Puerto Rico Wedding Planner

Commitment Ceremony Package

2009-12-17T09:27:00.002-04:00

$1,650 Package Includes:
Personal Wedding Concierge Service/
Wedding Coordinator
Your personal coordinator will:
*Provide you with unlimited e-mail & phone consultations to arrange your special day ahead of time
*Suggest and arrange dinner reservations for after the ceremony
Secure the following ceremony services for you:
*Premiere San Juan Beach Ceremony Location
*Your choice of Officiant (Christian, Jewish, Hindu)
*Bouquet of Flowers
*Boutonniere
*Unity Sand Ceremony
*Ceremony Photography; You will receive 50+ digital pictures on a high resolution cd with internet access
*Champagne Toast for 2
Coordinator on site the day of the ceremony to ensure everything flows smoothly.

Testimonials

2009-12-17T09:21:00.001-04:00

Lisa, I can't believe we began the process of planning my May 2008 wedding in July of 2007 and now it has come and gone. It turned out to be more than I could have ever hoped for! You made the entire planning process effortless. Never in a million years would I have thought that not only was I totally ready for my wedding on my wedding day, but everything was complete 2 months prior to the date. I could have never done that without you. Your attention to detail, organization and problem solving amazes me! You kept everything on a tight timeline and every time I called or emailed you about a question or concern your famous words to me were "it's done or I got it!" Our day turned out to be stress free and full of wonderful memories (even the planning process) that will always bring big smiles to our faces.

Thank you for helping me from save the date cards to wedding dress to flowers and so on and so on! You are amazing! I would recommend you to anyone not only for a wedding but for any event.

I look forward to using your services again! Hopefully for my baby shower sometime in the near future... SHHHH don't tell Juan Carlos!

Sincerely,
Vivian

After canceling our “big” wedding, I came up with the idea to elope in Puerto Rico…by surprising my fiancé. I do not speak Spanish so planning this started out to be an overwhelming endeavor. Luckily, I found Lisa’s website that included a PHONE NUMBER!! I was a little anxious of planning a wedding through an internet website, but Lisa was gracious enough to talk me through the process over the phone and kept in constant contact with me via email.

Upon arrival, Lisa met us at the airport and drove us to where we needed to be in order for our blood work to be completed—something mandatory on this island. The whole week Lisa was there for us to drive us again for our marriage license and calmed me down when I thought the rain would ruin the ceremony (don’t worry, she always has a Plan B!). A Christian ceremony was very important to me and my husband-to-be, so Lisa found a wonderful Christian pastor for us. I still can’t believe she pulled this all together in about 2 weeks!

I would recommend Lisa to any couple interested in marrying on this gorgeous island. In fact, you’re crazy if you’re attempting to do this on your own!

Elope to the Fort (El Castillo de San Felipe or El Morro), All Inclusive Package

2009-12-17T09:16:00.002-04:00

$2,500 Package Includes:
Personal Wedding Concierge Service/Wedding Coordinator
Your personal coordinator will:
*Provide you with unlimited e-mail & phone consultations to arrange your special day ahead of time
*Once you arrive to Puerto Rico, your coordinator will personally assist you in obtaining the marriage license & doctor's certificate. Service includes transportation to government agencies, lab and doctor's office (Does not include lab, doctor's & license fees)
*Secure permit required for Fort location
*Suggest and arrange dinner reservations for after the ceremony
Secure the following ceremony services for you:
*Premiere El Castillo de San Cristobal or El Morro (The Forts) Ceremony Location
*Your choice of Officiant (Christian, Jewish, Hindu)
*Bouquet of Flowers for the Bride
*Boutonniere for the Groom
*Unity Sand Ceremony
*Ceremony Photography - You will receive 50+ digital pictures on a high resolution cd with internet access
*Champagne Toast for 2
*Coordinator on site the day of the ceremony to ensure everything flows smoothly.

