Nature Photography in my Garden, Manuel Antonio Costa Rica

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Over my years here in Costa Rica, I have hiked into the rainforest countless times, but to tell you the truth I see so much wildlife right here at home. Don’t get me wrong, I love being out in the undergrowth, listening for rustles in the foliage, armed with my trusty camera. But there s something spectacular about being able put down my coffee and get photos like these, from the comfort of my balcony, and being able to share the experience with my family.
This is a collection of photographs I have taken over the last 2 weeks from my home in Manuel Antonio.
Two toes Sloth – Mother and baby travelling between mango trees
Squirrel Monkeys (Mono Titi) – with babies, eating mangoes and relaxing
White-Face Monkey (Capuchin)  – Mother and Baby on the move
Orchid Pollinator Bees – Only there for an hour on one day.
Golden Naped Woodpecker – looks like a pair are building a nest in a dead palm tree.
Chestnut Mandibled Toucan – Back for the rainy season
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl – Been round for a few weeks
Scarlet Macaws – permanent residents, thanks to the local rehabilitation and release program
**Please note that all photographs were taken with a telephoto lens (apart from bee photos), so not to disturb the wildlife.
Enjoy and Pura Vida!
John

Honeymoon Photography – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica 2019

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This sweet couple came all the way to Costa Rica from France for their honeymoon, so really wanted some immortalise their honeymoon in Costa Rica. One of the stops on their honeymoon trip was Manuel Antonio, my home town, I met them late afternoon on Playa Espadilla. There are lots of great areas for photographs, with the ocean, rocks, rivers and vegetation, I particularly like the photos with the trees and reflections, what do you think?

Engagement Photography – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica – December 2018

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This lovely couple got just got engaged here in Costa Rica, and of course; they wanted to get some amazing tropical photos to celebrate their love. Manuel Antonio is full of beautiful areas,  and we chose Playa Espadilla, Manuel Antonio’s famous beach for our photo session. We danced at sunset, climbed rocks and got wet; it was a fun shoot!

 

Waterfall Elopement – Dominical Costa Rica May 2018

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This adventurous couple wanted to celebrate their marriage surrounded by nature. They loved Costa Rica and coming here for their elopement seemed like the perfect choice. After looking at several areas, they choose to have their ceremony at the Waterfall Villas, just outside Dominical. This small hotel is a hidden gem, and has a beautiful waterfall surrounded by rainforest. Marcelo Galli conducted the ceremony next to the waterfall; the bride and groom even had their feet in the water! Such bliss….
After the ceremony we went to the nearby beach and took some gorgeous sunny photos. A beautiful adventure!

Creating Memories – Professional Family Photography in Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is known for its tropical beaches, rain-forest and volcanoes. With so many breathtaking sights and views, it is no wonder that families choose to vacation in our slice of paradise. Being a family man myself, I know the importance of capturing these happy memories.

Taking family photos with me is a fun and no-stress experience. My aim is to put you at ease in order to capture the personality of individual family members.
I create fun, modern, and natural looking family photographs and family portraits that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Here are a few examples of my family photography….

 

 

So why not book a professional family photography session?
It’s more affordable, fast and more fun than you would think!
Contact me today.

Locations: Playa Espadilla, Manuel Antonio
Rainmaker

Sunset Beach Wedding – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica – January 2018

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Love this tropical beach wedding!
The bride and groom both wore white; a stunning contrast the colorful tropical flowers. The wedding party and guests were all staying at the Buena Vista Villas in the heart of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. The sunset ceremony took place at the private Tulemar Beach, within the grounds. After the ceremony  the wedding party enjoyed cocktails and appetizers on the beach, under the beautifully lit trees. The party then went back to the villa for a the wedding celebration, love the mini gift bottles of the tequila. The reception on the balcony was beautifully decorated with colorful flowers and candles.
A wonderful wedding!
Wedding Planning : Tropical Occasions
Location: Buena Vista Villas, Manuel Antoino, Costa Rica
Photographer: John Williamson Photography

Rainforest and Beach Elopement – Costa Rica December 2017

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This amazing couple love beaches, waterfalls and the rainforest, so they came to Costa Rica for an amazing adventure and a unique elopement..

I met the bride and groom at their hotel in Manuel Antonio, Hotel Costa Verde; as the bride was just finishing her makeup. We started the afternoon at Rainmaker and got some wonderful photos in the lush green rainforest. We then headed to Playa Palo Seco, a beautiful long desert beach just north of Manuel Antonio, as we arrived the sun was just setting. We were blessed with an incredible sunset, and took advantage of the light for some sunset portraits. As the sun went down, my wife, Katharine; conducted the ceremony under a super full moon, with the waves lapping at their feet…sheer beauty!
Best of luck Angela and Byron, you were amazing to photograph, thanks for letting us to be part of your epic day!

