You're in the Right Place
You’re excited. You’re in love. You’re checking out potential locations, ideas are popping into your head, and you’re saving tons of gorgeous photos on Pinterest.
You’re probably also finding that there’s a lot of information out there and this whole destination wedding idea is starting to get a bit overwhelming – but it’s okay! You found us, and you’re in the right place.
We are here to provide you with a complete, guided experience in planning your destination wedding in Costa Rica, so you can focus on what this day is meant to be about – love, fun, and creating an unforgettable foundation for your lives together.
We’ll make sure that your guests won’t be attending just another wedding, but that it will be a magical experience worth remembering for a very long time. You and your guests may just be pushed out of your comfort zones, where deep bonds will be formed not only between the bride and groom but between everyone who joins you on this adventure.
We’re here to bring your ideas to life in Costa Rica and make the results nothing short of amazing!
Meet the Team
Meet Meghan
What's Your Story?
I'm so glad you're here! I'm Meghan, the lead planner at Mil Besos. I grew up in the U.S., along the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, I began traveling at a young age, which prompted me to fall in love with being immersed in other cultures. Summer breaks in college became a time to buy a one way ticket and I could be found sketching cliffside in Santorini, hiking in Switzerland, wandering through museums in France, or rappelling in Costa Rica.
Meeting so many different people and hearing their stories during these wanderings brought an appreciation for crafting a life lived intentionally and filled with family, love, and adventures. With a love for hearing love stories and "how we met" stories, becoming part of celebrating each couples story is a dream come true.
Shortly after college I relocated to Costa Rica where I learned the logistics of travel planning from the best of the best while helping with my family’s vacation company Pacific Trade Winds (Getting married at home and traveling to Costa Rica for your honeymoon? Traveling for vacation? Give them a call, you couldn’t possibly be in better hands).
With the vacation company, I really enjoyed helping couples and families explore Costa Rica, but found I especially loved working with weddings. My design background in the U.S. and vacation planning experience in Costa Rica combined my creativity for events with the organization of the trip planning, allowing the transition to dedicating myself full time to event planning to unfold naturally. Now, with 10 years of planning weddings in Costa Rica, I can’t wait to hear from you and create the next chapter of your love story, an amazing experience for you and your guests!
Favorite Moment of a Wedding?
When I welcome the bride and groom (separately) as they arrive before the ceremony. Their faces, excitement, nerves - all the feels!! All day we've been focused on managing the setup, timeline, vendors, etc.. and when I see them time stops for a moment and I know exactly why I do what I do.
Where can we find you in your free time?
Practicing yoga, at the beach, playing with my little ones Ethan and Camille, or enjoying great food with friends + family. Assembling cheeseboards is my zen, haha!
Favorite destination in Costa Rica?
I have different favorites based on the type of experience being sought. Osa Peninsula for its pristine beauty. Nosara and Santa Teresa for surf and yoga weekends. A mountain cabin in Tenorio area to unplug. Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo for sharing Costa Rica with friends and family. And of course Four Seasons in Papagayo to be spoiled.
Favorite cocktail?
My husbands Mojitos!
Meghan
Planning
Meet Connie
WHAT'S YOUR STORY?
Hello! I am Connie – I am the 4th of a traditional large family of 6 siblings, I was raised and educated in San Jose, I moved to Guanacaste 10 years ago with the idea of working for a couple of years away from the hectic city and close to the beach, in Guanacaste I found the most wonderful places for hiking, mountain biking and beaches! So, these couple of years result in a new way of life close to everything I love to have by hand! My life motto is Live life, living. I love traveling, good wine, music and dancing salsa & bachata! It does not mean I am good at it but I like it (:
FAVORITE MOMENT OF A WEDDING?
I have three, but If I have to choose one… is the look of complicity and love of the bride and groom when the bride walks towards the altar while playing a very special song.
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Exploring nature in Costa Rica, or traveling anywhere in the world, or cooking at home for family and friends.
FAVORITE DESTINATION IN COSTA RICA?
Costa Rica is beautiful! Monteverde, Arenal, Osa Peninsula, but Guanacaste is my favorite no doubt! I found all that makes me happy here, beach, mountains, trails, Cocoa (dog) and Malbec (kitty). It is where I met my husband, how can it not be my favorite destination?
FAVORITE COCKTAIL?
My best friend Adri's red wine sangria.
Connie
Planning + Coordination
Meet Sol
What’s your Story?
I was born in Argentina, and as soon as I finished university I decided to travel to find my place in the world. I spent winters in Spain with one of my brothers, and summers in Costa Rica with my other brother, and after a few years I decided Costa Rica was the place to give me all the things I always dream: dream jobs, life on the beach, great friends and family. For 15 years now, I have lived the life that make me happy! I started working with weddings in 2006, and love being a part of the Mil Besos team now!
