Samantha and Tiago held an intimate ceremony on the Manuel Antonio beach, just under the shade of the wild almond and palm trees. This sweet couple was on the fence about hiring a professional photographer, but I am so glad that they did, and I am sure it is something they will not regret.

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Location: Karahe, Manuel Antonio
​Flowers: Floristeria Quepos

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Venue: The Tree House
Wedding Planner: Oasis Destination Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Mademoiselle Salon
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Officiant: Ana Castro
Flowers: Floristeria Quepos
​Lighting: Ambiance Event Lighting

Lariza and Igor are not only world travelers but world livers. Igor is originally from Slovenia and Lariza from Honduras. When they first reached out to me they were both living in Amsterdam, but by the time the wedding date rolled around they had made a big move to California. These two are not afraid to take risks, make big changes, and see the world. 

They came to Costa Rica to marry one another, which further proves their love for travel. Family and friends joined them on the sandy shores of Playa Pan de Azucar to witness their union to one another. It was an overcast day and thunder could be heard, but luckily it didn't rain.

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Sugar Beach Hotel
Wedding Planner: Lat 10 Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Marisol Santana
Flowers: Floristeria Ocasiones
​Cake: Victoria Zoch
DJ: Zach Schmidt

McKinzie and Garret married one another in the small beach town of Playa Portrero at the beautiful resort Bahia del Sol. Friends and family joined the couple to celebrate their union. The weather that day was a bit overcast, but the rain held off just long enough for all the outdoor activities. And even through the clouds of rain storms the sun peeked out and gave us a beautiful color show. 

McKinzie and her girls were getting ready in one of the hotel rooms. The jungle paths that lead to the rooms created a beautiful space for the dress photos. Speaking of dresses, take a look at the oh-so-cute bridesmaids dresses. They were made from bird of paradise print fabric, and were just perfect for a Costa Rican destination wedding.

The ceremony was set literally steps outside of the resort. Beautiful, soft, pastel colored flowers decorated a natural wooden arch. 

After the ceremony the guests enjoyed a sunset cocktail hour, while the bridal party took to the beach for photos. 

I didn't get to stay for the whole reception, but I did have enough time to get photos of the beautiful setup and delicious cupcake table. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Bahia del Sol
Wedding Planner: Weddings Costa Rica
Dessert table: Victoria Zoch
Florist: Floresteria Crystal
Officiant: Mark Jenest
​Hair: Cortni Shaffer
Makeup: Jenna Townsend

Costa Rica loves fireworks. They especially love putting on amazing fire works shows for weddings, and the firework show for Sam and Miranda's wedding was nothing short of that. It was beautiful, mesmerizing, and a big surprise to all of the guests.

Miranda and Sam married one another at the all-inclusive resort Riu Guanacaste. An intimate group of friends and family joined them for the celebration. It had been raining on and off for the morning, but luckily the rain held off for the events schedules outdoors, and the ceremony was able to take place on the beach as planned.

The day started with Miranda getting ready with her bridesmaids, and female family members. She had her hair and makeup done in the spa, and then moved over to her room for the final preparations. 

The ceremony took place just as the sun was dipping below the mountain line. Miranda was escorted down the aisle by her father, I got a few shots of her beaming smile just before her emotions took over and the tears started rolling down her face.

After their first kiss as newlyweds we headed straight to the beach to catch the last light of the day for photos. 

The reception was held in an open-aired event space. Unique pineapple centerpieces dressed up the tables, while blue lights twinkled above. For their first dance Miranda and Sam pulled off a great choreographed piece. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Riu Guanacaste
Videography: Costa Rica Cinematography

Shaunessy and Alec traveled with a close group of family and friends to marry one another in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. They wanted the event to be easy going and fun, just like the two of them. The group all stayed near to one another in rental houses all in the Manuel Antonio Estates Property, allowing frequent pool parties and get togethers to happen throughout the week. 
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The day started with Alec and his friends making some pre-ceremony celebratory toasts. Alec chose to honor his Scottish heritage by wearing a formal kilt, complete with a traditional dagger which is called a sgian-dubh. 

​Shaunessy was getting ready with her mom, her sister and a few of her friends. She didn't need to do much to look absolutely stunning, as her natural beauty shone right through.

The ceremony was held in the garden area of the Manuel Antonio Estates Spa. Shaunessy and Alec asked for the guests to form a big circle around the couple as they exchanges their vows to one another. 

Alec and Shaunessy really wanted to spend as much time enjoying their wedding day as they possibly could. In light of that they had decided to go to the beach the evening before their wedding, to take portraits so that they wouldn't have to leave the wedding for photos. It worked out really well as the wedding day was just relaxed as could be.

We took just a few portraits on the wedding day as well, for good measure.

A large empty room upstairs from the spa was transformed into a beautiful tropical reception. 

The newlyweds were warmly welcomed into the party, and everyone feasted on a potluck meal lovingly prepared by the whole group. Many toasts were made in honor of Shaunessy and Alec, and it was no surprise the number of nice things that people had to say about these two. 

Photographer: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Manuel Antonio Estates
Wedding Planner: Oasis Destination Weddings
Flowers: Floristeria Quepos
​Lighting: Ambiance Event Lighting

I love black and white images, they have such a classy feel to them, especially ones like the one pictured above. Carolyn's statement family ring also helps to pull you back in time, to a time of romance.

