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

Wedding Photo Shoot at Villa Caletas, Costa Rica May 2014

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A beautiful wedding photo shoot at Villa Caletas Costa Rica. I love the black and whites by the pool. The day was a bit overcast, but the cloudy sky gave a great back drop. The beach photos remind me of a 1950’s movie…and the shoes….just Wow!

Location – Villa Caletas

I am watching the Costa Rica game in the World Cup as I am writing this, go Ticos!!

John

Wedding in Dominical – Costa Rica – May 2014

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This couple love to surf, so they decided to come down to Dominical, Costa Rica for a surfing vacation and to get married. The ceremony took place with the bride and groom stood on some volcanic rocks by the Pacific Ocean’s edge. We got some great beach photos and I love the sequence with the wish lanterns…gorgeous! I even got a couple of photos of the couple with their surf boards in their VW Camper Van…then the party kicked off at Roca Verde, a great night!

Last weekend I did a follow up shoot with the bride and groom, I got them in the surf and even paddle boarding in their wedding gear…photos to come!

Romantic Beach Wedding – Manuel Antonio – Costa Rica April 2014

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How do I describe this beach wedding? ” Fun and romantic with a twist of vintage chique”…sounds about right! This fun-loving couple chose Playa Espadilla, Manuel Antonio’s famous beach for their wedding day; the aisle was decorated with whimsical bunches of soft pink roses. After the ceremony we took some photos on the beach, even climbed some trees and let off a beautiful wish lantern. Then the wedding party returned to their rental home, Casa Las Brisas; for a wonderful dinner on the roof top terrace….a perfect day!

This wedding was organized by wonderful Chelsea from Oasis Weddings in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Chelsea is also one of Costa Rica’s finest cake bakers and made their spectacular wedding cake.

Location: Manuel Antonio Beach and Casa Las Brisas a gorgeous vacation rental by Escape Villas

Happy Cinco de Mayo!
John

Health, Healing and Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica

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I recently did a photography project for Samana Health Retreats. They were running a retreat at the beautiful Mareas Resort in Uvita, Costa Rica. Sisters, Ashley and Julie lead amazing health retreats blending naturopathic medicine, nutrition and the physical and spiritual practices of yoga. Ashley is a Naturopathic Doctor and Julie is a certified yoga instructor and holistic health coach, making a highly knowledgeable, talented and fun team. I think the photos really show the energy and joy they have in their practices…. love the light! 

For more information on these retreats, please visit www.samanahealthretreats.com
When not holding retreats, Julie is based in New York, if you would like more information about her Yoga classes,  please visit www.thesamanaproject.com

Namaste!
John

Wedding at Los Sueños Resort – Costa Rica – March 2014

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This wedding couple love fishing, so what better to have their wedding but at a marina in Costa Rica. The Los Sueños Resort and Marina in Herradura is on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, and has great sportfishing! Apart from the bride and groom the star of the show was their bulldog “Chancho” looking very suave in his bow-tie. The wedding took place on the lawn of the Los Sueños resort and then there was a reception dinner, dancing to a fantastic music group, a fabulously fun photo booth and to top it off fireworks. Did I mention the bride and groom like fishing? …check out the cake topper!

 

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

Wedding at Ylang Ylang Beach Resort Montezuma Costa Rica March 2014

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This colorful and fun wedding took place at the Ylang Ylang Beach Resort in Montezuma last month. The wedding took place under a wooden arch on the beach in front of YlangYlang. After the ceremony we took photos on the beach and then the wedding party returned to YlangYlang for the reception. After a wonderful dinner, the bride and groom had their first dance, I LOVE the passion captured in these photos. Then onto the beach for a bonfire and fireworks…what an amazing night!


This wedding was organized by the Ylang Ylang Beach Resort  in Montezuma, 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

Wedding at Villa Caletas, Costa Rica February 2014

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This couple decided to plan their own wedding in Costa Rica,  a daunting task some might think. They chose Villa Caletas, a beautiful resort nestled on Costa Rica Pacific Coast to stay, and brought a lot of the details from home. The bride wore a gorgeous backless dress and the bridesmaids all wore shades of pinks and corals. The ceremony took place in Villa Caleta’s private amphitheater, and then the guests had a reception dinner and dancing in the main hotel. I love the place-name seahorse idea…the bride and groom gave me a couple to bring back for my daughter…she loves them too!


