyage & proud Vice Admiral during the famous defeat of the Spanish Armada… set sail in 1595 to conquer Puerto Rico on the orders of Elizabeth I, complete with 27 ships and 2,500 men.
According to folklore legend, upon their approach 11,000 townswomen (all apparently virgins…) led by a bishop, formed a rogativa (prayer procession) and marched throughout the streets of the city - singing hymns, carrying torches, and praying for the deliverance of the city.
Outside the walls, particularly from the sea, the British navy mistook this torch-lit religious parade for the arrival of Spanish reinforcements. When morning arrived, the British were gone from the island, and the city was saved from invasion!
You can visit the statues in the Plazuela de la Rogativa (Rogativa Plaza) in Old San Juan & pay tribute to the bishop and townswomen who saved Puerto Rico from the horrors of English as a first language.
(Out of an abundance of caution, I have not invited 11,000 virgins, or a bishop to our wedding.)
Music
El Chupacabra
Not all Puerto Rican folklore is hundreds of years old - “Chupacabra” translates to "goat sucker" in Spanish is a creature which is said to act like a vampire by killing animals and draining their blood. Some say the creature is 4–5 feet tall with spikes on its back, while others have speculated that it might be an alien, a dinosaur, a humanoid, a robot, or even the devil himself…
Sightings have fallen off in recent years and no photograph exists of a Chupacabra so you should be absolutely fine, but of an abundance of caution, we’ve made the decision to keep our wedding adults only and 100% goat free.
You can never be too careful!
Few things are more closely associated with Puerto Rican culture than music and dancing.
Music is life in Puerto Rico, serving as a vital expression of the island's rich and diverse heritage. It acts as a cultural bridge, intertwining influences from the indigenous Taíno, African, and Spanish traditions to create an incredible musical landscape that we can’t wait to share with you. Genres like salsa, reggaeton, bomba, and plena not only get the dancefloor going into the early hours, they also preserve historical narratives, social commentary, and communal values.
Music is about community cohesion, identity affirmation, and resistance, resonating through everyday life, celebrations, and protests. It embodies the island's spirit of resilience and creativity, continuously evolving while honoring its roots.
We’re celebrating this rich tradition throughout the wedding, so here’s a bit of context and background to help get yourself prepared to ignite the dancefloor!
Hector Lavoe - Cantante de los Cantantes
Few figures loom as large or shine as brightly as Héctor Lavoe, the legendary "Cantante de los Cantantes" (Singer of Singers). Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1946, Lavoe's journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of salsa stardom is a story of transcendent talent and profound tragedy.
Lavoe's voice was a gift—rich, emotive, and unmistakably authentic. His rise to fame began when he moved to New York City in the early 1960s, a time when the salsa scene was burgeoning in the city's vibrant Latin neighborhoods. Teaming up with the influential trombonist and bandleader Willie Colón, Lavoe became the voice of a generation, his music echoing through the streets of Spanish Harlem and beyond. Together, they crafted a series of iconic albums for Fania Records that would define the genre, blending the rhythms of Puerto Rico with the urban grit of New York City.
Lavoe's life was as turbulent as his music was soulful. Behind the dazzling stage persona was a man plagued by personal demons—addiction, heartbreak, and tragedy. The deaths of his son and his mother-in-law, along with his own struggles with substance abuse, painted a portrait of a tortured artist whose pain seeped into his music, making it all the more poignant and powerful.
Despite his personal battles, Lavoe's influence on salsa music is immeasurable. He was more than a singer; he was a storyteller, a cultural icon who captured the joys and sorrows of the Puerto Rican and broader Latin American experience. Songs like "Aguanile," "El Cantante," and "Periódico de Ayer" are not just hits; they are anthems that continue to resonate with fans across generations.
Fun Fact: Jonny knows all the words to ‘El Cantante’ (despite having no idea what they mean).
Ricky Martin - El Rey del Pop Latino
Ricky Martin is a legend - El Rey del Pop Latino translates into ‘The King of Latin Pop’. He’s a towering figure, an icon whose influence transcends music, born right here in San Juan, Puerto Rico,
Ricky Martin's journey began with Puerto Rican boy band Menudo at just 12 years old. With his charismatic presence and undeniable talent, Martin quickly became a fan favorite, capturing hearts across Latin America. However, his departure from Menudo in 1989 marked the beginning of a transformative solo career that would catapult him to global stardom.
