Wild tropical orchids, dramatic candlelight, meaningful personal touches, and a dance party full of surprises! Stephanie and Gadiel's wedding at Amor Arenal in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, was anything but traditional. Their celebration combined romantic, moody design with playful details that made the entire experience feel uniquely theirs.
Stephanie and Gadiel first met while working together in aircraft interior restoration, a job that requires an incredible eye for detail and colour. Their connection grew through shared music, travel adventures, and a genuine love of spending time together.
Whether they're reliving their favourite concerts, singing along during car rides, or simply relaxing at home, they have a way of making everyday moments fun.
Music has always been part of their relationship. One of their earliest memories is Gadiel sharing the song Algo Mágico with Stephanie through an AirPod at work. They even have matching tattoos inspired by Bad Bunny's album X100PRE, meaning forever.
When it came time to plan their wedding, they wanted something equally meaningful, romantic, vibrant, and a little unexpected.
Stephanie's bridal look was full of thoughtful details. While getting ready, she wore a playful tropical matching set featuring colourful flowers and wildlife.
Her wedding gown featured an elegantly beaded bodice, delicate shoulder bows, and a flowing tulle skirt. She paired it with strappy pearl heels, a pink orchid in her hair, and a signature fragrance chosen to remind her of the day.
Instead of a traditional bouquet, Stephanie carried a unique U-shaped floral piece overflowing with orchids and cascading greenery. It was almost like a wearable floral arrangement!
Gadiel complemented her look with a pink paisley tie and a dramatic orchid-and-greenery lapel arrangement. He also selected his own wedding-day fragrance.
The couple included beautiful custom vow books and shared a private vow reading, creating a quiet moment together before the ceremony.
Surrounded by the lush rainforest landscape of Amor Arenal, Stephanie and Gadiel's ceremony embraced the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
Rather than a conventional floral arch, dramatic arrangements of tropical greenery, orchids, and sculptural foliage framed the ceremony space. Candles added warmth, while wooden cross-back chairs complemented the organic setting.
Live musicians, including strings and saxophone, brought another romantic element to the celebration.
One especially sweet moment was Stephanie walking down the aisle accompanied by a special young man in their family in a vibrant green suit.
Wedding Playlist
Ceremony starts with: River Flows In You by Yiruma
Ceremony ends with: Viva La Vida via Violin
Couple's first dance song: Ordinary by Alex Warren
Mother + daughter dance song: When God Made You My Mother by
Cake-cutting song: Sugar by Maroon 5
Personalised coconuts added a fun Costa Rican welcome, and the couple took advantage of the property's beautiful tropical surroundings for their wedding portraits.
The reception design was just as distinctive as the ceremony.
Overhead, hanging palm leaves and tropical flowers created a lush installation above the tables. Dark glass chargers, purple glassware, black-dipped cutlery, and black pillar candles brought a moody, modern contrast to the vibrant greenery.
For dinner, Stephanie let her hair down into soft curls, creating another beautiful look for the evening.
The dessert display featured a wedding cake alongside an assortment of smaller sweets, giving guests a few different treats to enjoy.
Wedding Day Menu
Hors d’oeuvres: Prosciutto crostini, katti roll chicken masala, shrimp risotto and beef tenderloin kebab
Starter: Caribbean Salad
Main course: Filet Mignon with chicken, potato and grilled vegetables
Dessert: Strawberry tart, rice with milk shots and Colombian Alfajor
As the celebration continued, Stephanie changed into a playful second dress with pearl detailing on the bodice and a feathered skirt.
She added a light-up headband for the dance floor, bringing even more personality to the party!
With plenty of dancing, laughter, and a festive streamer-filled finale, the evening was a perfect balance of romance and fun.
Stephanie and Gadiel wanted their wedding to feel magical, intimate, and unlike anything else. Between the wild tropical florals, deeply personal details, and an unforgettable celebration, their Amor Arenal wedding delivered exactly that.
