This beautiful wedding reception in Ocotal Private was a magical culmination for Alexandria (Alex) + Janssen (JJ) at the breathtaking Villa Puesta del Sol. Nestled in the heart of Playas del Coco + Ocotal, this stunning venue hosted their accommodations, ceremony, and reception, ensuring guests enjoyed a seamless weekend without ever having to leave.
Alex + JJ envisioned a vibrant palette reflecting their love for nature, incorporating green Monstera leaves, white accents, and the pink blossoms of the ginger plant to enhance the beach and jungle ambiance.
The floral design was nothing short of spectacular. Bursting with vibrant hues of magenta, violet, deep yellow, and bright pink, the arrangements featured a dazzling array of roses, snapdragons, anthuriums, orchids, and Birds of Paradise.
Alex looked absolutely radiant in her wedding gown adorned with 3-D flowers, while JJ was dapper in his blue suit with an orchid boutonniere. Their intimate first look and the private exchange of handwritten vows set a heartfelt tone for the day.
The ceremony, overlooking a sandy beach and shaded by swaying palm trees, was decorated with a square wooden arbor covered in bright blooms and abundant greenery. Their wedding design embodied "mother nature vibes" with an earthy, romantic feel. Elements included wood textures, sprawling vines, Monstera leaves, romantic flowers, string and candle lighting, all highlighting the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
Gold vases atop wooden pillars held lush floral arrangements at the aisle's entrance, with woven rugs lining the grassy path. Guests were delighted to find personalized coconuts bearing their names and the wedding date as a unique keepsake.
Wedding Playlist
Ceremony starts with: Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley
Ceremony ends with: Better Together by Jack Johnson
Couple's Introduction: Lil Boo Thang by Paul Russell
Couple's first dance: Forever like that by Ben Rector
Mother + son dance: Where You Lead by The Cashburys
Father + daughter dance: Where You Lead by The Cashburys
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds basked in their joy during a beachfront photoshoot, capturing all the excitement and love of the day.
This couple met at a costume party in college in 2011. After a memorable dance and a number exchange, the rest was history and they’ve been together ever since. JJ proposed during a cozy family Christmas party in 2017 using a custom novelty viewfinder filled with their photos, ending with an image of the ring. After nearly 12 years together, they eagerly anticipated their dream ceremony, having overcome many challenges and milestones, including earning five degrees between them and JJ's frontline work during COVID-19.
Wedding Day Menu
Hors d'oeuvres: Ceviche, guacamole, pico de gallo, with chips, and chicken empanadas served with hot sauce and pineapple salsa
Appetizer: Mixed green salad with fresh fruit and passion fruit dressing and homemade bread
Main course: Sautéed Mahi Mahi with a camote mash, grilled vegetables, beef tenderloin, pan-roasted chicken, and chicken pasta with a red sauce, corn, and garlic bread.
The reception featured hanging wicker lights and crystal glassware, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Heartfelt speeches brought tears of joy, and the couple danced the night away, celebrating their love story that began 12 years ago and will continue forever.