Zoe + Mark’s memorable beach wedding in the beautiful location of Playa Conchal was the adventure of a lifetime for all. This couple envisioned an intimate party with a spectacular view for the ceremony and a unique, delicious dinner afterward - but apart from those requests, they looked to us to bring their vision to life. The main reason they wanted a destination wedding was to cut down on the “noise” of the day. They wanted it to be authentic - celebrating with the people they love the most, no gimmicks. Just a dream vacation for everyone involved to let loose, adventure in nature and enjoy Costa Rica’s Pura Vida lifestyle.
Zoe + Mark planned a site visit a few months prior to the wedding to witness the magic in their big day ahead. Once the venue was set, our team got to work on the itineraries. Our favorite part of their weekend? The photo scavenger hunt all weekend long, which included categories like “funniest photo with the bride”. As the wedding parties came down to kick off the celebration early with the bride and groom, everyone joined in on a Catamaran Cruise for snorkeling and sunning on white sand beaches. We even coordinated a private surf lesson for the newlyweds after the wedding day, so the adventures never stopped.
The stunning ceremony took place on the oceanfront, where the palm trees danced in the gentle breeze and the sound of the waves crashing nearby set a warm and inviting atmosphere. The ceremony itself was short and sweet, with their best friend Graham officiating as they spoke their vows aloud to one another.
Wedding Playlist
Ceremony Start: Oh Wonder by Ultralife
Ceremony Ends: Runaway by Galantis
Introducing the newlywed song: You and I by Ingrid Michaelson
Couple’s First Dance: Brightest Lights by Lane 8
Cake Cutting song: Cake by The Ocean
The bride walked down the aisle with her mother, where she met her groom under a gold circular arbor with asymmetrical floral designs. Their design story reflected the tropical colors of Costa Rica - the floral arrangements held dense greenery such as monstera leaves and ferns and pops of vibrant colors with lilies, roses, birds of paradise, and shampoo ginger.
Following the ceremony, as the newlyweds took advantage of golden hour for a photoshoot, guests were invited to the outdoor lounge area for cocktail hour. The space was tastefully decorated with naturalistic themes incorporating woven furniture and wooden textures, although the beachfront view stole the show. Games like giant jenga kept the vibes high and the energy flowing!
Like many of our couples, Zoe + Mark are an adventure-seeking couple, at home they can be caught snowboarding, visiting breweries and attending comedy shows. They met during their freshman year of college in their improv comedy troupe and after a few short years Mark popped the question with his grandmother’s ring on a snowboarding trip in Lake Tahoe, California.
The dinner scene was perfectly set as candles and string lights further enhanced the romantic ambiance, providing a cozy and enchanting feel throughout the evening. They opted for traditional Costa Rican cuisine for a true taste of the vibrant culture.
Wedding Day Menu
Hors d’oeuvres: Coffee-rubbed beef tenderloin skewer with chipotle honey aioli, crimini mushroom stuffed with duxelle served with parmesan tuiles, and fresh ceviche shot - with grilled corn and avocado
Appetizer: Sandia summer mixed greens, fresh watermelon, and toasted macadamia nuts, with feta and fresh basil vinaigrette, Guanacaste mixed greens, corn, avocado, pico de gallo, and watercress with a chilero vinaigrette
Main Course: Shrimp, octopus, mussels, clams, and sea bass, chicken breast with chimichurri sauce, yucca croquette, and Julienne seasonal vegetables
Dessert: White chocolate truffle with macadamia nuts, blackberry coulis, coconut, dulce de leche and chocolate bonbon
The reception was welcomed with a stunning sunset which brought more photo opportunities for the fun photo booth, equipped with a floral backdrop with a hanging pura vida sign. The newlyweds relished in the toasts from their loved ones and celebrated traditions like the bouquet toss. Zoe + Mark were treated to a sparkler send-off as their dream day came to a close.
