Our stunning LJM Real Bride Madeline, an E-Commerce Product Manager, met her now-husband Madrid, a Hair Dresser, through a mutual friend right after undergrad. Madeline had gone to college with her, while Madrid knew her from high school. Once the two were introduced, they began a relationship, and what once started as an introduction from an old friend, blossomed into a loving couple and eventually, an engagement!
Madeline shared that Madrid popped the question while the two of them were on vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Her soon-to-be groom asked her to marry him on the beach, and when we asked our bride if she was expecting it, she shared that she had actually found the ring while on vacation! Before that, she had no idea!
After saying YES, it came time to start planning a wedding! Madeline shared that she chose to shop with La Jeune Mariee because she found her dream dress on a blog, and we were the only store in Ohio that carried it! At her appointment, she worked with our expert stylist, Michelle, and shared that her experience was “more than amazing”, and was so glad she chose to shop with us. Nothing makes us happier than hearing about our brides’ great experiences in-store!
Madeline ended up saying yes to Willowby by Watters Woodrose, the exact dress she had come in looking for, and shared that it fit her original wedding dress vision exactly. To complete her bridal look, Madeline chose the Sara Gabriel Lesley veil!
Now that she had her wedding day attire chosen, it was time to embark on other pieces of wedding planning. With the venue and date already picked out, Madeline shares that she then started on the DIY elements of her day, such as maracas and sweets for their guests and designing the stationary. As she reflected on planning, she shares that she did not pull inspiration from any one wedding day in particular, and instead went for the general vibe of a tropical, bohemian wedding day.
Madeline also shared that while sourcing vendors, she utilized recommendations from other brides who were married in Puerto Rico using a Facebook Group, and was happy with each of the choices she made. A few of the vendors in particular she chose to shout out were their photographer, Nilka Gissell, and their venue, Hacienda Siesta Alegre.
After months of planning, it was finally wedding day! When we asked Madeline which part of the big day was her favorite, she shared that every piece of it was wonderful, but if she had to choose, she shouted out their first look and the reception. They included traditional Puerto Rican dancers into the reception, and loved the fun + lively energy it brought to the party! Madeline also shared that their guava-flavored cake was one of her favorite details, which we love!
As Madeline looks back on her dream Puerto Rico wedding, she shared advice for future brides: “Take your time!! We had no rush to get married immediately, but we did start the process shortly after getting engaged. It made for a wayyyy less stressful time and we actually got to enjoy the planning”. We love this advice and love for our brides to approach the planning process intentionally in a timeline that works for them!
We’re so honored to have been a part of Madeline + Madrid’s Puerto Rican wedding day! Keep scrolling for more photos and their full list of vendors.
planner: MGT Events
photography: Nilka Gissell
venue: Hacienda Siesta Alegre
catering: Nilsa Colon Catering
cake: Cupkei Weddings
pleneros: Yuvi Plena
dj: DJ Eric
ceremony music: Music by NC
officiant: Puerto Rico Wedding Ministers
Ready to find your dream dress with us + become an LJM Real Bride? Tap the button below to view upcoming availability and secure your bridal appointment. We can’t wait to meet you!