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.

Trash the Dress in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica – 2014

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These adventurous Costa Rican newly weds returned from their honeymoon and wanted a fun Trash the Dress Session. We headed to the beautiful Manuel Antonio Beach for the photo session. I first got them to climb some of the volcanic rocks for some stunning shots with the National Park in the background, I also flew my helicopter drone to get some great photos from different angles. We then had a little fun with some props that the couple had brought with them, and then it was time to get wet!
We took some lovely photos in some caves and in the breaking waves, it was a really fun session with some beautiful and memorable photos!

 

I thought you would be interested to see a ¨behind the scene look¨ at a Trash the Dress session, these are a few photos are a few that a friend took of me during this Trash the Dress shoot.

My Trash the Dress Gallery – www.weddingphotoscostarica.com/trash-the-dress

Beach Wedding and Trash the Dress – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica March 2014

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A fun-loving couple wanted some unique photos for their wedding day…so how about a helicopter drone and some underwater photos?!
This gorgeous wedding was planned by Costa Verde and the ceremony was held at Playitas Beach. Playitas is the quieter end of the Manuel Antonio beach with great views looking towards the Manuel Antonio National Park. After an intimate ceremony we got some great photos on the beach and climbing in caves. I got the wedding couple to climb to the top of the big rock (seen on the first photo) and got some amazing aerial photos using my helicopter drone. Later, the wedding party went to El Avion one of Costa Verde’s restaurants for the reception dinner. The next day I met the newly married couple and we did a Trash the Dress session at the Costa Verde Pool…what fun!


This wedding was organized by Isabel,  Hotel Costa Verde’s Wedding Planner in  Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

Hasta Pronto!
John

Rainforest and Beach Engagement Photography in Costa Rica – March 2014

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This adventurous couple were vacationing in Costa Rica, and wanted to get some memorable engagement photos. I picked them up at their hotel in Manuel Antonio and we drove 30 minutes to Rainmaker. Rainmaker is a private nature reserve, and one of my favorite “hidden gems”. They have beautiful trails through primary rainforest, the park has many waterfalls and hanging bridges…perfect to get some amazing jungle portraits. We then headed back to Hotel Mariposa for a quick change and then off to the Manuel Antonio beach for some gorgeous sunset photos. We had a great day and a lot of fun!


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

Locations – Rainmaker, Hotel Mariposa and Manuel Antonio Beach, Costa Rica

John

Sunset Sail Engagement in Manuel Antonio – February 2014

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What an unforgettably romantic proposal!
This couple was vacationing in Costa Rica, when the boyfriend decided to surprise his girlfriend with an amazing sunset proposal. Sunset Sails offer beautiful coastal trips around the islands of Manuel Antonio, they have several different size boat and we were on one of their gorgeous sailboats. We headed out from Marina Pez Vela in Quepos during the afternoon and enjoyed the vistas of Manuel Antonio’s rocky coast with hidden sandy beaches. Dolphins played in the waves at the bow of the boat and at sunset Adam went down on one knee and proposed. It really was a magical trip!


Just in case you were wondering we had to make up quite a detailed story as to why I was there…and it worked! Congratulations and I hope to see you back in Costa Rica for your wedding!

Hasta Pronto!
John

Wedding at Hotel Parador Manuel Antonio Costa Rica August 2013

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This destination wedding was held at the beautiful Hotel Parador in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. The Parador has beautiful grounds and amazing views of the Manuel Antonio coast. This intimate wedding took place in the morning on one of the hotels private ocean view terraces. A morning wedding is a great choice for the rainy season, as mornings tend to be beautiful blue skies and sunny. After the wedding ceremony the wedding party enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the hotel. Then I took the bride and groom headed to the Manuel Antonio Beach for some romantic couple photos…a great day!

This wedding was organized by the wonderful wedding planning team at  Hotel Parador.

Punto de Vista Wedding – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica 2013

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What a spectacular location for a wedding, Casa Punta de Vista in Manuel Antonio really is breath-taking. The whole house was decorated in beautiful cream and orange floral displays – another stunning wedding arranged by Weddings Costa Rica! The wedding ceremony took place on the upper level which has a view of the Pacific Ocean looking towards the Manuel Antonio National Park.  Casa Punto de Vista has five levels with views from all the bedrooms – luckily for the guests (and me!) there is an elevator. The reception dinner was held on the level below and dancing was in the ballroom on the ground floor…the band was fantastic!!


Wedding Planner – Weddings Costa Rica
Location – Casa Punto de Vista, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Exciting news is that my Brand New Website is online, please take a look at www.weddingphotoscostarica.com , also visit my Facebook Page for my latest news. Hope you had a great weekend, John

Beach Elopement – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica January 2013

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A sunset beach elopement in Costa Rica just could not be more romantic. This wedding took place on the Manuel Antonio Beach, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The weather was looking a little rainy which is very unusual for the dry season, but the weather was on our side with only a little shower after the intimate ceremony.