Locations: Rainmaker and Playa Palo Seco
Hair and Makeup – Mademoiselle Salon

To see more of my rainforest and waterfall weddings take a look at my website gallery  at www.weddingphotoscostarica.com/rainforest-wedding-costa-rica

Waterfall Engagement Adventure – Costa Rica Dec 2017

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Arek, first contacted me earlier last year with an amazing plan to surprise his girlfriend Steph with an adventurous proposal. Arak wanted to propose in the middle of the Costa Rica rainforest at the base of a giant waterfall; and he wanted me to capture the moment forever! I was in!

The area was the pristine Diamante Falls reserve, about 20km inland from Dominical on the Southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. We embarked on an overnight trip with Pacific Journeys. Coincidentally, the guide was an old friend of mine, Diego; whom I worked with 15+ years ago when I was a photographer for Costa Rica Outward Bound. They did an amazing job, we just needed a sense of adventure and to carry our personal packs for the overnight trip, and all my camera gear…and my drone!

We he about 1 1/2 hours uphill through beautiful rainforest shrouded with mist to the base camp. The camp is in crevasse next to a set of 3 waterfalls. It is quite luxurious for what technically is an open air cave. There is a bar, fire pit, a kitchen and dining area, showers, comfortable beds, and an incomparable view.

After lunch, we headed to the falls to do some rappelling. Arek went first; and when Steph rappelled down, Arek met her at the base down on bended knee in proposal. With a stomach full of butterflies and even more from the proposal she barely could utter a sound, just pure happiness and surprise but her answer was clear..Yes!!

The night in the cave was incredible; our light was from candles and a campfire. The sound of the waterfall lulled us to sleep. The following morning we explored some more, discovering beautiful waterfalls and swim holes.

What a fabulous adventure, thank you Arek and Steph for letting me be part of it….one I think none of us will forget!

I have been updating my website with more of my adventure wedding photography, check it out at www.weddingphotoscostarica.com

Pura Vida,

John

 

Waterfall and Beach Engagement Photography in Costa Rica – August 2017

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This adventurous couple; on a surfing vacation in Costa Rica; wanted to get some memorable engagement and save the date photos. I met them up at their hotel in Dominical and we drove to a beautiful little rainforest waterfall I know nearby. Approximately 30% of Costa Rica’s land is protected in nature reserves. There are many hidden gems close to where I live…perfect to get some amazing jungle and waterfall portraits. We then headed back to Dominical  for some gorgeous beach photos. We even did a sand the date in the sand for their wedding next year. Best of luck amigos!

Congratulations to you both…and who knows might see you back in Costa Rica for your wedding!

John

https://www.weddingphotoscostarica.com/rainforest-wedding-costa-rica

May the 4th Elopement – Makanda Manuel Antonio Costa Rica 2017

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I just love this couple! When they asked me if I was available on the 4th of May, I did wonder if they were Star Wars fans and they were! (Yes, I know it’s August! Just been too busy to blog :)
They stayed at the beautiful Hotel Makanda in the heart of Manuel Antonio, I met them at the hotel and we did some artistic photos on the grounds of the hotel. Makanda has recently been completely remodeled into a fabulous boutique hotel, it’s just exquisite. I think the bride and groom in black looks great against the stone wall background.
We headed down to the north end of Playa Espadilla for the wedding ceremony on the beach.

It was a  perfect intimate ceremony….and I just love the photos!

 

Want to elope in Costa Rica? and get married by a jungle waterfall?

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It’s not as hard as it sounds….
This great couple from Canada contacted me at the end of last year, with an inquiry that they wanted to elope in Costa Rica. They had a few ideas; including photos on the beach, sunset and some with nature. Plus, they wanted a legal ceremony. So we emailed back and forth, got to know each other a little bit; and came up with a plan.
The bride and groom were staying in Dominical on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, I live 45 minutes north in Manuel Antonio, and know the area well. We decided on a mix of beach and rain forest for the wedding, doing the wedding in the morning at a waterfall and then meeting for sunset on the beach for some romantic photos. I put them in touch with Marcelo Galli, a wedding officiate; Marcelo and I often work together on weddings and he is an excellent officiate. Marcelo helped them choose the style of ceremony they wanted, after the wedding he gets the official documents authenticated and sent to Canada, or anywhere in the world.
We all met at 7am at the entrance to Nauyaca Falls, we had arranged to be driven up near to the falls so we only had a short hike in to the waterfall. Marcelo conducted the ceremony right next to the waterfall pool. The sunlight was just coming over the edge of the falls, and catching the mist created by the water…breath taking! We finished up at about 9:30am, and I arranged to meet them at the beach that afternoon.
We were in luck a gorgeous sunset and combined with a low tide, left beautiful reflective pools on the sand on the beach. We got some absolutely wonderful photograph, I think we captured what they were hoping for and more!
For a gallery of my adventure weddings visit my website.

