I am so excited to finally share Michelle & Darren‘s Costa Rican wedding with you all!! The week of Thanksgiving, Kevin & I hopped on a plane (well two planes) and made our way to Costa Rica. This trip was a long time coming as Michelle has been one of our dear friends since college – we’ve kept in touch over the years & when she moved out to Washington to be with her now husband (!), Darren, our friendship only grew! Fast-forward a bit to when Michelle & Darren decided to have their wedding in her home country of Costa Rica – we couldn’t come to the decision faster that I needed to be there to photograph it. The bride & groom themselves picked us weary travelers up at the airport & whisked us off to the best meal we had the entire week. I’m sure part of that had to be because we were starving & experiencing Costa Rican cuisine for the first time, but regardless, it was delicious. The next day we began the journey to the small beach town where the wedding would be held in the Puntarenas province on the north west coast. We piled into a van with some other wedding guests and a driver that spoke only Spanish. Several hours of bumpy driving & a ferry ride later, we arrived at our little piece of paradise, Banana Beach. We spent the next couple of days experiencing all of the adventures of Costa Rica we could – from zip-lining & jumping into waterfalls to snorkeling at Tortuga Island, I even got to do a newborn session with Michelle’s maid-of-honor who recently had an adorable baby girl (more on that soon!).
All week we kept a watchful eye on a tropical depression that became Hurricane Otto… A hurricane had never made landfall in Costa Rica so the country was on alert for what destruction may be coming their way, and it was scheduled to arrive the day of the wedding. As calmly as possible, Michelle mapped out options for the ceremony & reception. Miraculously, the hurricane skirted northwards to Nicaragua & left us with a picture perfect wedding day. The celebration was finally here!
Darren & Michelle were getting ready in beautiful beachfront villas just across the way from each other so I popped back and forth to capture the morning. Michelle & her 8 bridesmaids helped each other with hair and make up as they steamed their dresses. Darren & his boys buttoned up vests, tied ties & lit celebratory cigars. Darren & Michelle chose not to do a first look, so when Michelle walked down the isle, I was excited to see the look on Darren’s face. He clapped with a huge grin on his face and it was perfect. Michelle’s family sang & played guitar, and she and Darren spoke their vows in both English and Spanish. They were finally pronounced husband & wife and the party began!
Banana Beach was so beautifully decorated – from the gold pineapple centerpieces to the individual coconut cocktails, everything reminded you that you were in Costa Rica. The sun sank behind the cloudy horizon & I snapped a final few portraits with the bride & groom. We ate amazing food & had our fair share of mojitos and partied long into the night. Michelle’s family shared their talents in singing and dancing.
At a bright (well not daylight bright) & early 4am the next morning we jumped in the van to head back to the city of San Jose. The whirlwind of a week was finally concluding as we began the long journey back home. I love looking back over these photos & remembering the amazing time we had – making new friends, experiencing this beautiful country, and celebrating two people in love! Congratulations Michelle & Darren – we love you!
Can you believe there was supposed to be a hurricane?! Surreal!
Michelle’s ring actually got dropped in the sand during the ceremony! The bridal party found it right away, so Darren put the actual ring on after the recessional! Loved this sweet moment the got to share!
I loved the sunglasses Michelle & Darren had for their wedding favors – #PuraVidaWaters!
Michelle’s dad is a talented musician so he sang a special song for the newlyweds to dance to during the reception!
The bartenders at the resort had some tricks up their sleeves!
Michelle’s mom & her family treated the wedding guests with some authentic Costa Rican dances – I loved their full skirts, it was mesmerizing to watch!
Michelle & Darren – I can’t thank you enough for having me as a part of your wedding celebration. I am so glad to have you two as friends here in Seattle – it is amazing to see what twists and turns life makes & what opportunities arise! Kevin & I had such a blast in Costa Rica with you & we can’t wait to continue the celebration back in the Pacific Northwest! Congratulations!!!
