Alexandra and Stephen held a fantastic wedding in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. The event held place in three different locations, starting at Casa Fantastica where the couple got ready and had their first look. Things then moved to Costa Verde Hotel, for the ceremony and photos out on the helipad terrace. The reception was held in the event center where the party continue late into the evening. They had an amazing light show which really put the dance party over the top, as shown by the photos in the post below. 
Alex got ready with her bridesmaids in the master suite at Casa Fantastic. Her dress was absolutely gorgeous, and had a beautiful full train. 

The ceremony was setup inside the Anaconda Restaurant at Hotel Costa Verde. This modern couple took a different twist on the typical sand ceremony. Instead, they mixed up a delicious cocktail mid ceremony and toasted to their future. 

The reception was held in the Costa Verde Event Center where simple floral arrangements in blue glass bottles were set along the table, they looked beautiful against the evening blue sky. Stephen and Alex made a grand entrace, nothing short of what a wedding entrance should be like, and took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife.

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Costa Verde Hotel
Getting Ready Venue: Casa Fantastica
Hair: Monica Mosapor
Makeup:
Florist: Floristeria Crystal
DJ: DJ Joshua Stewart

Haley and Zach traveled with family and friends to Costa Verde Hotel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. They planned a beautiful wedding which took place on the grassy knoll, with the reception at El Avion. Zach did a lot of the planning as Haley was busy with her teaching schedule, so he is who I communicated with prior to the wedding. Even though I hadn't emailed much with Haley, upon meeting her it was as if I had known her for years. She is one of those people that just make you feel so welcomed and comfortable. 

Haley was getting ready with her mom and her bridesmaids. She was bubbly and full of smiles, but warned me that both herself and her mom cry very easily. 

The ceremony had a beautiful arch setup, accent flowers hung along the aisle, and fans for each guest to cool themselves. Haley walked down the aisle holding back tears, and teetered between big laughs and tearful sobs during the ceremony, it was such an emotional moment for everyone involved and I am honored to have witnessed it.

Haley and Zach entered the reception and were greeted with loud cheers from their guests. They took to the dance floor for their first dance, which ended with a surprise choreographed routine. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Venue: Costa Verde Hotel
Wedding Planner: Isabel Vargas
Hair and Makeup: Mademoiselle Salon
Music: Alvin Urbina

Monica and Nick had one of the most wonderful and happy wedding days I have ever witnessed. There was so much joy coming from the happy couple, and that joy was contagious. One of the beautiful things about Monica is that she doesn't smile, her smile is almost always a heart warming laugh. Someone recently told me that happy brides are the most beautiful, and I couldn't agree more, especially in the case of Monica. 

Monica and her girls were getting ready in the cockpit cottage at Costa Verde, a room that is actually an airplane converted into a hotel room. Monica's hair was AMAZING. I must have told her about 20 times how much I loved it. A Pinterest worthy messy side braid with some lose waves. 

Nick, the groomsmen and his father were getting ready in the other airplane hotel room called the Fuselage 727. Nick seemed down to earth and like an all around nice guy. He had fun breaking it down on the dance floor later on (continue reading for proof of that). 

The ceremony was held on the beach in Manuel Antonio. It was overcast and started raining just before the start of the ceremony. Luckily, the wedding planner Isabel had umbrellas for everyone. And the even better part is that they were all white, so they blended in with the wedding scene. One of the lovely things is that no one really complained or cared much about the rain. Monica and Nick were getting married rain or shine, and nothing could damper their happiness. 

Monica had emailed me before the wedding requesting a photo with her bridal party spraying champagne. You know you have a fun bride on your hands when they request a photo like this! I am so glad they did it, and it turned out great. 

The reception was held at El Avion. The couple shared a first dance and dances with their parents. Speeches were given, the cake was cut, and then the real fun began. The party kept on going and was kicked up a notch when the glow items were brought out, this group had so much fun and kept the dance floor full the whole night. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Costa Verde Hotel
Planner: Isabel Vargas
Hair and Makeup: Mademoiselle Salon
DJ: Joshua Stewart
Guitarist: Alvin 
Officiant: Rodrigo Campos
Flowers: Floresteria Crystal

Jen and Jamie were not going to let rainy weather dampen their wedding day spirits. They made the most of the sprinkles, taking photos in the droplets and then under an umbrella once it got a littler heavier. A bride and groom that can go out in the rain in probably the most formal clothes they will ever wear says a lot about who they are, their personality and outlook on life. It was such an honor to work with this fun and down to earth couple. 

The day started with Jen getting ready with her bridesmaids at Costa Verde Hotel. They were all so sweet, and kept on laughing about trying to be candid when the camera was pointed their way.