Nauyaca Waterfall Wedding – Costa Rica December 2016

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This adventurous couple wanted to celebrate their marriage surrounded by nature. They loved Costa Rica and coming here for their elopement seemed like the perfect choice. After looking at several areas, they choose Nauyaca Falls. Nauyaca is a stunning set of waterfall nestled the Costa Rican rainforest just north of Dominical, Costa Rica. Nauyaca is a privately owned reserve and can only be accessed by foot or horseback. This couple got special permission to get brought close to the falls in 4×4, and from our drop off point we hiked in. We got to the falls early and the light was beautiful filtering through the spray from the cascading waterfalls. The ceremony was conducted at the base of the lower falls, after the ceremony we took some romantic photographs before the newlyweds jumped into the waterfall pool! The natural beauty of Nauyaca combined with a wonderfully happy couple made taking photographs easy! Congratulations to you both!

https://www.weddingphotoscostarica.com/rainforest-wedding-costa-rica

Waterfall Wedding at La Paz Waterfall Gardens – Costa Rica – Nov 2016

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Love waterfalls? Nature? and want to get married in Costa Rica?
This couple does! They chose the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Lodge for their elopement in Costa Rica, a hotel and private nature reserve in the foothills of Poas Volcano. La Paz has five huge waterfalls along rainforest trails, plus lots of Costa Rica’s amazing tropical plants and wildlife.
The location of the wedding could not have been more stunning!
Marcelo Galli gave a beautiful ceremony on the private platform decorated with tropical flowers; surrounded by lush rainforest with a waterfall and river below. After the ceremony we took our time walking through the jungle trails, stopping at waterfalls along the way. At the lodge, the couple cut their scrumptious wedding cake and then we went to visit the very friendly and cheeky toucans. All the toucans are rescue birds and can no longer live in the wild, at feeding time they will hop right on your arm!
A wonderful wedding at La Paz filled with waterfalls and love!

Wedding Planning – Amanda at La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Lodge
Wedding Officiant – Marcelo Galli

Wedding – Punto de Vista – Manuel Antonio October 2016

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One of my first weddings of the 2016-17 season here in Costa Rica, it’s great to be back!

This wedding was at one of Manuel Antonio’s premier vacation rental villas, Punto de Vista. It spectacular villa for a wedding with views of the Pacific ocean from all of its 5 floors.
The bride and groom were both from Southern California, and a lot of fun! I met the bride in her room, where she was getting her final touches to her make and hair by our local, wonderful make up artist, Monica. The bride’s Mom and her friends helped her getting in her get into her dress. I love the photos of the bride’s mother helping with her shoes.  The groom came into the Bride’s room to do the “first look” on the balcony, a moving moment!
The wedding ceremony took place on top-level of the villa which has an epic view of the Pacific looking towards the Manuel Antonio National Park.  The team at Weddings Costa Rica created a beautiful altar for the wedding, with floating candles and lilies. The reception dinner was held on the top-level, the tables looked magical, with gold candlesticks sparkling in the candle light. After dinner the party moved downstairs to the ballroom for dancing and more celebrations. Another stunning wedding arranged by Weddings Costa Rica!


Wedding Planning – Weddings Costa Rica
Location – Casa Punto de Vista, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Hair and Make Up – Hair by Monica

That’s all for now, as we hunker down and wait for Hurricane Otto, the first hurricane in Costa Rica in over 100 years.

a photographers travels through south east asia

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Some of you may have noticed my radio silence for the last few months, there is good reason!
Even though I live in Costa Rica, I still get the travel bug; so this low season my wife, 5-year-old daughter and I packed our bags and backpacked around South East Asia.
We traveled through Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and Thailand. It was an epic trip; the culture, food, smells, even the light is different.
This is but a small sample of photos, I actually have 1000’s of photos to go through, but these are some that I quickly edited to share with family and friends…and you!
I have been back in Costa Rica for a few weeks, I have already shot a couple of weddings, and high season will start with a bang soon. I feel refreshed and excited about this new season, traveling opens your eyes to new ideas and possibilities.
It’s great to be back!

