On February 13, 2024, Ken and I will celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary. It's incredible how time flies! Reflecting on our journey together fills me with gratitude and joy. Before we tied the knot, I was ecstatic with the idea of destination weddings. They offered a unique twist to the traditional ceremony, and who wouldn't enjoy a vacation with their nuptials? If travel were a love language, it would definitely be mine, haha!
Growing up, my mom instilled in my siblings and I a love for travel. Whether it was by plane or cruise, we were always exploring new places. So, when Ken came into my life, he quickly learned about my passion for travel. Needless to say, I may have persuaded him to embark on quite a few adventures!
When we got engaged, the destination wedding dream became a reality. Convincing Ken wasn't as difficult as I expected, thankfully! The only concern was whether our loved ones could join us. But I was optimistic that everything would fall into place.
I asked my friends for destination suggestions, and after much deliberation, we settled on Puerto Rico. It was 40 miles from St.Thomas USVI, didn't require passports, and I've always been drawn to its culture and cuisine. Then came the daring part—I decided to be my own wedding planner and booked our venue, Hacienda Siesta Alegre, sight unseen (if online pictures don't count). It was a leap of faith, but one I was excited to take.
My sister, however, had other plans. She convinced me to attend a bridal show in Puerto Rico to put eyes on the venue and connect with vendors. In true fashion my older sister and I packed our bags and headed to Puerto Rico. As we approached the venue, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. But when I saw Hacienda Siesta Alegre nestled in the El Yunque Rainforest, my worries melted away. It was even more stunning in person, confirming it was the perfect place for our special day.
Our wedding was a celebration of love and Puerto Rican culture. We wanted our guests to experience the vibrant spirit of the island, from the food to the entertainment. Our experience is why we chose to create a candle inspired by Puerto Rico—it's a tribute to the incredible locals who made our day unforgettable.
If you haven't visited Puerto Rico yet, I highly recommend adding it to your travel bucket list. It's a destination filled with beauty, warmth, and endless possibilities. Trust me, you won't regret it!
