A Destination Wedding in Costa Rica

Wedding Design and Coordination by Events & Weddings Costa Rica
Images by Julie Comfort, Comfort Studios

Costa Rica is quickly becoming the destination of choice for weddings away and honeymoons. For Annie and Christian, it was the backdrop for their recent destination wedding, and what a wedding it was!

According to Julie Comfort, of Comfort Studios, it was "an awesome wedding in so many ways. Cool couple, perfect location, cooperative weather and a group of people who clearly know how to have a good time."

Annie and Christian rented a private villa in Playa Junquillal and shared their nuptials with 65 close friends and family overlooking the ocean and white sand beaches.

Annie made her very own bouquet and had several unique details, like a wall of family and friend photos.

Our absolute favorite part of this wedding was the "photo booth" they created. The guests were given props and with their own healthy dose of humor, had a fun time snapping shots and goofing off.

Thanks to Julie Comfort and Samantha Kohn for submitting this adorable and fun-loving couple's destination wedding!

Destination Wedding of the Week

Images by A Bryan Photo

When Drew and Shay were trying to decide on the perfect place to get married, Shay knew she wanted to have her ceremony on the sand, but the beaches of her hometown of Florida weren't quite the exotic feel she had in mind. Drew also wanted to do a beach side destination wedding, and he knew just the place, Manuel Antonio beach in Costa Rica.

Several years back, Drew had come to Costa Rica while studying Spanish in college and instantly fell in love with the tropical beaches of Manuel Antonio. What a perfect fit, a lovely destination for his lovely bride!

The couple had planned a week-long visit, so by the time the wedding came, they were relaxed and had spent plenty of time with family and friends.

Fuchsia pink cocktail-length bridesmaid dresses paired with white calla lilies were a classic and eye-popping choice. *Hint, selecting bright colors especially hot pink, royal blue, lime green or red, will always create more interest in your wedding images versus more subdued colors like taupe or sage green.

Shay looked stunning as she took to the aisle in her floor length ivory gown and loose fitting up-do.

A simple bouquet of orchids and white calla lilies gave her look a modern and casual feel yet still felt elegant and classic.

The wedding party - and it was a large one - as they stroll down the beaches of Costa Rica for their photo session with A Bryan Photo.

An evening reception took place under a tented canopy, while guests enjoyed the company of the relaxed and happy newlywed couple. Hibiscus adorned drinks complimented the bridal parties colors and also provided a welcome refreshment to the balmy temperatures of Costa Rica.

We wish Drew and Shay a happy and fun filled life! And a huge "THANKS" to A Bryan Photo for sending us this beautiful wedding!

Get Married on a Monday in Costa Rica

Images by Comfort Studios, Destination Wedding Planning and Design by Beth Helmstetter Events

I just love this wedding - for several reasons.

1. Claire & Sean got married on a Monday.

2. They got married on an off-the-beaten-path secluded beach in Costa Rica.

3. They had a wedding planner (Beth Helmstetter) who handled all the planning up to so they wouldn't be stressed.

4. They greeted their 19 guests with mojitos and bamboo fans at the start of the ceremony.

5. They served local food and signature drinks.

6. They're adorable, and the photographer (Comfort Studio) did a great job capturing all the details put together by wedding and event planner, Beth Helmstetter.

Adventure Rehearsal Dinner in Costa Rica

By Guest Blogger: Samantha Kohn, Events & Weddings Costa Rica

Rehearsal dinners are generally the time for out-of-town guests and family to mingle and give toasts about the bride and the groom. My version of the ‘adventure’ rehearsal dinner is a little bit different. But then again, so is getting married in the tropical paradise known as Costa Rica. This is the time to let loose, bring in the mariachis, ‘gallo pinto’ (rice and beans) and swing through the jungle! The afternoon can start off with a casual walk through the rainforest, where snakes (in cages), birds, butterflies and a wide variety of tropical flowers can be found. Then the fun starts – the canopy tour, which has put Costa Rica on the map as an adventure spot.

For those guests who do not want to swing through the jungle like Tarzan, they can still enjoy the view of the tropical jungle via an aerial tram.

Sightings of exotic birds and monkeys are not uncommon. After the adrenaline wears off, guests can munch on typical food to the beat of the marimba group playing in the background. Perhaps dancers will come to show some local traditions, or a mariachi band will perform at the end of the night, a tradition in Costa Rica. ‘Adventure’ rehearsal dinners are not only casual and fun but also enable guests to have a taste of the local music, food, culture and of course, adventure.

For more information on Events & Weddings Costa Rica or to book an experience like the one described, visit http://www.eventscr.com/

Romancing the Green

Unite Exotic Adventure and Eco Friendly with a Green Honeymoon
by Margo Malcolm

Golfo Dulce – Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s Pacific coast has been described by National Geographic Magazine as ‘the most biologically intense place on earth.’ This Eden-like setting is an idyllic, remote location for a romantic and adventurous honeymoon and a perfect spot to make it a Green one where you can not only unite two hearts into one, but also show your desire for working together towards a more sustainable planet.

Imagine hiking with your new partner to a secluded swimming hole with a cascading waterfall in the rain forest? Or peacefully kayaking in one of only four tropical fjords in the world? The Golfo Dulce, or the Sweet Gulf, off the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica offers a unique opportunity for both a beach and a rain forest honeymoon in one location. The gulf is surrounded by protected rain forest preserves, national parks, biological corridors and sanctuaries with hiking trails and a myriad of wildlife easily viewed wildlife.

A Dream Honeymoon
Though teeming with natural beauty, the Osa Peninsula is still far enough off the beaten track so you’ll not be surrounded by hordes of other travelers. Most resorts are accessible only by boat. One such resort, Playa Nicuesa Rain forest Lodge, has the tranquil waters and unspoiled beaches of the gulf at its front door, and its 165-acre rain forest preserve and the lush Piedras Blancas National Park out back. If you’re looking for a private escape for your adventurous honeymoon, this may be the place for you.

The Golfo Dulce
Corcovado National Park, Piedras Blancas National Park, and private reserves create a protected biological corridor around the gulf, and an extraordinary large trail system for hiking and exploring the incredibly bio-diverse rain forest. The region is only accessible by boat, so you know you’ll be able to experience nature intact complete with howler monkeys, over 250 types of birds including toucans and parrots, butterflies, coati, iguanas, lizards, tree frogs and much more.

The Golfo Dulce and Playa Nicuesa Lodge are a perfect combination for romancing the green.