Ashley and Zach are huge travelers, which made a Costa Rica destination wedding a no-brainer. Inspired by a fabulous trip they had taken before, the couple decided that Lola’s at Playa Avellanas was the perfect location for their big day. “Zach’s family is from Wisconsin, Ashley’s from Canada and a lot of our friends are all over. Based on this, a lot of people were going to have to travel no matter where we did it, so why not get everyone to go on vacation to celebrate?” say the newlyweds.

Before the day of the wedding, the couple planned some fun activities with their friends and family to give them the best Costa Rican experience and spend as much time as possible with everyone. They adventured on a catamaran tour and hosted a rehearsal dinner in a penthouse apartment with a make-your-own taco bar. The groom’s gift to the groomsmen was to take them on a trip the day before the wedding for snorkeling, riding ATVs and zip-lining.

The sunset ceremony was held on the sand in front of Lola’s and was simple, heartfelt and breathtaking. “It’s a hidden gem and local surf spot that you would have to know about in order to get there,” says the couple. Local cuisine, an open bar, s’mores and a sundae bar all culminated in a major dance party.

“Since the venue and natural beauty were already there, we didn’t feel like we needed to over decorate. We kept things simple with flowers and dip-dyed napkins the bride had made,” says the couple. For the reception, market lights strung across the bamboo dance floor and a huge bonfire lit up the beach.

Not having local knowledge of the area, the couple relied on the Internet to find the best vendors for their W-day. Ashley found their videographer first and loved his work so much that she found her hair and makeup artist through him.

The big day was full of memorable moments, but the first look was the groom’s favorite. There wasn’t a dry eye during the speech from the father of the bride and it was a special moment that Ashley will hold dear to her forever.

Vendors: Photographer: Lilly Red Creative, Wedding Planner: The bride; Ashley is a lead wedding coordinator with an event company based out of LA and San Francisco, Ceremony/Reception Site: Lola’s at Playa Avellanas, Florist: Eventos Artesanos, Stationery: Black Label Print Studio, Gown Designer: Christos, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Suit by J.Crew and Dress shirt by Ministry of Supply, Groom’s Shoes: Banana Republic, Bridesmaids’ Clothing Designer: Amsale

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Spring/Summer 2018 issue. You can order a copy here.