Tropical Beach Wedding at Esterillos – Costa Rica 2016

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This lovely young couple are from right here in Costa Rica, they chose the beautiful beach at Esterillos Este for their wedding celebrations. The Hotel Alma del Pacifico is perfect for weddings, as the hotel and gardens lead straight onto the Pacific Beach. The Alma del Pacifico is full of bright tropical colors, which is a wonderful backdrop for photos.
The wedding took place in the gardens and the reception party continued late into the night, ending with a beach bonfire.
Felicidades Ingrid and Roberto!

Elopement at Ylang Ylang Beach Resort Montezuma Costa Rica 2016

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The Ylang Ylang Beach Resort in Montezuma is a wonderful, tropical location for a beach wedding in Costa Rica. The hotel is situated right on the beautiful beach Montezuma Beach. The bride and groom chose to elope and this has got to be the most romantic elopement! The ceremony was organized by the Ylang Ylang Beach Resort and took place in their tropical gardens steps from the beach. There was a full moon on the day of the wedding and we got some beautiful photographs with the moon. The couple then had dinner on the beach under the full moon, a perfect ending to the most perfect day.

Day of the Dead Wedding – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica 2016

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Love this wedding! This couple from England love all and everything about Mexico and Day of the Dead, so they brought just that to Costa Rica for their wedding! Day of the Dead or Dia de Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, where family and friends gather together to remember loved ones who have died, and help them in their spiritual journey. It also has a big following internationally for it’s colorful art!
The wedding party were staying at a villa in Tulemar, in the heart of Manuel Antonio. The ceremony took place on Tulemar’s secluded beach, the aisle decorated with colorful flowers.  The group stayed on the beach to enjoy music, drinks and the sunset, and later returned their villa for a “Dia de Muertos” reception dinner. The villa’s terrace was spectacularly decorated with twinkling lights and colorful Mexican paper flags, the table adorned with Day of the Dead skull place cards, flowers, candles and personal bottles of Patron tequila.
Tropical Occasions created and planned this unique wedding with the bride and groom, it was just perfect!

 

Beach and Villa Wedding – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica February 2016

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This fun-loving bride and groom came to Costa Rica for a tropical beach wedding. I had met the bride and groom at the end of last year when they came to Manuel Antonio on a planning visit with their wedding coordinator, Laura from Liquid Weddings. It’s fantastic for me to actually meet and get to know the bride and groom before the wedding – with destination weddings, it’s not always possible! I often Skype with brides and grooms before the wedding, it’s a great way to find out what people are like and what they want from their wedding photographs. Plus they can get to know me and be more comfortable for the big day.
Back to the wedding! …the wedding party were staying at the beautiful Montemar Estates in Manuel Antonio, 3 villas nestled on a mountain top over looking the jungle and Pacific Ocean.  I first went to Montemar to meet with the Bride and then Groom to capture some of that nervous fun and excitement before the wedding.
Then wedding ceremony took place at Playitas Beach about 10 minutes from the house, at the north end of the famous Manuel Antonio beach. After the ceremony we took some fun photos on the beach, and then some great light hit for some romantic couples portraits.
The wedding party then returned to Montemar Estates for cocktails, the reception dinner and then a DJ and dancing. I think the night-time party shots are great!

Wedding Planning – Liquid Weddings
Villa and Reception Loacation- Montemar Estate – Manuel Antonio
Ceremony Location – Playitas Beach – Manuel Antonio
Hair and Makeup – Monica – Hair by Monica

 

Tropical Beach Wedding at Mareas Villas – Uvita Costa Rica

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This couple escaped the concrete jungle in New York to come to Costa Rica for their tropical  wedding. They chose to celebrate their nuptials with family and friends at the beautiful Mareas Villas near Uvita.
Mareas is a great location for a destination wedding in Costa Rica; 5 star luxury, close to the beach, yet secluded in acres of virgin rainforest.
I met with the bride and her bridesmaids before the wedding to capture some of that nervous excitement of getting ready for the big day. Later, I met with the groom and groomsmen who were relaxing and getting ready at another villa in Mareas. We then headed to the beach for the wedding ceremony. After the ceremony we were blessed with the most amazing sunset. We took some beautiful couples portrait and also some fun photos with family and friends.
The wedding party returned to Mareas Villas for the wedding reception, catered by the in-house chefs and staff. A wonderful wedding in paradise!

Honeymoon Photo Shoot – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica 2016

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This couple came to Costa Rica for their honeymoon, they had opted for a small civil ceremony back at home, so really wanted some fantastic photographs to celebrate their wedding. One of the stops on their honeymoon trip was Manuel Antonio, my home town, I met them late afternoon on Playa Espadilla. There are lots of great areas for photographs, with the ocean, rocks, rivers and vegetation, I particularly like the photos with all the roots, what do you think?

