After nearly 15 years of adventures together, from hiking the Everglades to kayaking alongside penguins in Antarctic, Hayley and Matthew finally made it official in the most magical setting imaginable: a beachside wedding at the W Costa Rica.
Their journey began as college friends exploring NYC and blossomed into a life filled with travel, nature, and love. It only made sense to return to Costa Rica the place of a spontaneous trip they once booked on a whim for their most meaningful chapter yet.
Their intimate celebration welcomed only their most loved ones to the lush Guanacaste coast.
The ceremony took place under a stunning circular arch overflowing with roses and bright tropical florals. The start of the aisle had 6 vibrant arrangements set on wooden pillars, creating a grand entrance to the oceanfront altar, where the couple exchanged vows beneath the trees.
Wedding Playlist
The Ceremony Starts With: Fly Me to the Moon by The Macarons Project
The Ceremony Ends With: Belongs Together by Lucky Socks
Couple's Intro song: Words of Love by The Beatles
Father + Daughter dance: What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Mother + Son dance: In My Life by The Beatles
Cake-cutting song: Love You Madly by Cake
Last song of the night: Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Dinner unfolded on the lawn, setting the mood with wooden tables and lush tall arrangements. The space was private bringing guests together in a warm, communal setting. The reception design embraced the natural magic of the tropics with soft lighting, organic textures, and vibrant pops of color.
Wedding Day Menu
Hors d’oeuvres: Vegetable satay, coconut-crusted shrimp, plantain croquettes, and chicken satay
Appetizer: Salad bar; red lettuce, tomato, cucumber, carrots, grilled zucchini, broccoli with honey mustard, chili garlic and olive oil dressing
Main course: Passion fruit chutney, beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce, and chicken in creole sauce
Side dish: Potato cake, rice with corn and cream, and wok vegetables
Dessert: Pineapple tart, truffles, and chocolate dome
One of the sweetest details was the cake — hand-painted to resemble pressed flowers, it was both artistic and delicious. Then as it turned to night, the dancing kicked off with a live band that really brought the jams!
A celebration filled with heart, joy, and personal meaning — this was the perfect beginning to Hayley and Matthew’s next big adventure.
