Tropical Occasions

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 - Michelle and Bryan - March 2011-Playa Potrero, Costa Rica

This wedding was bold and beautiful!  The bright reds and sunset orange tones were a perfect match for Michelle and Bryan. 

I really loved bringing so many elements of design into play at once.  We were able to incorporate many unique pieces into the mix.  The wedding invite was the inspiration with a bold red and a fun damask with cartoon monkeys. White paper lanterns hovering over the venue gave a softness and subdued light while at the same time, we brought on red linens with damask runners and red place cards outlined in black featuring those same cartoon monkeys as bride and groom.  It was diverse and eclectic and it really worked!

The bride’s all red rose bouquet was just as thrilling against her white gown.    The Gerbera daises and red roses that masqueraded as tie backs for the white sheers on the canopied bamboo altar framed Michelle and Bryan as they turned to their guests for the first time as husband and wife.

I really loved the red fans sitting on the benches for each guest at the beach ceremony.  They were not just practical, but added a real highlight and yet another gorgeous pop of color against a white background. The red carpet of rose petals that the bride made her entrance on created an awesome balance of color and texture to the already amazing  sunset.

Enjoy the bold and beautiful photos by Mike Blum Photography and El Velo Photography. 

 

Best wishes for a bright future, Michelle and Bryan.  Somehow, I don’t think that will be hard for you two!!

 

Real Weddings – Nicole and Dave- March 2011 – Reserva Conchal, Costa Rica

Nicole and Dave are a young and incredibly fun couple from Walnut Creek, CA.  I had the pleasure of meeting with them in person 2 times during our planning. The first time was in Costa Rica and the second at their home town in Northern California. Each time we would meet I would get more and more excited about their wedding day from all the great ideas, to the simple enthusiasm they both showed for showcasing their love of one another.  Their style and attitude were reflected throughout their wedding from gorgeous flown in handmade high end linens (and let me say it was worth all the drama to get them there) to the elegance of the altar tent with hanging orchids flowing organza with the beautiful blue sea as their backdrop. The aisle was a carpet of white and orange rose petals.

The color scheme was all sunset and glamour.  The cocktail hour boasted deep orange, red  and lime green linens and each dinner table was draped in beige silk linen that had the most amazing beadwork of bling, that simply sparkled under the countless votive candles.  The cake table which held the four tier cake created by Victoria Zoch had a gorgeous puckered linen a shade darker than the guest tables and the orange Asiatic lilies remarkably complimented the gathers in the material. 

I was so happy to be able to actually be there and see the flawless execution of the well thought out design.  It was such an incredible collaboration of dreams and visions by all involved.  The way it all came together just heightened the joy of the awesome day.

Please enjoy these photographs by El Velo Photography and Thornton Cohen.

 

 

Nicole and Dave- it was beyond a pleasure to work with you and more so to simply hang with you both- You are such lovely people as well as your families and friends.  I wish you all the very best life has to offer.

 

 

Real Weddings - Megan and Brent - April 2011, Reserva Conchal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

This Wedding is a very special post to me, as this wedding, was one I planned and then attended as a guest for a good college friend. 

Megan and Brent, I know him as Otis, are friends of mine. Otis and I went to University together and have shared many wonderful memories and fun times together.  I was so excited and very honored when they asked me to design, coordinate and then best of all party at their fabulous wedding!  The wedding took place last month at the Reserva Conchal.

Megan was gorgeous from the soft curls in her hair to the greek goddess draping of her one shoulder gown and her ever present stunning blue eyes.  Her bouquet, made up of white orchids and roses was artfully and sentimentally tied with a piece of her mother's wedding gown.

Otis, decked out in an killer dress shirt with beautifully indian print cuffs and collar, was thrilled to meet his stunning bride under a canopy covered in organza with white and green orchid garlands.  After the I do's, the couple strolled on the beautiful beach taking in the romance of the day and anticipating the fabulous night to come.

Refreshing tropical rum cocktails housed in coconuts and ready with straws awaited the guests as the photo shoot on the beach and insane sunset played before their eyes.

