Amidst the lush greenery of a Costa Rican rainforest, Dana and Vincent recited their vows surrounded by their closest family and friends.

As nature lovers, the couple knew they wanted their wedding to be an adventure in the great outdoors. Saying “I do” in Costa Rica made sense because of the endless options for outdoor weddings. Plus, Dana and VIncent both held a special place in their hearts for the rainforested Central American country. Choosing a destination wedding meant the couple could gather with their guests in a unique place to celebrate the beginning of their forever together.

“We wanted to have a wedding that provided an experience where people could connect with each other, themselves, and nature,” the couple says.

A year before the wedding, the pair flew south from Washington D.C. to the tropics of Costa Rica. Dana had already found planner Tui Frye of Blue Butterfly Events Costa Rica online and had arranged to meet her in La Fortuna to tour the couple’s list of venues with the potential for a lovely outdoor ceremony setting. 

“We ended up going with the Chachagua Rainforest Hotel because it was rustic and elegant. It also had beautiful gardens and a forest around it, and it could handle the wide range of needs of our family and friends,” the groom says.

With the venue chosen, the couple could rely on Tui’s expertise (and Spanish speaking ability) to handle the bulk of the planning and coordination. Dana and Vincent also presented Tui with fun activities they hoped to enjoy with their guests – all centered around honoring the natural beauty and relaxing aura of the Costa Rican rainforest. 

“Tui helped us bring a yoga instructor to the site, organize a rehearsal dinner at a hot springs and work with Chachagua Rainforest Hotel so that we could provide our guests with an opportunity to plant trees for reforestation,” the couple says.

With the biggest elements planned and being coordinated, Dana and her sister focused on designing the dinner menus and table cards for the reception and painting a backdrop for a photo booth. The bride also recruited the help of a few other members of her bridal party to make chocolate-covered, orange liquor-filled strawberries for dessert, using local strawberries and chocolate. 

With all the effort that went into their destination wedding, Dana and Vincent’s nuptials were naturally beautiful, sweetly sentimental and perfectly “them.”

“It’s a lot of work, and you definitely need help,” the couple says. “But honestly, every wedding is going to be work, so why not have it at a place you know you love?”

Vendors: Photographer: Andrea Brandt of Lume Photography; Event Planner: Tui Frye of Blue Butterfly Events Costa Rica; Ceremony Location: Chachagua Rainforest Hotel; Florist: Kristina Ulrich of Perennial Weddings; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Hugo Boss; Dress Designer: BHLDN; DJ: DJ Kika Arguello