Elope to San Juan Puerto Rico, All Inclusive Package

2009-12-16T06:37:00.000-04:00

$2,000 Package Includes:
Personal Wedding Concierge Service/Wedding Coordinator
Your personal coordinator will:
*Provide you with unlimited e-mail & phone consultations to arrange your special day ahead of time
*Once you arrive to Puerto Rico, your coordinator will personally assist you in obtaining the marriage license & doctor's certificate. Service includes transportation to government agencies, lab and doctor's office (Does not include lab, doctor's & license fees)
*Suggest and arrange dinner reservations for after the ceremony
Secure the following ceremony services for you:
*Premiere San Juan Beach Ceremony Location (secure permit if applicable additional cost applies)
*Your choice of Officiant (Christian, Jewish, Hindu)
*Bouquet of Flowers for the Bride
*Boutonniere for the Groom
*Unity Sand Ceremony
*Ceremony Photography; You will receive 50+ digital pictures on a high res cd
*Champagne Toast for 2
Coordinator on site the day of the ceremony to ensure everything flows smoothly

Who I Am

2009-12-16T06:32:00.002-04:00

My name is Lisa Rodriguez. I am a professional wedding planner living on the enchanted island known as Puerto Rico. I love all things wedding and all things tropical. Once my husband, 12 year old daughter and I moved here from New York, I became inspired to merge my favorite things. This island is truly magical and living in PR really lets me discover the secrets of the island vacationing had never before revealed. It is these precious discoveries that motivate me to pass it along to you.

These passions along with my professional experience in the party planning business for over 20 years (17 in NYC, 3 in PR) allows me to offer my clients the best of the best in the most timely & professional manner.

It would be my pleasure to arrange your special occasion no matter what budget you may have. Feel free to contact me, even if you're just a little curious. I look forward to hearing from you.

For further information fill out a detailed contact me form, shoot me a quick email at
lisaprweddingplanner@gmail.com or for immediate assistance call me directly

1-866-99-PRWED -
1-866-997-7933 or
787-341-9062.

Bravo Bride

2009-12-07T12:45:00.004-04:00

BravoBride is an online marketplace where brides, newlyweds and wedding vendors buy and sell new and pre-owned wedding items. Shop for designer dresses, jewelry, accessories, decorations, favors and more. Items are FREE to list, get started today!

Great resource for both sellers and buyers.

Alfred Angelo

2009-12-02T14:45:00.005-04:00

See below for details...

Who is Alfred Angelo?

HISTORY

We are the world’s leading maker of wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses and we retain the personal touch of a family owned company. For 75 years, we have been dressing brides and the members of their wedding party in our elegant and affordable designer gowns. Now, at the Alfred Angelo Bridal Stores, you can purchase directly from the designer and manufacturer. Our Stores are located in California, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. Each carries a wide selection of Alfred Angelo wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, flower girl, special occasion and mother’s dresses.

PHILOSOPHY
Our gowns have made us famous, but it is our people that make the difference. Our goal is to continue to earn our reputation as The Friendliest Bridal Shop in Town. The deeply instilled Alfred Angelo Bridal culture is personified in its employees, people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer quality gowns and great service for those who know and appreciate the difference.

PRODUCT LINES
Our designer, Michael Shettel, dresses brides and their bridal parties in beautiful designer bridal gowns that are individually created and offered at an amazingly affordable price. We offer a broad range of silhouettes, in beautiful fabrics, with exquisite embroidery, beading and lace. Every style is available in sizes 2 to 28W. Michael’s goal is to make your gown just how you dreamed it would be. We meticulously sew each gown for the bride who wears it. We are pleased to accommodate a wide range of customizations to make your gown uniquely yours.

The Alfred Angelo Bridal Stores are also our designer’s showroom. Here you'll also find exclusive styles, straight from our design floor and only available at our stores.

When the time comes to select gowns for bridesmaids, you’ll appreciate that the Alfred Angelo brand is known as America’s Favorite Bridesmaid Dresses and Separates. Our styles are fashionable, affordable, and available in sizes 2 to 28W. Select a Dream in Color dress or separates available in the same 55 colors as our Dream in Color bridal styles, or our taffeta collection with alluring and dramatic silhouettes in 8 royal hues. All Bridal party gowns are carefully cut and sewn from the same fabric for a perfect color match. Most of our designs are also available in junior bridesmaid sizes 8 to 14. For the youngest members of the wedding party, there are many adorable options in our collection for flower girls, sizes toddler to 16.

Also, they are kind enough to offer all military couples a 15% discount... YEAH gotta love that!

Add 20+ Assistants To Your Pro-Photographer Staff On Your Wedding Day... Your Guests! OLAPIC Will Show You How.

