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. 

Jessica and Rich traveled to Dreams las Mareas, a beautiful all-inclusive resort in Northern Costa Rica, to marry one another in front of family and friends. Their wedding group all stayed at the resort for a week of fun, with the climax being this lovely couples wedding day.

Rich and some of his buddies were getting ready together and having a great time doing so. They were laid back, relaxed, and kept things light hearted as they joked with each other. Both the father's of the bride and groom were also there, enjoying the festivities. 

Jessica was getting ready with her mom and bridesmaids on the other side of the resort. She looked stunning and opted to take her bridal portraits in the Rendezvous bar, which worked out really beautifully. 

Jessica and Rich decided to see each other for the first time before the ceremony. It was such a sweet and intimate moment for just the two of them. 

The ceremony was held in a lush green garden area near the front desk of the resort. 

After the ceremony, instead of taking a golf cart straight to the beach, the newlyweds decided to walk and pause for photos along the way. They then took a pause and enjoyed a bit of the cocktail hour on the beach before finishing the photo session with the sunset. 

The reception was held on the seaside terrace, where lights twinkled overhead setting an intimate and romantic mood for the party.

Photographer: Madison Baltodano Photography
​Venue: Dreams las Mareas

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

Jenn and Scott traveled from Texas to marry one another at the beautiful all inclusive resort Dreams las Mareas. They were joined by family and friends and one very special guest, their young son. 

The bride and her bridesmaids were getting ready at the resort spa. I started the day there with them, where they all shared jokes and laughed the time away. Jenn made a stunning bride. 

Scott was in one of the hotel rooms getting his son ready and hanging out with his groomsmen. 

The ceremony was held on the beach in front of the resort. The sun shining and the waves crashing in the background made for a beautiful setting. 

As always at Dreams the entire bridal party is served champagne upon the exit from the ceremony. I love this moment because it is always full of joy and great for photos.

The reception was held on the Seaside Terrace rooftop. Twinkle lights lit up the area while white roses decorated the rustic wooden tables. 

The newlyweds joined each other on the dance floor for their first dance, followed by dances with their parents.

This wedding group liked to have fun and liked to celebrate! There was a particular green shot that quickly became the drink of the night, and possibly the drink of their entire trip. The liquid courage got everyone on the dance floor for the rest of the night.

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Dreams las Mareas

Nicole and Mike made life long vows to one another with their sweet baby daughter watching nearby. The couple chose Dreams las Mareas, an all inclusive resort in the northern part of Costa Rica as their venue. Family and friends supported the couple as they took the next step in their lives together. 

Mike was getting ready with his groomsmen. They were full of thoughtful questions for me about Costa Rica and what it is like living here. I think one of the groomsmen even wanted to convince his wife to move down, but when he heard we don't have Amazon Prime he started to change his mind. 

Meanwhile Nicole and her bridesmaids were getting pampered at the resort Spa. Nicole was so excited but those emotions didn't really show until her daughter arrived to the spa. It was so sweet to see the smile put on Nicole's face when she watched her little girl. 

The ceremony was held on the beach, Nicole walked down the aisle with the sounds of the waves crashing in the background. 

After everyone congratulated the newlyweds we headed out for photos of just the two of them. We walked down the beach to where the rocks are, the wind was blowing strong, it even blew off Nicole's veil, but these two were troops and we managed to get beautiful photos.

The reception was also held right on the beach. I have photographed many weddings at Dreams las Mareas but this was the first time I had a wedding completely on the beach. It was beautiful and the last rays of the sunset shone through for the first dance.

Photography: Yours Truly
​Venue: Dreams las Mareas

Angela was nothing short of beautiful on her wedding day. She was cool yet excited when I met her at Dreams, in the spa, getting ready with her bridesmaids.

The wedding planner came in to make the final call on whether or not the reception would be held outdoors, due to looming weather conditions. Angela called a few people from her group, who were out soaking up the sun, and they said...it is starting to rain, oh wait, it is stopping, oh wait raining again. This went on for a good 15 minutes or so where the sun would come in and out from behind the clouds. Angela finally made the call and took the risk to hold it outdoors. She said, "we have always done everything in life by the seat of our pants, why not do this as well." Luckily, it was the right call, and the sprinkles stopped and beautiful weather followed. 

