Lisa and Ken were surrounded by family and friends as their vowed their love to one another. The weather was a bit rainy that day, but these two didn't care. They wanted to be at the beach even if a meant getting a little wet. In the end the rain dissipated and we were able to get some stunning beach portraits. 

Lisa and her friends were getting ready at Casa de las Brisas. She was excited and happy and had a special glow about her. 

The ceremony was held at Manuel Antonio beach, under the wild almond trees. Since it was a bit of a rainy day the beach was nearly empty, which made for a really private ceremony. 

We were nearing the end of our portrait session when Lisa's brother, who had actually gotten married a few years before in the very same place, suggested that there was a chance the sun might come out for a sunset. I didn't have high hopes because of all of the rain and cloud cover, but out of no where a BEAUTIFUL sunset surprised us. It only lasted a few short minutes, but it was just enough time to get some sunset photos of the newlyweds. 

A casual reception was held back at the house. Guests enjoyed dinner and cocktails and shared many laughs together. 

Photographer: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Casa de las Brisas
Wedding Planner: Oasis Destination Weddings
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Hair and Makeup: Mademoiselle Salon

Megan and Cesar held a beautiful destination wedding at Parador Hotel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Cesar is from Costa Rica so it made perfect sense to have the wedding in his home country. Family from both Costa Rica and the United States attended and had a fabulous time getting to know one another. 

The day started with Megan getting ready. Her mom and some other close friends were also there with her. She looked absolutely stunning!

The ceremony was held a brand new event space at the hotel. A terrace with views of blue as far as the eye can see made the perfect spot for their geometric arch setup. 

The reception was held at an indoor event space adjacent to the ceremony terrace. A beautiful setup of navy tables with gold accents awaited the newlyweds and their guests. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Hotel Parador
Wedding Planner: Costa Rica Weddings
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Rentals:
Hair and Makeup: Mademoiselle Salon

Agnes and Ivo had a very intimate wedding ceremony on the Manuel Antonio Beach just in front of Karahe hotel. The day before After getting ready and a quick first look we all walked down to the perfect palm tree that Agnes had found the day before. Marcelo, the officiant, married Agnes and Ivo while their young son climbed in and out of his daddy's legs. I don't think that it could have been any more perfect. 

After the ceremony we took photos along the beach. The sunset at first seemed like it wasn't going to be colorful, but on our walk back to the hotel the sky lit up with amazing colors. We took photos just in time as the colors only lasted a few short minutes. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Karahe Hotel
Officiant: Marcelo Galli
Hair and Makeup: Priscilla Solano
Flowers: Floristeria Quepos

Rowan and Alex had a beautiful wedding with their feet in the soft sands of Manuel Antonio Beach. They rented Discovery Beach House, which is one of the few beachfront houses in Manuel Antonio, and had the ceremony just in front of the house. 
Rowan was so easy going and naturally beautiful. She had a smile on her face the entire day, and was eager to go with the flow. She wore a beautiful and unique dress and had an adult flower boy in her bridal party. 

Alex was the quite type, a perfect balance to Rowan's free spirit. We took a few photos of him getting ready with his best man before heading out to the ceremony area.

The ceremony was held in the shade of the wild almond trees which line the edge of the Manuel Antonio Beach. Benches and fans were set out for guests, and a beautiful tropical arch awaited Alex and Rowan. Guests hung out around the pool before making their way to the ceremony space.

Rowan's days at the gym certainly paid off for the photo below.

The reception was held at Si Como No hotel. Rectangular tables were set on a private terrace with views of the ocean. Large green arrangements reminded guests of the beautiful jungle around them. 