Wedding Planner -Larissa from Weddings Costa Rica

Location- Villa Caletas

Have a marvelous weekend
John

Surprise Beach Wedding – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica February 2014

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February is the month for romance! We’ve had the fabulously romantic sailboat engagement and now a surprise wedding!
When my good friend called me, telling me that her cousin wanted to surprise her boyfriend with a wedding, I thought..this is going to be FUN!
The couple were engaged but had just not got round to tying the knot, so this was a great relaxed way to it do it. To entice the unsuspecting groom the Tulemar Beach in Manuel Antonio we made up a story about my friend needing some photos done. And when they arrived at the beach there was an officiant and flowers…the fiancee was over joyed and it was a lovely simply beach ceremony….ahh vive la romance!


Have a wonderful weekend!

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

Architectural Photography – Casa Bamboo Costa Rica 2014

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I recently photographed a gorgeous house called Casa Bamboo, the owner wanted some good photos for vacation rental marketing. This luxury villa is located in  a small village called Dominicalito on Costa Rica’s central Pacific Coast, between Dominical and Uvita. The villa has outstanding ocean views, I love the windows in the living room fill the house with light. This house is really interesting with it’s many angles and balconies pointed towards the ocean.
There are many beautiful vacation rental houses in Costa Rica, so good professional photographs can really make a huge difference in the marketing of your vacation rental. Your potential renters can really feel the essence of a vacation home and imagine themselves sitting on the terrace or by the pool watching the sunset and listening to the sounds of the jungle.

Please go to my website to see more examples of architectural photography in Costa Rica www.johnwilliamsonphotography.net

I am now on pinterest too – check out my new photos.

John

Wedding at Ylang Ylang Beach Resort Montezuma Costa Rica January 2014

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This whimsical romantic wedding took place at the Ylang Ylang Beach Resort last weekend. The bride and her two sisters looked stunning with flowers woven into in their long tresses.  The wedding took place under a wooden arch in Ylang Ylang’s beautiful gardens right next to the beach. The whole vibe of the wedding reminded me of Shakespeare’s a “Midsummer Night’s Dream”, specially when we started playing with the star projector (see second to last image). The last photo I took walking back along the beach from Ylang Ylang to the village in Montezuma. Looking out to the water, I saw the phosphorescence dancing in the waves. I magical end to a magically romantic wedding, all is missing is Puck on a surfboard!


This wedding was organized by the Ylang Ylang Beach Resort  in Montezuma, Costa Rica.

Hasta Pronto!
John

Architectural Photography – Villa Ambiente Costa Rica 2013

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I have recently been working on an architectural photography project of Villa Ambiente. This eight bedroom luxury villa is located in  a small village called Dominicalito on Costa Rica’s central Pacific Coast, between Dominical and Uvita. The villa has outstanding ocean views and a beautiful outdoor living space to them.. The cocktail bar looking over the ocean is amazing. The eight bedroom are all set off an plant-filled inner atrium ..tropical living at it’s best!

There are many beautiful vacation rental houses in Costa Rica, so good professional photographs can really make a huge difference in the marketing of your vacation rental. Your potential renters can really feel the essence of a vacation home and imagine themselves sitting on the terrace or by the pool watching the sunset and listening to the sounds of the jungle.

Would you like to stay here? Look here for information on renting Villa Ambiente.

Beach Elopement – Montezuma Costa Rica November 2013

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Montezuma is a laid back artsy little town on the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. A perfect location for this couple from Canada! This elopement wedding took place on the beach, there was a little sprinkle during the ceremony, but that did not stop us…it’s lucky too!


This wedding was organized by the Ylang Ylang Beach Resort in Montezuma. The Ylang Ylang Beach Resort in Montezuma, Costa Rica is wonderful place for a destination wedding. Montezuma itself is a small colorful artist-filled town and it’s just a short walk along the beach to Ylang Ylang’s secluded bungalows set in lush tropical gardens.

John

Wedding at Ylang Ylang Beach Resort Montezuma Costa Rica November 2013

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This French Canadian couple got married on the beach in front of the beautiful Ylang Ylang Beach Resort in Montezuma, Costa Rica. The wedding was conducted in both French and English. The bride wore red and she looked stunning and I love how the red pops out against the darkening sky. The group returned to the hotel for a fun reception party and then had a bonfire on the beach. Check out the last photo of the couple next to bonfire, I managed to capture a lightening bolt over the ocean for an epic wedding photo!


This wedding was organized by the beautiful Ylang Ylang Beach Resort in Montezuma.

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!!