Julia and Brian married one another in Costa Rica in front of a select group of friends and family. And although this wedding ceremony made their union official, it was not needed to prove that these two are committed to one another for life. Julia and Brian have been together for over 10 years and have two beautiful children together. The small daily routines of life and the support they provide to one another already shows just how committed they are. 

One of the things that I loved about these two are how laid back they were. Neither of them were nervous or stressed about the wedding, they weren't very particular about how things looked or flowed (even though everything looked beautiful and flowed seamlessly). They were eager to incorporate the children into their wedding day, yet also reserve special moments for just the two of them. 

A stunning tropical setup awaited Julia and Brian. Birds of paradise and red ginger flowers were in abundance. Alvin played on his guitar as Julia made her entrance, I couldn't tell during the wedding day, but after zooming in on her photos during the editing process I could see that she had tears welling up in her eyes.

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Casa de las Brisas
Wedding Planner: Oasis Destination Weddings
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Flowers: Floristeria Quepos
Officiant: Rodrigo Campos
Guitarist: Alvin Chinchillo

Arjun and Erika held a beautiful wedding at the all-inclusive resort, The Westin. The day was full of laughter, celebration and love as family and friends celebrated this lovely couple. I already knew that Erika was sweet as can be, as I had met her a few years earlier when I photographed her twin sister's wedding in Costa Rica. Even though Erika and Arjun picked the same country as her sister and husband had, the wedding was in a completely different region of the country and distinctly Erika and Arjun's style. 

The day started with Erika getting ready with her girlfriends. She opted not to have a large bridal party, but that didn't mean that she didn't have a large group of supportive friends surrounding her the entire day. Arjun's wedding ring, pictured below, was a gift that was passed down to him from his father. On our ride together in the elevator he told me a bit about the tradition of his culture and passing rings down through the family.

Erika and Arjun did a first look in the courtyard of the hotel. Beautiful tropical gardens created a lush backdrop for this moment when the bride and groom see each other for the first time.

The most amazing ceremony setup awaiting this couple and their guests. I must say it was one of my very favorites of all of 2018. I love how romantic it looks, and how the florals drip from the arch. The beautiful blue ocean as the backdrop just adds the perfect touch to the bright purple hues that were present.

After the ceremony we took family photos and just as the sun was setting behind the hills we took newlywed photos of Arjun and Erika. 

The reception was held just footsteps from the beach and a beautiful new beach club. Twinkle lights, lanterns and candles all added to the warm atmosphere of the reception. Arjun and Erika were announced into their party and performed their first dance as husband and wife, a fun choreographed one. 

The night ended with everyone on the dance floor. DJ Teemoor kept the party going, and even played a few traditional Punjabi songs. It was so much fun to see not only Arjun and his family dance to those, but Erika and her family as well. It was such a beautiful blend of two cultures. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Venue: The Westin Resort
Wedding Coordinator: Heidy Quesada
Cake: Victoria Zoch
DJ: DJ Teemoor
​Florist: Floristera Cristal

Erin and Bryan traveled from Virginia to commit to one another for the rest of their lives. They held an intimate ceremony on the rooftop of a 5-story luxury villa, situated in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle with views of the Pacific Ocean. Erin and Bryan were both so easy going and fun to be around. They both always had a smile on their face, and a friend close by to be conversing with.

The day started with Erin getting ready. She was getting ready in the master suite which has beautiful floor length windows and glass doors looking out towards the ocean. Erin's dress was a soft champagne color, with beautiful hand beading. On the inside of her dress she pinned a gold leaf brooch with a piece of blue fabric in honor of her deceased mom and dad.

At the ceremony site a beautiful white arch accented with green tropical leaves awaited the couple. White lanterns lined the aisle. Technically this wedding took place during the rainy season of Costa Rica, but there was not a rain cloud in site on this beautiful afternoon. 

After some group photos we headed down to the beach to see if we could get a few portraits there. The tide was super high, and the waves were making it all the way up to the road. Erin and Bryan braved the tides for a few short minutes, I think it was worth it. 

