Chase and Antonio traveled to Costa Rica from Washington, D.C. Family and friends joined them from all over the United States to celebrate the love that these two have for each other. Chase and Antonio really wanted to spend time with their love ones as much as possible on the wedding day, so they hosted a pre-ceremony cocktail hour which they both attended. 

The wedding and reception was held at Costa Verde Hotel. Chase and Antonio got ready together in a room just a few steps from the ceremony location.

The ceremony was held on the helipad at Costa Verde with beautiful views of the Manuel Antonio National Park on one side, and ocean on the others. A tropical arch awaited the couple.

After the ceremony guests continued with cocktail hour while we took photos around the hotel grounds. Costa Verde has beautiful jungle pathways that make for great portrait locations. Chase and Antonio wanted to jump into the pool, they did it all of a sudden without telling any of their guests. It was such a fun way to start the celebration! After jumping into the pool they changed into some more casual clothes and we finished the portrait session with sunset photos.

Chase and Antonio arrived to a warm welcome at their reception. The dinner and dancing was held at El Avion, a restaurant with an old airplane build into it. The fun really began once the dance floor was opened as Grandma stole the show by dancing with all of Chase and Antonio's friends. The dancing continued throughout the evening and the happiness and love that everyone had for Chase and Antonio was very apparent. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Costa Verde Hotel
Wedding Planner: Isabel Vargas
DJ: MA Gigs

Vickie and Darrick were so easy going and fun to work with. They were here to have a good time and to marry one another. It was that simple. They pretty much allowed me to pick the spot on the beach for the ceremony, which I was so happy about. We used the shadow of a large volcanic rock for even lighting, and had the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park as the backdrop. 
The whole ceremony these two were in contact. Whether it be an arm around the other, holding hands, or their first kiss as husband and wife, these two were inseparable. Their love was apparent and came through in their beautiful photos.

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Officiant: Marcelo Galli

Francesca and Jacob eloped with one another in a jungle paradise. Francesca wore a nontraditional wedding dress, with a floral pattern and flowing train. The colors of the dress really popped against the green background of the tropics. Jacob sported a custom made navy suit paired with a purple tie.

Jacob was down to earth and enjoyed going with the flow. He wrote beautiful personal vows for his future wife, and made her laugh and cry all at the same time. Francesca was very excited. She was so sweet and excited that when she saw Jacob for the first time, and during their vows, she would do this sweet little excited jump. It was as if she couldn't contain her love and excitement for the man standing in front of her.

Jacob and Francesca opted to do a first look with one another. They also wanted to share their personal vows with each other outside of the actual ceremony, so we took a moment to do that before taking some portraits around the property. 

​A beautiful geometric arch was setup on the front lawn with a piece of drift wood perfectly placed in the center. Francesca and Jacob walked in together with beaming smiles on their faces the whole way down the aisle. 

Francesca and Jacob walked off as newlyweds and went straight into their first dance, but this was no ordinary first dance....the couple learned a beautiful choreographed dance full of lifts and turns. 

Just after the sun set we made our way up the mountain to a restaurant with a beautiful view of the ocean. A romantic table set for two awaited the newlyweds. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Video: Baltodano Films  
Wedding Planner: Del Mar Weddings
Officiant: Noel Ibo Campos
Florist: Stylos y Flores
​Venue: Long House and Vista Bellena
Hair and Makeup: Hair by Monica

I first met Brittany and Chris while they were here on a trip, scouting out venues for their wedding. We decided to take advantage of them being here and took some beautiful engagement photos. From the very first moment we met, I knew their wedding would be perfect. They are such a laid back couple and so full of joy, there was nothing that could make their day any less than perfect. 

Chris and some friends were getting ready in one of the casitas at Costa Verde, just a short walk from the ceremony area. He wore a navy blue suit with brown accents. Brittany gifted him a beautiful wooden watch, which went perfectly with the Costa Rica vibe.

Brittany was getting ready in the Penthouse with her mother. She looked absolutely stunning with a classic curly updo and a sheath beaded dress.

On our way to the ceremony we were able to pop into the reception area and get some beautiful detail shots of the setup. Pineapples were a bit of a theme for Brittany and Chris's wedding, and miniature pineapples were found in florals, they were so cute. 

The ceremony was set on the grassy knoll at Costa Verde. Surrounded by jungle yet with a view of the ocean, the grassy knoll works perfectly for intimate weddings. Chris and Brittany released bright blue Morpho butterflies at the end of their ceremony, it was a beautiful way to begin the celebration of this new chapter in their lives. 

After some family photos at the ceremony space the bride and groom made their way to the Manuel Antonio Beach, just in time for sunset. It was low tide and the volcanic rocks were exposed and accessible, making for some beautiful shots.

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Venue: Costa Verde Hotel
Wedding Planner: Isabel Vargas
Flowers: Floristeria Cristal
Hair and Makeup: Hair by Monica
Cake: La Panera
DJ: DJ Kika

Words cannot describe the love that bubbles out of this lovely couple. They are like two little puppies together, and it was such a joy to watch as their love and happiness is contagious. Sara and Matt brought family and friends to Costa Rica to celebrate this contagious love of theirs. They held their wedding at Riu Guanacaste, an all inclusive resort on the Pacific coast.

​Matt and his brother were getting ready together. They had some fun and thought out details. I especially loved Matt's music socks which represent the importance of music in both his and Sara's lives. 

