Teresa & Brian

We had quite a day getting Teresa and her bridesmaids ready for the wedding!  Soon after our arrival at Bahia del Sol -- in typical Costa Rica fashion -- out went the power.  After waiting around a bit in hopes it would come back on, we really needed to get the ball rolling in order to have everyone ready on time.  The Bahia staff did their best to accommodate us, clearing out a space for us in their small office (the only place they had a generator).  So, we lugged ourselves and all the gear into the teeny space and got the show on the road.  

Despite the cramped quarters, we had a b-l-a-s-t getting these ladies ready for the festivities!  Teresa is definitely a lucky lady to have such a fun group of gal pals as her inner circle who made the "inconvenience" into a memory.  Luckily about 3 hours in, the power fired itself back up and we moved back to the room.

Teresa had an amazing custom made vintage style gown with a gorgeous fishnet and feather birdcage veil.  We did her make-up light and shimmery with simple black winged liner, and her hair up in a side chignon which really looked great with the veil!

Photographer:  Teresa & Brian brought photographer Tracy Moore over from the States to capture their special day.  To see more photos from Teresa & Brian's wedding (and her dress which I am in love with!) - visit Tracy's blog.

Wedding Planner:  Donna, Pura Vida Weddings 

Hailey & Donnie

Hailey & Donnie had a beautiful morning wedding at Casa Muy Grande in Playa Grande.  They opted for an intimate guest list consisting of only their parents and siblings.  When we got the call for an October wedding (the rainest month of the year here) I kept my fingers crossed for sun.  As the wedding Gods would have it, Costa Rica sunshine beat down all day like the middle of summer!  It was meant to be!

We had a great time chatting with Hailey, her mom and her (almost) mother-in-law while getting her ready.  Both sets of parents have been married over 30 years and her in-laws were actually celebrating their anniversary on this trip. I love this photo that they took of them holding their parents' wedding photos! 

Hailey found lots of inspiration for her wedding on (my fav website!!) Pinterest.  (If you're planning your wedding and not using Pinterest, you need to get on it!!  There is an abundance of wedding inspired treasures on there!)

She's also a big lover of handmade goodies and found her garter and hair flowers in Sara's Boutique on Etsy.

Being an early day wedding, Hailey wanted her hair down with soft curls, and her make-up soft, yet accentuated.

We used Urban Decay's Virgin, Sin, Smog and Sidecar eye shadow along with dark brown and black cake liner to create this look.

It turned out beautifully!!!

Jonathan of Costa Vida Photography worked his magic behind the camera capturing all the special moments (not to mention the yummy looking food catered by Joe Comfort).  To view more photos, visit Jonathan's blog:

http://www.costaricawedphotography.com/wedding/hailey-donnie

Wedding coordinator Kirsten of Four Winds Weddings (as usual) styled this wedding like something straight out of a magazine!  I always love seeing her set-ups, she's definitely got the beach chic thing down!!  She also has some additional photos of Hailey & Donnie's wedding posted on her blog:

http://www.fourwindsweddings.com/2012/10/19/playagrandewedding/

Photo Op

Cute "after" photo with the wedding party in the background.  I also like that all the groomsmen are wearing sneakers with their suits :)

Photo courtesy of WeddingBee.com

Flowers!!

Simple, inexpensive and lovely lace wrapped flower stems.  A bride recently used a wrap similar to this and slipped her grandmother's locket inside - the "something old".

Backless, Crocheted Wedding Gown

Insanely beautiful, backless crocheted wedding gown.  I came across this photo uploaded by a user on Pinterest and tried (unsuccessfully) to find out where it originated from and who the maker was.  It is nothing short of spectacular!  I'm in love.

Loose, Twisty Updo

Another great hairstyle found on Pinterest.  This loose updo with a twist and lots of body is perfect for a tropical beach wedding.

Soft & Glowing

I came across this photo uploaded by a user on Pinterest (I love that website!!).  I love the glowing, dewy look of her make-up.  Perfect for a beach wedding.

Rachel & Sandy

Rachel was a blast to say the least.  A laid back and ultra relaxed bride -- well maybe a little too relaxed.  :) So relaxed that they forgot her wedding dress at home, missed flights and then, as we were getting her all gorgeous, realizing they had left the groom's pants at home.  But there was nothing that was going to ruin their day.  She looked amazing!  Photographer Syliva Guardia did an awesome job of capturing the happiness oozing from this couple!

Sidenote:  Rachel opted to have long wearing lash extensions applied before her trip.  This is a great option to wearing false eyelashes.  They are water resistant, they don't get complicated with the humidity and look amazing.

Wedding Coordination by Donna, Pura Vida Weddings
Location:  Hotel Capitan Suizo, Tamarindo
Photographer:  Sylvia Guardia

Nicole & Peter

Sometimes you meet couples that are so incredibly s-w-e-e-t and romantic that it gives you butterflies in your stomach!  Peter & Nicole were that kinda' couple.

Nicole was a knock-out and El Velo did a great job of capturing the romance that oozed from this couple!

This photo says it all.....

Wedding coordination by Donna of Pura Vida Weddings

More photos of Nicole & Peter's gorgeous wedding can be seen on El Velo's website.

Side Chignon

I love the side chignon.  It's classy, elegant and looks good on just about any face shape.  There are tons of way to personalize this classic look.  A few of our personal favorites.....
 

Sleek & Sexy

Photo:  Martha Stewart Wedding

 

A lil' messy...perfect for a beach wedding.

Photo courtesy of Wedding By Color

There curves and movement in this style.
Highlights really accentuate that the direction of the hair.

Photo:  Ashah Photograhy

Leaving bang loose softens it up a bit.  By the way, isn't this backless gown divine??

Photo:  Dog n' Bird Artful Wedding

Plus -- it creates a nice little spot to nestle your flowers or other hair accessories.

Photo:  The Belle Magazine

Megan & Robert

Wedding Coordinator Four Winds Weddings organized the perfect outdoor ceremony and gorgeous reception at one of my favorite venues in Tamarindo, Villa Paraiso.

Megan & Nick worked together to create this beachy, loose curls updo. 

Photographer:  Julie and Marguax of Comfort Studio.  More photos of Megan & Robert's wedding can be found on Comfort Studio's blog.

This wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty.

Ann & Mark

We had a great time working with Ann and Mark to make their special day wonderful! We met with them prior for a trial hair and make-up session and so when their wedding day rolled around, we were ready to go! Everyone turned out beautiful.

Photographer:  Julie and Marguax of Comfort Studio.  To view lots more photos of Ann & Mark's wedding, visit their blog:

http://www.comfortstudioblog.com/blog/2011/12/6/ann-mark-hacienda-pinilla-costa-rica-wedding.html

Wedding Organizer:  Samantha of Events & Weddings Costa Rica

Ann & Mark's wedding was also featured on DIY Bride.
www.diybride.com/2012/06/ann-mark/