Sunset Wedding at Discovery Beach House – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica Dec 2015

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Playa Espadilla in Manuel Antonio is a gorgeous beach for a wedding, a beautiful bay with the majestic backdrop of the Manuel Antonio National Park. This bride and groom choose the Discovery Beach House which is located just steps away from the beach. Randy Gritz from Celebrations Costa Rica created an elegant yet casual event which fitted the wedding couple perfectly. I met the bride at the beach house, surrounded by their children in a happy state of excitement over the wedding. We walked through the garden to the beach where the ceremony took place on the sand strewn with rose petals. After a moving ceremony we watched the sun dip in to the Pacific Ocean, and then the guests returned to the house for a wonderful dinner prepared by Desiree‘s Catering.  This family’s happiness and love flowed through the day, I hope I have captured some of that sparkle in these photos.

Location: Discovery Beach House. Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Wedding Planning: Randy from Celebrations Costa Rica
Catering by Desiree
Hair and Make up by Monica from Costa Rica Hair

Elopement at Hotel Parador – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica – Dec 2015

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This couple decided to leave the winter and have their elopement wedding in the sunshine in Costa Rica! The bride and groom were staying at the beautiful Hotel Parador in Manuel Antonio. I met the couple in their room at the hotel as they were finishing getting ready, they then traveled by golf cart to the secluded ceremony site. The ceremony took place under an arch decorated with colorful tropical flowers. After the ceremony we went to the close by Playa Espadilla beach to watch the sunset and get some romantic couples portraits. This intimate elopement was organized by Alfonso, El Parador’s Wedding and Events Planner.

Wedding at Flamingo Beach Resort Guanacaste Costa Rica 2015

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This beautiful wedding took place at the Flamingo Beach Resort, in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The resort is located directly on the beach surrounded by tropical rainforest. I met the bride and her family and friends in her room for some candid getting-ready photos. I quickly got a few photos of the groom before going to the beach for the ceremony. The ceremony took place on the beach in front of the Pacific Ocean. After the ceremony we took some romantic sunset couple portraits and got some fun pictures too. The wedding party then headed back to the resort for the reception dinner and celebrations. A beautiful day!

Tropical Beach Wedding – Doce Lunas – Jaco Costa Rica 2015

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This couple came to Costa Rica with their children for a tropical beach wedding. I met the bride and her gorgeous flower girl daughters at her room, and we took some bridal pictures, first look and family photographs. We then headed to the beautiful Esterillos Beach for the wedding. The beach ceremony  took place under a wooden arch in front of the Pacific Ocean. After the ceremony we took photographs on the beach before returning to the Hotel Doce Lunas for the wedding reception. I love the photo of the kids waiting for cake!

Wedding at Costa Verde – Manuel Antonio – Costa Rica – October 2015

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A stunning wedding over looking the Pacific Ocean in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. The wedding and celebrations were held at the Hotel Costa Verde, which is nestled on a jungle-covered hill close to Manuel Antonio National Park. Their slogan is “still more monkeys than people”,  and as you can imagine they are well known for natural beauty and wildlife! The Costa Verde is an ideal location for destination weddings planned by their excellent in-house wedding coordinator, Isabel Vargas.
I met the bride at her hotel room in Costa Verde; surrounded by her friends and family helping her to get ready for her big day. We got a lovely sequence of wedding dress photos and I love the toast photos on the balcony- particularly the one with her sisters and her little niece the floor girl peering through the champagne flutes.
I then did a quick stop at the groom’s room for a few photos before the ceremony was due to begin. The ceremony took place in the garden’s of the hotel, overlooking the ocean. October is at the end of the rainy season so there was  the chance of an afternoon shower, but we had a wonderful day. After the ceremony and group photographs the wedding party headed to El Avion (The Airplane); one of Costa Verde’s restaurants for the wedding reception. A beautiful day…enjoy the photos!

