Andres and Rachel both live in Cost Rica. Andres is from here originally, and Rachel is from Northern Ireland. The couple live in San Jose, but brought their families to the beautiful beaches of Uvita to celebrate their marriage. The reception was held at La Cusinga Hotel, with the ceremony on a secluded beach that borders the National Park of Playa Ballena. 

The reception was setup beautifully. Tropical flowers adorned the tables, and each seating had a hand painted wooden souvenir cup. The cups were painted with a Tucan, which was very fitting as the theme of the hotel is Tucans. 

The bride arrived first and we decided to do a very impromptu first look.

Who can resist a wedding day selfie?

Andres and Rachel had a unique day planned. They really loved the idea of getting married by a waterfall on the property, but there was not much room for family and friends to comfortably sit and watch the ceremony. They decided to do the legal part of the ceremony in front of the waterfall, with only their witnesses present. The actual ceremony took place right after on the beach.

I jumped on the opportunity to take some beautiful portraits in the midst of the jungle before heading back to the beach ceremony.

The hike to and from the beach was very steep. On the way back guests were invited to stop at a lookout point and dehydrate with some cool agua de pipa.

Photographer: Yours truly
Wedding Venue: La Cusigna
Officiant: Marcelo Galli

Nick and Maya were married at the beautiful all inclusive Westin Resort on Playa Conchal. Playa Conchal is located in the northern part of Costa Rica. Maya travels for a living, so it was no surprise that her and Nick planned a destination wedding.  An intimate group of about 20 friends and family joined the couple in celebrating this important step in their relationship.

The day started as usual with the girls getting ready. I had a second photographer working with me who took over getting photos of Nick getting ready. 

Nick and Maya's reception was held in the Mangler room at the Westin. The room looked dreamy and delicate by day, but just wait until you see the beautiful night time photo, it is gorgeous!

While I was taking photos of Maya, Jorge, the second photographer, was able to get some photos of Nick preparing.

The ceremony was held in the most beautiful little cove of trees, looking out to the beach horizon that was spotted with small mountains in the distance. A beautiful aisle of ombre flower petals awaiting Maya.

After the ceremony we took family portraits. I stayed with the couple a little longer to take these beautiful newlywed portraits of the two of them.

People say it is good luck if it rains on your wedding day, but really no bride ever hopes for rain. During the beginning of the ceremony it began to sprinkle, just enough to bring out this beautiful rainbow for our portrait session. If that isn't a sign of good luck I don't know what is.

I gave Nick a little break and took some beautiful portraits of the bride by herself.

Jorge was able to run ahead and take this stunning photo of the reception room all lit up and ready for dinner. 

The peony on this cake just amazed me, it was so detailled and so real looking, yet made of sugar. Speaking of sugar, the extensive dessert bar Nick and Maya had setup was impressive to say the least. 

The couple made their entrance and the dinner began. Considering the small group that they had, their were quite a few speeches. I think that goes to show something about Nick and Maya.

Photographer: Yours Truly
Second Photographer: Jorge Lopez
Venue: The Westin Playa Conchal
Wedding Planner: Weddings Costa Rica
Florist: Stylos y Flores
Cake: Victoria Zoch
DJ: Luz Lopez
Rentals: Costa Mesa

Sheri and Sean had a gorgeous wedding. One of those weddings that you dream of as a little girl. It was light and airy and full of details. The weather was questionable when I arrived, it was raining on and off, but then the closer we got to the ceremony time, the brighter it looked outside. It ended up being perfect, rain free yet overcast for beautiful lighting. 

The day started with the girls getting ready. The couple's friend was taking photos of the gentlemen, so I was able to focus all of my attention on the ladies. I already liked Sheri from the beginning, as we have similar parenting ideologies and views on education, but when they were getting ready she started playing music by Die Antwoord and that is when I really knew we would get along!

After Sheri finished getting ready I was able to sneak over and take some photos of all of the beautiful details at the reception area. I just love how all of the different hues of purple work together in this detailled tablescape. Larissa Banting from Weddings Costa Rica did a great job.

Next I headed down to Tulemar beach where this dreamy setup was awaiting Sheri and Sean. All the beaches in Costa Ria are deemed public, but Tulemar's beach is only accessible through it's own property, so it is very quite and secluded.

The couple lit incense to signify the beginning of the ceremony. I believe lighting incense at a wedding was originally a Buddhist tradition, it worked perfectly for these two.

Sheri and Sean's son was just as much apart of the ceremony as his parents were. He sat at their feet and from time to time would peek in to see what was going on. During his parents first kiss as husband and wife you an see him cheering them on.

Appetizers were passed and hugs and congratulatory messages were exchanged. 

After portraits and the cocktail hour, the couple and their guests sent wish lanterns off into the sky. It was a beautiful end to the day, and a perfect transition into the reception.

I ran back to the reception area as the last guests were setting off their lanterns. It is so amazing how the room changes from day to night, a completely different, yet equally beautiful look by candlelight.

Then the party started....

No matter how much fun you are having you an't take the mommy out of a good mother. So sweet.

Photographer: Yours truly
Venue: Tulemar Vacation Homes and Rentals
Wedding Planner: Weddings Costa Rica
Officiant: Ana Castro
Flowers: Stylos y Flores
Hair and Makeup: Monica Mosapor
Cake: Mariposa Pastry

DJ: Sky Discomovil

Robin and Matt are such a sweet couple. I had actually only conversed with Matt prior to the wedding day, so I figured Robin was a little shy. When I met her, I was first stunned by her beauty, but once I was able to regroup myself I realized she was just as nice and outgoing as her husband is.

Matt and Robin were married on the beautiful and private beach at Tulemar resort. The day started with Robin and her preparations. It was just the two of us in the hotel room, as it normally is for elopements, so I was able to enjoy conversing with her.

Here is a little story to illustrate just how thoughtful Matt is. So, Robin, like many females (including myself, my husband can vouch for this), is not the best with directions. Matt knew that she would be making her way down to the beach by herself so he gave her detailled instructions, and even went as far as taking photos on a digital camera showing where to turn. I just thought this was the sweetest thing that he though about Robin and took the time to make sure she felt confident and comfortable.

He also surprised her with a book full of memories.....sigh.

Robin's dress was out of this world. It was to beautiful and delicate, and fit her perfectly.

After taking Robin's portraits I ran down to the beach where I met an anxious and excited Matt. He faced away from his bride as she made the long walk down to the south end of Tulemar beach, only turning around to see her at the last moment.

It was a very emotional moment for both of them when they saw each other. I was so honored to be there to witness and capture the moment.

After a short and sweet ceremony we spent some time on the beach taking newlywed portraits. What a beautiful couple!

After the beach we decided to hike into the jungle. That is one of the things that I love about Costa Rica. There are so many different backdrops for photos in such close proximity. 

We headed back to their hotel room to cut the cake. 

Photography: Yours Truly
Getting Ready Location: Buena Vista Villas
Ceremony: Tulemar Beach
Cake: Suspiros de Sabor
Flowers

Nikolay and Aelita traveled all the way from Siberia to be married on the stunning beaches of Costa Rica. It was a simple yet beautiful elopement on a beautiful day.

Photography: Yours Truly 
Wedding Planner: Costa Rica Paradise Wedding
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Flowers: Jessica Zuniga
Getting Ready Location: Hotel Coco Beach