Melissa + Conley got hitched in style with this dreamy and sophisticated wedding in Las Catalinas, one of our favorite local paradises! They kicked off the festivities with a memorable welcome party at Potrero Brewing, which was the perfect start to the fun-filled weekend ahead.
This sweet couple came to us with a vision for their wedding to have a naturalistic, sophisticated, and modern rustic vibe that showcased Costa Rica’s lush environment. Like many of our couples, they mainly wanted their guests to experience the beautiful environment, culture, and wildlife that Costa Rica has to offer. We knew that Las Catalinas was the perfect venue to bring their ceremony vision to life with its lush tropical beauty and beach side ceremony space. Terrazas Flamingo was the perfect venue for their Reception, intimate yet spacious enough for their group.
The bridal party got ready together in matching sage silk robes and popped some bubbly to celebrate. The bride wore a gorgeous pearl-embellished veil and real flowers in her hair, adding to the overall naturalistic theme of the wedding.
The soon-to-be newlyweds shared the sweetest first look in the courtyard, which gave them an extra special moment to relish in all the excitement privately before sealing the deal with everyone they love most!
Melissa + Conley’s beachfront ceremony was nothing short of breathtaking. The tropical environment of Playa Danta transports you to a complete paradise as it is surrounded by lush rainforest that overlooks the ocean. Thoughtfully placed floral decor elevated the naturalistic and sophisticated feel of the ceremony. We incorporated many native flowers, such as Birds of Paradise, colored orchids, roses, snapdragons, and Costa Rica’s national flower Guaria Morada.
Following the ceremony, the party began at Terrazas Flamingo where we used lighting and vibrant florals as major wow factors for a stunning reception.
Wedding Playlist
Ceremony start: Can't Help Falling in Love by Brooklyn Duo
Ceremony ends: Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root
Couple's first dance: Your Song by Elton John
Cake-cutting song: How Sweet It Is by James Taylor
Last song of the night: Can't Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake
We had the pleasure of getting to know this adorable couple and learned that their love story began in 2013 when they were first housemates. They were dating other people at the time but built a close-knit friendship. Fast forward to 2017, when they were both single, they ran into each other on a train and decided to go on a date. The rest, as they say, is history.
The proposal was a surprise for Melissa, as Conley had bought the ring a few months before their birthday trip to Portugal. They visited a castle nearby, and when all of the tourists cleared out and it was just the two of them he popped the question. Melissa was surprised and overjoyed that Conley had planned everything without her suspecting a thing!
Wedding Day Menu
Hors d’oeuvres: Crispy local organic goat cheese, micro greens, and passion fruit reduction, crispy patacon with pork belly and grilled pineapple salsa, duck empanada, dip station with crispy yucca, plantains, fresh salsa, shrimp cocktail, tropical seared tuna, ceviche shot, coconut crab, and lobster salad served in a coconut
Main course: Grilled beef tenderloin with a chili hollandaise, sea bass with mango avocado salsa, and lime beurre blanc
Dessert: Tropical fruit tartelette with pastry cream, chocolate mousse with chocolate, espresso and tres leches creme brulee
Children's menu: Chicken fingers, macaroni & cheese, vegetables, and chocolate volcano dessert
Our favorite unique touch from this wedding was the vintage rotary phone. Instead of opting for the traditional signed guest book, the rotary phone alternative allowed guests to leave a sentimental voicemail that the couple will cherish for the rest of their lives!
