Thomas J. Henry was engaged to Dr. Elena Alvarez-Westwood with a celebration at the iconic Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico. The lavish affair transformed the historic oceanfront property into the setting for what felt like a private music festival, drawing hundreds of guests from around the world to Isla Verde for an evening of spectacle, sound, and celebration.
Dr. Elena Álvarez-Westwood, Thomas J. Henry photo by BFA
From the moment guests arrived, the tone was set for an extraordinary night. Attendees were welcomed by a mesmerizing outdoor performance from the Earth Harp, a dramatic string instrument suspended across the hotel’s entrance, accompanied by immersive visual projections that lit up the hotel facade. Inside, a lavish cocktail reception unfolded in the Fairmont’s legendary lobby, where intricate ice sculptures and a 35-member Philharmonic Orchestra of Puerto Rico delivered familiar classics reimagined with a Latin flair. In keeping with the couple’s wishes, the evening remained an “unplugged” experience, encouraging guests to be fully present and immersed in the moment.
Marc Anthony photo by Shutterstock
The night reached a fever pitch with surprise performances by Latin music icons Marc Anthony and Ricky Martin, along with other superstar guests. Their high-energy sets turned the engagement party into a stadium-level concert, keeping guests on their feet from the first note to the final encore.
Ricky Martin photo by Shutterstock
As the performances concluded, the celebration continued outdoors with a breathtaking drone show choreographed to music, illuminating the Caribbean sky above Isla Verde. Moments later, a full fireworks display erupted above the resort, drawing cheers from the crowd and setting the stage for a birthday cake presentation honoring Dr. Alvarez-Westwood.
Drone display photo by Shutterstock
The festivities carried on late into the night as two DJs took over, transforming the evening into a dynamic after-party that flowed seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces. Guests danced into the early morning hours, capped by a final performance from Miami-based artist Robby Elias, while enjoying signature cocktails, late-night bites, and sweeping views of palm-lined pools and the ocean beyond.
Elena Álvarez-Westwood birthday cake photo by BFA
Beyond the glamour, the celebration reflected the couple’s shared commitment to giving back. Thomas J. Henry and Dr. Alvarez-Westwood are building on philanthropic efforts in Puerto Rico, supporting post-earthquake educational recovery in Guayanilla and recently serving as title sponsors of the American Cancer Society Puerto Rico Gala.
Atmosphere photo by Shutterstock
Dr. Alvarez-Westwood stunned throughout the evening, with hair styled by Eddy Scudo and makeup by Hung Vanngo. She wore custom looks by Paris-based designer Zuhair Murad and Puerto Rican designer Gustavo Arango.
Dr. Elena Álvarez-Westwood, Thomas J. Henry photo by BFA
As a final touch, departing guests received thoughtful gifts including Don Q Gran Reserva Añejo Rum from Dr. Alvarez-Westwood’s hometown of Ponce, along with artisanal chocolates from Montadero – an elegant send-off to an unforgettable night.