Matt and Frank’s love story began in the most charming way— as neighbors in a social apartment complex, a place they fondly compared to “Melrose Place,” but without the drama. Five years ago, their bond grew over their shared love of dogs. Matt has a white, deaf boxer named Jack, while Frank has a fawn boxer named Remy. Their mutual love for their pups set the foundation for a beautiful partnership.
In September 2014, they embarked on a romantic trip to Italy, where Matt proposed to Frank at the breathtaking Lake Como. The proposal took place atop the archway-adorned pavilion of Villa Balbianello, with stunning views of the lake creating the perfect backdrop for their moment.
Why Puerto Rico Is the Ultimate LGBTQ+ Wedding Destination
When planning an LGBTQ+ wedding, Puerto Rico stands out as an ideal destination. With its legal recognition of same-sex marriages and no passport requirement for U.S. citizens, it’s the perfect choice for couples seeking a tropical paradise. Puerto Rico offers everything from crystal-clear beaches to lush rainforests and incredible cuisine. For Matt and Frank, it was love at first sight during a previous trip to the Island, which made their decision to travel from California for their wedding an easy one.
A Beautiful Ceremony at Hotel La Concha in Condado
Matt and Frank chose to celebrate their wedding at the iconic Hotel La Concha in Condado, San Juan. Overlooking the ocean, their ceremony was a perfect blend of romance and personal expression. Their wedding color palette featured blue and orange tones, adding a fun, vintage touch that reflected their quirky and geeky personalities.
The heartfelt ceremony, surrounded by their closest family and friends, was a celebration of love, individuality, and commitment. Every moment was a testament to the deep connection they share.
Capturing the Magic of Matt and Frank’s Wedding
As a photographer, I was honored to capture Matt and Frank’s special day. Their love, humor, and unique personalities made for an unforgettable experience. Despite their nerves about being in front of the camera, I focused on making them feel relaxed and natural, allowing their authentic selves to shine in every shot.
Testimonial from Matt and Frank
This review is long overdue. As we were looking through the photos from our wedding, we were reminded of Nilka’s amazing talent and realized we had yet to publicly commend her.”
Nilka was the perfect choice to photograph our special day. Neither of us are very comfortable posing for photos, but Nilka captured all the special moments, making us look natural and relaxed— no small feat since we both get nervous when being photographed.
She met with us a few days before the wedding to get to know us and understand what we wanted from our photos. Her warm, professional demeanor instantly put us at ease.
Words can’t express what a joy it was to work with Nilka, and the finished photos were more than we could have ever hoped for. We highly recommend her, and if we could do it all over again, we wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you, Nilka!
— Matt & Frank
Vendors & Partners
Venue
Hotel La Concha
Photographer
Nilka Gissell
Wedding Planner
Eventus by Zahira
Decor
Lorraine’s Flowers
Cake
D’light Cakes
Entertainment
DJ Rockhand