Megan and Otis are huge wine lovers, and we wanted to incorporate this into the design. We used corks from their cork collection tied together served as place card holders for the guests. Megan even mentioned in their toast that the corks used were from bottles that many of us there that night had probably drank at their home at one time. Woven square chargers held the napkin and menu with a green orchid finishing the look. Strikingly tall to simply stunning and short centerpieces using tropical monstera leaves, orchids, bear grass and curly willow branches lined the center of the tables and gave it that "organic - jungle" look we were after.  All of that against the deep brown table linens on the long banquet table gave the reception a warm, elegant yet very down to earth feel, much like Megan and Otis, who are both class act in my very partial opinion.

The best part of the evening was when the authentic Costa Rican comparsa (which I forced on them with a "You have to do this!" plead) with stilt walkers, drummers and dancers arranged as a surprise from Megan and Otis performed for the guests.  Not one guest was left out as fake moustaches, bolero hats and boas made their way out onto the dance floor.  Even Megan's baby nephew got in on the action!  

These photographs so beautifully taken by Katie Stinnett for Comfort Studio  and bring back all the fun that went into planning and executing this fantastic wedding for my friends.

 

Of course I had to share a photo of me with the fabulous bride, who is bowing down to me. making me feel oh so silly... since no bowing was necessary!! This is one of many hysterical moments throughout all the planning, I had so much fun planning with Megan throughout it all.  I have to say in the end it was a great learning experience as well.  As I sat in the wedding as a guest come the day of and was able to take it all in, from the other side that is... I realized I have an amazing team, on my staff as well as all the other professionals who take a part in all the events we plan. I am so proud of them all and all they do to make these events so fabulous. I am so thankful to each and every vendor who did a wonderful job for this wedding of friends and every other wedding we are all honored to plan and design day in and day out.

Megan and Otis, thank you for letting me and my team at Tropical Occasions share your day, your style and your fun!  This was truly one of the greatest events I was fortunate enough to be a part of because your friendship and entrusting me to this day means the world to me!  Best wishes for everything good in your new life together and guess what-  you survived... now carbs and the wine of the night club can reenter your fabulous lives!

MUUAAHH big kisses to you both!

Aimee

Real Weddings- Jennifer and Cristian, Costa Rica – March 2011

Jennifer and Cristian make an amazing couple.  Not only are they fun and down to earth, they are so incredibly in love!  Their energy and joie de vivre is contagious and evident in all the decisions they made for their beautiful day.   Cristian a Costa Rican native is a linguist, teaches both Spanish and French.  Jennifer is a doctor.

The fun begins in the distinctive design of old meets new.  The modern elements mixed with a vintage look helps to understand the diversity and unique expression of this couple.   We were so excited to help bring to life the concept of true exuberance with props for all the guests,  like mustaches, hats and funny glasses. Play being the operative word here…you can just see how fun their future will be.  The actual fireworks were an excellent symbol of their spark.

The long banquet table sat all the guests and a well thought out theme  with beautiful lighting. Simple yet elegant light pink and white roses, purple and white orchids and accents of bells of Ireland, and green hydrangea were gathered in square wooden vases along the center of the table.   Tall vases housing coffee beans and votives sure to liven up any party sent a perfect glow around the tables.  As night fell on the reception soft purple lights illuminated the perimeter.   Humidors with deliciously scented cigars were at the ready for the guests as well!  Nothing was overlooked by the Senora and Senor. 

Their impeccable taste is showcased in the fabulous photos by Michael Segal. The beauty of his work is seen in all the candid photos that captured the sweetest moments of Jennifer and Christians’ perfect day.  Michael also produces all of the photography for the show My Fair Wedding in which David Tutera, a famous planner, is the host.  You can see through these exceptional photos his amazing talent and why he works with the best in the business….including Tropical Occasions, of course!   The pictures make you feel like you are actually at the joyous occasion!  Enjoy…..

 

 

 







 

Jennifer and Cristian, best wishes for a beautiful, rich future or as the French would say, Bonne chance or as the Spanish would say, los mejores deseos para el futuro!

 

ABC Business of Brides Conference - November 2010 - Phoenix, AZ

Business has been great and therefore very busy, but I didn't want another month to go by without sharing some of the highlights of the ABC Business of Brides Conference in Phoenix, AZ in November 2010 hosted by the President of ABC, David Wood.  The theme of the conference was HOTT (High Octane Twenty Ten) and we had a fantastic time getting to mingle with top bridal consultants.   I was joined by Karen, my mid Pacific manager and we had a great time!

