When Ali and Joshua decided to tie the knot in Costa Rica, they envisioned a celebration that balanced heartfelt moments with full-blown fun—and that’s exactly what they brought to life on the beach in Tamarindo. From their intention-filled ceremony to an all-night dance party under the stars, their 150+ guest destination wedding was the perfect fusion of beauty, energy, and meaning.
The festivities kicked off the evening before the wedding with welcome drinks at Wyndham Tamarindo, perched high above the town with sweeping sunset views. Guests mingled over cocktails and light bites, soaking in the first warm hues of the Pacific sky and the buzz of a weekend just getting started.
On the wedding day, guests gathered beachside at Pangas Beach Club for a ceremony that felt equal parts sacred and laid-back. Ali, radiant in a timeless gown, was accompanied down the aisle by six flower girls and a ring bearer.
Their vows were led by a close friend, and both Ali and Joshua prioritized staying present with one another throughout the ceremony. As requested, there were no phones, no distractions - just the sound of the ocean and two people starting a new chapter in the place where "Pura Vida" means everything.
Wedding Playlist
The Wedding Starts with: Welcome by Brian Eno and Harmonia
The Wedding Ends with: Posing for Cars by Japanese Breakfast
The Couple's first dance song: Woman by Mumford
Father + Bride dance song: I’m Getting Ready by Michael Kiwanuka
Mother + Groom dance song: Alane by Robin Schulz and Wes
Wedding Day Menu
Hors d’oeuvres: Patacones with guacamole and fried plantains with smoked fish dip
Appetizer: Mixed green salad and passion fruits
Main course: Blackened Mahi Mahi, pineapple BBQ pork ribs, coffee rubbed flank steak, seared yellowfin tuna slice, and grilled vegetable skewers
Side dish: Corn + flour tortillas, guacamole, Pico de Gallo, fried plantains, and chipotle aioli
Desserts: Churros with chocolate ganache and fruit skewers
After the ceremony, Pangas transformed into a dreamy reception space filled with wooden tables, soft lighting, and custom décor. Japanese silk table runners lined the tables, paired with natural wood napkin rings, gold and silver accents, and dusty neutral florals. Her family provided Japanese-inspired decor, an homage to Ali’s heritage, along with woven fans.
Guests were invited to sip cocktails from a bar menu Ali designed herself, and each one received a small bag of Costa Rican coffee as a favor. Every detail was thoughtfully crafted. As the sun set, the couple slipped away briefly for a moment alone (and a bite to eat—Joshua’s only non-negotiable!). Then, the night erupted into celebration.
Of course, no night with Ali and Joshua would end at the reception. At 10 PM sharp, the newlyweds led their guests down the beach to El Be—a favorite Tamarindo spot—for an epic after-party. The music continued, the shoes came off, and the night carried on as only the best Costa Rican weddings do.
The next morning, guests gathered one last time for beachy farewells on the sand, hugging goodbye and reliving the magic of the night before. Ali and Joshua’s wedding proves you can have it all — a meaningful ceremony, an elevated aesthetic, a wild dance floor, and intentional moments that stay with you forever.