Location : Costa Verde
Wedding Planning : Isabel Vargas – Costa Verde Weddings
Wedding Officiant : Noel Campos

Rainforest Elopement – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica 2015

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This adventurous couple love getting off the beaten path, and decided to get married in the rainforest of Costa Rica. They had a dream of getting married by a waterfall, and after bouncing around few ideas we decided on the private rainforest reserve of Rainmaker. I met the bride and groom at their hotel, The Mansion Inn, were Monica was just finishing the bride’s hair and makeup. We took a few photos with the spectacular view from the Mansion, then a quick stop at the beach to get just a few photos there, before heading into the rainforest. The ceremony took place be a beautiful waterfall and we got fantastic photographs of the bride and groom on Rainmaker’s hanging bridges, surrounded by nature. A memorable adventure for a wonderful couple…

Wedding Officiate: Rodrigo Campos
Hair and Makeup by Monica

https://www.weddingphotoscostarica.com/rainforest-wedding-costa-rica

Beach Wedding at RUI Guanacaste Costa Rica 2015

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This beautiful wedding took place on the white sand beach in front of the stunning Hotel RUI in Costa Rica. The bride got ready in her suite with family and friends, and then the father of the bride walked her to the beach were the ceremony took place. After a moving ceremony, the bride and groom were toasted with champagne. We headed to the garden to take a few group photos and the heavens opened with a tropical downpour. Luckily the rain was short-lived and we could return to the beach for some magical photographs. We were blessed with an epic rainy season sunset!

Elopement at La Paz Waterfall Gardens – Costa Rica – 2015

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This young, fun couple wanted an adventurous elopement somewhere beautiful and tropical. The La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Lodge certainly is that, a hotel and private nature reserve in the foothills of Poas Volcano. La Paz has lots of attractions, including rainforest trails, five waterfalls, and lots of Costa Rica’s amazing wildlife (mainly rescue animals).
The location of the wedding was just stunning, surrounded by rainforest with a beautiful waterfall and river below. Marcelo Galli gave a moving ceremony, and then the couple went down to the base of the waterfall for a quiet moment together. We walked back through the jungle trails to the lodge, where they cut their wedding cake.
We went in the hummingbird garden and had an amazing time. The staff put a couple of hummingbird nectar feeders into the bride’s bouquet,the hummingbirds darted in and out and around the bouquet, a magical moment! We next met a couple of very friendly and cheeky toucans, they were hilarious!
A wonderful wedding at La Paz filled with adventure and laughter!

Tropical Beach Wedding at Playa Langosta Costa Rica 2015

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When this fun-loving couple visited Costa Rica last year they fell in love with their beachfront hotel and decided to get married there!
The Sueño del Mar is a boutique bed and breakfast and their gardens lead directly onto the white sands of Playa Langosta. The wedding ceremony took place on the beach, with the arch and aisle looking towards the Pacific Ocean. After the ceremony we watched the sunset over the ocean. The wedding group then headed to Restaurant El Pescador in Tamarindo for an amazing reception party, with dinner, live music and fire dancers. A wonderfully tropical and fun beach wedding planned by Morgan at Native’s Way

 

Beach Wedding by Horseback – Playa Ventanas Costa Rica 2015

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The bride is from Poland, the groom is from New Zealand, they live in Australia – Where are you going to get married? Costa Rica, of course!
Their wedding ceremony took place of the beautiful beach of Playa Ventanas on the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The bride and her father arrived by horseback to a tropical arch made of palm fronds and Heliconia, where family and friends were gathered for the relaxed beach wedding. After the ceremony, refreshing pipas were served to the guests. A pipa is a young coconut that has plenty of rehydrating coconut juice inside. The groom’s daughter played guitar and sang, and the guests enjoyed the music and the sunset. The wedding party then went to a fabulous nearby villa in Dominical for the reception dinner and party.

Wedding Officiant: Rodrigo Campos

Villa and Beach Wedding – Casa Fantastica – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica 2015

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The wedding party were staying at Casa Fantastica, located in one of Costa Rica’s top vacation destinations, Manuel Antonio. This luxury rental villa has 8 bedrooms and a huge outdoor/ indoor living space perfect for entertaining!
I arrived early at Casa Fantastica to capture some candid “getting ready” and pre-wedding shots; we took some poignant “first look” photos by the Villa’s pool. As many of the wedding guests were staying at the house, we took the chance to get some group photos before heading to the nearby Playa Espadilla for the beach ceremony.
The aisle was decorated with natural grasses and starfish, which looked down to a bamboo arch decorated with tropical flowers and the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. The wedding was planned by Chelsea from Oasis Weddings and many of the details were brought by the Bride. After the ceremony we spent some time at the beach enjoying the moment and taking some lovely photographs. The wedding party then returned to Casa Fantastica for a wonderful reception dinner.
Another fantastic wedding in Costa Rica!

Wedding Planning : Chelsea Brandau from Oasis Weddings in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Location: Casa Fantastica, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, a rental vacation home – contact Escape Villas for bookings.