This beautiful wedding was planned by the wonderful Erin from Oasis Weddings in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

A Bird that lives in a Burrow?

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A Bird that lives in a Burrow?

How strange!
But this is the Blue-crowned Motmot that we are talking about; one of Costa Rica’s many beautiful birds. They live in burrows up to 15 feet in length, but like to hang out in the day-time in trees and swing their fancy tail feathers.

I took this photo near my house in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. I often hear the call of the Motmot in the morning or late afternoon.

If you would like to see more of my Nature Photography in Costa Rica please visit my website.

Beach Wedding – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica November 2012

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A sunset beach elopement was this families pick for their Costa Rican wedding. The bride and groom and their two young boys love the beach, so what better place to get married. We took a few photos on the beach first (incase the boys got covered in sand!) and during the romantic sunset ceremony the boys played on the beach. Erin from Oasis Weddings organized a babysitter and had treats on hand for the little ones, so that Mom and Dad could enjoy their romantic wedding….and get some fantastic photographic memories too.


This beautiful wedding was planned Erin from Oasis Weddings in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

It’s been a busy beginning of the season, lots more weddings, house shoots and nature photos to come.

10 Things I Love about Costa Rica

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On my walk this morning I was pondering to myself all the reasons I chose to live in Costa Rica. Having been away for several months, I can see with a new perspective the natural beauty around me as they say “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”

1. Connection with Nature – I can step out of my house in Manuel Antonio and go for a walk in the Costa Rican rainforest, being close to nature is so good for the soul. And not having to get into a car to do exercise is better for the environment and plus it’s easier!

2. Abundant Wildlife – As I am writing this on my balcony, I have a troop of White Face monkeys passing by. Yesterday morning there were 4 toucans in the tree outside my house, being able to share these impromptu experiences with my daughter is priceless.

3. Fresh Fruit at great prices – The day after we got back from travelling we went to our local market and stocked up on tropical fruits and vegetables. We had tons of stuff for smoothies and stirfries for the whole week and did not break the bank.

4. Diversity – Costa Rica is the most incredibly diverse country: geographically  you can find beaches, rivers, valleys mountains, volcanoes, within a couple of hours drive? There are so many different habitats, such as  cloud forest, tropical rainforest, tropical dry forest, mangroves. This give so many wild and wonderful creatures…sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas, leaf cutter ants…incredible.

5. Good Honest Slow  Food – Food here in Costa Rica is cooked from scratch, go to a “soda” or a local cafe and the food might take a while but there is no processed food full of additives and hidden preservatives. In our first week back we went to one of our favorites in Quepos “Esquina de Sabor” and my love for the humble casado (typical plate of chicken, meat of fish with rice, beans and a veg) is BACK!

6. Value – The day after we got back one of my cats cuts himself and I had to take him to the vets to get fixed up.  Anaestisa, stitches,  antibiotics, iodine and a cat of cat food was $25… you can’t beat that.

7. Freedom – Being able to trek to waterfalls and pools in the forest without having to sign a waiver is so refreshing! I love the fact that is Costa Rica you can explore and discover. Even though there Costa Rica is becoming a popular destination you can still easily get of the beaten track.

8. Friends – I love the mix of people here, I have good friends from Costa Rica and from all over that have settled here –  We are, as the ticos would say, an Ensalda (Salad) and it makes an interesting mix.

9. The Beach – Costa Rica has over 800 miles of beach, all of them different and beautiful. My local beach, Manuel Antonio is stunning. We were they yesterday afternoon, in the shade under some almond trees, my daughter was running about getting excited making sand castles and jumping waves…good natural fun. And so beautiful, that’s why so many people choose Costa Rica for their weddings.

10. A Healthy “Pura Vida” Life Style – It is easy to be healthy here, food choices are healthy, activities are energetic (in my first week back I have been snorkeling, walking on the beach and in the jungle, swimming and lots of playing with my little girl) Admittedly I have been to a couple of sunset happy hours, but drinking an ice-cold beer with good friends in a bamboo rancho surrounded by plants with an ocean view has got to be good for you somehow..right?!

Anyway I hope you enjoy my ponderings on this lazy Sunday, a little rest before the crazy summer photography season starts here in Costa Rica.

Trash the Dress – Manuel Antonio Beach, Costa Rica July 2012

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This bride and groom decided they wanted something a little different for their wedding photographs. The day after their beautiful hill-top wedding in Manuel Antonio we headed to the beach for a “Trash the Dress” photo session. We got some dramatic photographs against the volcanic rock and fun, romantic shots in the sand, then to the water! We got some gorgeous photographs in the waves, before a big swell came in, look at the 3rd ocean photo! We then returned to their Villa and took some stunning underwater photos, I love the one of the bride floating with the orchids…


The wedding ceremony took place  at La Reserva in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica; look at my previous Blog post “Sunset Wedding” to see the photos.

