Anna and her beautiful family traveled from New York City to stay at the Discovery Beach House for the holidays. During that stay she wanted to get family photos, as it had been a long time (and two kids later) since they had last taken family portraits. The kids two grandmothers were also with them so it was a great opportunity to get photos of everyone together.

It was a beautiful day with a fantastic sunset. We walked from the Discovery Beach House right onto the beach, and stopped along the way for photos. 

Monique and Derrick took a vacation together to Costa Rica, but this was not just any vacation, this was a no kids vacation. I think any parent can relate to this when I say that family vacations and "no kids" vacations are two completely different things. Of course we all love vacationing with our families, and Monique and Derrick are no exception, but we also love vacationing without our families as that is when we, as adults and parents, really feel like we are 100% on vacation. This sweet couple took advantage of being alone for the week to take some romantic photos of just the two of them on the beautiful beach of Manuel Antonio. 

Monique and Derrick climbed out onto one of the volcanic rocks in the oceans tide. It made for gorgeous photos. On the way back they had to run in before the next wave came and soaked them. 

Viviana and Max traveled all the way from Germany to say their vows to one another in front of the beautiful Pacific horizon. Viviana is Costa Rican and her dream wedding has always been to get married on the beach in her native country. She has been living in Europe for over 10 years, where she met her husband Max, who fit in perfectly with Viviana's wedding dream picture.

But the dream wasn't Viviana's alone. Long before Max and Viviana had met, Max began traveling to Costa Rica and fell in love with Guanacaste. He continued visiting the county and learned to speak the tico lingo, that is what won him over with Viviana when they first met at a festival. 

The couple actually had three wedding celebrations in total. One in Germany with Max's family and their friends, one on the beach in Costa Rica, with the couples immediate family and closest friends, and one in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, with all of Viviana's Family and friends. Who says you only get married once, these two certainly know how to celebrate love.

And speaking of love, on this magical day the love was definitely in the air. You could just tell that these two were made for each other. They were so "cariñosa" with each other, constantly side by side and giving each other loving looks. During the ceremony I think they kissed 3 or 4 times before they actually shared their official first kiss as husband and wife. This is the kind of love that no one could ever get in between because the couple is just so incredibly close to one another. 

I started the day with the beautiful bride getting ready.

Nearby, in another hotel suite, Max and his best man were getting ready. 

The ceremony took place along the sandy shores of the ocean. Once of the really nice things about Sugar Beach Hotel is that it is located directly on the beach, and from your room you can clearly hear the crashing of the waves as they lull you into relaxation. 
Viviana was escorted down the aisle by her mother, and handed off to Max after her Mother gave her a blessing. Max was full of emotion upon seeing his beautiful bride walk down the aisle. 

I love the look on Max's face, we all have experienced this feeling before, this moment of trying to hold your emotions in, your tears in, and get through a speech, or vows or a moment of overwhelming happiness. It is such a raw emotion. 
And then just below that another image of just PURE joy. Viviana embracing her husband after the vows were said.

After all the guests congratulated the newlyweds we headed out to the beach for some sunset portraits. 

As the sun went down the lighting softened and made for some really gorgeous images.

The reception took place in a pavilion with ocean views. Round tables were set with tropical centerpieces and favors from the bride and groom. 

After speeches Max sang a really touching song to his wife. You could almost see the animated hearts flying back and fourth between these two as he sang. 

For Viviana and Max's first dance they started out dancing to a slow song, but shortly after broke out into a full on salsa. After dancing the cake was cut and shared. Viviana tossed the bouquet, and all the single girls ran away from it. I loved seeing that as that normally only happens when the groom tosses the garter.

 Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Sugar Beach Hotel
Wedding Planner: Lat 10 Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Diego Alfaro
Flowers: Ocasiones Tropicales
Band: The Mojito Band
​Cake: Victoria Zoch