Favorite Moment of a Wedding?
Those last seconds the father is at the door holding the bride hands, the bride is in suspense at the moment of realizing her dream. I love the part when I can say to them “this is the moment you have been waiting for, breathe and enjoy” and I send them to walk down the aisle.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to go to an empty beach and lay down under the trees and see the sky and the leaves moving with the wind. That is my peace.
Favorite destination in Costa Rica?
Sueño Del Mar in Playa Langosta. I work there too so I might be partial 🙂
Favorite cocktail?
My specialty, passion fruit margaritas.
Sol
Coordination
Meet Catalina
What's your Story?
I’m Catalina (AKA Cata) designing with Mil Besos is my dream (not brown nosing it’s the truth!) I’ve lived a few different lives in my adulthood! I graduated hospitality school and moved to Atlanta to work in luxury hotels. I fell in love with Robert, my now husband, while in Atlanta and a year into our relationship he was transferred to Costa Rica. After doing the long distance thing for a while, I joined him in Costa Rica.
It was a total reset of my life. My anxiety melted away, I enjoyed nature and the ocean and really embraced the wonderful “Pura Vida” culture. I started working for a local flower shop designing weddings. Little did I know this wonderful part time gig would turn into something I am so deeply passionate about!
I love getting to know couples, I love that every wedding has its own personal touch and emotion. Every couple is different, every style is different and I am just here to help bring it all to life. My favorite part of my job is being a chameleon and adapting to a bride’s aesthetic; I love that moment where it all connects and the design falls into place Then the day comes when the designs come to life and it’s pure magic!
Favorite Moment of a Wedding?
During the wedding, when the bride is walking down the aisle, with all eyes on her, and her eyes on the groom.
Where can we find you in your free time?
When I got pregnant with my son Benjamin we moved back to the states, currently in South Florida. I am fortunate enough to work remotely from home and still maintain wonderful relationships with our vendors in Costa Rica. I don’t have much free time but find inspiration in my many roles: mother, designing beautiful weddings, and I also have a small Etsy shop that sells vintage and boho items.
Favorite destination in Costa Rica?
There are so many things I love about Costa Rica, it's not just a specific destination. I love the kindness of the people, the “go with the flow” mentality and the tropical paradise. I tried to never miss a sunset and I always loved hearing the monkeys calling to each other in the trees.
Favorite cocktail?
I don't discriminate, I like all cocktails really. In Costa Rica, I love Guaritos.
Cata
Design
Meet Keri
What’s your Story?
Keri is originally from Wisconsin and graduated with a degree from College of Charleston, South Carolina. She decided to move to Costa Riac for her love of beaches, warm weather, and being submersed in nature. In 2004, she made Tamarindo her home and has been coordinating weddings here since 2005. She has a great understanding of the area and of the wedding industry.
Favorite Moment of a Wedding?
I love watching the design come to life.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My daughter and I are constantly on the move. Playing soccer and surfing are the two main things. Together they are constantly exploring new places and activities together.
Favorite destination in Costa Rica?
I love remote places!
Favorite cocktail?
Why pick just one?
Keri
Design
Meet Arlene
What's Your Story?
I am from Ottawa, Canada. I am the youngest of 4 siblings, therefore the most awesome! 😉 We grew up on a small farm just on the outskirts of the city with lots of pets! I moved to Costa Rica when I was 27 and enjoyed 8 wonderful years of adventure, including meeting my husband in Arenal, Costa Rica. We have recently relocated to explore Spain as Mil Besos is expanding!
Favorite Moment of a Wedding?
The first dance, it's so sweet to watch. But also, the stress is done and now it's time to celebrate!
Where can we find you in your free time?
Hanging out on the seaside and exploring new places.
Favorite destination in Costa Rica?
Both Arenal and Tambor.
Favorite Cocktail?
Passion Fruit Mojito in Costa Rica & Aperol Spritz in Spain
Arlene
Travel
Meet Eunice
WHAT'S YOUR STORY?
Hello, my name is Eunice! - I was born in San José, Costa Rica. I’m the 2nd of three siblings. After I got my degree in Hotel Management, I moved to Guanacaste and started to work at a Resort in Tamarindo Beach that became my second home for 11 years. I recently moved to California where I live now with my husband. I love Traveling, Art and Nature. I’m passionate about my job and to help people to create unforgettable memories during their visit to Costa Rica! 🙂
FAVORITE MOMENT OF A WEDDING?
The first Dance, Mother-son dance, and Father-Daughter dance. It’s a moment full of emotion and magic. I also love when couples use their creativity to surprise their guests with a fun first dance choreography!
