Angela and Ben traveled from Canada to marry one another on the beautiful and secluded beach at Tulemar Resort. Months before the wedding Angela had seen a beautiful photo of a couple that was surrounded by candles, she used that photo as the inspiration for her wedding. Angela worked with her wedding planner Meghan, from Our Costa Rica Wedding, to make it all happen. 

The photo came out beautiful, especially with the soft sunset colors behind the newlyweds.

I started the day with Angela getting ready. She was just as sweet as could be. The heart necklace she wore on that day was the first gift that Ben had given her.

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Tulemar Vacation Homes and Rentals
Wedding Planner: Our Costa Rica Wedding
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Officiant: Ana Castro
Hair and Makeup: Pricilla Solano
​Flowers: Floresteria Quepos

Ivania and Pedro are friends of mine so of course when they asked me to photograph their wedding I was more than honored to do so. Ivania grew up in the area and Pedro is from San Jose, they decided to get married here in Quepos at the Catholic church. It was a morning wedding, which is different from what I am used to. The morning light shining in from all of the windows at the newly remodeled church was beautiful, so it worked out perfectly. After the ceremony a reception was held at Costa Verde Hotel, where friends and family enjoyed lunch and dancing. 

After the ceremony guests were given boxes with Morpho butterflies in them, a butterfly native to the Quepos area. The bride and groom had a larger box and upon their exit the butterflies were released. It was so beautiful and also fun for all of the guests. 

The event space at Costa Verde Hotel was beautifully decorated with more flowers than you could imagine. The tropical colors just lit the room up and captured the essence of Costa Rica.

The reception came to an end just in time for us to head down to the beach for a sunset photo session. I loved how this worked out because the couple never had to leave their guests to take photos. 

Photography: Yours Truly
Ceremony Venue: Quepos Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Costa Verde Hotel
Flowers: ​Mayela Vargas
DJ: Discomovil 11-11
Hair and Makeup: Xochil Lopez
​Caterer: Tito's Kitchen

Robert and Lynnzi traveled from California to get married on Manuel Antonio Beach. The couple had been longing to visit Costa Rica, so it made sense to go there and get married. What an experience, visiting a new place, having your friends and family close to you, and to top all of that off marrying the person you love! 

Robert and Lynnzi are both health enthusiasts, with this wonderful high, happy energy about them. Lynnzi was just full of smiles and excitement when I met her in her room, as she was getting prepared to walk down the aisle. And Robert was busy keeping people entertained as they waited for the ceremony to start.

The couple stayed at Espadilla Ocean Club, or EOC, which is a set of 4 privately owned villas that sit directly on the Manuel Antonio beach. I had never done a wedding here before, but it worked out great since the ceremony was just steps away from where everyone was staying. 

The ceremony was held on a grassy space just before the beach. It was perfect as you had the feel of being on the beach, but without the annoyance of sand in your shoes.

After the ceremony we walked along the beach to take photos.

The reception was held at El Lagarto, a delicious steakhouse in Manuel Antonio. The bride and groom rented out the whole restaurant to make sure they would have the privacy they desired. 

Lynnzi and Robert performed some impressive dances. I should have known they could dance because when we were at the beach and I asked them to do a dip for a photo it was like ¨BAM¨ no problem. I perfect dip, with no hesitation. 

Photography: Yours Truly
Ceremony Venue: Espadilla Ocean Club
Reception Venue: El Lagarto 
Wedding Planner: Oasis Destination Weddings
Flowers: Floresteria Quepos
​Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Rentals: Eventos Boadicea

Olga and Juan traveled from Phoenix, Arizona to marry one another in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Their family and friends joined them for an evening of fun at Si Como No hotel. Olga and Juan are one of those couples that have been together for so long it is almost as if they are already married. They are high school sweethearts and after 10 years of dating decided to tie the knot.

Olga was getting ready with her bridesmaids. She was excited when I arrived, and even more excited when we left for the beach.  As her something old Olga wore a red rose anklet, the very anklet she wore to prom with Juan years before.

A beautiful ceremony setup awaited the couple at the beach area known as Kacha. 

