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.
​
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

Vanessa and Chris married one another at Parador, a mountain top resort in Manuel Antonio. An intimate group of long-time family and friends attended the wedding and celebrated the love of the newlyweds. The ceremony was held on a grassy cliff, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A sloth hung nearby in a tree, exemplifying the "pura vida" lifestyle. 

Vanessa got ready in the master suite of the hotel, which provided for plenty of space for her and her bridesmaids. Her dress was absolutely beautiful, and looked stunning on her.  

Chris was getting ready nearby in another room with his groomsmen. The tropical heat didn't stop him from wearing a full suit and bowtie. 

A beautiful tropical arch awaited the couple. Harold, the wedding planner for Parador, did a great job making sure everything was just right for Chris and Vanessa's special day. Vanessa was walked down the aisle by her father, Carl, who was actually the one who did a lot of the wedding pre-arrangements. 

The reception was held in a private event space at the hotel. Birds of paradise decorated the tables, while traditional Costa Rican desserts were beautifully displayed on a nearby table. Chris and Vanessa surprised everyone with a choreographed dance which was a big hit.

Vanessa was really excited about the custom cake topper she had made. The figurines matched exactly to Chris and herself, even down to the bouquet. And when she turned it around everyone burst out into laughter. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Venue: Parador Hotel
Coordinator: Harold Rojas
Hair and Makeup: Mademoiselle Salon
Florist: Giovanni Sanchez Mesen
Cake: Parador
DJ: DJ Six

Jona and Adam wanted to start their married life in the morning to signify a new beginning to this new chapter of their lives together. They woke up early, and arrived to the beach at 5:45 AM, just as the sun was beginning its journey into the sky. Jona arrived in a robe and changed into her dress behind one of the volcanic rock formations before revealing herself to Adam. 

As Jona walked towards Adam his face literally lit up. He had a look of astonishment, excitement and joy as his wife to be joined him at the alter. The two shared a passionate first kiss, and immediately after Jona whispered that it was the best kiss of her life. 

Jona and Adam shared a first dance on the empty beach, as the sun peaked out from behind the tree line. Jona was as bit nervous, and was happy they had chosen to elope as she couldn't imagine the nerves that would have accompanied a big wedding. 

The couple was full of adventure, climbing rocks, splashing each other and ending up getting entirely soaked by the end of the photo session. It was such a fun time with these two, to be young and in love is such a beautiful thing. They had plans to continue the marriage celebration later that day with a sunset sailing tour. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Wedding Planner: Oasis Destination Weddings
Officiant: Rodrigo Campos
​Florist: Floresteria Quepos

Erin and Dave have known one another for a long time, and dated each other in high school. They grew apart and grew up and then were reunited as adults. The same spark was still there as adults, and Dave was able to make Erin laugh just as much as he did back in high school. 

The couple took a trip to Iceland, where Dave proposed to Erin with her grandmothers ring. The fact that Dave was trusted with grandma's ring already tells a lot about who he is, and how much Erin's family already loved and trusts him, All of which was very apparent the day of the wedding. The couple wore custom bracelets that day of the wedding, with the coordinates of where Dave proposed to Erin, and rumor has it that they may get tattoos of the coordinates of where they married one another, here in Costa Rica. 

For their wedding the couple invited a handful of family and friends to join them at Casa de las Brisas in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Erin and her beautiful daughter Sian were getting ready at the house, along with Erin's mother, sister and her niece. Upon arriving I noticed Sian playing on her tablet, she seemed like a very quiet and to herself kind of kid. A little later she woke up and proudly displayed her awesome and outgoing personality. She was so excited and has such a fun-loving spirit. 

​

My encounter with Dave is slightly embarrassing for myself...no, it is very embarrassing. Dave was the first person I met upon arriving to the house. He greeted me with a big smile and a great attitude. He was taking it easy, wearing a brimmed fishing hat and just lounging with the guys. 

Later on I went to find him, to take a few photos of the guys getting ready. I ran into another groomsman, or so I thought, I asked him his name and he replied, Dave. It took me a few minutes before I realized that this "groomsman" was actually Dave, the groom, that I had just met an hour or so earlier. All I will say is that Dave cleaned up really well, to the point where I hardly recognized him. 

The ceremony was held on the rooftop deck, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Dave stood at the alter, patiently awaiting his beautiful bride. 

After the ceremony guests were invited to join in a cocktail hour on the lower terrace. We took a few photos around the house and then headed down to the beach for the newlywed portraits. I am so glad Erin and Dave decided to go to the beach as it was one of the most beautiful sunsets of the season. 

While guests were enjoying cocktail hour, Chelsea and her team from Oasis Destination Weddings transformed the rooftop ceremony space into a dinner reception. Vibrant tropical arrangements were set on the tables, while twinkle lights shone overhead. Speeches were given which brought people to tears with laughter, 

After dinner the party moved down to the lower terrace, this time for cake and dancing under the stars. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Casa de las Brisas
Wedding Planner: Oasis Destination Weddings
Flowers: Costa Brava Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Priscilla Solano
Cake: Mariposa Pastry

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

Stephany and Eric brought a small group of family and friends to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. There they married one another, and joined as a family with their two children. The celebration was held at Villa Pelicano, a large luxury villa with plenty of space for entertaining and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

Upon arriving I met Stephany, who was finishing up her hair and makeup. I noticed right away her beautiful smile, and how easy going she was. Sprinkles of rain were beginning to fall she finished getting ready as quickly as possible to start the ceremony before the storm made it to us. 

​The ceremony took place in the lawn of the villa. Luckily the rain drops that had started just before Stephany walked down the aisle quickly dissipated and the ceremony was able to continue outside as planned. 

After being blessed by mother nature with a beautiful sunset Stephany and Eric made their way into the reception. Tropical flowers lined the rectangle tables while lights twinkled overhead. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Villa Pelicano
Wedding Planner: Oasis Destination Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Priscilla Solano
Officiant: Rodrigo Campos
Florist:Costa Brava Events
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Lighting: Ambiance Event Lighting

Nicole and Brandon rented two beach front villas in Manuel Antonio, The Discovery Beach House and The Beach House, to host their families for a week long celebration of love. Every detail of the day was carefully planned by Nicole, making each moment beautiful and meaningful. The couple both have extended family from Costa Rica so it made perfect sense for them to marry one another there. 

Nicole was getting ready at the Discovery Beach House with her mother and sister. She was cool, calm and collected, and was brave enough to let me take her dress out into the jungle for photos. Her and Brandon had been together already for 8 years, so she had not a doubt in her mind that he was the right man for her.

Brandon and Nicole did a first look before the ceremony in order to take their family photos ahead of time. They used the front entrance of the house which worked well for the first look.

The ceremony was held on the beach, under the shade and privacy of the palm and almond trees. A beautiful arch was decorated with tropical flowers, and hand fans awaited the guests at their seats. The white faced monkeys passed through just before the ceremony started.

Guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the beach while Nicole and Brandon took their newlywed portraits. It was a bit overcast so there was no sunset, but the misty water created a magical backdrop for photos. 

The reception was held just off of the sand from the beach. Large tropical leaves were used for a seating chart, while the long rectangular tables also featured greenery, flowers and gold accents. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Discovery Beach House
Wedding Planner: www.oasisweddings.co.cr/Oasis Destination Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Mademoiselle Salon
Catering: Chef Desiree
Second Photographer: Kevin Heslin
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Florist: Costa Brava Florist
Rentals: Eventos Boadicea 
Lighting: Ambiance Event Lighting
​DJ: DJ Spynfo
Officiant: Brandon King

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