Okay, can we just start with how adorable this is? Victoria and Derrick first connected on Twitter… over a song. Yep, “The Matrimony” by Wale, to be exact. If that’s not the sweetest, modern meet-cute, I don’t know what is. Fast forward to their very own matrimony planning, and the couple opted for a Guanacaste destination wedding. The reason was simple: it’s where the jungle meets the ocean. “Being in nature with animals truly allows you to relax and be away from it all, which was really important to us,” Victoria says. And while the rainy season tried to make a cameo, the wedding day itself? “Perfect,” according to the couple.

Venue Straight Out of a Dream

Victoria had one very specific vision for her dream Costa Rica venue; it had to feel like a treehouse. Cue Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, with its lush jungle vibes, ocean views, and a setting straight out of a dream. “When I saw the photos on Instagram, I knew I’d love it, but seeing how breathtaking it was in person really sealed the deal.”

Watercolor Invitations and a Wedding Mascot

These two didn’t just want a pretty wedding; they wanted every element to reflect their unique personality as a couple. “Our invitations were so much fun to work on because we were able to showcase a watercolor map of the peninsula, which was also a guide to our guests who were in Costa Rica for the first time!” Victoria says. Another personalization came in the form of their French Bulldog, Beau. He was basically the unofficial mascot of the wedding, making an appearance on napkins, menus, and even coconuts.

Oceanside Ceremony Full of Heart

For the oceanside ceremony at Marina Esplanade, the bride says, “We really wanted to incorporate and celebrate our different cultures and religions. Derrick is Nigerian and Catholic, while I am Indonesian/Irish and Muslim.” To achieve the perfect balance, the couple worked closely with their friend Sidney, who officiated this special moment. Victoria and Derrick’s vows had equal parts humor, warmth, and tears…basically, everything their love story contains.

Why a Destination Wedding Was So Worth It

The couple swears that having their wedding away from home made the entire experience. “Everyone said it felt like summer camp!” Victoria laughs. Guests not only celebrated the couple but also made new friends, reconnected with old ones, and got to explore Costa Rica along the way.

And while planning a wedding abroad can sound daunting, Victoria says it really doesn’t have to be. “As long as you stay organized and give yourself enough time, planning a destination wedding can be fun and easy!” she tells us. But, of course, having the solid planning team from Red Velvet Weddings in their corner took a lot of pressure off of the couple themselves. “I knew from the moment I met Ise, that we were in the best hands,” Victoria says.

Vendor: Photographer: Sylvia Guardia Photography; Planner: Red Velvet Weddings; Ceremony/Reception: Marina Esplanade & Andaz Peninsula Papagayo; Florist: Artflower; Stationery: The White Room; Cake: Victoria Zoch; Hair & Makeup: Nadia Cambronero; Gown: Watters; Groom’s Suit: Thrash Bespoke; DJ: DJ Bryan Laverde; Rentals: Costa Mesa; Dance Floor: The Point; Transportation: Guanacaste Infocenter; Photo Booth: The Vogue Pose; Videography: Destination Wedding Stories