Mandy and Luke married one another inside of the Bahia Ballena National Park. The park is located in a town called Uvita, and is a well known attraction for both tourists and locals alike. Bahia Ballena, also referred to as the Whale's Tail, is a unique beach where at low tide, you are able to see a rock formation which is in the exact shape of a whale's tail. It is truly a beautiful site, and even more so from the nearby mountain top. 

Luke, who is also a wedding photographer, was my main point of contact leading up to the wedding. He was easy going during the planning process and as well on the wedding day. He mentioned they were mostly "winging" the wedding, which was appropriate for him and Mandy as that is how they treat most of the travels. Luke was getting ready with his brother and his niece and nephew. 

Mandy was getting ready with her maid of honor. A few other important ladies in her life were also nearby visiting with each other. Mandy was a boho bride and wore a beautiful boho dress, just perfect for the beach. 

Luke and Mandy decided to do a first look at a nearby beach, Playa Hermosa. I have to admit, this was my first wedding where we visited and took photos at two different beaches. I think it is safe to assume that Luke and Mandy are very adventurous and did a good job of taking advantage of the many beautiful places in Costa Rica. 

After the first look the couple went to freshen up while guests made their way to the ceremony. A drift wood tipi was set on the beach with an aisle made from coconuts, purely pura vida style. 

The reception was held at Carlito's Restaurant, a Latin fusion restaurant in Bahia Ballena. Heartwarming toasts were given to the newlyweds, including a very cleaver poem written by Luke's stepdad. Dinner and dancing were also on the menu, but is seemed that the most important part of the evening was the irreplaceable time that Mandy and Luke had with their family and friends. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films  See the video here: Mandy and Luke's Video
Venue: Carlito's Restaurant

Francesca and Jacob eloped with one another in a jungle paradise. Francesca wore a nontraditional wedding dress, with a floral pattern and flowing train. The colors of the dress really popped against the green background of the tropics. Jacob sported a custom made navy suit paired with a purple tie.

Jacob was down to earth and enjoyed going with the flow. He wrote beautiful personal vows for his future wife, and made her laugh and cry all at the same time. Francesca was very excited. She was so sweet and excited that when she saw Jacob for the first time, and during their vows, she would do this sweet little excited jump. It was as if she couldn't contain her love and excitement for the man standing in front of her.

Jacob and Francesca opted to do a first look with one another. They also wanted to share their personal vows with each other outside of the actual ceremony, so we took a moment to do that before taking some portraits around the property. 

​A beautiful geometric arch was setup on the front lawn with a piece of drift wood perfectly placed in the center. Francesca and Jacob walked in together with beaming smiles on their faces the whole way down the aisle. 

Francesca and Jacob walked off as newlyweds and went straight into their first dance, but this was no ordinary first dance....the couple learned a beautiful choreographed dance full of lifts and turns. 

Just after the sun set we made our way up the mountain to a restaurant with a beautiful view of the ocean. A romantic table set for two awaited the newlyweds. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Video: Baltodano Films  
Wedding Planner: Del Mar Weddings
Officiant: Noel Ibo Campos
Florist: Stylos y Flores
​Venue: Long House and Vista Bellena
Hair and Makeup: Hair by Monica

Rachel and Andrue had an over the top wedding. They had the kind of wedding that I love to photograph and the kind of wedding I would want to have for myself. They held their wedding at Villa Mareas, a beautiful mountain top Villa which is more of an estate. The views from the high up venue are amazing, and also provide complete privacy and the ability to party as long and as loud as you want, since there are no nearby neighbors. It was the perfect space for this wedding and provided a beautiful backdrop with lots of options for portraits. 

The day started with Rachel getting ready. She was accompanied by her bridesmaids and both mothers. She chose a lace dress with a nude underlay, it looked gorgeous on her. She also wore a beautiful back necklace which drew attention to the tattoo on her back that she and Andrue designed. 

While the ladies were finishing up with the last touches of hair and makeup I made my way over to Andrue who was getting ready with his groomsmen and both fathers. He had an old fashion pocket watch which fascinated me, and wore a full suit complete with a tweed vest, despite the hot weather. He looked sharp, and the color palette worked perfectly. 

By the time I returned to Rachel she was ready to put on her dress and accessories. 

The ceremony was held on the pool deck with views of the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful florals were set on modern wooden boxes, creating an alter for Rachel and Andrue. A pair of violinist played as the bride walked down the aisle.

After the ceremony we made our way around the property taking portraits, ending back at the pool deck for sunset photos. 

Rachel and Andrue, along with the help of their wedding planners from Tropical Occasions, put a lot of effort into making the reception area a beautiful space. Round tables were set with woven chargers and beautiful floral centerpieces. The ceiling was draped with fabric, bringing an added touch of elegance to this outdoor, jungle celebration. 

It was Rachel's Dad's birthday so they surprised him with a custom made surf themed cake. The entire group sang happy birthday to him. Having his daughter get married to love of her life must of been a great birthday present to him as well.

After the formal dances Rachel, Andrue and their guests danced the night away. Reggae music could be heard throughout the entire day, and the reception was no exception. People kicked off their shoes and took to the dance floor. 

After dancing everyone headed to the pool to cool off. Andrue enjoyed some cigars with some of his friends which made for some fun photos. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Venue: Villa Mareas
Wedding Planner: Tropical Occasions
Designer: Aimee Monihan
Coordinator: Karen Ogden 
Florist: Stylos y Flores
Rentals: Costa Mesa
Lighting and AV: Cabo Luna
DJ: DJ Estif
Cake: Mariposa Pastry
​Catering: Citrus Ojochal

Brittany and Chris are getting married in Costa Rica in 2019. It isn't often that I get to photograph my wedding couples before their wedding day. It was such a pleasure to meet and photograph them. They were staying at Villas Alturas, a mountain top wildlife sanctuary with views overlooking the "whale's tail" in Uvita, Costa Rica. 

Purity and Cole rented a beautiful villa in the hilltops of Uvita, Costa Rica to have their wedding. The villa had magnificent views of the Pacific ocean and surrounding mountains. Getting to the villa was a little confusing, but once I was there the owner the house greeted me and it all made sense. It was beautiful and as peaceful as could be.

Purity was getting ready in the master suite, where she was doing her own hair and makeup, a true DIY bride. Her mother, sisters and friends accompanied her. 

Cole was getting ready with the help of his father in the stand alone mother in law suite of the villa. He wore a handsome navy blue suit for the big day.

The intimate ceremony was setup on the terrace of the house overlooking the ocean in the distance. It was simple yet perfect. A minister lead the religious ceremony for the couple. Thoughtfully picked out favors with a Costa Rican flare awaited the guests as they arrived to the ceremony.

After the ceremony the newlyweds had their portraits taken around the villa. Purity and Cole make a stunning couple!

The dinner reception was also held on the terrace. Speeches were given which brought laughter to the room, and first dances were shared.

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Castillo del Sol
​Officiant: Debbie Boling