White and Gold Destination Wedding in Puerto Rico

Jasmine and Michael attended the same college but it wasn’t until after they graduated that the pair met. In a serendipitous turn of events, the two were connected online after they’d both moved to D.C. to start their careers. After a year of friendship, they realized that they had deeper feelings for each other and formed a loving relationship that would lead them to the altar.

The couple took to La Concha Resort in San Juan, Puerto Rico for their nuptials. White florals and gold table coverings gave the reception space an immeasurable elegance as the gorgeous couple celebrated their fateful love. Coterie member Memories of Bliss captured every stunning detail of Jasmine and Michael’s white and gold destination wedding.

Quick Facts
Favorite item on the wedding menu – It’s a tie between the Banana Baked Red Snapper and the Guava Rum cake for dessert!
Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts – We only had a Best Woman and Best Man for our bridal party. The Best Woman received a personalized keepsake bracelet and the Best Man received a personalized watch box.
First dance song – “Sweet Love” by Anita Baker
Bride: Jasmine Dhyana Francis
Groom: Michael Anthony Francis Jr.
Wedding date: November 7, 2015
Wedding location: La Concha Resort – San Juan, Puerto Rico

Describe your wedding dress. What was wedding shopping like for you?
It was a custom made Robert Bullock dress with a strapless Chantilly lace appliqué corset bodice while the bottom half was a modified mermaid gown. Finding this dress was super easy; Jasmine knew from the moment she saw it that it was for her! It was classic, chic, sexy, and modern all at the same time.What is your best memory from your wedding?
There were so many special moments throughout that day, but their absolute favorite memory is hearing them read aloud their personalized vows to one another. Being in that moment, sharing together a level of vulnerability, honesty, and love in front of their closest friends and family was priceless.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
Mike was born in St. Thomas, his grandfather was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and Jasmine has Guyanese roots. So they definitely incorporated Caribbean and Latin culture as part of their wedding theme. Upon arrival to La Concha Resort the wedding guests received welcome gift bags which included a travel size bottle of Puerto Rican rum and candy. During the ceremony, they had a Spanish guitarist playing latin jazz to set the stage. Wedding guests were able to sip on real coconut water from fresh coconuts during the cocktail hour along with other tropical cocktails. The DJ kept the party hype by playing a combination of calypso, reggae music, classic hits, and modern day club jams at the reception. Guava, Rum, and Coconut were the flavors of their wedding cake.
What advice would you give our brides-to-be?
The best advice we can provide is to take your time, enjoy the journey, and don’t lose sight of why you are getting married. At the end of the day, always remember that it’s about you and your partner. Try your best to set realistic expectations when it comes to investing your time and money. Stay optimistic and know that everything will turn out great!

Vendors
Photography – Memories of Bliss
Venue – La Concha Resort
Wedding planner – Momentus Special Events
Cake – C+M Cake Designers
Decor/Florist – AKUA
Hair & Makeup – Javier Mareno
DJ – DJ Concepcion
Spanish Guitar – Jose Irizarry
Dance floor – All Stage, Inc.
Wedding dress salon – Global Bridal
Dress designer – Robert Bullock
Tuxedo salon – SARAR
Bride’s shoes – Badgley Mischka
Groom’s shoes – Steve Madden
Stationery – Champagne Press