Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Parroquia San Juan Evangelista

Ceremony

La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico, Autograph Collection

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Story

We first met at just four years old on our very first day of Pre-K at Colegio Mater Salvatoris in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Who would have guessed that the energetic, mischievous, extroverted boy (Jean) would one day end up with the calm, nerdy, introverted girl (Lucía) from the same classroom? We stayed in the same school—and the same classroom—until fourth grade, when Jean transferred to Cupeyville School because his older brother changed schools. From that moment on, the years carried us in different directions. We only saw each other occasionally through social media; if we ever crossed paths in person, neither one dared to approach. Lucía, often oblivious or too shy, didn’t notice him—or didn’t know what to say. Jean, intimidated, saw that the once-quiet girl from class had grown into someone confident and social, just like him. Life went on. We grew up in different circles, with different hobbies, in different schools. Jean left for college in Maryland; Lucía went to Mayagüez. Everything seemed set on separate tracks… until May 2020. During the pandemic, Jean returned to Puerto Rico. And since he never forgot that Lucía’s birthday is May 27 (one day after his, May 26), he decided to send her a birthday message. That simple message changed everything. Slowly, we began to rediscover each other—who we were at ten, who we had become, and who we could be together. What started as a reconnection grew into friendship, and that friendship became something deeper. Those two kids from Pre-K somehow found their way back to each other. Today, they’re best friends… and soon, they’ll be husband and wife.

Nuestra Historia

Nos conocimos a los cuatro años, en nuestro primer día de clases de Pre-Kinder en el Colegio Mater Salvatoris en San Juan, PR. ¿Quién diría que aquel niño travieso, energético y súper extrovertido (Jean) terminaría con Lucía, la más tranquila e introvertida del salón? Estuvimos en la misma escuela —y en el mismo salón— hasta cuarto grado, cuando Jean se cambió a Cupeyville School porque su hermano también cambió de escuela. Desde entonces, la vida nos llevó por caminos distintos. Solo nos veíamos por redes sociales; si alguna vez coincidíamos en persona, ninguno se atrevía a saludar. Lucía, entre despistes y timidez, nunca lo veía o no sabía qué decir. Jean, cuando veía que Lucía luego de tantos años, se intimidaba al verla porque ya no era esa niña tímida, ahora era super sociable y segura. Los años pasaron. Cada cual en su escuela, con sus amistades y hobbies que nunca coincidían. Jean se fue a la universidad en Maryland y Lucía a Mayagüez. Todo parecía ir por rutas separadas… hasta mayo de 2020. Con la pandemia, Jean regresó a Puerto Rico. Y como nunca olvidó que Lucía cumple el 27 de mayo (un día después que él, el 26), decidió felicitarla. Ese mensaje lo cambió todo. Poco a poco comenzamos a reconectar, a descubrir quiénes éramos a los 10 años, quiénes somos ahora y cómo encajábamos nuevamente en la vida del otro. Lo que empezó como una conversación se convirtió en amistad, y la amistad en algo más. Dos niños que se conocieron en Pre-Kinder encontraron el camino de vuelta. Hoy son mejores amigos… y pronto, esposos.

Photos

Wedding Party

Getting to Puerto Rico

Airport:Most guests will fly into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan. It’s the main airport on the island and closest to most hotels, venues, and attractions. Entry Requirements:U.S. citizens do not need a passport. International guests do need a passport (and visa if required)

Transportation

Car Rentals (Recommended option):The easiest way to move around the island. Having a rental gives full flexibility to visit beaches, nature sites, rainforest, and different towns at your own pace — public / ride-sharing options become limiting once you leave the metro area. Some sources note that for longer stays, renting a car ends up cheaper or more convenient than many separate taxi or ride-share trips. We recommend booking.com to search for options. Ride-Sharing (Uber):When rental might not be needed: if guests are staying only in the San Juan area and have no plans to explore beyond. Uber works well in San Juan and nearby cities. For a ride of ~13 minutes, average with UberX ~ US$12.

Where to Stay

Hotels Near Wedding Site: La Concha Resort (wedding venue) — <a href="https://www.laconcharesort.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">La Concha Resort</a>AC Hotel San Juan Condado — <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sjuac-ac-hotel-san-juan-condado/overview/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Marriott</a>Caribe Hilton - <a href="https://www.caribehilton.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Caribe Hilton</a> Condado Ocean Club – Adults OnlyHilton Garden Inn San Juan Condado If you choose a hotel not on this list, please consult us first so we can help ensure the location and property are suitable. There are many beautiful boutique hotels also available in the area. Staying at hotels offers extra peace of mind, especially because many well-maintained hotels in these areas have stronger infrastructure—helping avoid disruptions like power or water outages.

Weather

Expect warm tropical temperatures: usually mid-80s°F (28–30°C). For daily use: Light clothing, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes are key. December is one of the best weather months — sunny and breezy.

Safety & Practical Tips

- Puerto Rico uses U.S. dollars (USD).- Electrical outlets are the same as the continental U.S.- Most places accept credit cards.- English is widely understood.- Roads are similar to the U.S., but traffic can be busy during peak hours.- As in any city, be mindful of belongings in crowded areas.- Avoid isolated beaches at night.- Tipping: 15–20% in restaurants is standard, same as the U.S.- Puerto Ricans are warm, friendly, and expressive — don’t be surprised if you get greeted enthusiastically.

