Megan and Jake enjoy adventure, nature and making memories through the experiences they share together. That’s why their decision to have a destination wedding in Costa Rica was nothing less than fitting.

“Our friends and family were very excited with our decision,” says the bride. “Many of them arrived before our wedding or stayed after our wedding to make an extended vacation out of it.”

When the couple came across Villa Punto de Vista after researching venues online, they knew there was no other place they’d want to have their wedding. “We wanted something that would be completely unforgettable for ourselves, along with all our guests; something that was unique and a “once in a lifetime” experience [and that] is exactly what we found in Villa Punto de Vista,” says Megan.

With the help of a wedding planner that was experienced and familiar with the area and local vendors, the couple was able to pull off a stunning and seamless wedding of their dreams. “My Wedding Planner was my ‘one stop shop’ for vendor referrals, planning tools and everything else that I needed.  She even went to the Villa to video the venue location for me,” says the bride. “I didn’t travel to Costa Rica prior to our wedding, so I didn’t test any of the food or the cake or see any mock-ups of flowers but that really didn’t bother me – I had complete confidence in Susan and she delivered!”

Before the wedding, Megan’s soon to be Mother in Law made personalized napkin rings that were handed out at the welcome reception. Other items that were customized were found on Etsy and shipped to Susan, the couple’s wedding planner.

The couple enjoyed their destination wedding alongside 50 of their closest friends and family. “If we didn’t choose to do a destination wedding, we know we would’ve had a lot more guests, a shorter amount of time for all of us to celebrate together and the overall experience wouldn’t have been as unique,” says the bride. “In total, we spent about the same amount of money that we would have spent in the U.S., at a comparable venue.  However, that would’ve been a six-hour affair in the U.S.  In Costa Rica, we had a four-day celebration.”

Our bride’s advice to other couple’s planning their destination wedding is to “never forget that the most important thing is who you say “I do” to. It can be easy to get caught up in all the planning and put the needs of yourself and your significant other on the back burner while you try to keep everyone else content.”

Vendors: Photographer: Amy Bluestar Photography, Wedding Planner: Susan La Reau Events, Ceremony/Reception Site: Villa Punto De Vista and Playitas Beach, Florist: Stylos y Flores, Stationery: Susan Flores with Susan La Reau Events, Hair & Makeup: Costa Rica Hair & Makeup by Monica, Gown Designer: Hayley Paige, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Ralph Lauren and Robert Graham, Bridesmaids Dresses: Lulus, Groomsmen Clothing: Ralph Lauren, Catering: Desiree’s In-House Catering.