Ditch the traditional wedding and say “pura vida” to forever! Jaynie and Carlos’s love story took them from a charming online meet-cute to a breathtaking destination wedding at Villa Punto de Vista in Costa Rica. 

A Match Made in OkCupid!

Jaynie and Carlos’s story began on the old dating site OkCupid. Their first date, a charming tea rendezvous in California, sparked an instant connection. It was on a later trip to Costa Rica, however, that their bond truly blossomed. “We felt like it would be so special to have our wedding in the magical place that brought us closer together,” Jaynie says.

Destination Wedding vs. Local Soiree?

Jaynie and Carlos knew a destination wedding was the perfect fit for them. While they considered a redwood venue in California, a destination wedding in Costa Rica allowed them to “have everything we wanted in a wedding… plus spend more quality time with our guests.” It turned out to be a more budget-friendly option as well, allowing for a whole wedding week instead of just a single day.

Pura Vida Inspiration

Costa Rica’s natural beauty wasn’t just the backdrop for their love story; it was a core element of their wedding theme. “We wanted simple but beautiful decor that highlighted Villa Punto de Vista and the organic beauty of the jungle-meets-ocean backdrop,” the bride says. They opted for a bohemian chic aesthetic with a sunset color palette, incorporating pampas grass, wicker candle holders, and live palm fronds.

Planning from Afar with Mil Besos

Since they weren’t able to visit the venue beforehand, Jaynie and Carlos relied heavily on their wedding planning team at Mil Besos. “They gave us the best insight, advice, recommendations, and guidance in all aspects of the wedding planning process and day of execution,” Jaynie tells us. 

A Ceremony Steeped in Tradition

As an inter-faith couple, Jaynie and Carlos weaved traditions from both their backgrounds into the Villa Punto de Vista ceremony. A Latina officiant, fluent in Spanish, ensured everything flowed seamlessly. The ceremony featured a lasso ceremony (a Mexican Catholic tradition), a glass-breaking ritual (honoring Jaynie’s Jewish heritage), and even a heartwarming ring-warming practice, where guests blessed the rings as they were passed around.

Final Words of Wisdom

For couples considering a destination wedding, Jaynie has this advice: “Listen to your heart! If you dream of a destination wedding, you can make it happen! Also, I highly recommend working with a wedding planner…” Especially one as experienced and well-connected as Mil Besos!

So, if you’re dreaming of a wedding abounding in natural beauty, cultural celebrations, and quality time with loved ones, then perhaps a destination wedding like Jaynie and Carlos’s is the perfect way to begin your happily ever after.

Vendors: Photographer: Adriana Mendez; Wedding Planner: Mil Besos; Venue: Villa Punto de Vista; Florist: Los Primos, Stationery: Minted; Hair & Makeup: MA Hair & Makeup; Gown Designer: Jane Hill; Music: DJ Timour