Tropical Beach Wedding – Jaco Costa Rica 2015

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This fun couple chose to get married in Costa Rica surrounded by their closest friends and family.  The whole wedding party were staying at Hotel Doce Lunas, a charming hotel in Jaco surrounded by 5 acres of lush gardens. I met the couple at the hotel, where we got a few pre-wedding photographs. I love the photographs of the bride; her white dress contrasting against the bright colors of her tattoos, her flowers and the jungle. For the Beach ceremony the wedding party went to Esterillos, a short drive away.  After a moving ceremony in front of the Pacific Ocean, we took some fun group photographs and bride and groom portraits. This is where I said goodbye to the wedding group, as then returned to the hotel for the reception dinner and party.

Wedding – Villa Paradiso Manuel Antonio Costa Rica 2015

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This beautiful wedding was held at Villa Paraiso, one of Manuel Antonio’s fantastic ocean view rental homes. The wedding had a wonderful relaxed feel with all the family staying at Casa Paraiso. The ceremony took place under the villa’s covered deck, decorated with flowers. After the ceremony we took portraits and  group photos in the garden overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The wedding party returned to the villa for cocktails, live music with salsa lessons and then a delicious reception dinner prepared by the in-house chef. A beautiful wedding, perfectly planned by Donielle and the team at First Class Villas in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Villa Paraiso is available to rent year round for your vacation through First Class Villas.

Flamingo Beach Elopement Costa Rica 2015

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This lovely couple chose a beach elopement for their wedding. They were staying at the Flamingo Beach Resort which is located right on the beautiful Flamingo Bay in Northern Guanacaste. The intimate ceremony took place on the resort’s beach overlooking the bay, with only the bride’s parent’s as witnesses. After a moving ceremony by Marcello Galli, we took some gorgeous photographs on the beach with reflections in tide pools with the gorgeous light. I particularly like the after-dark photos with the lit palm trees.

 

Pacific Coast Wedding in Costa Rica – Villa Caletas 2015

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Villa Caletas’ amphitheater on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is one of the most stunning and romantic places to get married. The amphitheater is set high on a steep hill overlooking the ocean, the hotel itself is beautiful with lots of terraces and garden.
The ceremony took place just before sunset and the light was perfect. After the ceremony the reception dinner took place in one of the hotels banquet rooms, the tables decorated with colorful flowers and pictures of the bride and groom. The wedding party and guests were all staying at the hotel, making everything thing so easy and enjoyable. Such and fun event and another great wedding by the team at Villa Caletas

Intimate Wedding at Ylang Ylang Beach Resort- Montezuma Costa Rica 2015

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This intimate wedding took place on the beach in front of the Ylang Ylang Beach Resort. Ylang Ylang is situated on the southern most tip of the Nicoya Peninsular, and truly a beautiful setting for weddings The ceremony took place under a driftwood arch decorated with colorful tropical flowers. As the sunset after the ceremony we tools some relaxed photographs on the beach. The wedding party returned to Ylang Ylang for a reception dinner, followed by a fire dancing show and a bonfire on the beach – a magical day! This wedding was planned by Emma, Ylang Ylangs’s wonderful wedding planner.

Manuel Antonio Beach Wedding Costa Rica April 2015

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This Bride and Groom chose their 10 year anniversary of dating for their wedding day, what a romantic couple! (I am secretly envious of this lucky groom, he has fewer dates to remember!)
The families were staying at Jungle Creek, in Manuel Antonio. The bride and her sisters had fun getting ready here, before heading down to Playa Espadilla, Manuel Antonio’s famous beach for the ceremony. The wedding took place under the almond and palm trees with the Manuel Antonio National Park as a backdrop. After the ceremony we were blessed to have gorgeous sunset for our beach photo shoot. Later the whole wedding party went to the Costa Verde Hotel for the reception dinner. A gorgeous day!

 

Locations: Jungle Creek, Playa Espadilla, Costa Verde
Wedding Planning and Cake – Chelsea Brandau of Oasis Weddings
Wedding Officiant – Ana Castro
Hair and Makeup – Hair by Monica

Wedding at Discovery Beach House Manuel Antonio Costa Rica 2015

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Manuel Antonio’s Discovery Beach House was the perfect setting for this vibrant beach wedding. The brides family stayed in the Beach house and the Grooms family rented the lovely Monkey House, right next door.
The wedding ceremony took place under the almond trees looking out on to the Playa Espadilla; Manuel Antonio’s famous beach. The aisle was decorated with petals and the bride and groom stood in a petal heart. After the ceremony, the guests had cocktail and appetizer hour on the beach, many kicking off their shoes to paddle in the warm ocean. A friend of mine was riding on the beach on here beautiful white horse, she kindly offered that we could take some photos with her horse. We got some fun shots, bride was a complete animal lover and was thrilled!
After sunset, the wedding party moved to the deck of the discovery beach house for the reception party, where candles were twinkling and the tables were beautifully decorated in pale green with tropical flowers. The guests enjoyed a delicious wedding dinner and the dances and speeches reflected the couple’s sense of fun!