At the end of the night Rowan and Alex exited through a sparkler aisle, but guests surprised them and started torpedoing beach balls towards the newlyweds as they made a mad dash to get out. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Wedding Planner: Celebrations Costa Rica
Venue: Discovery Beach House
Reception Venue: Si Como No
Hair and Makeup: Mademoiselle Salon
Florist: Floristeria Cristal
DJ: DJ Sky
Rentals: D Gala
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Chef: Chef Desiree

Pamela and Bob married one another at the beautiful Zephyr Palace in Herradura, Costa Rica. They were accompanied by a large group of family and friends that all had a wonderful evening celebrating the love and union of these two souls. Pamela and Bob planned their wedding perfectly and had loads of entertainment for their guests throughout the night. 
Pamela was getting ready with her mom, bridesmaids and her sweet little daughter. She wore a beautiful dress with intricate beading all over the bodice and train. 

One of the things that I love about Zephyr Palace is the proximity of everything. It wasn't on the schedule to get any getting ready photos of Bob, but since his room was so close I was able to go take a few images of him while the girls were having some down time. I am so glad I did because his suit and tie were on point. 

The ceremony was held on the pool deck with views towards the Pacific Ocean. Both Bob and Pamela had smiles from ear to ear when she made her grand entrance. 

Pamela and Bob had an amazing live rock cover band for their wedding, the whole crowd sang along to all the songs. Bob even performed the song, "I was made for lovin' you" by KISS to his new wife. It was definitely one of the many highlights of the night.

Fireworks, a fire show and a mixed martial arts show performed by Bob and his friends were on the list of the many surprises planned for this celebration. Needless to say there was never a dull moment for the fun couple.

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Venue: Zephyr Palace
Wedding Planner:
Hair and Makeup:
Florist:
Cake:
Band:
Fire show:

Mandy and Luke married one another inside of the Bahia Ballena National Park. The park is located in a town called Uvita, and is a well known attraction for both tourists and locals alike. Bahia Ballena, also referred to as the Whale's Tail, is a unique beach where at low tide, you are able to see a rock formation which is in the exact shape of a whale's tail. It is truly a beautiful site, and even more so from the nearby mountain top. 

Luke, who is also a wedding photographer, was my main point of contact leading up to the wedding. He was easy going during the planning process and as well on the wedding day. He mentioned they were mostly "winging" the wedding, which was appropriate for him and Mandy as that is how they treat most of the travels. Luke was getting ready with his brother and his niece and nephew. 

Mandy was getting ready with her maid of honor. A few other important ladies in her life were also nearby visiting with each other. Mandy was a boho bride and wore a beautiful boho dress, just perfect for the beach. 

Luke and Mandy decided to do a first look at a nearby beach, Playa Hermosa. I have to admit, this was my first wedding where we visited and took photos at two different beaches. I think it is safe to assume that Luke and Mandy are very adventurous and did a good job of taking advantage of the many beautiful places in Costa Rica. 

After the first look the couple went to freshen up while guests made their way to the ceremony. A drift wood tipi was set on the beach with an aisle made from coconuts, purely pura vida style. 

The reception was held at Carlito's Restaurant, a Latin fusion restaurant in Bahia Ballena. Heartwarming toasts were given to the newlyweds, including a very cleaver poem written by Luke's stepdad. Dinner and dancing were also on the menu, but is seemed that the most important part of the evening was the irreplaceable time that Mandy and Luke had with their family and friends. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films  See the video here: Mandy and Luke's Video
Venue: Carlito's Restaurant

This sweet couple from Tennessee decided to elope on the sandy shores of Costa Rica. Brandon and Jessica were a complete joy to photograph. They were so easy going and easy to talk to, and their love for one another was very apparent. 

Jessica was getting her hair done while chatting and laughing with Brandon. 

For the ceremony we all headed to the secluded beach at Arenas del Mar hotel. Jessica and Brandon picked a beautiful spot near the rocky end of the beach. 

Jessica and Brandon's first kiss was straight out of a storybook. He threw off his hat and took Jessica passionately into his arms. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Arenas del Mar
Hair: Mademoiselle Salon (Carolina Lera)
​Officiant: Noel Ibo Campos

Franki and Jeremy had an ongoing joke that their wedding day was also their funeral. They both enjoy wearing the color back and decided to take the joke to the next level by wearing all black to the wedding. Not only did they have a great sense of humor about it all, but Franki also looked absolutely stunning in her black dress and veil. 

