Photo: Kimberly Chau Photography
Vanessa and Ariel got engaged on a family vacation in Long Beach, California. As Vanessa waited with family members to board a gondola at the city's quaint canals, Ariel "appeared out of nowhere with a bouquet of flowers and a ring," Vanessa recalls. "Everyone was in on the surprise except for me."
The couple whisked 40 guests away to a different beach for their October wedding more than a year later. "We decided early on that we wanted a destination wedding," Vanessa says of the couple's decision to host their fall fete in Vieques, Puerto Rico, at the posh and popular W Retreat & Spa.
Vanessa and Ariel left their reception through a tunnel of smoke and sparklers. "We felt so lucky and grateful to have our closest family and friends present for such a wonderful occasion," Vanessa says. "It went by so quickly, but it was the most fun we have ever had."
For more photos of Vanessa and Ariel's destination wedding in Puerto Rico, view the entire slideshow.
—Jillian Kramer
Venue: W Retreat & Spa || Reception Venue: W Retreat & Spa || Bride's Wedding Dress: Legends by Romona Keveza || Bride's Veil: BHLDN || Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka || Groom's Tux: Banana Republic || Bridesmaids' Dresses: Odylyne || Groomsmen Attire: Banana Republic || Mother of the Bride's Dress: BHLDN || Florist: Puerto Rico Wedding Flowers || Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas || Cake Baker: W Retreat & Spa || Entertainment: DJs of the Islands || Photography: Kimberly Chau Photography