The ceremony was held on the beach under a beautiful arch. A nice breeze blew through, keeping guests cool. Both Matt and Sara exchanged really beautiful vows, I was really impressed with what was written and expressed. 

After sunset a dinner was held in the Steakhouse restaurant. Once dessert was finished everyone moved over to the reception area for speeches, dancing and cake cutting. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Venue: Riu Guanacaste

Siobhan and Jason married each other on the sandy shores of Manuel Antonio Beach. It was just the two of them, which is really all that is needed when love is involved. Siobhan wore an amazing dress, with multiple tulle layers. She looked gorgeous in it and it looked so romantic against the beach backdrop. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Wedding Planner: Costa Rica Paradise Weddings
​Venue: Makanda by the Sea
Hair and Makeup: Priscilla Solano

Trevor and Michelle organized a beautiful wedding at Dreams las Mareas. No detail was overlooked for their special day, and because of that it turned out amazing! Friends and family were invited to witness and celebrate their marriage, on the sandy shores of Playa Jobo. Afterwards, a romantic rooftop reception was held at the Seaside Terrace. 

Michelle and her bridesmaids were getting ready together. Michelle looked stunning in her fitted lace gown, with her lush brown curls sweeping over her shoulders. She held a bouquet of soft pinks, greens and white. 

The ceremony was set in the sand, overlooking the blue waters of Costa Rica. Delicate orchids hung from the arch. 

Guests were invited to the reception just as the last rays of sun light were leaving. Ruffled tablecloths added texture to the setup, while twinkling overhead lights created an intimate space for the celebration to come. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Venue: Dreams las Mareas

Janae and Jayce held an intimate wedding ceremony at a vacation house nestled in the Costa Rican jungle. They said their vows to one another with tears in their eyes, and smiles of joy on their lips. Family and friends joined them to celebrate, as well as two very important guests, their two sons. 

The day started with Janae getting ready. Her two little ones looked so cute in their little outfits, complete with bow tie and all. Janae wore a simple dress that beautifully displayed her body art. 

A tropical arch was set for the ceremony. Traditional Costa Rican bird whistles were given to each guest. They all blew on them and sang little bird songs as the couple exited from the ceremony. 

After the ceremony the newlyweds shared a first dance as an entire family, it was such a sweet moment, I am tearing up just writing about it. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Casa de las Brisas
Wedding Planner: Oasis Destination Weddings
Florist: Floresteria Quepos
Officiant: Melissa Klassen
Hair and Makeup: Mademoiselle Salon

Brandi and Luke arranged a simple yet beautiful wedding on Manuel Antonio Beach. With a view of the Manuel Antonio Nation Park, this couple said, "I Do" to one another and committed to love one another for the rest of their lives. 
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Guests enjoyed the amazing sunset and wet their feet in the water before heading to a dinner reception at a nearby restaurant.

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Officiant: Marcelo Galli
​Hair and Makeup: Mademoiselle Salon

Rachel and Andrue had an over the top wedding. They had the kind of wedding that I love to photograph and the kind of wedding I would want to have for myself. They held their wedding at Villa Mareas, a beautiful mountain top Villa which is more of an estate. The views from the high up venue are amazing, and also provide complete privacy and the ability to party as long and as loud as you want, since there are no nearby neighbors. It was the perfect space for this wedding and provided a beautiful backdrop with lots of options for portraits. 

The day started with Rachel getting ready. She was accompanied by her bridesmaids and both mothers. She chose a lace dress with a nude underlay, it looked gorgeous on her. She also wore a beautiful back necklace which drew attention to the tattoo on her back that she and Andrue designed. 

While the ladies were finishing up with the last touches of hair and makeup I made my way over to Andrue who was getting ready with his groomsmen and both fathers. He had an old fashion pocket watch which fascinated me, and wore a full suit complete with a tweed vest, despite the hot weather. He looked sharp, and the color palette worked perfectly. 

By the time I returned to Rachel she was ready to put on her dress and accessories. 

The ceremony was held on the pool deck with views of the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful florals were set on modern wooden boxes, creating an alter for Rachel and Andrue. A pair of violinist played as the bride walked down the aisle.

After the ceremony we made our way around the property taking portraits, ending back at the pool deck for sunset photos. 

Rachel and Andrue, along with the help of their wedding planners from Tropical Occasions, put a lot of effort into making the reception area a beautiful space. Round tables were set with woven chargers and beautiful floral centerpieces. The ceiling was draped with fabric, bringing an added touch of elegance to this outdoor, jungle celebration. 

It was Rachel's Dad's birthday so they surprised him with a custom made surf themed cake. The entire group sang happy birthday to him. Having his daughter get married to love of her life must of been a great birthday present to him as well.

After the formal dances Rachel, Andrue and their guests danced the night away. Reggae music could be heard throughout the entire day, and the reception was no exception. People kicked off their shoes and took to the dance floor. 

After dancing everyone headed to the pool to cool off. Andrue enjoyed some cigars with some of his friends which made for some fun photos. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Venue: Villa Mareas
Wedding Planner: Tropical Occasions
Designer: Aimee Monihan
Coordinator: Karen Ogden 
Florist: Stylos y Flores
Rentals: Costa Mesa
Lighting and AV: Cabo Luna
DJ: DJ Estif
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
​Catering: Citrus Ojochal