2009-12-01T22:14:00.007-04:00

You probably have already decided to hire a professional photographer for your wedding. But have you thought about how to share all the pictures your guests will be taking? Those fun moments that the professional photographer may not capture? There are plenty of those moments in a wedding: your friends celebrating a little to much, your cousins laughing over your uncles' jokes, embarrassing shots of your parents dancing! Chances are that your guests will bring more than 20 cameras to the celebration so imagine the possibilities. But the last thing you want to have to do after the wedding is chase your guests and figure out a way to get a hold of those candid pictures. It sounds time-consuming and stressful. Well here is your easy solution... Olapic, you set-up an account and in seconds you are ready to invite your guests to share their pictures. After the wedding, start the simple process of collecting hundreds of pictures that you can download, share, and print! Watch this 1-minute video to fully understand how it works."

The first 10 readers to go on Olapic and sign up will receive a $10 discount by submitting the code PRWEDPLAN. Good luck and have fun sharing the priceless memories your guests have captured.

I Heart Iomoi

2009-11-17T11:33:00.007-04:00

I found these adorable canvas bags at Iomoi. They make a fantastic Welcome Bag for your guests who have traveled so far. Fill them up with a tour guide magazine, water, suntan lotion, towel, flip flops, snacks, itinerary (and/or whatever else you think they would enjoy) and have them waiting at the front desk at check in. They come in two sizes can be custom made to reflect your wedding theme. Check out their site for lots of adorable custom gifts and accessories.

Design Your Bridesmaid Dress Contest - Bridal Party - In Style Weddings

2009-10-25T11:10:00.001-04:00

Design Your Bridesmaid Dress Contest - Bridal Party - In Style Weddings

Have you ever dreamt of designing the perfect bridesmaid dress? Send us your sketch, and if we choose your design, Thread will create it for up to eight bridesmaids and add the style to their collection!

To enter, send your sketch to weddings@instylemag.com or 1271 Avenue of the Americas NY NY 10020 Attn: InStyle Wedding Design Your Bridesmaid Dress Contest.

Click here for complete contest rules.

Click here to learn more about Thread.

Inspiration For Your Bridal Bouquet

2009-10-23T08:00:00.009-04:00

Let's talk bridal bouquets. Such a personal choice, but I am often asked for my opinion. So here is a little inspiration. Anything goes when your having a destination wedding in Puerto Rico. It can be a formal look, rich deep colors or a whimsical look, loose, colorful or as simple as one large calla lilly with a beautiful ribbon. It's all in your hands... literally :) Here are a few bouquets for inspiration...

A Little Paradise I Call Home - Palmas Del Mar

2009-10-20T14:06:00.005-04:00

Hello future Mr & Mrs,

I am going to blog today about a little paradise I call home... Palmas del Mar. It is a unique enclosed community located on the southeast side of the island. This gorgeous community is full of wonderful, fun amenities such as;

2 award winning golf courses
Beach Club
Equestrian Center
Largest tennis center in all of the Caribbean
Largest marina in all of the Caribbean
17 restaurants - ranging from Japanese to pizza
Bike paths
Casino

If you are looking for a unique destination wedding experience in a self enclosed community offering the best of the best, Palmas del Mar is the site. Your guests won't even have to rent a car, a golf cart will get them around the entire community. How fun would it be to run into your guests on the golf cart path on the way to the welcome dinner. And most importantly the resort has an array of choices for lodging; private homes, villas and the 4 Points Sheraton Hotel.

I had a meeting with the catering dept at the 4 Points Sheraton and they have come up with a very reasonable, high quality menu.

The Enchanted Package (min 30 guests):

$89 pp including gratuity (tax not included)

Beach or Garden Ceremony Site
Outdoor or Ballroom Reception Site
Cocktail Hour - Mimosa or Sangria
Cocktail Hour - Cold & Hot Hors d'oeuves
Champagne Toast
Choice of Soup
Choice of Salad
Choice of one of 7 Main Courses
Choice of Starch
Choice of Vegetable
Bread & Butter
Coffee
4 Hour Open Bar (house brands)
White Table & Napkin Linen

If you would like more information about marrying in Palmas del Mar, please email me or call.

Fun Favor/Escort Card Idea

2009-10-18T09:32:00.010-04:00

Brides and I are always looking for unique escort card ideas and fun, useful favors. When you can combine the two it's twice as good.

