Breaking Tradition: Getting Ready Together at a Costa Rica Elopement

On January 5th, 2026, Charmaine and Kris chose to celebrate their love in a way that felt truly their own—through an intimate elopement surrounded by the raw beauty of Rio Perdido.

Tucked away in nature, with its unique volcanic landscape and serene atmosphere, Rio Perdido created the perfect backdrop for a day that was less about tradition and more about connection.

What made their wedding even more special? They chose to spend the morning getting ready together.

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Instead of following the traditional path of not seeing each other until the aisle, Charmaine and Kris embraced a more personal and meaningful approach—sharing those quiet, emotional moments side by side. From laughter to anticipation, every second felt genuine, relaxed, and full of joy.

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Getting ready together as a couple is a choice that more and more couples are embracing, especially for intimate weddings and elopements. It transforms the morning from a structured timeline into a shared experience—one where nerves are calmed together, excitement is felt together, and the day begins not in separation, but in connection. There’s something incredibly grounding about having your partner right there with you, turning what can sometimes feel like a rushed or emotional moment into something calm, intimate, and deeply personal.

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For Charmaine and Kris, it meant being fully present with each other from the very beginning. No first-look pressure, no waiting—just a slow, meaningful start to a day that was entirely about them.

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And that’s exactly who they are as a couple—joyful, present, and deeply connected. Their energy was contagious, and throughout the day, you could feel how much they simply loved being together. No pressure, no expectations—just two people choosing each other in the most authentic way.

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Their ceremony was intimate and heartfelt, set against the stunning natural surroundings that make Costa Rica so magical. It was a reminder that weddings don’t have to be big to be meaningful—they just have to feel right.

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Take a closer look at Charmaine + Kris’ real wedding and all the beautiful moments from their day ✨ 


A Question for You 🤍

Would you choose to get ready together on your wedding day, or do you prefer the tradition of not seeing each other until the aisle?

We’d love to hear your thoughts—let us know in the comments ✨

Ilaria

Ilaria

My favorite part of destination weddings is the incredible journey that brings together a close-knit group of family and friends, all travelling great distances to celebrate the couple’s special day. There’s something uniquely magical about gathering in a beautiful, unfamiliar location, where every shared moment and adventure deepens the bonds between loved ones. Destination weddings create lasting memories, making the celebration not just about the wedding itself, but also about the shared journey and the cherished connections that grow stronger through the travel and festivities.

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