After the ceremony guests enjoyed h'orderves and cocktails on the beach, while Juan and Olga took their portraits.

The reception was held on the terrace at Si Como No. Beautiful details that the couple brought with them from home decorated that room.

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Si Como No
Wedding Planner: Weddings Costa Rica
Hair and Makeup: Hair by Monica
Officiant: Marcelo Galli
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Flowers: Stylos y Flores
Rentals: Costa Mesa
DJ: A Class Productions
​Video: Jonathan Yonkers

Leyla and Marvin trashed the dress one early morning a few days after their wedding day. It was high tide at the beach at Villa Caletas, which means the water comes all the way up to the stone bank that is built there. Because of this I had to be in the water to take pictures...which led to my camera getting wet when a bigger wave splashed up against my legs. I was freaking out a little bit inside, but trying to keep my cool as a few buttons stopped working on the camera. All I wanted to do was get back to the hotel and stick the camera in a bag of rice as quickly as possible. As I was trying to get Leyla and Marvin back to the hotel, Leyla asked if we could take one more at the beach with Marvin holding her. I couldn't say no and just prayed that my camera would be okay. I am so glad we took the photo because it turned out to be my favorite photo from the session. Simply romantic. 

After the beach we headed back up to the hotel to take some underwater photos in the pool. Leyla asked me months earlier if I could do it, and I told her I never had but was eager to try something new. It was a great learning experience and I am excited to experiment with it more!

Leyla and Marvin, where do I begin! I just completely love this couple and their wedding. Leyla is originally from the Russia and Marvin grew up in New Jersey but is of Salvadoran descent. The couple traveled from New York but brought friends and family with them from all over the globe to celebrate their wedding with them. Marvin is tall dark and handsome, and Leyla is as beautiful and graceful as they come. It was so much fun to experience their wedding with them and to be able to document and tell the story of the day. 

I started with Leyla and her ladies getting ready. After a few minutes of meeting Leyla I felt like I was her best friend. She is just sweet, welcoming and completely non judgmental towards anyone. During a speech later on at the reception, someone talked about Leyla in this way, and how she just lights up the room when she enters. What they said is completely true and I learned it all in the first 5 minutes of arriving. I think one of the things that most stood out to be about Leyla is just how happy she is. I think I could count on one hand the number of photos that I took of her without a smile on her face.

Before the ceremony I met Marvin and his groomsmen for a few photos. I also was able to get some day-time detail shots of the beautiful reception setup.

The ceremony was held in the amphitheater at Villa Caletas, one of the most unique ceremony venues in Costa Rica.

After the ceremony the couple and their bridal party all headed over to the stone arches at Zephyr Palace for photos. 

The reception was held in the event space at Villa Caletas, adjacent to the amphitheater. The bridal party was announced in with each person waiving a flag from their home country, while playing Pit Bull's ¨We are the One¨, it was such a fun moment.

There was no shortage of fun and entertainment at Leyla and Marvin's wedding. Mariachi bands, Lezginka dancing, and one of the best firework shows I have ever seen, there was not a dull moment the entire night,

The evening came to an end with chanting by all to determine which country ruled the night. Leyla proudly held the flags from both her and Marvin's countries. 

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Villa Caletas
Wedding Planner: Weddings Costa Rica
Hair and Makeup: Xinia Chacon
Flowers: Stylos y Flores
Rentals: Eventos Boadicea
DJ: A Class Productions
Mariachi: Mariachi Coyoche
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Videographer: Matt Agan 

Noelle and Wes traveled from Toronto with friends and family to marry one another and celebrate the night away. They chose the Westin as their venue, a high-end all inclusive resort nestled in the dry forest of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The bride and groom were extremely nice and welcoming (hello, they are from Canada!).

Larissa, from Weddings Costa Rica, was the wedding planner for their wedding. I feel like Larissa always has the most beautiful couples paired with beautiful detailed weddings. It was such an exquisite day from start to finish.

I started the day with Wes and his groomsmen getting ready. They were full of jokes and ready to have a good time.

Noelle was just finishing getting made up when I arrived to her room. Her bridesmaids were all wearing different shades of pink and tan, the different hues looked beautiful altogether.