Location- Discovery Beach House
Wedding Planning – Oasis Weddings
Catering – Jimmy T’s
Hair and Makeup – Hair by Monica

Wedding at Casa Bali – Tamarindo, Costa Rica March 2015

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Wow what a gorgeous wedding, everything was just perfection! An absolutely adorable couple with lovely family and friends, an incredible private villa with stunning ocean views and a beautiful wedding perfectly planned by Tropical Occasions. The wedding took place on the private lawn of Casa Bali, just outside Tamarindo, in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The ceremony took place on the lawn over looking the ocean, the aisle was decorated with lanterns filled with peach and white flowers and the bride and groom stood under a pagoda covered in white silks. The wedding reception dinner took in the villa’s large living room and then dancing on the poolside terrace into the night. A wonderful day!

 

Quepos Billfish Cup – Marina Pez Vela, Costa Rica – February 2015

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My latest photo project has been covering the Quepos Billfish Cup, at Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. The tournament is a three-day billfish team event, and a big one, as it’s a qualifying event for the Offshore World Championship, which is taking place here in Quepos in April.
There were 13 boats taking part, made up of fishing teams from the area, fishing primarily for  Billfish (Sailfish or Blue, Black, or Striped Marlin). There was also a category for meat fish (Dorado, Wahoo or Yellow fin Tuna) to get the biggest fish. There was great excitement and anticipation as the boats left the dock on the first day, there was amazing fishing, just look at the results board. On the second day of fishing I got to out on the Billfish with the team from Premium Marine Propellers. What a great day, the energy on the boat was electric, and I was lucky to see 23 sailfish brought in! I was pleased to see with how much respect the fish get treated. The tournament is played to IGFA Rules (International Game Fishing Association) which stipulates good fish practices like not bringing the billfish onto the boat which adds stress.
There were lots of activities on land too, for fishers and the local community. The final awards party was a great night with lots of prizes, music, and belly dancers!! Thanks for letting me join in the fun!

Young Love Wedding at Punta Leona Costa Rica

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Many people say that love is like childlike happiness and this young couples love can clearly be seen on their happy smiling faces. This wedding was so fun to shoot, full of laughs and joy, but also real young love.
The bride got ready in a house in the Punta Leona Resort on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The bride’s father was patiently waiting to see her, and I love that excitement and surprise in that sequence of photos. The intimate wedding took place at Punta Leona’s Beach Club. After the ceremony we took some lovely photos on the volcanic rocks with the sun setting over the ocean. The wedding party let off wish sky lanterns before heading back to the club house for a private party.

Colorful Indian Wedding at Los Sueños Costa Rica January 2015

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Everything about this wedding was so gorgeously colorful…the saris, the flowers, the spices, even the sunset. This traditional Hindi wedding and  reception took place at the Los Sueños Marriott at Herradura Beach and was beautifully planned by Weddings Costa Rica.
The Bride and Groom both live in Chicago, and this Hindi Wedding in Costa Rica was a joyful bonding of two families and two cultures.  The bride is of Indian heritage, she wore a traditional Indian sari and jewelry with henna tattoos on her hands and feet.

The groom arrived on a horseback for his “Baraat”, the presentation of the Groom’s family to the Bride’s family, there was music playing and dancing, an exciting start to the celebrations!

The whole wedding party then moved to the wedding site where all the spices, garlands, oils that are used in a traditional Hindi ceremony awaited them under the Mandap (the raised wooden ceremony altar).

The ceremony itself is an ancient, intricate tradition where there are many stages including the exchange of garlands, throwing rice upon the fire and circling the fire, it was beautiful to photograph.

After the ceremony we had some time to take some photos of the bride and groom with friends, family and some couples portraits. I love the photo of the bride with her friends doing the Vishnu poses, and the photos with the bride’s sari caught in the light.

We later moved to the Carara Ballroom for the reception party and dinner. The ballroom was decorated with colorful kites, tropical fruits and drift wood. For the reception the bride groom changed into “western culture” wedding clothes, I adore the photos of their hands!

I managed to sneak the bride and groom away to get a few more gorgeous photos in their change attire, before the reception kicked off…

Truly an honor to be part of this wedding. Best of luck and thank you!