Laura + MJ are such a laid back fun loving couple and always have been, right from when they met. These two met via a dating app called Bumble in Baltimore, Maryland. On their first date, Laura insisted on bringing her dog Ziggy. They both said, Ziggy was a big part of the relationship, they were always going outdoors to meet up and walk him. Then, they decided to play on the same floor hockey team! This is where they really connected and fell in love. Jump ahead a few years and they are throwing the best wedding party at the Tamarindo Diria with all of their loved ones!
This couple never says no to an adventure. They spend their time vacationing, cooking, seeing live music, camping, and playing sports. They always had a very playful and light love story! This well-traveled pair likes to take trips to Key West, San Diego, and to Colorado to see friends. They did their best to try all the best seafood restaurants along the way. They have explored all around the US and had many adventures with Ziggy. Ziggy passed suddenly which was hard to experience, but supporting each other through that loss also served to bring Laura and MJ closer together as a result.
Since then, they have adopted a sweet puppy named Kona. Both Ziggy and Kona were pit rescues, a cause they are both passionate about. They take Kona everywhere they can from hikes in the mountains to craft beer bars. He even loves going to concerts!
Laura was very surprised by MJ's proposal and didn't know it was coming! He had been planning it for 6 months before he popped the big question. On the week before Thanksgiving, he proposed at home just before they were leaving to take the dog for a walk. The funny part is that they were both so excited that they took the dog for a walk and forgot to bring the house key. They ended up being locked out of the house for an hour or two. MJ said, "It was very memorable - and very us."
MJ loves the mountains and Laura loves the water so they wanted to find somewhere that had both for their destination wedding. They also wanted to try something new and visit Costa Rica together. They made sure to really take advantage of the trip and explore all around the country.
Laura and MJ found us because they asked friends in Baltimore about contacts for destination weddings and received recommendations for our team from two separate sources! We had planned a wedding for friends of theirs who were also married in Tamarindo. The other recommendation came from a neighbor that had attended two other weddings we had planned! Small world!
Laura and MJ wanted an experience for their 100 guests that felt carefree and relaxed; a vacation rather than a formal event. To accomplish this, we kicked off the wedding weekend with a welcome party and catamaran cruise so everyone could soak in Costa Rica in the best way, on the water!
We wanted to continue that relaxed, fun and effortless vibe into the wedding design. We focused on using natural elements that brought out the raw beauty of Costa Rica.
The color scheme for the ceremony included light pinks, greens, and more neutral colors. We accented with tropical colors but nothing super bright or over the top. The bride knew a wedding on the beach in Costa Rica was going to be hot, so they wanted a short romantic ceremony! They followed the palm leaf aisle and met under a driftwood arch. All of the wooden benches faced the ocean and they exchanged very simple vows.
Wedding Party at the Tamarindo Diria Playlist
Welcome Music: Songs from the Best of Bob Marley Album (except I shot the Sheriff.)
Ceremony Music: Mess is Mine Instrumental by Guitar Tribute Players then Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheehan
Recessional Song: The Friends theme song. I'll be there for you by The Rembrandts
Cocktail Hour Music: Reggae playlists
Introduction of the wedding party: Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi and Steve Aoki
First Dance Song: Coming Home by Leon Bridges
Bride and Father Dance Song: Fat Man in the Bathtub by Little Feat
Groom and Mother Dance Song: My Wish by Rascal Flatts
Last song: Country Roads by John Denver
These two are the perfect pair. Laura said she fell in love with MJ's laid back and easing going personality. Calling him the ying to her yang. Laura swears they are complete opposites but their personalities compliment each other so well. She said "He is my best friend and the most genuine person I know. He always wants the best for everyone and will go to the ends of the earth for the people he loves. I don't know a single person that doesn't love MJ. He's just an easy person to love! He is passionate about the environment and all living things. He truly has a heart of gold and always knows how to make me laugh or brighten up my day. He is incredibly intelligent and always very level headed and logical. He keeps me grounded and gives sounds advice. He is the most patient, handsome and fun-loving man I know. MJ is always up to try new things, and go along with whatever crazy idea I have next. I am so lucky to call him my husband and cannot wait to spend together forever! I am excited to building our lives together, putting down roots and starting a family! We already consider ourselves a little family with our dog, however, getting married and being married will just make everything official for us!"
MJ gushed about Laura too! He said "Laura is very talkative, outgoing, and never shies away from being the center of attention. Our relationship works because everything that I lack she makes up for in bunches and it always seems to even out or be the perfect amount when we are together. Laura is smart, funny, and is the most caring person I know. She is always doing things for other people and never thinks twice about it. She is passionate and empathetic and just a very kind person. Being around her every day makes me want to be better. She is so great with her family that I know for a fact that she will be the best mother on the planet and that makes me love her even more. I cannot wait to start a family together and start this next part of our story."
After the big I do, everyone headed down to the shoreline to enjoy cocktails and watch the waves crashing on the rocks. They had plenty of time to mingle and eat great appetizers before the sun had set into the ocean. Following sunset, we invited guests to the reception.
Cocktail Hour Menu: Patacones with guacamole, Hibiscus and zucchini quesadillas, and fresh local ceviche.
The reception venue was poolside at their resort-style hotel on the beach, Tamarindo Diria. We used string lights to really transform the space into a magical oasis. The tables were set with tropical flowers and wooden plates with blush napkins. The thoughtful bride added a little starfish with their wedding date on the plate as decoration and a guest gift! Guests were encouraged to sign the large wooden driftwood slab as a unique guestbook idea that will be displayed in their home.
Good food was a priority for this couple. They chose a premium buffet option from the hotel that really had it all.
Wedding Party at the Tamarindo Diria Menu
Starters: Fish Ceviche and Mixed Vegetables Salad
Entrees: Sea Bass and Grilled Chicken Breast in Herbs sauce
Sides: Asparagus Risotto, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, and Mixed Vegetables with Garlic butter
Dessert: Fresh Fruit, Dark Chocolate Mousse, Pineapple Tart, Mango dessert and Wedding Cake.
The couple listened to speeches from all of their loved ones as they enjoyed dinner. The bridesmaids even sang a Backstreet Boys song as a tribute to their bestie finding her perfect match! This was a fun bunch. The couple had cute custom Mr. and Mrs. champagne glasses, you may recognize the Natty Boh beer guy and the Utz chips girl!
After one, or two, stops by the dessert bar the night progressed quickly. Before they knew it, everyone was out on the dance floor. Most of the guests stayed on-site so everyone stayed up late together and even headed to some late-night local bars after the wedding reception was over. It was a party for the books! Congrats Laura + MJ!