Nearby Jamie and his groomsmen were all getting ready as well. The little ring bearer, Kellen, stole the show, like kids normally do. 

The ceremony was set on the heli-pad with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park. I cannot stress enough how much of a difference it makes in the photos having a clear tent instead of a white tent. The light can shine right through and the photos look so much better. Luckily Jen and Jamie had a clear tent. 
The rain held off just long enough for the processional to walk in, and then it sprinkled its good luck on the couple.

After family photos under the tent the rain lightened up a bit and we made our way down to the beach for portraits. I am so glad that Jen and Jamie were up for the adventure!

The reception was held on the private second floor of El Avion restaurant. The couple was greeted enthusiastically by their friends and family and immediately took to the floor for their first dance as husband and wife. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Costa Verde Hotel
Wedding Planner: Isabel Vargas
Hair & Makeup: Mademoiselle Salon
Flowers: Floresteria Cristal
DJ: DJ Joshua Stewart 
​Videography: Baltodano Films

Shalini and Chris are world travelers so it made sense that they wanted to bring their family and friends on an adventure for their wedding. They chose Costa Verde as their wedding venue, a tropical resort overlooking the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park. The wedding celebration lasted the whole day long, starting at mid-morning with the ceremony out on the wedding terrace, and ending with dancing at El Avion Restaurant. 

Shalini and her bridesmaids were in one of Costa Verde's very unique rooms getting ready. The room is inside of an old airplane, still intact with the original windows. The airplane is nestled in the jungle, and you must cross a suspended bridge to get to it.

Chris and his groomsmen were getting ready in a nearby room. The guys were easy going and full of smiles. 

The ceremony was out on the wedding terrace which boasts 280 degree views of the ocean. The mid day light allowed for blue skies in the photos. 

After the wedding ceremony the celebration continued with a cocktail hour in another airplane hotel suite at Costa Verde. Guests were invited to come and go as they pleased, allowing the couple to enjoy quality time with each and every one of them.
After the extended cocktail hour we began to take portraits around the hotel grounds, and then at the Manuel Antonio beach.

The reception was held on the second floor of El Avion Restaurant. A travel theme ran through the wedding decor. I especially liked that Shalini and Chris honored the distance that each guest traveled to be with them by creating a sign showing how far each of them traveled. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Costa Verde Hotel
Wedding Planner: Isabel Vargas
Hair and Makeup: Priscilla Solano
DJ: DJ Kika

Matt and Jen chose to marry one another in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire country, and the couple took advantage of that and had their ceremony at the beach. Matt, Jen and their guests all stayed at Hotel Costa Verde, a unique hotel which features planes and trains as part of their hotel rooms and buildings. 
Jen and her bridesmaids were getting ready in one of the hotel rooms. She looked stunning with her golden curls cascading over her shoulders.

Matt and his groomsmen were getting ready nearby in one of the airplane rooms. 

A beautiful wedding arch was setup in the shade of the wild almond trees down at the beach. The couple opted to have a clear tent in case of rain. Clear tents are perfect for ceremonies as they still let in all of the natural light and still allow for natures beauty to be seen.

After the ceremony Matt and Jen did a butterfly release, where they released beautiful blue morpho butterflies back into nature. 

The reception was setup at the Avion restaurant in Manuel Antonio. Tables were identified by marine animals instead of numbers, and sweet blue accents were found throughout the decor.

Matt and Jen entered the reception and took to the dance floor for a surprise Salsa routine they had practiced. This was not just any old Salsa dance, I am talking dancing with the stars level of dancing, it was very entertaining and impressive!

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Costa Verde
Wedding Planner: Isabel Vargas
Hair and Makeup: Mademoiselle Salon
DJ: Joshua Stewert
Flowers: Floresteria Cristal
​Rentals: Eventos Boadicea

When Miguel, a good friend of mine, asked me if I could photograph his son's wedding I was of course more than honored. And to make things even better my husband was there working alongside me doing the wedding videography.

I had never met Luis Carlos of Karla before, but I knew they were going to be a fun and down to earth couple based on my knowledge of Miguel. Upon meeting them my speculations were confirmed. I started the day with Karla and her Bridesmaids who were getting ready at Costa Verde Hotel. She was excited and eager to do whatever was needed for the photos, which really meant just being herself and having fun with her girlfriends. 

Just upstairs Luis Carlos was also getting ready with his family. I love his formal suit, it looked great on him.

The ceremony was held in the Catholic Church of Naranjito, the small town where the bride and groom both grew up. 

The priest was very traditional and didn't invite the bride and groom to seal their marriage with a kiss, but luckily I captured this beautiful moment when the newlyweds gave each other the kiss of spreading the peace. 

