Oh Allie, Allie, Allie...where do I begin! From the moment I stepped into the bedroom of the girls getting ready I could feel Allie's excitement 1000%! She is SO sweet, and the kind of person that you meet once and makes you feel like you are best friends from kindergarten. This beautiful bride was just beaming with joy the entire wedding day, from start to finish.

Allie and Mark traveled from Virginia to Playa Hermosa, a place that is very familiar to them. Allie grew up visiting her Dad in Costa Rica, and her and Mark have been visiting every year since they began dating 6 years ago. They married one another along the sandy shores of this beautiful beach that held so many memories for the two of them. Family and friends joined to support and celebrate with the newlyweds, and celebrate they did!

Allie and Mark decided to do a first look as they wanted to have the ceremony as close to sunset as possible. After the first look we took some photos around the beautiful house they were staying in. 

The ceremony was held under a tent just along the shores of the beach. The couple exchanged their own vows, and Mark turned out to be quite the writer with his. The whole crowd was laughing and cheering by the end, especially when Mark stomped on the glass crying ¨Mazel Tov¨after marrying his lovely wife. 

After the ceremony we continues with family photos and a few more newlywed photos. I absolutely loved the sultry chemistry between these two! 

The reception was also held right along side of the beach. It was tented and curtained so that guests couldn't see the inside until it was time for the big reveal. 

Just before I left for the evening the party was brought to a whole new level as the couple was hoisted up on chairs as their guests danced the Horah around them. I couldn't have imagined a better way to end this special day. I honestly do believe that this was the best day in both Allie and Mark's lives to date, they just had so much fun that their is no way anything could have topped this.

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Hermosa Palms
Wedding Planner: Oasis Destination Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Xinia Chacon
Florist: Stylos y Flores
Caterer: Chef Desiree
Officiant: Rodrigo Campos
DJ. A Class Productions
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Rentals: Eventos Boadicea

Thomas and Qian traveled to Costa Rica from New York City to marry one another. A small group of close family and friends were there to witness and celebrate with the couple. Thomas and Qian chose Punto de Vista as their venue, a luxury villa located in Manuel Antonio. The villa boasts 5 stories and includes a formal ballroom and a beautiful terrace that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and National Park. 

Thomas and Qian are both doctors. I really enjoy photographing weddings of young professionals. It is so great getting to see such educated people loosen up and have a good time. 

The day began with Qian and her girlfriends getting ready. Qian has such a classic beauty about her, and her hair and makeup that day complimented that look perfectly. 

Thomas and his groomsmen were hanging out and getting ready in the billiards room. I loved the blue suits that the group wore for the wedding day.

The ceremony was held on the rooftop deck, a perfect spot for an intimate wedding. Large jungle leaves and tropical flowers lined the aisle. 

After the ceremony family and bridal party photos were taken on the 4th floor of the villa. The couple joined in for the cocktail hour before heading down to the beach for portraits. 

We ended the portrait session with the photo below. I just LOVE it. We took so many beautiful, romantic, soft images, and then this photo. It just shows how fun Qian and Thomas are, and that they don't take themselves too seriously. 

Karen Ogden, from Tropical Occasions, used her magic wand to transform the rooftop deck from the ceremony space to a stunning dinner reception. Honestly she must have some magic to make it look this beautiful in just the hour we are gone taking photos.

After dinner and cutting the cake the party headed downstairs to the ballroom where Qian and Thomas shared their first dance.

Qian's friends surprised her with a flash mob dance. I am not sure how they pulled this off, as every single person at the wedding, including the groom, knew the rehearsed dance. It was truly an awesome surprise for the beautiful bride.

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Punto de Vista
Wedding Planner: Tropical Occasions
Wedding design: Aimee Monihan
Wedding Coordinator: Karen Ogden
Hair and Makeup: Hair by Monica
Caterer: Chef Desiree
Cake and Dessert: Mariposa Pastry
Flowers: Stylos y Flores
​Rentals: Costa Mesa

Three is not a crowd when it comes to Teresa and Chad and their precious little baby boy. This beautiful wedding was made even more beautiful by the involvement of their child and the love that these two parents have for him. Originally the couple thought it would just be the three of them, eloping in Costa Rica. They were pleasantly surprised when friends and family kept on saying that they would be there to celebrate and support them in their marriage.

Teresa and Chad chose to have the wedding at Discovery Beach House, a beautiful villa located just steps away from Manuel Antonio Beach. It was very easy for everyone since the entire event took place at one location. This especially made things easier with having their child there as grandparents and friends were around every corner ready to help. 

I arrived to the house earlier in the day, before the real wedding preparations began. This allowed me to really get to know Teresa, and to also capture her as a mother, before her transformation into a bride. 

Teresa had a very special gift for Chad. Chad had lost one of his best friends in a tragic incident while working as a State Trooper. This friend was supposed to be by his side at the wedding, but instead was watching from overhead. Teresa's gift to Chad was his friends challenge coin, a coin that is received by those who work in the military and law enforcement when they exemplify high moral conduct. Chad was loaned this prized possession of his late friend, to signify his presence with them that day. This was such a special gift and a touching moment for all. 

After the tears and smiles were shared in memory of Chad and Teresa's friend, Teresa began getting ready with her girls. 

The ceremony was held on the beach. I loved how natural everything looked as Teresa and Chad only used greens as the decor. 

After the ceremony guests enjoyed a sunset cocktail hour while Teresa and Chad wandered off with me for portraits. I love the train on Teresa's dress, it looked so romantic.  

The reception was setup in the jungle area between Discovery Beach House and Manuel Antonio Beach. Beautiful twinkle lights lite up the dance floor and dining table. The newly-wed family was announced in and the evening was kicked off.

Teresa and Chad's friend hosted a newlywed game for the couple. It was super fun and a great transition from dinner to party. 

I loved to see how much the whole group embraced the children that were present for the wedding. Of course Teresa and Chad's son was well included in all the activities, but the other young ones as well were fully embraced. By the end of the evening the kids were leading everyone on the dance floor. 

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Discovery Beach House
Wedding Planner: Tropical Occasions
Wedding Coordinator: Karen Ogden
Floral and Design: Aimee Monihan
Caterer: Citrus Restaurant
​Rentals: Costa Mesa
Florist: Stylos y Flores
​Cake: Mariposa Pastry