We love to create unforgettable experiences for couples who want to celebrate their love in a tropical paradise. That’s why we were thrilled to work with Gina + Josh, a sweet couple from Maryland who celebrated at the gorgeous wedding venue, Las Catalinas in Playa Danta.
Gina + Josh met through mutual friends and bonded over their love of hiking, cooking, attending car shows and exploring new places. Josh proposed to Gina during a hike in Great Lakes, Virginia, surprising her with a ring and a beautiful view. They were legally married in an intimate ceremony in 2021, but they wanted to continue their celebration with a bigger party in the golden coast of Guanacaste.
Las Catalinas is an ideal venue for a dreamy beach wedding equipped with its stunning sunset views, delicious food, and relaxed vibe. This couple wanted their wedding to feel like an intimate gathering of their closest friends and family, where everyone could find their bliss and enjoy the culture and Pura Vida lifestyle of Costa Rica. We knew just the place to recommend!
All guests were welcomed to the weekend with a tote bag filled with essentials like plantain chips and local coffee upon arrival to the resort. The day before the wedding, the couple had a quick rehearsal dinner at one of our restaurants, where they tasted some of the local flavors and specialties. Then, they joined their guests for a sunset catamaran cruise, where they enjoyed the views, the music, and the drinks. It was a perfect way to kick off the festivities and get everyone in the mood for the big day.
The ceremony space was nothing short of magical. Gina looked stunning in her dress that was perfect for her beach wedding with soft lace details and cut out sleeves. They wed under a rounded gold ceremony arch with asymmetrical flowers incorporating dried grasses and pops of neutral colors for a naturalistic aesthetic.
Each guest took their seats in the beautiful whitewashed Phoenix chairs to add softness to the ceremony seating, with hand-held fans to keep everyone comfortable. The atmosphere was warm and intimate. Although they were already married, Gina + Josh re-read their handwritten vows in front of their loved ones, both crying tears of joy as they reaffirmed their love.
Wedding Playlist
Ceremony starts: Here Comes The Sun by the Beetles
Ceremony ends: Head Over Boots by Jon Pardi
Couples first dance: Joy of My Life by Chris Stapleton
Cake cutting song: Cake By The Ocean by DNCE
Last song of the night: Still Into You by Paramore
As day turned to evening, the sky was filled with colors that matched their wedding palette, creating a stunning backdrop for their photos. The reception held at Plaza Agave had a moody vibe, warmly lit with candles and bistro string lights and a local cigar roller.
The bride was Filipino, so incorporating local dishes and ingredients in their weddings’ cuisine was important to these foodies. They also wanted their guests to feel transported through the influence of Costa Rica’s culture.
Wedding Day Menu
Hors d’oeuvres: Ceviche with green plantain and mango, cajun avocado, and shrimp crostini, seared tuna with mango and papaya sauce, Argentine style meat empanada, tenderloin tournedos with goat cheese
Appetizers: Caesar salad with smoked salmon, baguette bits, and parmesan cheese
Main course: Grilled ribeye Angus steak with chimichurri, plantain crusted mahi-mahi with coconut sauce
Sides: Roasted seed potato with rosemary, garlic, and butter, sautéed mini green beans with sweet corn, red peppers, garlic, and herbs
Dessert: Caramel cheesecake with passionfruit sauce, and tres leches
Gina and Josh Beautiful Tropical Beach Wedding featured on Boho Weddings
We are so excited to feature Gina + Josh on Boho Weddings