What happens when a spin instructor falls in love with one of her students? For Abby and Parker, it led to a surprise proposal in Portugal and a four-day destination wedding celebration in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, filled with tropical flowers, sunset sailing, salsa dancing, and plenty of personal touches.
Abby and Parker first met at Chrome Cycle, where Abby was teaching a spin class and Parker was a customer. Their instant connection turned into a close friendship, and after a year and a half of working together and spending time at the studio, their relationship became something more.
Their shared love of fitness, music festivals, travel, and trying new restaurants made a destination wedding a natural choice.
During their first international trip together to Comporta, Portugal, Parker surprised Abby with a proposal on the private patio of their resort bungalow. He proposed with his mother's engagement ring, making the intimate moment even more meaningful. After celebrating over dinner, they called their friends and family to share the news!
Abby and Parker first met at Chrome Cycle, where Abby was teaching a spin class and Parker was a customer. Their instant connection turned into a close friendship, and after a year and a half of working together and spending time at the studio, their relationship became something more.
Their shared love of fitness, music festivals, travel, and trying new restaurants made a destination wedding a natural choice..
Rather than planning a traditional one-day wedding, Abby and Parker wanted their guests to experience Costa Rica together.
The festivities began on Thursday, February 19, with a welcome party at El Lagarto Restaurant. Guests were invited to enjoy drinks, delicious bites, live salsa music, and dance instruction.
On Friday, the group headed to Marina Pez Vela for a sunset catamaran cruise with Planet Dolphin. Their floating rehearsal dinner included coastal scenery, swimming, tropical cocktails, and a meal onboard.
For their ceremony, Abby and Parker embraced the natural beauty of Costa Rica with a tropical chuppah, incorporating the Jewish tradition of marrying beneath a canopy and breaking the glass.
Wedding Playlist
Ceremony starts with: Levitate by Imagine Dragond
Ceremony ends with: Came Here for Love by Ella Eyre + Sigala
Couple's introduction song: Cuff It by Beyoncé
Couple's first-dance song: Man I Need by Olivia Dean
Last-song of the night: We Found Love by Calvin Harris + Rihanna
Parker wore a stylish green suit that complemented the tropical surroundings. The floral design featured colourful tropical blooms and greenery, with nature providing much of the backdrop.
Wedding Day Menu
Hors d’oeuvres: Sea bass ceviche, plaintain ceviche, empanadas, filet mignon bites, chicken skewer
Main course: Mahi mahi, and beef tenderloin with sauce
Side dish: Vegetable salad, passion fruit, rice beans, and plaintain
Dessert: Tiramisu, and tres leches cake
Welcome coconuts added a fun, distinctly Costa Rican touch to the celebration.
The reception design combined tropical flowers with romantic pillar candles, creating an atmosphere that felt stylish without being overly formal.
Clear chargers and white-dipped gold cutlery brought a polished finish to the tables, while the colourful floral arrangements kept everything fresh and vibrant.
A champagne tower added a playful celebratory moment, perfectly suited to a couple who wanted their wedding to feel like one big party with friends.
And when it was time to dance, Abby changed into a short white bubble dress, a fun second look made for the dance floor!
For Abby and Parker, the most important part of their wedding wasn't following tradition. It was bringing their favourite people together for an unforgettable experience.
From salsa dancing and sunset sailing to a tropical ceremony and a lively reception, their Manuel Antonio destination wedding was a celebration of everything they love: adventure, music, meaningful connections, and having a great time together.
