When imagining their perfect wedding, Kristen and Casey hadn’t always pictured the intimate yet beautiful wedding they had in Cala Luna, Costa Rica, a destination on both of their “must visit” lists. “We’ve always been drawn to Costa Rica,” says Kristen. “We wanted to go somewhere where we could surf, go zip lining, and have a more eventful type of honeymoon.”

While everything worked out beautifully, from the wedding to the destination, the couple hadn’t always envisioned their wedding day the way it happened. “We went back and forth A LOT on what type of wedding we wanted to have,” says Kristen and Casey, who originally wanted to elope. “About two months before the wedding, after missing our families while abroad, we realized how important it was for us to have our parents, siblings and grandparents there. Our planner made it happen!”

Other than a faux-flower crown and a decorative DIY wooden plaque by the bride, their wedding planner, Meghan Cox, helped accommodate the wants and needs of the two lovebirds and their 12 guests on their special day. “I strongly suggest using a wedding planner for a destination wedding if you’ve never visited the location before,” says Kristen. “Meghan really gets all of the credit for the planning. We didn’t have to worry about a thing.”

Celebrating with the people they love in the destination of their dreams, the happy couple is thrilled with the overall decision of not having a traditional wedding. Everything from the price to the stress levels is a lot lower when planning a destination wedding Kristen says, “I’d make the same decision a million more times.”

Sharing her knowledge on destination weddings, Kristen gives some advice for other brides planning their perfect destination wedding. “Listen to people, but remember that trying to please everyone will drive you to the brink of insanity. In the end, I know that I would have gone crazy trying to plan a big wedding we didn’t want in order to please everyone around us,” she says. “Overall, though, have FUN with it. Don’t begin your marriage in a financial hole you created to make other people happy.”

Vendors: Photographer: Stories Wedding Photography, Wedding Planner: Meghan Cox from Our Costa Rica Wedding Ceremony/Reception Site: Cala Luna Florist: N/A Stationery: N/A Cake: Victoria Zoch Hair & Makeup: Vicky at Costa Rica Bridal Services Gown Designer: Katie May Groom’s Clothing Designer: Hugo Boss Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: N/A Other Vendors: Videographer: Nel Llanos