Heide & Paul's wedding was full of lovely, fun, money saving and unique ideas. One that I loved in particular was the favor. Heide & Paul wanted to give their guests a taste of the best rum the world has to offer, Puerto Rico's Bacardi Rum. So off I went to the Bacardi factory for my research (it's a dirty job but someone has to do it) and to pick up Bacardi nips (I must suggest if you are vacationing in Puerto Rico it's a fun tour. It is interesting, they offer two drinks of your choice at the end and best of all it is completely free). She wanted two nips, one dark and one light, for each guest (they also have flavored nips). We attached them to each other with a pretty ribbon and double sided tape. She made adorable tags that said "Some Puerto Rico Spirit" and they were placed at each guests table setting. When the guests arrived to their seat they all commented on how cute the favors were and how wonderful it was not to have to pack one more item in their luggage. Then I thought what a great favor/escort card. Same idea, you would add the table name/number to the tag. Super cute and you eliminate one extra item on your reception list.

Thanks Heide for the inspiration!

Note: Another useful favor idea... The fan in the background was placed on the church pews to help guests cool off. Heide added the peach ribbon and adorable starfish to personalize them.

Heide & Paul Wedding Slideshow

2009-10-16T21:33:00.002-04:00

Click here to see a beautiful slideshow of

Heide & Paul's Wedding

Courtesy of David Medina

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2009

Ceremony: Cathedral of John the Baptist, Old San Juan Puerto Rico

Reception: El Convento Hotel, Old San Juan Puert Rico Salon Monterell

Stay tuned for many more pictures to come.

Great Advice From An Expert ~ Carey Evans

2009-10-15T09:51:00.009-04:00

Hello Brides to be,

Below is an email I received from a bride I am currently assisting in creating the wedding of her dreams. Her name is Carey Evans and she is the very talented designer and co-host of HGTV's Closet Cases as well as having numerous appearances on My First Place, Freestyle and Don't sweat it with Steve Watson. She is oh so talented and full of creative ideas that look modern & chic but won't break the bank. I hope to be sharing lots and lots of her ideas with you.

Check this one out...

... Something for you maybe to blog about... In trying to save money I found that the cost for printing a return address as well as a RSVP address on every envelope would take hours to do by hand or cost money if you were hiring a calligrapher. My printer wanted to charge anywhere from $100-200 more to print my return/rsvp address on my main envelope flap and RSVP envelope. So I choose to get creative and have a stamp made for $18. With shipping it comes out to $23.. but I can have this stamp for as long as I am in this home.

I picked the "Curly" stamp from Paperwink...

But I saw a ton of them on our favorite site Etsy. Like these cool ones...
Etsy Stamp.

Just tell your brides if they are using them for their RSVPs they should ask to have a larger stamp made... mine are 2.8" x 1.75". But over all these pretty return stamps would be great gifts for newlyweds OR for anyone with a new home... or a new last name!

Thanks Carey! Love that tip! Keep them coming!

Sneak Peek ~ Heide & Paul ~ El Convento Hotel

2009-10-08T17:19:00.002-04:00

Picture courtesy of David Medina.

Jessica & Greg's Wedding Album

2009-10-01T12:55:00.005-04:00

Click on Jessica & Greg's Wedding Album

to see a beautiful slideshow of their wedding day.

courtesy of David Medina

Michelle & Rick's Wedding Album

2009-10-01T12:35:00.003-04:00

Click on Michelle & Rick's Wedding Alb um

to see a beautiful slideshow of their wedding,

courtesy of David Medina

Ramona & Chris - September 21, 2009

2009-09-30T21:56:00.005-04:00

Congratulations

Ramona & Chris

Photos courtesy of Glen Weisgerber of Fotografia Distinta

PR Wedding Planner MUST HAVE!

2009-09-30T19:41:00.002-04:00

How Fab is Mandi?

Mandizzle is an adorable new online boutique with a sassy name. Mandi specializes in handcrafted & exclusive items handmade by Mandi—from flowers and exclusive jewelry, to gifts, and accessories. She also has charming scarfs that are brand new to her shop, and more treasures for your everyday posh life. Mandi will also create you any color or flower you need to fit your wedding or party style.

Mandi's flowers were are major part of my wedding theme. With a single flower you can make a Spanish wedding come together! Whatever your theme might be or flower you have in mind Mandi can help.

Don't you just love how beautiful these flowers are!

Since my wedding, so many people have asked me about Mandi. I wanted to find away to let everyone know just where my flowers came from. Each flower is specially handmade for you, interlocking flower petals that bring a sense of enduring grace and beauty.