The late '90s witnessed the explosion of Latin pop onto the global stage, with Martin leading the charge. His performance of "La Copa de la Vida" (The Cup of Life) at the 1999 Grammy Awards was a watershed moment, electrifying audiences and cementing his status as a superstar. The release of "Livin' la Vida Loca" later that year was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon, dominating charts worldwide and introducing millions to the infectious rhythms of Latin music.
Is ‘Livin’ la Vida Loca’ on the playlist? ABSOLUTAMENTE! We even saw him perform live for Alana’s birthday last year!
Daddy Yankee - El Jefe
In the world of reggaeton, Daddy Yankee reigns supreme as the genre's undisputed boss (El Jefe!), Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Daddy Yankee's rose through Reggaeton from the streets of his hometown to international superstardom.
His breakthrough came with the 2004 release of "Barrio Fino," an album that would change the face of Latin music forever. Anchored by the infectious hit single "Gasolina," "Barrio Fino" brought reggaeton to the mainstream, introducing its electrifying beats and raw, urban storytelling to a global audience. "Gasolina" became an anthem, its relentless energy and catchy chorus propelling it up the charts and into the annals of music history.
But Daddy Yankee's impact extends far beyond a single hit. As both an artist and a producer, he has continuously pushed the boundaries of reggaeton, blending it with elements of hip-hop, dancehall, and Latin pop to create a dynamic and ever-evolving sound. His influence can be heard in the works of countless artists who have followed in his footsteps, cementing his status as a pioneer of the genre.
Fun Fact: His 2017 smash "Despacito" was filmed in our Wedding Drinks venue of La Factoria!
El Grand Combe De Puerto Rico
In the pulsating heart of salsa music, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico stands as an indomitable force, a legendary ensemble that has defined and dominated the genre for over six decades. Founded in 1962 by the visionary pianist and bandleader Rafael Ithier, El Gran Combo's story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the infectious rhythms and soulful melodies that make salsa an enduring global phenomenon.
The band's sound is characterized by its tight brass sections, dynamic percussion, and the unmistakable voice of its lead singers. Over the years, El Gran Combo has delivered an array of timeless hits that have become anthems in the salsa community. Songs like "Azuquita pa'l Café," "Me Liberé," and "Un Verano en Nueva York" are more than just tracks; they are cultural touchstones that capture the essence of Puerto Rican life and the universal joys and sorrows of the human experience.
El Gran Combo is more than a band; they are a symbol of Puerto Rican pride and cultural identity. In times of political and economic uncertainty, their music has been a source of comfort and unity for the Puerto Rican people, both on the island and in the diaspora. Their legacy is one of joy and resilience, a testament to the power of music to transcend barriers and bring people together.
Fun Fact: Alana and I saw Grand Combo live in New York for Valentines Day 2023 - it’s been a soundtrack for us ever since.
Bad Bunny
Born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico in 1994, Bad Bunny burst onto the scene in 2016 with his breakout single "Diles," quickly capturing attention with his distinctive voice, innovative sound, and unfiltered lyrics. His genre-blending approach, which seamlessly fuses reggaeton, trap, and other urban styles, has redefined the boundaries of Latin music, making it more accessible and appealing to a global audience.
But Bad Bunny is more than just a musical innovator; he is a cultural icon and a fearless advocate for change. He is outspoken on LGBTQ+ rights, political corruption, and social justice and is a symbol of resistance and empowerment. In 2019, he paused his career to join protests against then-Governor Ricardo Rosselló, using his platform to amplify the voices of Puerto Ricans demanding change.
Bad Bunny's legacy is still growing, but his impact is undeniable. He has shattered barriers, not just in music but in society, challenging norms and inspiring a new generation to embrace their identities and fight for their rights.
Fun Fact - The very first gift I gave Alana were 2 tickets to see Bad Bunny in Brooklyn, after doing some research I decided it was probably best that Alana took her fellow latina Dani to the concert instead of me…😅
Viejo San Juan,
Puerto Rico
2
Próximamente recibirá la invitación formal
3.