Travel

Food Recommendations (What to Order)

Local Staples (usually served as sides):- Arroz con Habichuelas (Rice &amp; Beans) – The everyday staple, flavorful and comforting.- Arroz con Gandules – Puerto Rico’s signature holiday rice, seasoned and delicious. Main Dishes:- Mofongo – Mashed fried plantains with garlic.Tip: It’s even better stuffed (relleno) with chicken, shrimp, steak, or seafood.- Bistec Encebollado – Thin steak braised with onions; a classic home-style favorite.- Pernil – Slow-roasted marinated pork.- Pollo Guisado – Stewed chicken with potatoes and veggies.- Carne Guisada – Beef stew cooked until tender. Seafood (Mariscos):- Chillo Frito (Whole Fried Snapper) – A must-try dish: crispy outside, tender inside, and often served with tostones.- Camarones al Ajillo – Shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and white wine.- Pulpo a la Parrilla – Grilled octopus, usually tender and smoky.- Mahi-Mahi or Dorado – Often served grilled or in criollo sauce.- Asopao de Mariscos – A Puerto Rican seafood stew with rice; comforting and flavorful. Frituras (Fritters):- Alcapurrias – Savory fritters made from taro/plantain dough filled with meat.- Bacalaitos – Crispy codfish fritters.- Tostones – Crunchy twice-fried plantains.- Amarillos – Sweet ripe plantains. Desserts:- Tembleque – Coconut pudding with cinnamon.- Flan de Queso – Cream cheese flan.- Tres Leches – Sweet, soaked vanilla cake. Drinks:- Piña Colada – Puerto Rico’s signature drink.- Mojito - Cocktail consisting of white <a href="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=3235e08c292698b8&amp;sxsrf=AE3TifOstpz4l5V72Re9M0-LS5GJrjaPgQ:1767367553445&amp;q=rum&amp;si=AMgyJEvli64aM2XLSpAFiQnmKlfkdSvbDi8-6eNGr1U1X1Bt4tpjmu_iZrMEMSL9PB8GPNBvGsB_4Y2ZQHw8iWAAUsD33gy0LA%3D%3D&amp;expnd=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJsdeZle2RAxXkRDABHa8oGd4QyecJegQIGBAQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">rum</a>, lime or lemon juice, sugar, mint, ice, and sparkling water or club soda.- Local Rum – Don Q, Bacardí, and artisanal rums.

Things to Do in San Juan

Explore Old San Juan: - Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro): A UNESCO World Heritage fortress with dramatic ocean views.- Calle San Sebastián: Great for lively bars, music, and local atmosphere.- Calle del Cristo: Boutiques, local designers, and souvenir shops. Nightlife &amp; Bars:- La Factoría: Ranked among the world’s top bars; known for craft cocktails and hidden rooms.- Distrito T-Mobile: Modern entertainment complex with restaurants, bars, live music, outdoor screens, arcades, and activities.- Calle Cerra (Santurce): Artsy nightlife strip filled with murals, local bars, small music spots, and an authentic creative vibe.- La Placita de Santurce (nightlife district): Open-air dancing, bars, and music — energetic and very local. Beaches &amp; Outdoor Relaxation- Escambrón Beach: Calm waters, good for swimming and snorkeling.- Ocean Park Beach: More relaxed, popular with locals and kite surfers. Food Experiences (Non-Restaurant Specific)- Try piraguas (shaved ice).- Grab a café con leche from any local coffee shop.- Sample quesitos (cheese pastries) from a bakery.- Street vendors for alcapurrias or bacalaitos.- Try great pizza places like Fidela and La Santurcina.

Things to Do Outside of San Juan

El Yunque Rainforest – 45–60 minutes- The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.- Features waterfalls, mountain viewpoints, lush trails, and swimming areas.- Ideal for hiking and nature lovers. Luquillo Beach &amp; Kiosks – 45 minutes- Calm, family-friendly beach with clear water and soft sand.- A long row of local kiosks offering frituras, seafood, and traditional dishes.- Easy stop before or after visiting El Yunque. Bioluminescent Bay (Fajardo) – 1 hour- Nighttime kayak experience where the water glows when touched.- One of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays and the closest to San Juan.- Best on dark, moonless nights. Culebra / Flamenco Beach – Drive to Ceiba (1 hour) + 45 min ferry- Flamenco Beach is consistently rated among the top beaches in the world.- White sand, calm turquoise water, and excellent snorkeling.- Day trip possible but requires planning around ferry schedules. Rincón – 2 to 2.5 hours- Laid-back surf town on the west coast.- Known for world-class waves, relaxed beach bars, and stunning sunsets.- Good for a full-day outing or overnight stay. Camuy River Cave Park – 1.5 hours- One of the largest cave systems in the Western Hemisphere.- Features massive chambers, unique rock formations, and guided tours.- Best for guests interested in geology or adventure. Cueva del Indio (Arecibo) – 1.5 hours- Coastal rock formations, sea arches, and dramatic cliffs.- Site contains ancient Taíno petroglyphs.- Offers some of the most striking coastal views on the island. Cueva Ventana (Arecibo) – 1.5 hours- Guided hike through a cave leading to a large “window” overlooking a valley.- Scenic, photogenic, and relatively easy to access.- Good option for mild adventure. Guavate – “Ruta del Lechón” – 45–60 minutes- Mountain road lined with famous open-air pork restaurants.- Known for pernil, live music, and a lively local atmosphere.- Best on weekends or midday. La Parguera (Lajas) – 2 to 2.5 hours- Fishing village with waterfront restaurants and boat rentals.- Offers a bioluminescent bay that can be seen by swimming or boat.- Ideal for groups who want a laid-back, nautical experience.

Lucía & Jean

Lucía & Jean

L&J

Wedding Day

3:00 PM–4:00 PM

Ceremony

4:30 PM–12:00 AM

Reception