The ceremony was held at the far end of the Westin on the beautiful Playa Conchal. The soft lighting that comes through the trees is gorgeous.

The newlyweds were congratulated by friends and family and then we were off to take photos for sunset. The sun didn't set over the water, but rather behind the hills of the coast. It created a dreamy warm light that surrounded the couple.

The reception was setup poolside at the Reserva Conchal, just next door to where the ceremony was held. The long rectangular tables were decorated with soft pink hues and photographed beautifully. Twinkle lights hung from the ceiling overhead.

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Westin Conchal
Wedding Planner: Weddings Costa Rica
Officiant: Ana Castro
Florist: Floresteria Crystal
Hair and Makeup: Diego Alpo
Rentals: Eventos Boadicea
DJ: DJ Sky
Cake: Victoria Zoch

John and Jonna traveled to Costa Rica with their sons and two close friends to marry one another in Manuel Antonio. They rented the Bali House, or Casa Bali, which is situated in the heart of the jungle, yet just steps away from the beach. I really believe that Casa Bali is one of Manuel Antonio's hidden jewels, as it is one of the very few ocean front houses in town. 

Upon arriving I found the reception table all ready, so I was able to get some day time detail shots. After that I headed to Jonna, she was getting ready in a room on the lower level of the villa with her good friend Maria.

The group headed down the private path from the Bali House to the beach, straight to the ceremony location. Jonna was accompanied by her two sons.

I noticed when I walked down to the beach two beautiful flower arrangements along the path, so I took the couple back to those before it got too dark for photos. After that we headed back to the beach for their portraits and family photos.

After photos the group went back to the house for a very relaxed dinner reception.

Jonna and John had fun with the cake, but really they had fun the whole evening. From the little time that I was with them I could tell they were a fun loving couple that were very excited to be marrying one another. 

Jonna and John's wedding planner, Laura, made the executive decision to move the reception table indoors as it looked like rain clouds were rolling in. It was a good thing she did as it started to rain just before I left. They say rain is good luck on your wedding day, besides being good luck it also makes for cool photos. 

Photography: Yours Truly
Wedding Venue: Bali House
Wedding Planner: Liquid Weddings
Guitarist: Alvin Urbina
Officiant: Marcelo Galli
Flowers: Floresteria Occassiones
Caterer: Global Chef Cuisine
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Hair and Makeup: Hair by Monica

Vanessa and Thai contacted me about taking portraits for their 10 year anniversary. They were staying at Oxygen Jungle Villas, in the mountains of Uvita. We started up by the villas in the more groomed greenery and then hiked from there to the nearby waterfall. The couple ended the session with some flirty-fun portraits in bathing suits.

Brianna and Eric traveled from California to say ¨I do¨ on the sandy shores of Costa Rica. They chose Casa Fantastica as their wedding venue, an architecturally stunning villa in the heart of the jungle. Eric and Brianna both work in Television, but behind the scenes. They were not used to being the ones with the cameras pointed at them, but they took photos so naturally that you would have never guessed.

Eric was getting ready on the lower floor of the villa with the guys. When I say the guys, I literally mean ALL of the guys that attended the wedding. He was not lacking in friends, family or fun while preparing to get married.

The ceremony was held on the Manuel Antonio beach. As guests arrived they were greeted with a tropical "pipa" cocktail to cool off.

After the ceremony we took a walk down the beach to take some beautiful portraits.

The reception was held under the stars on the terrace of Casa Fantastica. The couple took a risk as we weren't completely out of the rainy season, but the risk paid off and it was beautiful.

Brianna and Eric performed an incredibly impressive salsa dance as their first dance. As an avid salsa dancer myself I was very entertained to see them graceful twirl around the dance floor. I loved that they embraced the local culture and brought it into their wedding night.

Photography: Yours truly
Second Photographer: John Williamson
Venue: Casa Fantastica
Wedding Planner: Oasis Weddings
Hair & Makeup: Tiffany Briggs
Musicians: Alvin Urbina
Florist: Stylos y Flores
DJ: A Class Productions
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Rentals: Eventos Boadicea