Kristen and Michael’s wedding weekend in Tamarindo felt less like a formal destination wedding and more like the kind of tropical gathering you wish could last forever. Centered around Pangas Beach Club and filled with beach days, sunset sails, yoga mornings, incredible food, and meaningful moments with family and friends, their Costa Rica celebration reflected exactly who they are as a couple: adventurous, thoughtful, relaxed, and deeply connected to the people around them.
Their story began in Ann Arbor during the middle of the pandemic after reconnecting online. What started as a simple walk through Nichols Arboretum quickly turned into hours of conversation, followed shortly after by Michael asking Kristen to help him pick out a puppy from a local shelter. Enter Leo, the dog that would become one of the foundations of their relationship. From there, the two built a life rooted in adventure and curiosity, eventually moving to Colorado together, hiking mountain trails with Leo, completing an Olympic triathlon as a team, traveling through Japan and Italy, and creating a warm, art-filled home inspired by their love of travel, food, and design.
The couple intentionally designed the weekend to feel easygoing and experience-focused for guests. Before the wedding, friends and family gathered for yoga classes, welcome cocktails at Tropicana Chill Out, dinners around Tamarindo, and a sunset catamaran cruise along the coastline. Throughout the weekend, there was a strong feeling of togetherness rather than rigid structure. Kristen and Michael wanted everyone to feel entertained, relaxed, and fully present instead of spending hours waiting through formalities.
Their wedding day design embraced a modern tropical atmosphere with sunset-inspired tones, candlelight, woven textures, and soft floral details that blended naturally into the beachfront setting at Pangas.
The ceremony featured a romantic U-shaped floral installation tucked beneath the trees, creating a relaxed yet elevated backdrop for their vows.
Wedding Playlist
Ceremony begins with: Can't Help Falling in Love
Ceremony ends with: This Will Be by Natalie Cole
Couple's introduction song: Jubel by Klingande
Couple's first-dance song: Sway by Dean Martin
Last -song of the night: Who Loves You by Frankie Valli + The Four Seasons
String lights glowed above the dance floor while long dinner tables overlooking the river created an intimate and welcoming environment for guests as the cocktail hour turned to dinner.
One of the most meaningful elements of the evening was the couple’s focus on intentional connection. Personalized thank-you cards doubled as seating assignments, guests contributed polaroids to a guestbook throughout the night, and the reception flowed naturally between heartfelt conversations, candlelit dinners, dancing, and a surprise fire show facing the ocean at sunset.
Wedding Day Menu
Hors d’oeuvres: Grilled baguette with pico de gallo, beef tenderloin, pork empanada, and patacones
Appetizer: Green vegetables salad with vinaigrettes dressing
Main course: Blackened Mahi Mahi, barbeque pork ribs, coffee rubbed flank steak
Dessert: Churros with chocolate
As the night continued beneath glowing string lights and tropical skies, Kristen changed into a second dress and guests made their way to Chiquitas for the after party, ending a wedding weekend that felt completely authentic to who they are together: adventurous, welcoming, playful, and full of love.
