On their very first trip to Costa Rica together in 2012, Angela and Ameer witnessed a wedding in Guanacaste and decided they would get married there one day. Eight years later, they did just that.

Everything, from the motto of ‘Pura Vida,’ to the sights and sounds of the nature that surrounded us, drew us to love the country,” Angela says.

The decision to wed at the Westin Resort’s Playa Conchal beach did not come as a surprise to the couple’s friends and family. All of Angela and Ameer’s guests were intimately familiar with their love for Costa Rica.

“Playa Conchal is our happy place,” the couple says, “And, we always knew we wanted to be married on this beach.”

Unfortunately, the couple learned the day before their wedding that their ceremony location had been double-booked. Angela and Ameer held fast to their hearts’ desires, however, and moved to a different location where they were still able to say “I do” on the beach.

“No one wants to hear that their wedding is double-booked the night before the ceremony,” Angela says. “But thankfully, we were able to remain on the beach and still have a beautiful reception.”

The couple told us they actually saved money by doing a destination wedding, and they were able to use the extra funds to splurge a bit on the party extras. The bride and groom DIY’d welcome bags for their guests upon arrival, including welcome notes, itineraries, room key holders, flip flops, Costa Rican chocolate, stain remover, a hangover helper kit, aloe and bug spray.

By fulfilling their dreams of having a destination wedding in Costa Rica, Angela and Ameer were able to enjoy extra time with their guests outside of the ceremony and reception and make lifelong memories with those closest to them.

“Being out of the country with our closest friends and family over several days was an experience we will never forget,” the couple says.

Vendors: Photographer: Two Adventurius Souls; Ceremony/Reception Site: The Westin Reserva Conchal; Florist: Floristeria Cristal; Save The Dates: After Hour Design; Invitations: Inspirations by AmieLe; Cake: Victoria Zoch; Hair & Makeup: Heavenly Spa by Westin; Gown Designer: Grace Loves Lace; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Bonobos; Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Kleinfeld Bridal Party & Bonobos; Bride’s Ring: Brilliant Earth; Groom’s Ring: Malsons Jewelers; Videographer: Bacalao Films; DJ: DJ Teemor; Globe Decoration: Selah Grace Designs