Tropical Occasions

Graham & Ever, Real Wedding, Santa Teresa Costa Rica

Graham and Ever were married in beautiful Santa Teresa Beach on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. Not only is this my personal favorite area of the country, they also chose my favorite venue as well. The wedding was held at the Fabulous luxury estate of Casa Capitan. I love this estate so much it is where I celebrated my 40th birthday last year with all my nearest and dearest and where I am currently planning the wedding of my only sibling. This wedding was co planned by myself and my amazing business partner, Anahi Contreras from my Sister company Santa Teresa Beach Weddings.

Graham and Ever are both so incredibly beautiful people - both physically and internally.  They both glow with kindness and sincerity as do their entire families. I remember at the end of their wedding, Anahi and I shared a moment and agreed that people like them and their guests are what make us love what we do. Having helped such good people plan and then celebrate a day they will always remember, is an honor and such a joy for us as planner and designers.

Their wedding was as well featured in the blog of the wonderful Magazine I Do Destination.  For the full blog entry on I DO Destination just click HERE

I still wanted to share some of my favorite images from their wedding and showcase not only a beautiful event, but one that brings back such fond memories for both Anahi and I and simply makes me smile.

Planning the design with Graham and her mother was a blast. Graham sent me many pictures and inspirational pieces. She is a lot like me and simply loves all beautiful things (So much so, she works at SAKS and was wearing a to die for wedding gown by one of my favorite designers Marchesa!) So I took all the beautiful elements she sent and we came up with what you will see here- I like to call it Bohemian Chic, meets modern preppy. Hope you enjoy!

Graham and Ever (and each and every one of your lovely family members and guests!) We cannot thank you enough for your warm and welcoming personalities. As we always strive to allow our clients to have zero stress on their wedding day, and be able to feel like a guest. You also did the same for us. We  both felt as if we were guests at your event. You are such wonderful people and we were so honored to be part of your wedding celebration.

Also big Kudos to folliwng fab Vendors

Don Mirra for his amazing photography.

INSANE as always catering by the Gorgeous chef James Kelly at SOMA CHEFS

Lighting design by Cabo Luna

Much Love,

 Aimee & Anahi

Real Weddings - Sabrina and Phil - April 2011- Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Sabrina and Phil are a stunning, chic couple from New York City.   It was truly a pleasure to work with their fun, unique style.  They started the festivities a few days before the nuptials with group surf lessons and a welcome BBQ provided by Casual Cooking for 40 guests at Sabrina's rented house.

The soft lines of the bride's dress was enhanced with embroidered lace giving it a traditional twist on a modern gown.  Her bouquet of white orchids, lillies and roses with  just a hint of green kept the sophisticated, clean lines that carried throughout the design.  They married on the sunlit beach under a bamboo altar covered by a floating white silk canopy.  The simplicity was an amazing reflection of their love.

Special touches like the lace garter with an amethyst colored brooch and Sabrina's hand written thank you speech once again lent to the traditional aspect of the couple. I loved the book marks that described the different activities for their guests as well as all the special touches that went into their plans. The invite was a full guide book to Costa Rica, amping up the excitement for each and every guest that attended.  It was very well thought out and an awesome courtesy to the people who traveled to be with them on their special day.

The reception was breathtaking.  Sabrina had asked us to bring in a very organic look that also celebrated a beach side affair. Woven chargers held a single succulent flower atop the crisp white napkins welcoming the guests to dine.  Bamboo folding chairs and driftwood centerpices flanked by white votive candles in glass sparkled on the table.  White lights twinkled in the trees as night fell.  Square wood vases held white dendrobiums and greens in a most artful design.  The natural woven burlap criss cross material that served as an overlay to the white tablecloths on each of the tables was really in keeping with the simple, natural theme the couple were going for. 

I loved the simplicity of this natural design not only because it was a true reflection of the way Sabrina and Phil live their lives, but it actually added to the beauty of the surroundings that is Costa Rica!  We were all very pleased with the outcome.

Enjoy the beautiful photography courtesy of Mike Blum Photography 

 

  



 

Best wishes for a fantastic life together!  Thank you so much for letting us design and coordinate your gorgeous wedding!  Enjoy all sunsets as if each was your first as husband and wife! 

Real Weddings - Molly & Patrick Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

This beautiful couple solidified their love and promise at the lovely Casa Capitan, Beachfront Estate in Santa Teresa Costa Rica in November. This wedding was planned with my sister company Santa Teresa Beach Weddings 

Molly and Patrick are from San Francisco, CA.  I had the great pleasure of meeting with them in person in the city to plan the wedding. They are incredibly gorgeous (or as we say ridiculously good looking!!)  and down to earth in every sense of the word.  Their entire wedding was done with nature in mind and kept green from start to finish. 

It was a true green wedding with carbon offsetting, all of the stationary was from recycled materials and the groom wore his father's wedding suit.  The entire menu was designed from sustainable ingredients created by the fabulously talented Jim Kelly of SOMA CHEFS.

Patrick's father owns a wonderful vineyard, Hendry Cellars, that I was fortunate enough to visit and enjoy fabulous wines a few years back while in Napa. He brought delicious wine selections with him that paired seamlessly with each course. Each guest was given a culinary passport created by the fabulous Kate over at Custom Paper Works (They make amazing invites and any stationary needs for weddings)  The passports described each course in detail, with where the ingredients were found in Costa Rica as well as the wine accompanied and how each note celebrated the flavors. It was a true culinary celebration.

The green continues even through the couples color scheme.  Throughout the venue there was an abundance of denbdrobium, phalenopsis and Cymbidium orchids as well as succulents along with picture perfect white roses that which reflected the bride's beauty.  Orchids that were from the ceremony altar were re used and draped the bride and grooms chairs and adorned the tables.

Here is a look at the lovely wedding of Molly and Patrick Hendry. Photos courtesy of the very talented El Velo Photography

Molly and Patrick- you guys were a blast start to finish, we wish you much love and a life full of laughter and joy.

Aimee, Anahi and Stephen.

Real Wedding- Tracy & Adam November 2010

This wedding was one I will never forget. Our beautiful bride, Tracy lost her mother un-expectantly and had to reschedule her wedding for a later date. She came to us for help after she tried to plan on own and and I knew as a mom I must be involved and help make the stress go away and allow her to enjoy this memorable time in her life. Tracy is any parents dream, She is down to earth, sweet as can be and as patient as an angel. It was obvious to me her mother is smiling down at the beautiful woman she raised with pride.  It was such an honor to be involved in such an emotional wedding and we were all so happy to create a wedding her mother would have been very proud of. 

Thank you to Julie Comfort and Katie Stinnet of COMFORT STUDIOS for their beautiful images of this event. As well to JW Marriott Guanacaste for the beautiful setting.

Tracy and Adam, we wish you an incredible journey together. May you know much happiness, love and laughter! 

The Team at Tropical Occasions