About Me

"Representation is not a trend or a checkbox, but a responsibility to create work that feels safe, honest and true to the people in it".

Wedding Photographer

Hola! I’m Nilka

I’m Nilka, a Puerto Rico wedding photographer capturing intentional micro weddings and elopements built around safety and trust.

After 15 plus years and more than 300 weddings across Puerto Rico, I know how wedding days move here. My photograph is relaxed and observant. I guide you when you need support. Then I step back so you stay present. You get calm guidance when you need direction. And you also get space when you need to breathe.

Most of the couples I work with plan intimate weddings or elopements. Many are LGBTQ and BIPOC couples who want a space where they feel understood without explaining every part of their story.

I’m queer and Boricua. That shapes how I move through a wedding day. Representation matters to me. I show couples of different identities, cultures and body types because bodas in Puerto Rico look many different ways. I respect pronouns. I understand chosen family.

My goal stays simple. You feel comfortable. Your photos feel like you.

Wedding Photographer

Beyond the camera

Outside weddings, I live a simple, curious life.

I run on strong coffee and matcha. If there is a good café nearby, I will find it. I travel to experience different cultures, escape daily routines and seek personal growth through new challenges. New languages, unfamiliar streets, getting lost in translation. That type of travel resets my brain.

I spend a lot of time outside. I rock climb for fun. I run trails. I cycle long roads. I enjoy being a little uncomfortable in nature. It keeps life honest.

At home, I slow down. I bake sourdough and guard my starter like a family heirloom. I like building things and small construction projects. Measuring, fixing, improving spaces. It calms my mind. I garden too and get overly excited about home grown fruit.

I rescue animals. My house belongs to two dogs and four cats. Caos. Pero good chaos.

I watch horror movies and cult classics on purpose. I’m also a committed foodie. I always order something new on the menu.

That mix of curiosity, patience and observation shapes how I photograph weddings too.

Get to know more about me

PERSONAL NOTES

Client Testimonials

"Nilka made our entire wedding experience feel seamless from start to finish. She was incredibly professional, organized, and gave us just the right amount of direction to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. She brought our vision to life and delivered photos that were absolutely stunning. We received our gallery quickly, and so many of our guests said she was the best wedding photographer they’ve experienced."

Nilka Gissell Photography wedding client review

Jaqueline & Markus

"We’re a gay couple from the mainland US, and working with Nilka for our wedding in Puerto Rico was an incredible experience. She made us feel completely comfortable and created an atmosphere where we could truly be ourselves, while guiding everything with ease and intention. When we received our photos just two weeks later, every emotion from the day came rushing back, she captured it all beautifully. These images are works of art and we feel so lucky to have them."

Parker & Jose

"Nilka was the very first vendor I booked for my wedding and she went above and beyond from the very beginning. She not only brought my vision to life, but also supported me throughout the process with guidance, check-ins, and trusted recommendations. On the wedding day, she directed everything with ease and captured the most incredible moments. As someone with high standards in the events industry, I can confidently say Nilka delivers on every level."