Dominique and Bowman traveled from New Orleans to host a destination wedding high above the coastline in Costa Rica. Having been once before on vacation, the couple fell in love with the country and knew it would one day be home to their big day.
To get the planning started off right, the duo hired the talented Aimee Monihan and Karen Ogden of Tropical Occasions. They then selected Zephyr Palace on the central pacific coast of Costa Rica to host both their ceremony and reception. Dominique and Bowman had been there on their previous trip and fell in love with the view of the sunset.
The bride wore a beautiful diamond cross that had been given to her by her groom the morning of the wedding. Not the only piece of fabulous jewelry that day – she also wore diamond earrings loaned to her by a friend for her “something borrowed” and the groom even designed both his and her wedding rings!
The ceremony was a spectacular modern meets destination wedding design. Unique (and varied) white chairs and benches flanked the deck alongside the infinity pool with an unbelievable view!
We just love this ceremony site! A destination wedding can be as formal or dramatic in design as you’d like it to be! Bravo Tropical Occasions :)
The sweet ceremony was only one part of this wonderful journey. The couple and their guests spent an entire week together at Los Suenos, the same place they stayed on their last trip. Upon arrival, a bus picked up the party and immediately immersed the guests into the culture with a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Friends and family really got to partake in all the area has to offer. Once settled in, the groom hosted a fishing tournament, guests went ziplining and golfing, snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking and there were even tours to see the monkeys and crocodiles! And of course a visit to the National Park was on the agenda!
A welcome party, rehearsal dinner, and wedding were also on the week’s schedule. This group couldn’t get enough of these wonderful celebrations!
After the “I do’s” the married pair took some time for a few spectacular photos with Comfort Studio.
As sun set, the reception kicked into high gear and guests moved inside for a swanky reception and lots (did we say lots?) of dancing!
The escort cards were tied to a gift that doubled as a wedding favor – hand painted wooden wine holders made in Costa Rica. But that wasn’t the only gift guests got that week, the bride’s sister and brother-in-law also packed up welcome bags in personalized backpacks made by a family friend.
The reception was tradition and even a tad formal, but that certainly didn’t stop this group from having the time of their lives (and even getting a little wet at the end of the evening).
The bride and groom made most of the paper goods themselves. The table numbers were watercolor images of animals they had spotted together on their previous trip to Costa Rica (sailfish, monkey, sloth, crocodile, turtle, frog and more)!
Custom labeled wine bottles were also on hand for guests to enjoy.
The sweet white wedding cake had a silver trophy-like chalice as a cake topper – one the couple drank from as they celebrated and cut the cake!
But that wasn’t the end of the evening! A surprise fireworks sessions soon launched with a bang! The bride and groom and their bridal parties wanted a front row seat, so of course they jumped in the pool to get a better look!
Sparklers were the final send off at this celebration before the couple moved locations to enjoy their honeymoon together.
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Comfort Studio
Wedding Vendors: Wedding Location: Zephyr Palace, Costa Rica, Wedding Coordinator: Tropical Occasions, Caterer: Villa Caletas, Makeup: Esteban Martinez, Hair: Hair by Monica, Cake: Victoria’s, Dress Designer: Winnie Couture, Veil/hairpiece: Henri Bendel, Bride’s footwear: Badgley Mischka, Bridesmaids’ dresses: Watters & Watters, Groom’s suit: Jos A. Bank – Poplin Suit in Oyster, Groomsmen’s attire: Jos A. Bank – Poplin Suit in Oyster, Flowers: Stylos y Flores Floresteria, Paper Goods: DIY, Furniture Rentals: Costa Mesa, Officiant: Pastor Louis Brenes, Musician: Los Caciques, DJ/band: DJ Guana
Yay- wonderful way to start my week being fetaured on Jet Fete. We loved working with Dominique planning and designing this wedding. She was a joy throughout the entire planning process and wedding. Wishing her and Bowman much continued happiness and safety this week as a Issac makes it’s way to NOLA.
Hi Aimee after seeing your wedding we also want to get married at Zephyr Palace, would you mind emailing your experience and your guests experience with Costa Rica, Zephyr Palace, and a destination wedding? Any information woudl be greatly appreciated!