Ocean views, natural details, and a relaxed celebration with their favourite people. Laura and Dane's wedding at Villa Caletas brought together understated elegance and the beautiful tropical surroundings of Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
Laura and Dane's love story started with a match on Hinge! What followed was a relationship built around their shared love of live music, trying new restaurants, karaoke nights, spending time with friends, and relaxing at home with their dog and cat.
During a trip to a small town outside Austin, Texas, Dane surprised Laura with a proposal on the balcony of their Airbnb. Although Laura knew an engagement was somewhere in their future, she had no idea it would happen during that trip. Dane had only asked about her preferred engagement ring style, leaving the rest a surprise. The private proposal was exactly their style: personal, intimate, and wonderfully uncomplicated.
The prewedding was just as fun as the big day! The wedding week included a crocodile boat tour for a group of guests, a ladies' brunch, and time to enjoy the hotel's tropical surroundings.
Guests were welcomed with thoughtful gift bags containing locally sourced coffee from Modo Café, along with practical treats such as bug spray wipes, coasters, and koozies. Personalised engraved coconuts added another fun tropical touch.
On Friday evening, everyone was invited to the hotel's beautiful amphitheatre for a welcome party with dinner and drinks, setting the tone for a relaxed weekend together.
Laura and Dane's ceremony was scheduled for the Mirador Patio at Villa Caletas, a stunning setting overlooking Costa Rica's Pacific coastline.
Their vision was natural, beautiful, and bohemian, with a focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere rather than an overly formal wedding.
Wedding Playlist
Ceremony starts with: Best Day Ever by Mac Miller
Ceremony ends with: Kids by MGMT
Couple's first dance song: Feeling Good by Nina Simone
With Laura's love of simple, minimalist style and their shared preference for an easygoing celebration, the setting offered a beautiful foundation for their wedding day.
Following the ceremony, guests gathered on the Mirador Terrace for cocktail hour before moving into the Mirador Restaurant for the reception.
The couple wanted their celebration to feel low-key but fun, with plenty of opportunities for their friends and family to connect.
Their approach to wedding planning was refreshingly simple: embrace natural beauty, keep things comfortable, and focus on the people who matter most.
Wedding Day Menu
Hors d’oeuvres: Fried lobster ravioli, spicy tomato meatball, chicken taco and cheese stick
Starter: Roasted creamy mushroom cream with crostini, tuna tartar and mixed vegetables with salmon
Main course: Yellowfin tuna with teriyaki sauce and New York steak
For Laura and Dane, getting married was about continuing to build a life together, supporting one another, and celebrating the connection they've created.
From their intimate proposal in Texas to a wedding weekend overlooking the Pacific Ocean, their Villa Caletas celebration reflected their love of meaningful experiences, beautiful places, and time spent with the people closest to them.