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Exploring nature, traveling to new places and making art!
FAVORITE DESTINATION IN COSTA RICA?
That’s a hard question because Costa Rica has so many gorgeous places but if I had to choose one favorite place, it would be Guanacaste! I love the beach 🙂
FAVORITE COCKTAIL?
Jalapeño Margarita!
Eunice
Travel
Meet Kerry
WHAT'S YOUR STORY?
Hi, I’m Kerry Charlotte.. but most of the time, I sign my emails with KC. I am the marketing manager for Mil Besos. Which means I help with everything from the website, publications, and help to create internal documents to help our couples (and planners) stay organized.
I am a travel addict, a bit of a weirdo, and lucky to be learning about myself every day. Some people call me a digital nomad - I live in Costa Rica in the high season, spend the rainy season in the French Alps, and winter holidays along the coast of NC where I was raised. Then of course in true nomad style, pack as much travel in between as possible!
When I am not working, I am normally looking for a dog to pet or waiting for my plane to catch with an over-packed suitcase in tow. I am happiest when holding a fresh smoothie, listening to live music, and surrounded by my closest loved ones. My escape is music events and festivals.. I have even worked a few! I am really into networking, so don’t be shy and send me a sweet hello. I can’t wait to hear all about what inspires you!
FAVORITE MOMENT OF A WEDDING?
My favorite moment is the dancing! It is always so fun to watch everyone let loose and really enjoy the moment. I also love post-wedding brunches, seeing everyone dressed down and excited to explore!
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Most likely in the kitchen, I love cooking! I have been working on doing yoga more too!
FAVORITE DESTINATION IN COSTA RICA?
I really like Uvita! I was visiting with my sister, which is why I think I liked it the most. We stayed in a beautiful villa surrounded by flowers and the most beautiful vista I had ever seen right outside my front door.
FAVORITE COCKTAIL?
I mostly drink champagne which I like to mix with Jamu from the Tamarindo market, but I love a good elderberry ginger cocktail or a great kombucha beer!
Kerry
Marketing
Meet Ilaria
WHAT'S YOUR STORY?
I live between Tamarindo, Costa Rica and the coast of Italy where I am originally from. I am passionate about the digital marketing world and traveling to explore new places. I focus on creative content for Mil Besos and run the social media accounts such as the Instagram, Pinterest, Youtube, etc. I love being able to share our beautiful weddings with people from all over the world and learn more about trends throughout the years.
FAVORITE MOMENT OF A WEDDING?
My favorite and most emotional moment of the day is when the bride walks down the aisle. So much leads up to that moment, from the love story, to the planning process, and every memory between. It must just feel surreal. Another moment that I find really touching is the speeches. It is so interesting, hearing stories from relatives or friends who have often traveled from far and wide to attend the wedding. Every speech is so different and the words are truly spoken from the heart.
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU IN YOUR FREE TIME?
In my free time, I love exploring the great outdoors. I like hiking and discovering new places. Additionally, I am an avid gym-goer and I love to stay active. With my adventurous spirit, I am always ready to take on new challenges and embark on exciting experiences.
FAVORITE DESTINATION IN COSTA RICA?
I loved my first visit to Manuel Antonio, the nature was great and now it's one of my favorite places in Costa Rica. Las Catalinas is a close second because of the amazing sunsets.
FAVORITE COCKTAIL?
I really like a nice Moscow mule and also drinks with exotic tropical fruits - preferably while I am sat on the sand.
Ilaria
Marketing
Our Values: The Heart of our Planning
It's important to us to share our core values so that we can work with couples whose values align with ours. These values are shared by every member of our team, and are at the heart of how we plan your destination experience.
We believe in Relationships
We believe communication is key and forming a genuine relationship with our couples, guests, and vendors results in an enjoyable planning process for our couples as well as a successful event.
Life’s moments are worth celebrating
We believe in marking big and small moments in life with celebrations. We believe in fun well-designed events, that weddings should be one of the greatest parties you’ll ever throw, and that champagne is always a good idea.
You, and your event, are unique
You are our muse for your event. We are dedicated to creating a unique experience and design that reflects you and your story.
Experience Matters
We believe the entire experience matters and we are committed to delivering an amazing experience to our couples and guests throughout the planning process and the entire wedding weekend.
Marriage Is More than a Wedding
We believe in Marriage. We believe in you building a marriage even more beautiful than your stunning wedding. We are committed to contributing to that foundation by providing a relaxed planning process so you can enjoy your engagement as well as an amazing experience while in Costa Rica. We believe you will leave inspired to create a life filled with Pura Vida.
Behind the Scenes
