Lou and Chelsea are just the sweetest couple I have ever met. Normally I find that with couple's one person is a bit more outgoing and the other bit more reserved, which normally leaves me connecting more with the outgoing one, but in this case Lou and Chelsea were just both equally outgoing, kind, fun and generous. They invited me along to photograph their rehearsal dinner the day before. The dinner was held on a sailboat with everyone enjoying drinks, dinner and snorkeling. Their guests had a blast and it was so nice to get to meet the wedding group before the wedding day.

Lou and Chelsea brought a group of about 70 guests from NY all the way to Tamarindo, Costa Rica. The Guanacaste region of the country tends to be more windy, and their wedding day was no exception. It was a clear day without a cloud to be seen, and the breeze helped to keep everyone feeling fresh and cool. The ceremony and reception were held at Langosta Beach Club, which is situated beach front and works perfectly for weddings. 

Chelsea was getting ready in her room at the Diria Hotel with her mom and two flower girls. She opted to wear a bird cage veil which looked beautiful on her, and accented her delicate sweetheart neck line dress perfectly. 

Lou was getting ready with his best man and officiant in another part of the hotel. He proudly wore his "game over" shirt, as he blow dried his hair for what he told me was the first and probably last time in his life. 

Lou and Chelsea decided to do a first and see each other before the wedding. The idea was to take as many photos ahead of time so that they could spend more time with family and friends during the cocktail hour. I love the excitement on Chelsea's face as she approaches her husband to be. 

The ceremony was setup at the edge of the beach with the beautiful blue Pacific and blue skies behind it. 

Maria, Chelsea and Lou's wedding planner, loves these two just as much as I do. This is the first photo I have of Maria, even after working with her for so many years and so many weddings. She wanted to make sure she got one with them before the night was over. (She will probably fuss at me for posting a photo of her, she is so beautiful and so talented at what she does though, she deserves the recognition). 

The reception was held just off to the side of the ceremony area, where guests could still have their toes in the sand. It looked beautiful with the bistro lights overhead and the aftermath of the sunset in the background.  

One of Chelsea's girlfriends couldn't make it to the wedding so the other friends decided to print out a photo of her face and attach it to a stick. It made appearances throughout the night in group photos, at dinner and on the dance floor. It was such sweet idea, one that I had never seen before. 

A delectable dessert table was setup for guests near the dance floor. The desserts were made and styled by Victoria Zoch, the best baker in Guanacaste. 

The little flower girl got a hold of the veil and just loved wearing it. Her mom told me that when she mentioned to her daughter that she would have to take it off at some point, the flower girl responded, "well I won't sleep in it". So cute! And she really did keep it on the rest of the evening.

Lou came up to me and mentioned he may want to jump in the pool. moments after that, before he could even come up with a plan, his friends all canon balled in. 

Chelsea's family has a "family song" which is Puff the Magic Dragon. When the DJ played they all linked arms and sang the song together at the top of their lungs while swaying back and forth. It was so much fun I am thinking of coming up with a family song of my own for me and my loved ones.

The dancing and celebrating continued on after I left and from what I heard the younger crowd was planning to bar crawl their way back down the Tamarindo strip to their hotel. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue (getting ready): Hotel Diria
Venue (wedding): Langosta Beach Club
Wedding Planner: Lat 10 Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Marisol Santana
Music: Joe Hrbek
Flowers: Floristeria Ocasiones
Cake: Victoria Zoch
DJ: DJ Zach Schmidt
​Rentals: Los Primos

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

Pauline and Alex took great care in planning one of the best days of their lives. From amazing views at the Villa Caletas amphitheater, to explosive fireworks at Alma del Pacifico, this couple did everything in their power to make their day enjoyable, not only for themselves but for their guests as well. 

I want to say a little something about Pauline, to demonstrate the type of person she is. Earlier on in our emails back and forth, she told me that she wanted to make her handicap sister feel special at the wedding, as if it was both of their weddings. She said she knew her sister would never have a wedding of her own, and so she wanted to make sure that it was as special for her as possible. This melted my heart to hear, just how selfless Pauline was and how much she loved and cared for her sister. Once I met Pauline, and all of her family and friends, and saw how everyone interacted with her sister, it was so apparent the love that everyone has for her. And it shows through in her sister's smiling face, that was lit up the entire day. I think that Pauline accomplished her request, and made her wedding day one of the best days of her sister's life as well. It was such an honor to be apart of that. 

