Philly natives, Jess + Brad, bring hometown love and loyalty to a new level. When we first met this adorable pair, they described themselves as fully identifying with the personality of Philadelphia. Their relationship developed and grew there, so the whole city is filled with memories of their journey together. This compassionate couple works as physicians and met in medical school while working at a clinic in a homeless shelter for women and children. When planning their unique micro wedding, our team knew just the place for them to tie the knot in the stunning Nosara!
Jess + Brad live a cozy life back home with their adorable son, their beloved dog Bowie and their first furbaby, Waffles the Cat. Their favorite days are spent camping, hiking, adventuring around their city, and visiting the local beer garden. Brad loves to cook and is constantly concocting new recipes, while Jess is the self-proclaimed taste tester.
When initially planning for their big day, a big focus for this sweet couple was to curate a trip where all the guests felt engaged, comfortable, and like they were all on a pampered vacation. To kick off the festivities, they planned a thrilling canopy zipline adventure with their guests the day before the wedding!
The wedding venue was a stunning mountain house overlooking the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by lush tropical nature and a surreal sunset. It was the perfect place to experience the pura vida lifestyle and spend quality family time.
The beachside ceremony had a tropical, chic, colorful, and fun atmosphere - adorned with a wooden squared arch featuring an asymmetrical floral design, hanging macrame curtain, and a mix of greenery and white flowers. The bride even arrived in style on an ATV!
Wedding Playlist
Ceremony starts: Hooked on a Feeling by Blue Swede
Ceremony ends: Come and Get Your Love by Redbone
Couple's first dance: Is This Love by Corinne Bailey Rae
Father + bride song: I Loved Her First by Heartland
Mother + groom song: Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
The reception design featured a balance of natural and unique shabby chic elements, like hanging rattan lights and fern-covered chandeliers. We incorporated mixed tropical florals and forest greenery such as Silver Eucalyptus, ruscus, palms, filodendrum, and ferns. Soft lighting and a “secret garden” ambiance set the mood for dinner, featuring a stunning tablescape with macrame runners and garlands of lush greenery.
Wedding Day Menu
Hors d’oeuvres: Gallos with chayote and corn, patacones and fish ceviche
Starters: Caprese salad, seared tuna tartare, and root chips
Main course: Grilled beef tenderloin, seared shrimp in light garlic butter, and Mahi Mahi
Dessert: Banana and mango foster
The reception even featured fun games like giant Jenga, giant tic tac toe, ring toss, and cornhole - and the live band added a touch of whimsy and charm to top off the magical celebration! Overall, the wedding was a tropical paradise filled with love, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.