A simple ceremony awaited the bride and groom on the beach. A small gathering of friends and family sat nice a close to the alter, creating an intimate space for Angela and Branden to say their vows. 

The reception was held on an open air rooftop terrace, luckily with no rain. Delicate strings lights along with a live trio brought a sense of intimacy to the normally empty terrace. Guests mingled and enjoyed cocktails. After the couples first dance everyone was invited to a seated dinner.

The little boy pictured above was just the cutest thing ever. He was happy as can be, but as soon as a camera was pointed his way he would break out into tears. The photo above is the groom and his best man's reaction as soon as the squeals started coming from the little boy. Too cute!

The party kicked off and there was no shortage of shots. The magical blue drink was everywhere to be found and got the group going on the dance floor!

Angela wanted to beat Branden to the punch, so before they even cut a piece of cake she grabbed a fist full of frosting a smeared him with it. Branden didn't stop to think for one second before giving it right back to Angela. 

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Dreams las Mareas 

Christina and Dustin traveled with family and friends to Dreams las Mareas, Costa Rica. The day started out overcast and rainy, as many of the days do during the rainy season of Costa Rica. But this couple had luck on their side as the weather took a turn for the better and mother nature even produced one of the most powerfully orange sunsets I have ever witnessed. 

Christina was getting ready with her bridesmaids, mother and niece and nephew. This day had been long in the making and I could tell how important it was to Christina. She made such a stunning bride and her smile just lit the room up. 

Dustin was getting ready with his groomsmen. He was laid back and quick to smile. 

The ceremony was held on the beach in front of the resort. The beach is known as Playa Jobo, but this particular area under the trees is called Arboleda Beach. Christina and Dustin didn't miss a beat when planning their wedding. Beautiful details were found throughout the day, I especially liked the soft petal filled baskets that lined the aisle. 

Immediately after the ceremony the bridal party was served a champagne toast to celebrate Christina and Dustin's marriage to one another. The newlyweds were beaming with joy. Afterwards we took family and bridal party photos, and then started the couples portrait session.

I always have photos that I absolutely love from every wedding that I do, but this wedding I had such a hard time choosing because there were so many portraits that came out so beautifully. 

The reception was held at Seaside Grill. Daniel, the wedding planner, did a great job creating privacy from the group and dressing the room up. 

I know some people don't like having kids at weddings but I definitely do! The kids are always the first ones on the dance floor and tend to bring a different level of energy to the celebration. The young kids at this wedding were so fun and full of joy. It was a great time chasing them around with my camera. 

The cake cutting started out with an innocent lick of frosting on Christina's nose, it quickly escalated into one of the messiest cake cuttings I have ever photographed. Luckily it was all in good fun.

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Dreams las Mareas

Tamara and Gene traveled from New Jersey and met up with friends and family to marry one another on the sandy shores of Playa el Jobo. The wedding group stayed at Dreams las Mareas, an all inclusive resort in the Northern area of Costa Rica. The weather was questionable that day but we ended up with a stunning sunset for the portrait session.

I started the day with Tamara getting ready. She had her makeup done at the resort spa, and moved to her room to finish with the getting ready process.

In another area of the resort Gene, Grandpa and the bride and groom's two sons were getting ready as well. 

The ceremony was setup at the poolside gazebo. Red and orange flowers set the stage for a romantic ceremony. There was a last minute change and one of the couple's close friend officiated the ceremony. He did an amazing job, especially considering the short notice he was given. 

After the ceremony we headed to the beach to take photos, while the guests enjoyed a cocktail hour. This family was so excited and happy to be united as one, they all had big smiles the entire time. 

The reception was held in the ballroom where the newlyweds made a grand entrance and shared a first dance.

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Dreams las Mareas

The morning after Anra and Ryan tied the knot they met me at the beach for a fun trash the dress session, I love the contrast of the sunset photos to morning photos. Blue skies and blue water, so beautiful!