Arjun and Erika held a beautiful wedding at the all-inclusive resort, The Westin. The day was full of laughter, celebration and love as family and friends celebrated this lovely couple. I already knew that Erika was sweet as can be, as I had met her a few years earlier when I photographed her twin sister's wedding in Costa Rica. Even though Erika and Arjun picked the same country as her sister and husband had, the wedding was in a completely different region of the country and distinctly Erika and Arjun's style. 

The day started with Erika getting ready with her girlfriends. She opted not to have a large bridal party, but that didn't mean that she didn't have a large group of supportive friends surrounding her the entire day. Arjun's wedding ring, pictured below, was a gift that was passed down to him from his father. On our ride together in the elevator he told me a bit about the tradition of his culture and passing rings down through the family.

Erika and Arjun did a first look in the courtyard of the hotel. Beautiful tropical gardens created a lush backdrop for this moment when the bride and groom see each other for the first time.

The most amazing ceremony setup awaiting this couple and their guests. I must say it was one of my very favorites of all of 2018. I love how romantic it looks, and how the florals drip from the arch. The beautiful blue ocean as the backdrop just adds the perfect touch to the bright purple hues that were present.

After the ceremony we took family photos and just as the sun was setting behind the hills we took newlywed photos of Arjun and Erika. 

The reception was held just footsteps from the beach and a beautiful new beach club. Twinkle lights, lanterns and candles all added to the warm atmosphere of the reception. Arjun and Erika were announced into their party and performed their first dance as husband and wife, a fun choreographed one. 

The night ended with everyone on the dance floor. DJ Teemoor kept the party going, and even played a few traditional Punjabi songs. It was so much fun to see not only Arjun and his family dance to those, but Erika and her family as well. It was such a beautiful blend of two cultures. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Venue: The Westin Resort
Wedding Coordinator: Heidy Quesada
Cake: Victoria Zoch
DJ: DJ Teemoor
​Florist: Floristera Cristal

Natasha and Kurt married one another at The Westin in Reserva Conchal which is situated on Playa Conchal. Playa Conchal is one of my favorite beaches, parts of the beach have thousands of little shells instead of sand, making the water crystal clear. 

Natasha was one of the most laid back brides I have ever met. She was so easy going, and not particular about most things that brides are particular about. She even decided last minute to crowd source her first dance song for her and Kurt to dance to. The day started with Kurt getting ready, and after that I moved onto the ladies. Kurt was getting ready with his friend, they had some champagne but afterwards decided that hard liquor served in coffee cups was more appropriate. Kurt was also very down to earth and easy going. 

The ceremony was held on the beach where chic signs and a beautiful arch awaited the couple.

The reception was setup in the Reserva Conchal restaurant, just steps off of the beach. Place cards where held by wine corks, but not just any wine cork. Kurt had saved the corks of wine bottles that he and Natasha had shared with each guest back home and paired the cork with the corresponding guests name. It was such a personal touch and also brought out a lot of conversation as each guest remember the time with the couple that they had enjoyed the wine together.

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: The Westin Resort
Wedding Planner: Heidy Quesada
Cake: Victoria Zoch
​DJ: DJ Ciro

Lisa and James traveled from Texas with a group of family and friends. They married one another on the beautiful beach known as Playa Conchal, or Seashell Beach. It is called this because at the nothern end of the beach there are only shells, no sand, which creates crystal clear water. 

Lisa and her bridesmaids were getting ready at The Westin Resort, an all inclusive resort which sits on Playa Conchal. Her details were beautiful, and she even had a unique see through invitation. 

A beautiful bamboo arch decorated with flowers awaited the couple and their guests. The sun was setting off to the left, behind the hills, creating a magical rainbow of blue hues across the sea and sky. Lisa looked stunning as she walked in on her fathers arm. 

Due to threats of rain the reception was moved indoors, but even inside the bistro lights and beautiful tablescapes looked just as magical. Lisa even special ordered majestic throne like chairs for her and James to sit in. 

Photography: Madison Baltodano Photography
Videography: Baltodano Films
Venue: The Westin Resort
Wedding Planner: Heidy Quesada
Florist: Art Flower
Cake: Victoria Zoch
DJ: Ciro
Rentals: Costa Mesa

Janell and Greg traveled from Ohio to elope in Costa Rica. They stayed at the all-inclusive Westin Resort, which is situated on Playa Conchal. Janell was so sweet and easy going, she bought two of everything, two pairs of earrings, two hair pieces, two barefoot beach sandals. She was so laid back that she would just ask her hair stylist which one she thought looked better, and would go with whatever she suggested. There was a lady in the spa who was enamored with Janell, she seemed like she wanted to just join in on the wedding ceremony. 

Greg is quite tall, a good bit taller than Janell. He really enjoyed lifting her up in the air though, which put them on a similar level. He also, like most men, enjoyed all the kissing moments for the photos. The couple informed me that they would be honeymooning in Arenal after the wedding day. 

Photographer: Madison Baltodano Photography
Venue: Westin Playa Conchal
Wedding Planner: Mil Besos
Day of Planner: Heidy Quesada
Florist: Floresteria Cristal
​Officiant: Einar Villavicencio

Imee and Alex brought their high energy family and friends to have the party of a lifetime in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. They all enjoyed a vacation at the Westin, situated on Playa Conchal, with the highlight being the couples wedding day. This fun loving, California based couple were such a pleasure to work with. They were both easy going and eager to crack a smile or just burst out in laughter. 

I started with Alex getting ready with his groomsmen. 