After the ceremony we headed back to Costa Verde for portraits. We started in the jungle walkways of the hotel, also capturing a photo in front of the famous airplane. We then headed down to the beach for photos and lastly returned to Costa Verde's heli-pad for sunset. 

The reception was held in Costa Verde's Event center, which is basically a huge gazebo perfect for large events. The newlyweds took to the dance floor for their first dance, speeches and dinner followed.

Luis Carlos and Karla cut their wedding cake and then innocently proceeded to each take their own bite. I love the expression on Luis Carlos' face when the guests yell out that they need to feed each other, and smash the cake into the others face.

After the cake was cut the beat was picked up and the real partying started. 

A traditional Costa Rican Comparsa band was brought in to kick the party up one more notch. Props were passed to guests as they danced to the intense drumming of the musicians. The main drummer was extremely impressive tirelessly drumming beats faster than I have ever heard. 

Luis Carlos performed a seductive number for his wife before removing her garter. Turns out that the two people who caught the bouquet and garter are already a couple, I hear wedding bells in the future. 

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Costa Verde Hotel
Wedding Planner: Isabel Vargas
Flowers: Floresteria Quepos
Cake: Panera
Hair and Makeup: Peluqueria Dani
Band: MA Gigs
Videographer: Baltodano Films

Photography: Yours Truly
Wedding Planner: Oasis Destination Weddings
Getting ready venue: Villa Pelicano
Ceremony Venue: Costa Verde
Reception Venue: El Largato
Hair and Makeup: Priscila Solano

John and Lanette traveled from California to marry one another in front of family and friends. They chose Costa Verde Hotel as their wedding venue, and held the ceremony in the garden area of the hotel.

Lanette was getting ready with her mom in one of the hotel rooms at Costa Verde. She was very excited and just a tab nervous, like most brides are. Her dress was a surprise to everyone, her mom was the only one who knew what it looked like. The lighting was very dark in the room she was in, so we moved outdoors for most of the getting ready. Talk about being in the midst of the Costa Rican jungle! It made for beautiful photos.

The ceremony was setup in the grassy knoll at Costa Verde. It is a small intimate space that is perfect for weddings. The grassy hilltop is surrounded by trees which makes it very private. John and Lanette had already been together for 10 years. Tears were shed and smiles were abundant during this long awaited moment.

After family photos the bride, groom and myself headed down to the beach for a sunset photo session. Lanette wore a gorgeous long veil, it looks so beautiful with the sun shining through it.

The reception was held at El Avion, one of the many restaurants of Costa Verde. John was very excited about their wedding cake, it was a doughnut cake!

Wedding Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Costa Verde, El Avion
Wedding Planner: Isabel Vargas
Hair and Makeup: Priscila Solano
Officiant: Einar Villavicencio Law Firm
Florist: Floresteria Crystal
​Cake: La Panera 

Natalia and Ryan traveled from Arizona with friends and family to celebrate their marriage in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Ryan had been to Costa Rica a few times and with Natalia's spirit for adventure it was an easy decision to marry here. They tied the knot at Costa Verde Hotel, on the brand new wedding deck there where the sky and ocean meet. They partied it up at La Cantina Restaurant, where they had the whole bottom floor to themselves. Needless to say, this group knew how to have fun, and it definitely came through in the photos.

This wedding was a last minute one for me, as I was filling in for another photographer who suddenly fell ill. Because of this I really didn't know the couple, or had a chance to communicate with them beforehand. But really, it didn't matter. Natalia and Ryan were so easy going and easy to get along with, it all worked out perfectly. 

I started the day with Natalia getting ready. Her bridesmaids, both mothers and her grandma were all there as well.

Ryan and the guys were getting ready just a few floors below.

The ceremony, like I said, was held on the new wedding deck at Costa Verde. This was my first time shooting on wedding on the deck and it was just awesome! You feel as if you are at the beach, but with more privacy and without the sand getting stuck in your dress shoes. The deck floats out of the mountain and has views of the ocean almost every way you look.

After the ceremony the bride, groom, wedding party and family headed down to the beach for photos. I always encourage couples to go to the beach for pictures, if you travel all the way to Costa Rica to get married you must take advantage of the beautiful beach for a background!

After sunset the bride and groom joined all of their guests at La Cantina restaurant, one of Costa Verde's four restaurants.

Photography: Yours Truly
Lighting assistant: Ivania Solano
Wedding Planner: Isabel Vargas
Venue: Costa Verde Hotel
Reception Venue: La Cantina
Hair and Makeup: Jazmin Rodriguez
Guitarist: Alvin Urbina
DJ: DJ Joshua Stewart
Cake: Mariposa Pastry