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So, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez said “I do” in Mallorca, and let’s just say... it was perfection. Their destination wedding was the definition of refined luxury. Picture this: dramatic cliffside views, custom couture fashion, an intimate guest list that read like the Forbes 100, and an overall sense of quiet, confident elegance. Every moment felt curated, never performative, always intentional.

Their wedding wasn’t just a celebration. It was a masterclass in how to create an immersive experience that honors both style and story.

While their names might grab the headlines, the essence of what made their weekend extraordinary is something any couple can achieve: thoughtful design, exceptional execution, and a deep understanding of what it means to host with intention.

As a destination wedding photographer who works across Puerto Rico, Miami, and the Caribbean, I’ve seen how elevated design, fashion-forward styling, multi-day itineraries, and documentary-style photography come together to create truly iconic wedding weekends.

Here’s how to design a luxury destination wedding that feels artistic, editorial, and entirely your own, a celebration that will be remembered not for its price tag, but for its presence.

Choose a Destination Wedding Location With Main Character Energy

Puerto Rico is That Girl (And She's Effortlessly Iconic)

Puerto Rico has quickly become one of the most sought-after luxury wedding destinations for couples looking to merge timeless elegance with natural beauty. It offers European charm without leaving the Western Hemisphere, historic architecture alongside turquoise beaches, and a cultural richness that brings warmth to every celebration.

From centuries-old Spanish fortresses in Old San Juan to exclusive coastal villas in Rincón, the island is a canvas for whatever experience you want to create, from black-tie coastal glamour to barefoot sophistication.

I’ve photographed countless weddings here, and let me tell you... she’s a scene-stealer. One of my favorite weddings in Rincón (which was actually featured in Loverly) captured the soft, romantic side of Puerto Rico with a touch of timeless flair. That wedding had all the things: golden light, beachy elegance, and guests who didn’t want the night to end. You can see the full feature here.

Imagine saying your vows in a 400-year-old Spanish fortress, then dancing under the stars in a restored colonial courtyard. You can have European architecture, Caribbean warmth, and beachfront luxury, all on the same wedding weekend itinerary.

Here’s why destination weddings in Puerto Rico are a vibe:

Historic architecture perfect for editorial wedding photography
Boutique resorts and private estates ideal for multi-day wedding celebrations
No passport required for U.S. guests, with international sophistication built in
A setting that elevates every moment, from the ceremony to the farewell brunch

Whether you’re going for historic glam, tropical elegance, or chic modern luxury, Puerto Rico can flex to match your dream.

Make Your Destination Wedding Feel Like an Editorial Photoshoot

Fashion-Forward Brides, This Is Your Moment

Fashion is central to the most unforgettable weddings. Your wardrobe isn’t just what you wear, it’s part of the story you’re telling. Couture gowns that flow with the breeze, structured suits with architectural lines, and intentional styling that enhances the atmosphere, these are the details that transform your wedding into a visual experience.

The modern luxury bride is embracing:

Statement pieces like cathedral-length veils, sculptural silhouettes, and layered textures
Multiple wardrobe changes throughout the weekend, ceremony, dinner, afterparty, farewell
Accessories that double as art: heirloom jewelry, custom footwear, and hand-embroidered veils

Documentary Wedding Photography Meets Fine Art Vibes

This is where I come in. My style is all about blending fine art with real, emotional moments. The result? Editorial wedding photography that looks like a magazine cover but feels like a memory. You’ll get the drama and the softness. The grace and the grit. The pretty and the personal.

Your wedding photos shouldn’t just show what happened. They should show how it felt.

Curate a Multi-Day Destination Wedding Weekend Itinerary

Luxury Isn't Just How It Looks… It's How It Feels

Luxury destination weddings unfold across multiple days, they’re not just an event, they’re a journey. From the moment guests arrive, each experience is intentionally designed to surprise, delight, and immerse them in the celebration.

In Puerto Rico, your wedding weekend might include:

A welcome party aboard a private catamaran at sunset
A rainforest excursion with curated picnic lounges
Rum and cigar tastings hosted at a private estate
Dinner parties with coursed menus and custom wine pairings
A farewell brunch featuring locally sourced cuisine and live acoustic music

These moments become more than entertainment, they become part of the story. The images from these gatherings are often as moving and editorial as the ceremony itself.

Make a Statement With Minimal, Luxe Decor (Wedding Aesthetic)

Design That Speaks Volumes Without Saying Too Much

Luxury weddings are defined not by excess, but by intentionality. They center around select statement moments that anchor the space, sculptural floral installations, curated lounge vignettes, dramatic lighting, and table decor that look like modern art.

Some high-impact design elements I’ve seen and loved:

Oversized floral arches using rare tropical botanicals or minimalist monochrome palettes
Taper candle-lined reception tables with layered linens and custom place cards
Lounge areas draped in velvet and lit by overhead chandeliers under open sky

Every design choice should reflect the editorial tone of your wedding and photograph beautifully, not just for the feed, but for the legacy album you’ll return to for decades.

Invest in Destination Wedding Photography That Captures the Iconic Documentary Feeling

You can throw the most gorgeous luxury wedding on the planet, but if the photos don’t hit... did it even happen?

This is why documentary wedding photography is such a huge trend in luxury destination weddings right now. It’s less about stiff posing and more about storytelling. The goal is to capture you and your people in the realness, laughing, crying, dancing, connecting, but doing it in a way that feels elevated and artistic.

When you work with a photographer who understands documentary and editorial styles, you get the best of both worlds:

The fashion-forward, perfectly lit, portfolio-worthy portraits
The unfiltered, fleeting, raw moments you didn’t even notice happening

And yes, I’ll be there for both. Your grandma fixing your veil. The flower girl falling asleep under the stars. The moment you look at your partner and realize, “we really did this.”

Keep It Cute in the Caribbean Heat (Destination Wedding Style)

Tropical destination weddings are stunning, but they come with humidity, salty air, and heat that doesn’t quit. You’ll still look flawless with the right prep.

Here’s how to stay chic (and sweat-proof):

Choose breathable, natural fabrics that move with the breeze
Work with hair and makeup artists who specialize in luxury weddings in tropical climates (trust me, it makes a big difference!)
Schedule portraits during golden hour when the light is soft, warm, and flattering

Bonus tip: Have a little touch-up kit nearby with blotting sheets, mini fans, and water. Hydrated bride = glowing bride.

Trending Now: Luxe Wedding Must-Haves for 2025

What are luxury couples doing differently this year? Here’s the insider list:

Cathedral Veils + Windy Portraits: Long, dramatic veils are back. The longer, the better.
Multi-Look Moments: Think multiple outfit changes across the wedding weekend itinerary
Food as Art: Plated chef’s tastings, cocktail artists, edible florals
Cake Couture: Cakes that look like sculptures and belong in a gallery
Documentary-Style Reels: Short films that feel more like movie trailers than highlight videos

These luxury wedding trends aren’t just beautiful, they’re intentional, immersive, and totally unforgettable.

The Secret to Having an Epic Destination Wedding

This is about more than a celebration, it’s about creating something iconic. A luxury destination wedding is your opportunity to bring people into a fully designed world: one that reflects your taste, your story, and your legacy.

If you’re dreaming of a luxury wedding in Puerto Rico, Miami, or anywhere in the Caribbean, I’d love to help you design something magical, and make sure it’s captured in a way that feels as rich and layered as the day itself.

You are a beautiful living being filled with light and love, born from stardust. You deserve a wedding that reflects that magic.

Luxury Destination Wedding FAQ

It offers European-style architecture, stunning beaches, rich culture, and no passport requirement for U.S. citizens.
Editorial wedding photography is about curated, fashion-forward storytelling. It’s dramatic, stylized, and visually stunning, but rooted in real emotion.
Documentary photography captures the in-between moments, the laughter, the emotion, the energy. When paired with editorial styling, it creates a full visual narrative that’s honest and breathtaking.
Absolutely. Patricia often collaborates with planners and stylists to design photos that feel unique and truly you.