While guests were enjoying cocktail hour the rooftop deck was being transformed from ceremony space to reception. Long, rectangular tables were quickly moved in and decorated with tropical garlands. The setup was beautiful. 

Photographer: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Punto de Vista
Wedding Planner: Oasis Destination Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Mademoiselle Salon
Flowers: Costa Brava
Guitarist: Alvin Urbina
Catering: Chef Desiree
Cake: Mariposa Pastry

With the rainy season comes morning weddings, and sometimes we get overcast, cloudy skies, and sometimes beautiful shining sun skies. On the day that Georgianna and Aaron eloped the sun was shining bright and the sky was a beautiful blue. The light is so different in the morning verses the evening here, and the photos really have a completely different feel to them. Even though we had to work around the harsh shadows created by the sun, the photos still turned out stunning of this beautiful couple and family. 

Georgianna asked me for a recommendation for an officiant, but the normal officiant I recommend wasn't available, so in a pinch my husband, Alvaro, officiated the wedding. It was something different and a little bit fun for him. The three girls stood by watching. 

I think Nissa is one of my favorite brides ever! She is so fun to be around, full of positive energy, and so uniquely herself. Her happiness is contagious and attracts people to her, as demonstrated by her large group of girlfriends, eager to celebrate her wedding in Costa Rica. I didn't get to spend as much time with Gabe, but from the time I did spend with him I could tell he is the perfect partner for Nissa, and a really nice guy. One of those guys that a mother always hopes their daughter finds and marries. 

The weather was questionable that afternoon, and luckily the call was made to move the ceremony inside, as it did begin to rain just before the ceremony started. The ceremony was officiated by Fernando, the hotel manager, and two family members did readings as well. 

Nissa was getting ready with her mom, sister and friends. She was cracking jokes the entire time, and even laughing about how classy she was by drinking Coors Light on her wedding day. Some very odd baby hands props had been acquired before the wedding, and made their weird appearance throughout the day. 

Gabe was getting ready with his two groomsmen. He looked quite dashing in his navy blue suit.

The ceremony was held in the thatch roofed restaurant at Alma del Pacifico. A beautiful arch with large tropical arrangements awaited the couple. During the ceremony, Gabe and Nissa partook in the Costa Rican wedding tradition of passing 13 coins back and forth to one another.

Nissa and Gabe's wedding cake was topped with a custom cake topper, featuring their German Shepherd dog from back home. 

Once the dancing started Nissa changed into a cute little romper which went perfectly with her country gal cowboy boots. The ladies were eager to catch the bouquet, while the guys passed the garter around like a hot potato, hoping the music wouldn't stop while it was in their hand. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Alma del Pacifico
Planner: Katherine Gamboa
Officiant: Fernando Alfaro
Flowers: Alma del Pacifico
DJ: Son Latino Discomovil

Alison and Tom traveled from New York to marry one another on a tropical beach in Costa Rica. The wedding was nothing short of perfect, as the sun peeked through the rain clouds to shine on them during their vows. It had been down pouring earlier that day when we arrived, and I was certain that the ceremony would have to be held indoors. But the weather cooperated and stopped just long enough for the ceremony and a few photos, before it started drizzling again. 

Alison was getting ready with her mom and her bridesmaids. She looked beautiful. Her bright blue eyes sparkled, and her lace dress had a beautiful back and neckline. She was very sweet and down to earth, and even with the back and fourth and uncertainty of the weather, she remained calm and collected. 

A stunning tropical arch awaited Tom and Alison. The ceremony was held on the beach just in front of the all inclusive Riu resort. 

After the ceremony we took some photos along the beautiful beach. I normally start with family photos, but Alison wanted to start with photos of just her and Tom, just in case it started raining again. I didn't think it was going to rain, but of course obliged, and I am so happy we did start with them because literally 5 minutes later it started raining. Luckily we got a few great shots before the rain, and even one of Tom defending his wife's dress from a beach dog. 

The reception was held in the Riu's event center. Upon entering, the newlyweds took to the floor for their first dance as husband and wife. 

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

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