JESSICA RIOS-ESTEVES AND RYAN KANJI

Jessica Rios-Esteve and Ryan Kanji met amidst the exciting and bustling world of Manhattan–Jessica, moving to New York City from Puerto Rico to pursue her Ph.D. in cancer biology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, while Ryan worked as an accountant at The Council on Foreign Relations.

Introduced through their friends, Ralph and Frances, the two established a wonderful bond from the beginning. Although Jessica played hard to get, Ryan’s charm and quirky personality eventually won her over, leading to a relationship filled with unique experiences, exotic destinations, and life lessons.

Knowing that family means everything to Jessica, Ryan proposed in May of 2014, during a family Memorial Day BBQ. As he knelt down in front of all her loved ones to pop the question, the only thought going through his mind was, “Thank you God, for the greatest blessing in the world – her love.”

The wedding planning process started immediately afterwards, and the couple knew they would be hosting a destination wedding in Puerto Rico. Once Antiguo Casino de Puerto Rico was chosen as the venue, the theme of the wedding was conceptualized. The casino’s architecture, looming chandelier, and aristocratic history made it a unique location and served as inspiration behind the décor and ambiance.

Jessica and Ryan envisioned a wedding that would exude elegance, yet be entertaining and fun at the same time. The event space was filled with a mix of round and imperial tables decorated with gold candle holders and vases, and topped with white floral arrangements. Yellow lighting illuminated the room, resembling the sunset, and the wedding cake was an absolute piece of art, decked in the same lace pattern that adorned the bride’s wedding dress.

For the bride and groom, knowing that their wedding day would be spent with loved ones made all the challenges well worth it. One minor glitch, for example, was when the bus didn’t show up to transport guests to the church; but with some help, 50 taxis were soon lined up to escort each guest to the ceremony. Afterwards, the newlyweds celebrated with friends and family, dancing until their feet hurt and singing until they had no voice.

“We both vowed that no matter what, we would enjoy that day; and whatever obstacle presents itself, we would get through it with a smile,” the couple says. “At the end of the day, we would be starting our new life as husband and wife. We will always look back and remember the joy of joining our lives together, and starting this new chapter of marriage.”