In order to purchase her items please visit Mandizzle, check out the boutique, share with Mandi what holiday items you would like to see by leaving a comment.

PS -10% off to Brides plus free shipping through October with code *cocoandbella*

PATA ti NOVIA

2009-09-30T14:07:00.000-04:00

Check out the beautiful feature of our wedding at PARA ti NOVIA! What a wonderful job they did featuring our wedding love story. We are so excited to share all the details with fellow brides. When Valerie at PARA ti NOVIA contacted us to do a feature article we were thrilled. She did a wonderful job! There are also a few new amazing photo's by Shawna Herring!

Check out the full article: PARA ti NOVIA

All Photo's Shawna Herring!!!

Unique Wedding Keepsake...

2009-09-30T14:05:00.007-04:00

If you are the type of bride that feels paying an exuberant amount of money for flowers that will not make it back home is ridiculous and unnecessary. This post is for you...

Lilly Buds creates heirloom quality, distinctive bridal bouquets, for divinely different bridal parties.

Each piece is tailor-made to suit your chosen style. You can have your bouquet, bridesmaids bouquet, boutonnieres, corsages and table centerpieces made to order.

Designed and created with quality materials including vintage treasures, buttons, paper and feathers, Lillybuds bouquets, buttonholes and accessories are a beautiful keepsakes to mark that special day in your life.

Prices start at around $100.

You can also find her at;

lillybuds.blogspot

lillybuds.etsy

Destination... Love

2009-09-30T13:42:00.003-04:00

A few more destination wedding ideas...

Row 1: Beach Favor Bags, Destination Love Favor Cards, Beach Cake Topper, Destination Wedding Favor Card
Row 2: Cruise Themed Magnet Favor, Miniature Travel Suitcase Container, Miniature Travel Trolley, Honeymoon Beach Attire
Row 3: Shell Place Card Holders, Heart Unity Sand Ceremony Set, Orchid "Just Married" Flip Flops, Seaside Allure Garter Set
Row 4: Palm Tree Favor Boxes, Destination Love Cruise Ship Luggage Tag, Flip Flop Placecard Holders, Sea Shell Spreader Favors

Consider hiring a wedding/event planning service based in your destination wedding location. This is especially handy when considering differences in time zones and possible language barriers. Companies such as PR Wedding Planner will handle all details of your wedding.

Save-the-dates should be sent from 6 to 12 months in advance to allow guests time to plan and budget for attending the destination wedding.

Enclose an itinerary with your wedding invitations so that guests will know what to expect.

Destination wedding guests are typically expected to pay for their airfare and hotel. You can help with the cost by negotiating group rates with hotels and airlines. Make reservations as early as possible as group rates are often based on availability.

Keep guests informed of travel and accomodation options (including prices) and any changes to the itinerary by creating a wedding website. Send an email to guests each time you make changes to the website.

Because the guest list of destination weddings is generally shorter, consider having a small reception once you return home. This will give you the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends who were not able to attend your destination wedding. Choose a decorating scheme that focuses on the location of your destination wedding. Have wedding photos or a DVD of the ceremony/reception available.

Elegant and Classic

2009-09-30T11:47:00.004-04:00

One question I get asked a lot is...

"What would you suggest as a wedding favor? How should we display them?"

I came across this idea in Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine and fell in love with it. This is perfect for a destination wedding. It is both timeless and new, create a favor cake with buttercream-colored boxes (ivory, white and aqua work nicely too) and a topper of millinery or paper flowers. Inside, nestle Mantecaditos (sugar cookies) which are a delicious, light, traditional cookie in Puerto Rico. They can be flavored with coconut, almond, lemon or amaretto. And guests don't have to pack an extra item in their luggage. It can be their midnight or breakfast snack after partying all night long. Ask a calligrapher to make a sign with your initials or monogram. Stack boxes in tiers on a square cake plate; add picot ribbon and flowers to top. Shells and pearls would also add a decorative romantic look.

Two piece boxes - Sofie's Favors

Calligraphy Resource - Laura Hooper's Calligraphy

Mantecaditos Receipe (almond flavor) - Puerto Rican Cookies

Photo Credit - Martha Stewart Weddings

Top 10 Attractions

2009-09-29T13:35:00.002-04:00

There are so many things you can do in Puerto Rico...

Photos by Christina Barreraz