• Real Weddings

When Yency decided he wanted Paola to be his wife, he custom-designed the perfect ring for her and informed Paola’s parents. After having the ring hidden in his desk drawer for 8 months, Yency proposed while standing on a nerve-rackingly steep cliff at Lake Tahoe in California.

Keep scrolling to see to-die-for photography by Love Bears of this incredible $400,000 day at Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve , featuring planning and design by Eventos by VF , as well as florals by AKUA . Make sure to also click here for a full gallery of images - you won't want to miss their confetti moment!

A spur of the moment decision led to a beautiful love and a beautiful wedding day

In March 2015, Paola was supposed to go on her usual Spring Break trip with her parents, but she got a call from a friend who invited her to instead spend 4 days in Vieques with a couple of other people from college. She immediately went online and cancelled her flight without telling her parents. She went on to pack her stuff and - after telling her parents - she left for San Juan.

Travelling together before their engagement helped this couple grow together

That first day the group had a blast at Pata Prieta beach, but she did not get the chance to introduce herself formally to anyone until later in the evening. When she ventured to the upstairs terrace that night, her unknowing, “knee-high sock wearing” future husband introduced himself before they rejoined the group and enjoyed the remainder of their trip. After that, they stayed friends until two years later when Yency asked her to become his girlfriend. For the next 4 years, they travelled all over together and got to know each other.

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They chose a ceremony location that honored heritage and history

Both Paola and Yency are very proud of their heritage, which is why they chose to have their wedding in their home, Puerto Rico. The “Iglesia de San José” is the oldest ecclesiastic building on the island and one of the earliest surviving examples of 16th-century Spanish Gothic architecture in the Western hemisphere. With its exquisite architecture and vast history, they knew it was the right place for their nuptials.

A modern reception space was perfect for gorgeous structural floral installations

While researching venues for the reception, Paola and Yency decided a hotel was the best option. The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve with its resort vibes, quality service, and modern infrastructure was a perfect fit for their wedding celebration themed after a Tuscan resort. To personalize their special day, the couple chose "First Date" by Blink-182 for their first dance song. Their advice after the fact? "Enjoy the moment and be present!"

So much was carefully handmade for their day, from the dresses to the marbled cake

Both the bride and groom's outfits were made by Puerto Rican designers. The bride wore Harry Robles , while the groom wore La Tigre Uomo . The bridesmaids' dresses were also entirely handmade by a Puerto Rican seamstress, while the groomsmen's tuxedos were rented from Leonardo's 5th Ave. Having such custom outfits also lent a special, personal element to the entire day.

• Wedding Photographers: Love Bears
• Event Planning & Design: Eventos by VF
• Flowers: AKUA
• Dress & Apparel: Harry Robles
• Dress & Apparel: La Tigre Uomo
• Venues: Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve