A Dream Wedding at Hacienda Las Margaritas | Mariela & Gustavo’s Unforgettable Day



Nestled in the heart of Puerto Rico, Hacienda Las Margaritas set the perfect stage for Mariela & Gustavo’s breathtaking wedding. With lush mango orchards, panoramic views, and a mountaintop main house, this venue was nothing short of magical. As their wedding photographer, I had the privilege of documenting every heartfelt moment, from their intimate preparations to the unforgettable moonrise that blessed their celebration.


This wedding was extra special because it was my first wedding of 2025, held in January—a truly beautiful way to start the new year.


A Venue Like No Other: A private family hacienda.


From the moment I arrived, I knew this wedding would be one for the books. Hacienda Las Margaritas is a vast piece of land where mango trees stretch endlessly, surrounding a majestic main house perched on a high mountain. The view from the estate was nothing short of breathtaking—a sea of green orchards leading to the shimmering Caribbean horizon.


As a photographer, every angle of this venue was a dream to capture. Whether it was the golden light filtering through the mango trees or the sweeping landscapes in the background, this location offered the perfect canvas for Mariela & Gustavo’s love story.


A Ceremony with a View


Mariela & Gustavo exchanged vows in an idyllic outdoor ceremony by a serene water pond, with mango trees swaying in the gentle breeze and the Caribbean Sea visible in the distance. The love between them was palpable, and every moment felt straight out of a fairytale.


One of the most breathtaking moments of the day was capturing the ceremony from above with my drone. Seeing the couple framed by nature, surrounded by loved ones, was a powerful and emotional sight.

Outdoor ceremony setup at hacienda venue in Puerto Rico
Close up of bride during makeup preparation indoors
Bride applying makeup using mirror near window light
Bride enjoying quiet moment overlooking hills in Salinas
Bride looking over scenic mountain landscape from hacienda balcony
Bride standing on terrace in natural light before ceremony
Bride sitting on wooden chair on hacienda balcony with countryside view
Bride holding veil on terrace overlooking mountains in Salinas Puerto Rico
Groom and groomsmen getting ready together in relaxed setting at a private hacienda in southern Puerto Rico
Groomsmen gathered on balcony overlooking the venue during wedding day at a private hacienda in southern Puerto Rico
Bride adjusting dress in soft natural light indoors
Bride adjusting dress in soft natural light indoors
Bride adjusting dress in soft natural light indoors
Bride adjusting dress in soft natural light indoors
Close up of bride dress details during preparation

Golden Hour Perfection


During cocktail hour, we hopped on a van and ventured to some of the most scenic locations around the hacienda for their couple’s portraits. Golden hour bathed the landscape in warm, dreamy light, making every shot look effortlessly romantic.

These sunset portraits became some of my absolute favorites from the entire day. The soft light, the stunning scenery, and the couple’s pure joy created a collection of images that truly captured the essence of their love.

Bride and groom kissing with scenic landscape during destination wedding in Puerto Rico
Bride and groom sharing intimate moment during outdoor wedding with mountain views
Bride and groom embracing under trees during outdoor wedding portraits
Bride and groom with bridal party during outdoor destination wedding in Puerto Rico
Bridal party group portrait with vibrant dresses and scenic mountain backdrop
Bride with bridesmaids in colorful dresses during outdoor wedding portraits in Puerto Rico
Groom and groomsmen group portrait with mountain views during outdoor wedding in Puerto Rico
Groom and groomsmen group portrait with mountain views during outdoor wedding in Puerto Rico
Bride and groom walking hand in hand with ocean backdrop during Puerto Rico wedding
Bride and groom kissing with veil blowing in wind during outdoor destination wedding portraits
Bride and groom embracing during sunset portraits with scenic landscape in Puerto Rico
Bride and groom walking together with ocean view during destination wedding in Puerto Rico
Bride and groom holding hands with veil flowing in wind during coastal wedding portraits
Bride and groom standing with mountain views during destination wedding portraits
Bride and groom walking together under trees during outdoor wedding portraits in Puerto Rico

Capturing the Details: Documentary-Style Photography


As a documentary-style wedding photographer, my goal is to capture genuine, unscripted moments—the laughter, the stolen glances, the emotions that make a wedding day unique.


Since this was my first time at Hacienda Las Margaritas, I made sure to arrive early to scout the best locations and lighting opportunities. From the moment I set foot on the property, I was in awe of its beauty. Every turn presented a new backdrop that added depth and emotion to my photographs.


A Beautifully Curated Celebration


The ambiance of the wedding was further elevated by the talented team behind the decor. Akua transformed the premises around the main house into an elegant, romantic setting, blending seamlessly with the hacienda’s natural beauty. The floral arrangements, the lighting, and the attention to detail made every corner of the venue picture-perfect.

Outdoor ceremony space beneath trees with natural light and rustic setting at a private hacienda in southern Puerto Rico
Elegant reception table setup with floral centerpieces under large trees at a private hacienda in southern Puerto Rico
Wide view of outdoor reception with long tables and scenic mountain backdrop in Salinas Puerto Rico
Elegant outdoor wedding reception decor with tables and chairs under trees in Salinas
Reception setup under large tree at outdoor wedding venue in Salinas Puerto Rico
Outdoor wedding reception tables with mountain views at hacienda in Salinas Puerto Rico
Bride walking during sunset outdoor wedding ceremony with warm light in Salinas Puerto Rico
Bride and groom sharing kiss during sunset outdoor wedding ceremony in Salinas
Bride and groom dancing surrounded by guests during outdoor ceremony in Salinas Puerto Rico
Bride and groom portrait during outdoor wedding ceremony at hacienda in Salinas Puerto Rico
Bride and groom reacting during ceremony surrounded by guests
Guests seated during outdoor wedding ceremony with scenic countryside view
Bride walking down the aisle surrounded by guests during outdoor wedding ceremony at a private hacienda in southern Puerto Rico
Bride walking down aisle during sunset wedding ceremony in Salinas
Bride walking down aisle during sunset wedding ceremony in Salinas

Dancing Under the Moonlight


As night fell, the celebration turned into an electrifying party. The dance floor came alive as Mariela, Gustavo, and their guests danced the night away, surrounded by the twinkling lights and the crisp night air. The atmosphere was pure joy—the kind of energy that makes weddings unforgettable.


Just before my time documenting their wedding came to an end, something truly magical happened. The moonrise graced the sky, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the hacienda. It was the perfect way to close a day filled with love, beauty, and celebration.


Final Thoughts | Capturing Love in Every Frame


Mariela & Gustavo’s wedding at Hacienda Las Margaritas was a photographer’s dream—a perfect blend of stunning scenery, heartfelt moments, and pure joy. It was an honor to be a part of their love story and to document every moment in an authentic, natural way.


Kicking off my 2025 wedding season with such a breathtaking celebration was truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to capture more love stories this year.


If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who focuses on capturing real, candid moments, I’d love to be part of your special day. Let’s create beautiful, timeless memories together!


📩 Get in touch today to book your wedding photography!


Vendor's Dream Team

📋 Wedding Planner: Cristina Guzmán

🏡 Venue: Hacienda Las Carolinas

🎨 Decor: Akua

💄 Hair & Makeup: Raiza Montes

🎻 Ceremony Music: Duo Romanza

📸 Photography: Gary Rosado Photography

🎥 Videographer: Eduardo Pérez

🎶 Live Music: Sin Prisa

☕ Coffee: Café Sobre Grecas



Bride dancing with guests during lively outdoor wedding celebration
Live band performing during wedding reception at a private hacienda in southern Puerto Rico
Bride dancing with guests during lively outdoor wedding celebration
Bride dancing with guests during lively outdoor wedding celebration
Bride and groom dancing surrounded by guests at outdoor wedding reception
Wedding guests celebrating on dance floor at hacienda wedding in Puerto Rico
Bride surrounded by guests dancing during wedding celebration
Guests toasting and laughing during outdoor hacienda wedding reception in Salinas Puerto Rico
Aerial view of outdoor wedding reception at private estate in Salinas
Aerial view of outdoor wedding reception at private estate in Salinas
Aerial view of outdoor wedding reception at private estate in Salinas
Historic hacienda illuminated at night during wedding reception
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Wide view of hacienda wedding reception with guests and lighting decor
Outdoor wedding dinner setup with string lights and guests seated
Long reception tables under trees with warm lighting at hacienda wedding