The guys were a little put off when they were served, and I quote, "girly pink champagne" but afterwards they all shyly admitted that they really liked the taste of it. I think they made up for it later in the night with the "manly" shots they all took.

Sweet Imee was getting ready with her bridesmaids and her mom. She was gitty and eager to go with the flow. 

The ceremony was held on a lawn area just on the edge of the shoreline. Beautiful flowers dripped from the corner of the arch. During the ceremony Imee and Alex honored some Filipino traditions.

The entire wedding group made their way to the beach for a photo before enjoying a sunset cocktail hour. 

The reception was held at the Reserva Conchal Beach Club. A beautiful table was set for Imee and Alex's guests, while the couple had a view of everyone from their sweetheart table.

Alex and Imee set the pace for the evening by making a grand entrance and performing a beautifully rehearsed dance together.

This entire group knew how to dance, and knew how to dance well. But I must say that this little guy below really stole the show. He would dance and the crowd would instantly circle around him to cheer him on, he even made a few bucks for his awesome performances.

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Reserva Conchal
Accomodations: Westin Conchal
Wedding Planner: Heidy Quesada
Florist: ArtFlower
Hair and Makeup: The Spa at Westin
Officiant: Marcelo Galli
Cake: Westin
DJ: Zack Schmidt 
Rentals. Oceana Rentals
Videography: Costa Rica Cinematography 

Drool....that beautiful arch is just to die for. Angie knew what she wanted, she wanted a red and green themed wedding and it wasn't even close to the holiday time. Some might think that red and green wouldn't work, but Angie was able to completely pull it off. It turned out entirely stunning and unique. The wedding colors were seen throughout the entire day and it just all looked stunning. 

Angie and Eric chose to marry one another on the white sandy beaches of Playa Conchal, or ¨Shell Beach¨. Situated on the beach is the all inclusive Westin resort, which is where family and friends stayed for the week. 

After getting ready I was able to stop by the reception area to get some day time detail photos. I love the look of a romantic candlelit table, but I really prefer the daytime detail shots. This tablescape was just breathtaking. Custom made wooden geometrical shapes dangles from the ceiling accented with flowers. Red and yellow glassware were scattered throughout creating a romantic-sultry feel. 

The ceremony space was just as beautiful as the reception. A driftwood arch was dripping with soft greens and red and white flowers. Hand painted maracas were set out for each guest, customized with the name and date of the wedding. A small note asked the guests to shake the maracas at the couples first kiss. Gorgeous over-sized brass lanterns finished off the look. Guests were greeted wit acoustic guitar music and refreshments served in coconuts. 

The day was a bit overcast and instead of a vibrant sunset mother nature produced some amazing soft blue hues for our photo session. Towards the end when the sun would typically be setting, it looked truly magical as you could almost not tell the difference between the water, the mountains and the sky. Angie looked so beautiful, she was so easy to photograph, and Eric didn't look too bad either.

The reception took place at Reserva Conchal, a beach club adjacent to the Westin resort. 

To kick the party off two friends of the couple gave a speech, but this was not just your typical speech. Angie is a big fan of singing, so in honor of her these two friends rapped their speech to the theme song from The Prince of Bel-Air. Angie, Eric and all of their guests just loved it!

Wedding photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Reserva Conchal
Coordination and Design: Mil Besos
Stylist: Victoria Alfaro
Cake: Victoria Zoch
Flowers: ArtFlower
DJ: Dj Teemoor
Ceremony Music: Ricardo Fonseca

Noelle and Wes traveled from Toronto with friends and family to marry one another and celebrate the night away. They chose the Westin as their venue, a high-end all inclusive resort nestled in the dry forest of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The bride and groom were extremely nice and welcoming (hello, they are from Canada!).

Larissa, from Weddings Costa Rica, was the wedding planner for their wedding. I feel like Larissa always has the most beautiful couples paired with beautiful detailed weddings. It was such an exquisite day from start to finish.

I started the day with Wes and his groomsmen getting ready. They were full of jokes and ready to have a good time.

Noelle was just finishing getting made up when I arrived to her room. Her bridesmaids were all wearing different shades of pink and tan, the different hues looked beautiful altogether.

The ceremony was held at the far end of the Westin on the beautiful Playa Conchal. The soft lighting that comes through the trees is gorgeous.

The newlyweds were congratulated by friends and family and then we were off to take photos for sunset. The sun didn't set over the water, but rather behind the hills of the coast. It created a dreamy warm light that surrounded the couple.

The reception was setup poolside at the Reserva Conchal, just next door to where the ceremony was held. The long rectangular tables were decorated with soft pink hues and photographed beautifully. Twinkle lights hung from the ceiling overhead.

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Westin Conchal
Wedding Planner: Weddings Costa Rica
Officiant: Ana Castro
Florist: Floresteria Crystal
Hair and Makeup: Diego Alpo
Rentals: Eventos Boadicea
DJ: DJ Sky
Cake: Victoria Zoch

Elise and Chris are just as sweet as can be! They traveled from California to the Westin at Playa Conchal to tie the knot. It was just the two of them and it was perfect.

When I arrived they were both getting ready. They were cool and calm and I loved that Chris helped zip up his wife into her wedding dress. 

At the beach a beautiful arch was setup lined with lanterns and drizzled with rose petals. 

After the ceremony we took some photos around the hotel grounds and ended back at the beach for sunset.

The newlyweds continued the celebration with a private dinner for two and a sweetheart wedding cake.

Photography: Yours Truly
Venue: Westin
Wedding Planner: Heidy
Officiant: Einar Villavicencio