Pauline was getting ready at Villa Caletas with her bridesmaids, both mothers and her sister. She was so happy and flung her arms around me for a big hug upon meeting me. I knew it was going to be a great wedding, with so much positive energy how could it not!

The ceremony was held on Villa Caletas well known amphitheater. Pauline and her bridal party braved the steep staircase down, and enjoyed beautiful views of the ocean while Marcelo Galli officiated their ceremony. 

After taking a few photos at Villa Caletas we headed over to Alma del Pacifico to get beach photos and the sunset. The reception was held at Alma del Pacifico, where most of the guests were staying. 

A seaside cocktail hour welcomed guests as they arrived to Alma del Pacifico. Pineapple bowling, a Costa Rican version of the traditional game, was setup for guests to play. Pauline and Alex had a hand at it too!

The dinner was held in the thatch roof pavilion. Alex and Pauline were welcomed into the reception with a traditional Lithuanian wedding game where they must kiss in order to pass through the scarf tunnel. 
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For the newlyweds first dance as husband and wife guests were given sparklers to wave around in celebration of their love for one another. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue (ceremony): Villa Caletas
Venue (reception): Alma del Pacifico
Officiant: Marcelo Galli
​Dress: Allure Bridals
​Cake: Mariposa Pastry
Florist: Acacia Floresteria 
Suit: Tommy Bahama (blazer) Express (pants)
Bridesmaids Dresses: Custom made dresses by Renz Rags

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

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

Alys and Manuel have been a family already for many years, raising their beautiful daughters together. They decided to make their marriage official by saying "I do" in Arenal, Costa Rica, a mountainous volcano town. Religion is a very important part of their lives and so they held their wedding ceremony in the Catholic Church of La Fortuna. The reception was held at, The Springs Resort. 

Manuel, his groomsmen, and both dads were getting ready in one of the rooms at The Springs. Everyone was in good spirits as the last preparations were made before heading to the church. 

Alysa was getting ready with her bridesmaids, daughters and family members. She was calm as could be, and just went about doing what needed to be done. 

We headed to the church attempting to beat the rain, which we did. The church was large and beautiful, and Manuel was nervously awaiting his bride. 

After the ceremony we took family photos at the church and then headed back for newlywed portraits at the hotel. The volcano cleared for just long enough to get some beautiful photos. It is very rare for the volcano to clear, so Alysa and Manuel were really lucky that it happened while we were taking photos. 

We made our way down to the reception area which was down by the river at The Springs. A small waterfall made the perfect setting to finish out our photo session. Cocktail hour was held on the river bank, with the reception in a large thatch roofed rancho.

There was a special table and place seating in honor of Manuel deceased brother. It was very apparent just how much this tragic event had affected Manuel and his entire family. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: The Springs Resort
Wedding Planning and Design: Mil Besos - Meghan Cox and Cata Ulloa
Day of Coordinator: Tui Frye 
Ceremony Venue: La Fortuna Church
Hair: Famous Points Beauty
Makeup: Maravilla Makeup
Flowers: Stylos y Flores
DJ: Xclusive DJ

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

Costa Rica loves fireworks. They especially love putting on amazing fire works shows for weddings, and the firework show for Sam and Miranda's wedding was nothing short of that. It was beautiful, mesmerizing, and a big surprise to all of the guests.

Miranda and Sam married one another at the all-inclusive resort Riu Guanacaste. An intimate group of friends and family joined them for the celebration. It had been raining on and off for the morning, but luckily the rain held off for the events schedules outdoors, and the ceremony was able to take place on the beach as planned.

The day started with Miranda getting ready with her bridesmaids, and female family members. She had her hair and makeup done in the spa, and then moved over to her room for the final preparations. 

The ceremony took place just as the sun was dipping below the mountain line. Miranda was escorted down the aisle by her father, I got a few shots of her beaming smile just before her emotions took over and the tears started rolling down her face.

After their first kiss as newlyweds we headed straight to the beach to catch the last light of the day for photos. 

The reception was held in an open-aired event space. Unique pineapple centerpieces dressed up the tables, while blue lights twinkled above. For their first dance Miranda and Sam pulled off a great choreographed piece. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Riu Guanacaste
Videography: Costa Rica Cinematography