Puerto Rico is relatively safe, just use your common sense. However, never leave purses unattended anywhere and definitely nothing of value visible inside cars. If you have a U.S. passport those are preferred for airport transactions but when moving around your driver's license is sufficient (you should also just need your license to travel by air). The roads are a disaster and filled with holes so drive attentively. Also, unfortunately we have a problem with stray animals so we also ask that you pay careful attention to the road to avoid injuring anyone. Puerto Rico's electric grid is highly unreliable so expect that you might experience a blackout (probably not at your hotel or Airbnb) but it might affect other places you visit. If you have to stay at an Airbnb please try to rent from a local (you will know through the profile and the way they express themselves). You will be helping in our fight against gentrification and community displacement.
Comfortable and breezy clothes, comfortable walking shoes (preferably close toes), sunglasses, sunscreen, caps or hats to protect yourself from the sun. Hand bags and your reusable water bottle to help fight plastic pollution in the island.
The U.S. dollar. The most used payment application is ATH Movil (but that is mostly only for users of PR banks). Most places now accept Paypal, Venmo, and others. Each establishment is different. However, we really suggest you keep cash handy, especially if you plan to travel beyond the capital where most local bars (also known as "chinchorros") prefer it.
Yes. Unfortunately, Puerto Rico's public transportation is very limited and highly unreliable. When renting a car we recommend you get the "all tolls" included because we have a lot of tolls and none of them take cash anymore.
Please be patient with us and our families. We've arranged everything so we can spend the most time with all of our guests and also enjoy this party we've been planning for over a year now. There is plenty of parking available at the venue but consider carpooling if possible. Both the ceremony and the reception are outdoors; the reception area will have a tent. The Caguas Botanical Garden has paved pathways for easier accessibility. Bathrooms are located on the adjacent buildings.
There are two botanical gardens in Puerto Rico, the one in Rio Piedras (in San Juan) and the one we are getting married at in Caguas. Please don't get them confused!
We will have a Pagan Ritual in which aspects of our cultural roots and spiritual practices will be incorporated. A circle to bless the space and protect the ritual will be cast around the bride, groom, and officiant. Please do not enter the circle and do not touch any of the components of the altar. The ceremony should not last more than 30 minutes. The ceremony will be in Spanish. You are welcome to take all the pictures you want. When the ceremony ends, please allow the bride and groom to leave quickly as they will receive you at the reception area.
The ceremony will start at 5:00 pm sharp. Once you hear the music playing, that's your queue to find your spot. There will be chairs but not enough for every guest so we ask that you allow our elders and differently-abled guests to sit ahead of you.
The ceremony will take place at the Aquatic Garden and the Reception at the Ruins of the Distillery. They are about two minutes away from each other.
The bride and groom will welcome you at the Reception's entrance. We will give you a quick hug and thank you for coming. Please do not stop to chat at this point, we will get to later that day. Upon entering please find your table and enjoy a non-alcoholic cocktail while everyone enters and the food service starts. Food will be served buffet-style, so let them know if you chose a vegan plate. After you get your food, head over to the bar to grab your drinks. While you eat, we will cut the cake and have the brindis.
Absolutely. Feel free to walk around and explore either before the ceremony if you arrive earlier or during the reception. However, there isn't much light beyond some trails at night so keep that in mind.
Per policy, no. But the bride's father will be the first one to break that rule so we kindly ask our guests to either exit the garden to take their cigarette break or be very conscious of not smoking in front of the garden's staff. We also absolutely REQUIRE that you throw cigarette butts in the trash cans. Thanks!
You all know we have worked so hard to make this day happen so we ask that you help us create the most memories as possible. Please, HARRASS US for selfies (we will definitely thank you after) and take all the pictures or videos you want. Also stop by our table and leave us a note (and picture) inside our guestbook. While you are there take a gift from the gift basket (only one per family or couple; if you want extra let Lara know and she will make you an additional one in Austin). DANCE & DRINK! We paid too much for anyone to leave walking so...