Sunset Wedding – La Reserva Manuel Antonio Costa Rica July 2012

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A wonderful July wedding set on a Ocean-View hill-top in Manuel Antonio. This wedding was held at Casa Paraiso, one of La Reserva’s fantastic rental homes. The wedding had a wonderful relaxed feel with all the family staying at Casa Paraiso. The ceremony took place just a short walk away down the aisle, under a canopy strung with fresh orchids. The weather was perfect for the ceremony and on queue dramatic clouds gathered for some stunning sunset shots. The Wedding party returned to Casa Paraiso for cocktails and the reception dinner.


This beautiful wedding was planned by The Special Events Department at La Reserva in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica and catered by Ernesto Saavedra from Tamarindo Spice, Manuel Antonio.

My next Blog post will be the amazing Trash the Dress Photo Session that we did the day after the wedding..Awesome!

Engagement Photography Manuel Antonio Costa Rica July 2012

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So when a couple tells you they want their engagement photos in the style  of a Tim Burton movie what do you do??

You go for it!

We had the perfect afternoon with dark and stormy rain clouds to give a haunted atmosphere to Manuel Antonio Beach. Unfortunately is was a little too atmospheric and after about 45 minutes Costa Rica showed her true rainy season colors and washed us out. The next afternoon we finished the shoot in more clement weather and got some amazing photos. It’s fun to experiment and do something a little different!


These next 2 photos are identical, The first on is with flash and second without flash and a long shutter speed, amazing how much light is picked up…particularly with a nearly full-moon as we had on this night. I love the grainy-ness of the 2nd photo.


Happy 4th of July! I’m off to shoot a wedding, have a Hot Dog for me!

John

Beach Wedding – Gaia Hotel Manuel Antonio Costa Rica June 2012

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A beach wedding on a gloriously, sunny morning in June. This ceremony took place under the almond trees on Playa Espadilla; the longest of Manuel Antonio’s beaches. The bride and groom chose a morning wedding as the weather can be a little unpredictable in June, and they chose well the ocean and sky were perfect blue. After the ceremony the wedding party returned to the beautiful Gaia Hotel for the reception and cake cutting.


This beautiful wedding was planned Sandy, the wedding planner, at the Gaia Hotel and Reserve in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

Honeymoon Photography in the Costa Rican Rainforest May 2012

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Earlier this month I took a recently married couple for a photography session in the Costa Rican Rainforest. The honeymoon couple were nature / adventure enthusiasts like myself and jumped at the idea of combining a jungle hike with the photography. We went to Rainmaker, which family run nature reserve about a 30 drive from Manuel Antonio. The park has hanging bridges suspended in the rain-forest canopy, river-side trails, waterfalls and jungle swimming holes to take a dip in..all in all, a Costa Rican Paradise! We had a fantastic jungle hike and I think the photos in the misty rainforest came out really well. On the way back we stopped at a little “pulperia” (a Costa Rican convenience store) and I got some fun colorful photos with the signs outside.

 

 

 

Engagement Photography Manuel Antonio Costa Rica May 2012

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There are so many interesting areas and natural backdrops to explore around Manuel Antonio. This shoot felt like we were able to make little photographic stories with each location: boy meets girl…climbing mountains and finally dancing under the “Super Moon” light.

I love what I do and having the chance to meet unique people: creating and capturing moments their lives that they can treasure. I hope you enjoy these photos, I certainly enjoyed taking them.

Wedding at Villa Caletas Costa Rica April 2012

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This April wedding ceremony took place  at Villa Caletas; a spectacular venue for a wedding on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific. As it looked like it might rain, the wedding ceremony took place on a covered terrace in the hotel, the rain held off so we could go down to the hotel’s ocean front amphitheater, Zephyr Palace for some dramatic photos at sunset.


This wedding was organized by Larissa at Weddings Costa Rica.

Architectural Photography Manuel Antonio Costa Rica 2012

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Last month I was working on an architectural photography project of The Pacific Souss Hotel. The hotel is located on the Punta Quepos Headland so has outstanding ocean views and a unique combination of both minimalist and luxurious design.

There are many beautiful hotels in Costa Rica so professional photos are required to enhance their marketing and get the feel of the hotel. Here are a few of the photos…


Good professional photographs can really make a huge difference in your marketing of your hotel, your clients can really feel the essence of a hotel and imagine themselves sitting on the terrace or by the pool watching the sunset and listening to the sounds of the jungle.