The Notebook Inspired Engagement Shoot in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Christina and Ronald are getting married on June 10, 2017.

Love Story

It was August 2007, the start of the fall semester at The State University of New York at New Paltz. Ronald was a sophomore, and Christina was just starting her freshman year. They both were living in the same dorm hall on the same floor. Ronald came by and introduced himself (of course) lol. Ronald and Christina became good friends. Throughout the year they often went out along side mutual friends. As their friendship blossomed into the next school year, they began getting to know one another on a more personal level. By Fall 2008 they were pretty close, and as they say the rest was history!!! They began dating exclusively in January 2010. Soon after Ronald and Christina graduated from College the pair would learn that they were going to become parents. Not planned however Ronald and Christina were over joyed. Xylia Marie Martinez was born at 1:52pm on May 20, 2012. The perfect mix of her mother and father, she is a smart, fierce, spunky toddler who is the light of their lives.

The Proposal

Fast forward a few more years, it was September 11, 2015, Christina’s 26th birthday, Ronald had told her instead of getting together with everyone as they did in the past he wanted to spend the night with just them two. They headed out to Rosa Mexicano for dinner. As the hostess walked them up the stairs to be seated she saw everyone she loved sitting at the table. From her parents, to her college roommates, to her childhood friends – all waiting for them to join. They had dinner and talked and laughed. For the past 7 birthday Ronald had always surprised Christina with something different on each birthdate so this was nothing short of the usual. After dinner Ronald told everyone that they would walk just a few blocks to a Karaoke bar, where he reserved a private room. The party of 15+ began loosening up with some drinks and picking songs they would sing. Ronald grabbed the microphone and said he was going to do a rap battle with Christina’s cousin Ozzy. Ronald went first and he began his rap and it was about Christina and how they met. Everyone was laughing and then suddenly his rap became serious and Christina just instantly began to cry. Before she knew it Ronald was on one knee asking her to marry him, and she said “OF COURSE”. Alongside friends and family the two enjoyed the rest of the night celebrating the big news.

Wedding Plans and Vision

I have always been a fan of the Notebook and just wanted to use the movie as an inspiration for my wedding of course with a little spin of our personalities as well. We went away for vacation to Puerto Rico, and I knew we had to take our engagement pictures in Old San Juan. That setting fit my theme perfectly! “Vintage Romance” is what I am going to call it. I want soft blush and golds, and neutrals for my colors. I want simple elegance with a splash of vintage for the big day. The joys of wedding planning are being able to share ideas with my friends, mother and bring my vision to life. I brought a book and basically am planning this wedding by myself. I am going to hire a day of coordinator but for now I am handling everything.

My advice to other brides is to have fun, enjoy every moment, and remember this is your day! Do what makes you happy! Xoxo