Not everything goes as planned, Ashley and Nicholas figured that out when they were planning their destination wedding in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

A destination wedding was not always on the couple’s radar; it wasn’t until one of the couple’s fathers mentioned the idea that they decided to start looking at different options. 

“We both love to travel, so encouraging our closest family and friends to vacation with us was a no-brainer,” the couple says.

The most unexpected moment of the big day was when the best man missed his flight, and therefore the ceremony. Luckily, the couple prepared for some of the worst-case scenarios and were not too fazed by this turn of events.

“He was able to make it to the reception to deliver a hilarious speech,” the couple says.

It might not have all worked out by-the-book, but tying the knot at the Occidental Papagayo Resort in Costa Rica among active volcanoes, breathtaking beaches and vast rainforests shows that perfection doesn’t mean it always goes as planned.

However, for what can be planned, the couple spoke highly of the wedding coordinator at the resort. She helped put everything together to make sure the big day ran as smoothly as possible.

“We were able to provide the wedding planner some ideas, and she made it a reality,” the couple says.

The couple was sure to include some of their own individual touches throughout the ceremony to make it their own. Rather than a wedding guest book, guests signed a globe, which highlights the unique experience of a destination wedding.

Also, they replaced the traditional wedding topper with a bride and groom created from geodes, made by one of the couple’s mothers.

The last personal touch was placed at the beginning of the aisle. The bride was greeted as she began the walk down the aisle by a sign created by the couple’s friends that read: “Shoes here, vows there, love everywhere.”

Following the ceremony, the couple celebrated by dancing the night away with glow sticks. While not everything went off without a hitch, the couple got hitched in style. It comes down to enjoying the moment and letting the details work themselves out.

 “Remember to relax and enjoy during your stay!” the couple says.

Vendors: Photographer: White Diamond Photography, Videographer: Emanuel Mora Morales, Wedding planner: Idania Brenes Cambronero, Ceremony/Reception Site: Occidental Papagayo Resort, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Florist: Pacific Floral Events, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Stationery: Programs–Wedding Paper Divas, Cake: Occidental Papagayo Resort, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Hair & Makeup: Elena Denning and Natasha Lazdins (Belle-Row), Gown Designer: Anna Campbell, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Pronto Uomo (from Men’s Wearhouse), Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Bill Levkoff, Pronto Uomo (from Men’s Wearhouse), DJ: Mason Dunn, Travel Agent: Michele Thornburg (DestinationWeddings.com), Excursion Coordinator: Evelyn Arana Moraga (Swiss Travel Costa Rica)