Stephanie and Steve traveled from Boston to marry one another in the tropical paradise known as Manuel Antonio. It was the beginning of rainy season, so the ceremony was held under cover at the beautiful vacation villa Casa Fantastica (or Fantastic House), but we were able to make it to the beach for photos since the rain held off. 

One of the things that I really loved about this couple, was the love they both have for Steve's children. Normally when their are children involved I can tell right away whether the bride or the groom is the biological parent of the kids, but in the case of Stephanie and Steve it was difficult to really tell. The girls love Stephanie so much, and really look up to her, and she reciprocates those feelings, so their marriage really was such a beautiful joining of a family. 

Steve thoughtfully surprised Stephanie by wearing a pin that was made in honor of her deceased father. It was slipped to him by Stephanie's uncle at the rehearsal dinner, without her knowing, and brought tears to her eyes to see him wearing it on the wedding day.
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The couple decided to do a first look. Stephanie had a feeling that Steve would get emotional when he saw her, and she wanted that to be an intimate moment for just the two of them. I reaction that Steve had when he saw his bride was probably the reaction that every bride hopes for. His jaw dropped and I think his breath was literally taken away. 

Ladies, if you find a man that makes you laugh like this make sure you hold on and never let go. Steve loves making Stephanie laugh. I found that throughout my entire time with Stephanie there were quite a few moments when she had this huge, beautiful smile on her face, and in all of the moments Steve was right by her side. 

The ceremony was held on the pool deck with views of the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park. Upon walking up the aisle Stephanie and Steve lit a candle, in silence, in honor of those who were no longer with them. The ceremony was beautiful and light hearted. Steve, again looking for ways to make Stephanie laugh, surprised her with vows written on a scroll that reached all the way down to the floor. You can imagine the laughter that erupted when he pulled that out. 

The celebration continued with a beautiful reception where the tables were decorated with purple and white flowers and candles. Speeches were given by the best man and maid of honor, dinner was enjoyed and dancing on the pool deck ensued. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Casa Fantastica
Wedding Planner: Oasis Destination Weddings
Florist: Costa Brava Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Priscilla Solano
​Lighting: Ambiance Event Lighting
Rentals: DGala
Cake; Mariposa Pastry

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

Amber and Dave wanted everyone to have a good time at their wedding. They made everyone feel so comfortable and at ease that it was as if the wedding fun was more for their guests than it was for them. Amber and Dave were marrying each other, but in the process they were also marrying their families together, a family of young boys. It was so sweet to see how the boys interacted with one another, sometimes poking fun at each other like kids do but then immediately turning around and giving one another hugs to show that they were just kidding. 

The entire wedding day took place at Casa Fantastica, a villa that really does live up to its name. Nestled in the jungle of Manuel Antonio with stunning views of the ocean and National Park. Since everything took place in close proximity it was effortless to get an array of getting ready photos in a short amount of time. 

Dave and the boys were getting ready on the very bottom of the multi-level villa. The kids were very excited about having their own special matching shirts and about being apart of the ceremony. 

The ceremony took place pool side, where guests were seated in comfy wicker furniture. Amber was walked in by her mom. After the ceremony guests were invited to an informal cocktail hour. That was the great thing about this wedding, it was really just a bunch of good friends hanging out and having fun. No stuffy formalities, just a good time. 

After a few group photos at the house Amber, Dave and I headed to the beach for photos. 

A dinner reception was held back at the house. One of Dave's sons gave a spontaneous yet heartfelt speech that was beyond his years, welcoming Amber into their family. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Casa Fantastica
Caterer: Chef Desiree
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Hair and Makeup: Hair by Monica

Amy and Neil brought their very closest friends and family with them to celebrate such an important day in their lives. The beautiful Casa Fantastica was the backdrop for this intimate gathering. Amy was full of smiles the whole day, making my job easy.

The stunning bride made her entrance at the same exact time that the monkeys arrived. They must have been waiting to crash the wedding as the guests said that was the first time they had showed up at the house their entire trip.

The monkeys hung around until after the ceremony and then some. I love Amy's expression as they got closer to her.

Amy and my husband seem to have the same taste in music as this was her reaction the Lion King playing.

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Casa Fantastica
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Flowers: Merle's Flowers
Hair/Makeup: Amazingly done by the bride herself