The ocean shimmered against the cliffs of the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo as guests gathered to celebrate Anne and Vijay. The couple, who first met on Hinge, always imagined their wedding would be more than a single day — they wanted a full-on experience!

Choosing Paradise

When narrowing down locations, Anne and Vijay wanted to end up somewhere that would reflect both their love of adventure and their modern sense of style. Costa Rica offered both. But what sealed the deal wasn’t just the destination — it was the person who would bring their vision to life. “I know it is an odd reason to choose your wedding destination because of your wedding planner, but Ise was truly the main reason Costa Rica/Andaz won,” Anne recalls of Ise Chaves from Red Velvet Weddings. “We interviewed many wedding planners from various destinations in different countries, and Ise was the most organized and impressive by far.”

With Ise’s expertise guiding them, they toured venues until the choice became obvious: the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, a resort that blends jungle canopy with sweeping ocean views. “It is absolutely stunning, the food is spectacular, and they are very experienced at hosting events,” the couple shares.

A Celebration in Chapters

The wedding unfolded like a cinematic trilogy, each night revealing a new side of Costa Rica and Anne and Vijay.

Guests first gathered for a welcome celebration, where modern décor and warm hospitality set the tone for the days ahead.

The next evening, the couple hosted their Sangeet on the beach. By sunset, the shoreline had transformed into a kaleidoscope of color and sound, lanterns strung between palm trees, waves lapping gently in the background, and laughter echoing as guests danced under the stars.

The wedding ceremony itself was held in a secret corner of the property, an oceanside bluff not typically used for weddings. The setting felt wild, untouched, and breathtakingly personal. “It was everything we dreamed of and more. Just absolutely stunning,” Anne and Vijay say.

For the reception, guests moved into the Jardin, where sleek black accents, lush florals, and candlelight created a romantic yet energetic atmosphere. A custom dance floor from The Point became the centerpiece as DJ Mason Dunn spun tracks that kept the night alive long after dinner plates were cleared.

Why Destination?

For Anne and Vijay, the choice to wed abroad wasn’t just about scenery; it was about immersion. “We wanted everyone to have a fun weekend focused on partying and celebration, and that is hard to recreate when everyone goes home at night,” they reflect. Instead of dispersing after a few hours, loved ones spent days together lounging poolside, adventuring through the jungle, and celebrating late into the night

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Advice for Other Couples

Anne and Vijay say the secret to their seamless experience was trusting the right team. “It will end up costing much more than you think, and having an expert wedding planner is crucial,” they advise. “So many of our friends have had destination weddings, and the planning process was extremely taxing and time-consuming for the couple. We feel very lucky to have had a relatively stress-free wedding planning.”

Vendors: Photographer: Sylvia Guardia Photography; Wedding Planner: Red Velvet Weddings CR; Venue: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo; Florist: Lavanda Floral; Stationery: Mine and Kindred & The White Room; Cake: Victoria Zoch; Hair & Makeup: Nadia Cambronero; Gown Designer: Dan Jones (American) & Papa Don’t Preach (Indian); Groom’s Clothing Designer: Enzo Custom (American) & Anita Dongre (Indian); DJ/Production: Mason Worth Dunn & DJ Bryan Laverde; Rentals: Costa Mesa Event Rentals; Henna Artist: Cristina Campos; Dance Floor: The Point; Transportation: Guanacaste Infocenter; Entertainment: Hinestra; Videography: Destination Wedding Stories

@destinationido The ocean shimmered against the cliffs of the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo as guests gathered to celebrate Anne and Vijay. The couple, who first met on Hinge, always imagined their wedding would be more than a single day — they wanted a full-on experience! Follow link in bio to read more about Anne and Vijay’s wedding day in Costa Rica. Videography by @dwstories_ ♬ original sound – Destination I Do