As a wedding photographer, it’s always an honor to work with every single bride and groom who entrust me to capture the day they become husband and wife. I simply love my job! So when a couple decides to plan a tropical destination wedding in Playa Conchal, Costa Rica and asks me to be their photographer, you may see me cry actual tears of happiness. Those who know me know I love live to travel, so this was a huge dream come true!
You may remember Melanie and Brad from their dreamy beach & beer garden engagement session in Milwaukee last summer. These two are always so much fun to work with; they genuinely laugh a ton and just have fun together – which makes my job super easy! And believe me when I say, their wedding was one for the books.
During a sunset beach ceremony surrounded by 30 of their closest friends and family, Melanie and Brad exchanged vows and pledged their lives to one another as the sun dipped below the bay. Aside from the fact that they were married at one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, there is something truly magical about being in the midst of nature when promising your heart to one another. You can feel your spirit being grounded in that moment, connected to God and all His creation, existing in a world that’s so much bigger than you. It’s such a humbling, soul-meets-body feeling.
And their romantic outdoor reception was just as beautiful! Melanie and Brad dined with their guests under a canopy of swaying palm trees and twinkling cafe lights. As they shared their first dance beneath the stars, every eye locked on them, mesmerized by how happy they looked. Staring into one another’s eyes, Brad whispered in her ear and stole a kiss before their song faded to the end. I couldn’t imagine a more meaningful, heartfelt moment.
It was so hard to pick out my favorite images for this blog post – each one was more gorgeous than the last! But I finally narrowed it down to tell the story of their day, and I’m so excited to share them below.
Warning: This post might make you want to book a vacation, honeymoon, babymoon, anniversary, birthday trip, extended holiday…or basically any other reason to go to Costa Rica. Pura vida!
Vendor Details
Ceremony Venue: Playa Conchal, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Reception Venue & Catering: Westin Golf Resort & Spa Playa Conchal
Wedding Coordinator & Florals: Heidy Quesada of Westin Golf Resort & Spa
Officiant: Einar Villavicencio & Associates Law Office
Cake: Victoria Zoch of Westin Golf Resort & Spa
Hair & Makeup: Westin Spa
Bride’s Dress: Stella York from Bucci’s Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Sam Edelman
Bride’s Jewelry: Sara Gabriel from Bucci’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
Groom’s Attire: Banana Republic (pants), Dubois from Schroeder’s (ties)
Invitations: Ficus and Fig
Menus: Rose Gold and Copper
Place Cards & Welcome Sign: Rachel Glaser