Carolyn and Jack traveled to Costa Rica from Canada. I have said it before and I will say it again, I love Canadians! They are just the nicest, most down to earth people as a population. Carolyn, Jack and their whole wedding group thoroughly represented that. 

The day started with Carolyn and her bridesmaids getting ready. She opted to wear her hair down, her beachy blond waves of hair looked beautiful, and was a style she could put together herself which made things easier. 

Jack and his groomsmen were getting prepared in another room at the resort. His blue suit was the perfect shade and looked great alongside Carolyn's two piece dress. 

The wedding ceremony was at the beach and the setup was absolutely gorgeous. Vibrant pink bougainvillea framed the arch and ceremony area. 

Due to questionable weather the reception was setup under cover, but still in an open walled area. Beautiful accent lights created a romantic mood for the dinner and traditions that took place.

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
​Venue: Dreams Las Mareas

Scott and Karyla traveled to Costa Rica with a substantial group of friends and family to celebrate their marriage to one another. It has been overcast all morning and started raining while Karyla was getting ready. She was completely calm about it and in the most casual voice ever just said, "Hey look, it's raining." Without a hint of worry or stress. It was obvious that she was only focused on marrying the man of her dreams and nothing else would damper her excitement about that. 

The day started with Scott and his groomsmen getting ready. I had a little more time to spend with them than I normally do which was great because I got to take them outside for some group shots. 

Karyla and her bridesmaids were getting ready in another room in the resort. The group of girls are very close knit and always laughing when together. 

Due to the rain the ceremony was moved inside last minute. It was held in the Rendezvous Bar which had really beautiful lighting and was private for just the wedding group. There was not a dry eye in the room as Karyla walked down the aisle, it was such a special moment.

Just after the couple said, "I Do" the clouds parted and the rain cleared away. We headed to the beach to get some beautiful photos. 

The reception was held in the ballroom at Dreams. The crowd roared as the newlyweds made their entrance into the party. Speeches were made by a few different people and dinner was served. 

All of the speeches that evening were heartfelt and humorous. But I don't think anyone would disagree in saying that the bridesmaids went above and beyond with their speech. The changed the lyrics to one of Karla's favorite Disney songs, making the song about the Bride and Groom. Then they belted it out for everyone to enjoy, it was a very impressive performance and I know Karyla will never forget it.

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Dreams Las Mareas

Lauren and Tim traveled to a beautiful beach known as Playa Hermosa in the Northern area of Costa Rica to marry one another. A small group of family joined the couple in the celebration. The couple was looking for something really private for their ceremony, so instead of using the main beach of Playa Hermosa they decided on a very secluded sandy cove, only accessible by boat. It was beautiful and just what the couple wanted.

The day started with Lauren and her sister getting ready. It had been raining on and off all afternoon. Lauren knew that if she opted to bring people to the remote beach on the boat and it started pouring rain once we were there, there wouldn't be much coverage to duck into. She decided to take the risk and it paid off. Mother nature let out her last drops just as we headed towards the beach to catch the boat, and from that moment on the evening was rain free. 

The group loaded up into a small boat and started out on the 10 minute boat ride to the private beach. The water was SO clear and beautiful at this small little gem of a beach.

After the ceremony the newlyweds were congratulated and toasted to by members of their family. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Bosque del Mar
Officiant: Einer Villavicencio

Drool.....Look at that amazing dress! I am not sure how Linda even got that beauty down to Costa Rica, but OH MY was it gorgeous to photograph. The only thing more beautiful than the dress itself was the lovely bride wearing it. Justin and Linda traveled to Tamarindo, a Costa Rica surf town, to marry one another. Friends and family excitedly celebrated and danced the night away with the couple.

The wedding ceremony and reception was held at Pangas Beach Club, my favorite venue in Tamarindo. It is located right on the beach and has a tree front and center that makes great privacy for the beach ceremony.

I started the day with Linda and her bridesmaids, many of whom were her sisters. Her family was also in the house getting ready and having laughs with one another. I could tell that Linda was so excited to finally be marrying the love of her life.

Justin and his groomsmen were getting ready at the Ocho Artisan Villas in Tamarindo, a really funky complex of villas. 

The ceremony was set on the beach at Pangas Beach Club. It is located at the end of Tamarindo beach, just by the estuary that joins the ocean. You can often see fishermen with their small boats in this area of the beach.

After the ceremony the newlyweds were welcomed with open arms by their friends and family. They congratulated them on this new chapter of their lives, and we headed out towards closer to the beach for photos.

The reception area was setup adjacent to the ceremony space. Romantic fresh garlands draped down the center of the tables, while lanterns and twinkle lights lit up the space and added to the intimacy. 

There was no better way to end this epic night than with a sparkler exit which lead the way to the after party. Pura vida!

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Wedding Planner: Tropical Occasions 
Wedding Design: Jaime Campos
Day of Coordination: Natalie Denton
​Venue: Pangas Beach Club
Hair: Famous Point Beauty
Makeup: Maravilla Makeup
Cake: Victoria Zoch
DJ: Costa Rica Wedding DJ
​Florist: Floresteria Cristal