The wedding was held at Dreams las Mareas, an all inclusive resort situated on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

Jeremy was getting ready with his mother. It was such a sweet moment when his mom came out to help him adjust his tie, it was clear that is was a joyous day for her. 

Franki was also getting ready with her mom at the resort salon. She was full of smiles and eager to see her husband to be at their first look.

A beautiful ceremony space was set on the edge of the beach. Jeremy and Franki's intimate group of family and friends awaited them.

A magical reception was set on the seaside terrace. The reception space had beautiful views of the lingering sunset. 

Ellie and Phil have a beautiful motto that they live by, "La vida es simple, la gente se complica". The meaning of this quote is that life is simple, people make it complicated. It is inspiring to think about, as it really is true. And a true reminder to try and not be the person that complicates life. The couple incorporated this motto of theirs into their wedding day decor. 

The day started with beautiful Ellie getting ready. She was bubbly and excited that her big day had finally arrived. She wore a gorgeous two piece dress, with a full ballgown skirt. It looked so romantic on the beach. Ellie had her mother and bridesmaids getting ready with her.

The ceremony was held on the grassy knoll at Costa Verde Hotel. A tropical arch awaited the couple and their guests. 

We arrived to the beach just as the sun was hitting the horizon. There was just enough time and light to capture some stunning portraits of the happy newlyweds. 

The reception was held at El Lagarto Restaurant, a unique steakhouse where they grill the dinners over hot coals. Greenery lined the tables and twinkle lights added a special touch to the atmosphere. Ellie and Phil performed an intricate tango as their first dance which wowed all of their guests. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Wedding Planner: Oasis Weddings
Venue: Costa Verde and El Lagarto
DJ: A Class Entertainment
​Hair and Makeup: Mademoiselle Salon

Andrea, being from Costa Rica, and Gilbert, being from Mexico, had an action packed celebration full of cultural traditions from both of their origin countries. This sweet couple chose Villa Caletas as their venue, a beautiful and unique venue situated on a cliff with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.

The day started with Andrea getting ready with her bridesmaids and closest female friends and family. She was calm yet joyful and looked so beautiful. 

While the girls finished up the final touches of hair and makeup we headed over to Gilbert who was getting ready with his groomsmen. He was very easy going and also didn't seem to have any sense of nervousness. 

By the time we were back with Andrea the celebrations were in full swing. Champagne popping and lots of giggles were what we were welcomed back to. Andrea put on her lace dress and prepared herself for a first touch with Gilbert. 

The wedding was held at the local Catholic church in Herradura. A full Catholic sermon was given, marrying Andrea and Gilbert in he process.

After family photos at the church we made our way back to Villa Caletas for the portrait session. I love all the different areas that the hotel has for photos, they are all so beautiful. Andrea and Gilbert were naturals in front of the camera and it really shows in their photos.

The reception was held in the Rancho at Villa Caletas, a huge thatch roof gazebo. Beautiful tropical flowers overflowed from every corner of the reception, it was a truly stunning setup. Andrea and Gilbert made their entrance just as the sun began to set. 

A mariachi band surprised the guests and serenaded the couple. Gilberto was given the sombrero and invited to sing along, which made the crowd go wild. 

Just before we left for the evening the bride's mother surprised the newlyweds with some fireworks. This was not the end of the celebrating though, as the dancing continued on into the evening along with performances by a Costa Rican comparsa group. The evening was full of love and surprises, it will surely be a night to remember. 

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Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Venue: Villa Caletas
Wedding Planning: Hilda Cedeno
Day of coordinator: Barbara Cespedes
Wedding Decor: Lumbrera Eventos
Cake: Ponky Cake Studio
Mariachi: Mariachi Grecia
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