This was ABC's 29th annual conference and I have been a member for over 11 years and the first member ever in Costa Rica.  Being a member of ABC has given me many opportunities to learn from and meet top rated bridal consultants including David Tetura, Sasha Souza and my good friend Ali Phillips. We also had a great photo op with the founders of ABC, Eileen and Gerald Monaghan, my relatives with a different spelling of the same last name..our inside joke hahahahahahaha! 

Being able to spend time with Sasha Souza who has been a Bridal Consultant since 1995 and is considered among the top event design companies in the nation was awesome.  She did an amazing presentation on the evolution of design.  We hung with her as well as her head planner, Mellysa Levy. They were such a blast to be with!

The very appraochable David Tetura, host of My Fair Wedding on the WE, was among the presenters and just feeding off his energy was inspirational.  He has the best attitude and still feels so incredibly fortunate to be in this terrific business.  

Ali Phillips, AKA the premier bridal consultant in Chicago, was also on hand to share a few insights and lots of laughs!  As you can see in the below pictures we know how to have a good time as well as deliver all the best to our clients.

Please take a few minutes to look at the pictures below.  I wish they could capture all the beauty of the entire event, food, lighting, ambiance....all top notch.  Enjoy.....

 


 

 

 

Real Weddings - Cecilia & Tim - Tamarindo, Costa Rica at Villa Marrakesh

Cecilia and Tim are a beautiful couple from Los Angeles, CA.  Their dream of a chic, sophisticated destination wedding was wholly realized in February 2011 at the Villa Marrakesh in Costa Rica. 

The bride was inspired by the extravagant beauty of the Marrakesh's architecture and incredible event space.  The natural setting of the willowy trees and the soft glow of paper lanterns continued the feel of her desired Paris in Spring, but in the tropics wedding.

Black and White was the main color palate, bistro style tables and a long banquet tables with Damask runner adorned with bright sunset colored roses are reminiscent of an elegant parisian cafe.

Complimenting the scenery was the gorgeous Vera Wang wedding gown worn by the bride which was tied softly at the waist with a black satin ribbon and stunning rhinestone appliqué.

The design was enhanced by the thoughtful collaboration between Aimee and Alessandra of Tropical Occasions, the bride and her mother Gilda.  

Catering was provided by local chef Bathsheba and the event was perfectly staged by Aimee Monihan and flawlessy executed by her team leader in Costa Rica, Alessandr and head design consultant Anahi.

Please wrap yourself in the beauty of this Paris meets the tropics wedding with the following pictures provided by the fabulously talented Steven Stanton photography.

 






 

 








Bon chance to our lovely friends, Cecilia and Tim for letting us share in your beautiful day!

 

Real Weddings - Clara and Joey, Villas Caletas Amphitheater, Costa Rica

 

Under an altar of bamboo laced with hanging orchid garlands of lime green, orange, purple, pink and red orchids, Clara and Joey made their promise.  Beautiful cones made from tropical leaves were filled with petals for aisle pillows and were later used to adorn the bride and groom after the nuptials.  

The joyously fragrant orchids and lilies were elegant and bright throughout the venue.  Their eye popping color captured the fun, festive mood of this tropical themed celebration.  The bride's bouquet was luxuriously hand-tied white orchids.  A single Cala lily was handed to the mother of the bride during the ceremony.

Votive candles floated effortlessly in a glass base welcoming the romance into the venue.  Luminaries were aligned the terrace allowing for soft light to offset the brilliant color of the drapes that whimsically hung around the dance floor. Tall cylindrical vases of various heights were filled with limes and lemons in water with floating candles. 

In a creative twist, name place cards doubled as favors for the wedding guests.

The unique, fabulous design was a collaboration between Aimee and Karen of Tropical Occasions and the bride, Clara.  

 

Lighting and DJ were executed by the incredibly talented Stephen Denton of Cabo Luna Event Rentals

Videography was provided by Mario Arroyo.

Enjoy a peek into Clara and Joey's unique wedding with these stunning photos courtesy of Ale Sura.

Thank you again Joey and Clara, we wish you a fabulous filled future as husband and wife. 

Felicidades

Karen, Isabel and Aimee of Tropical Occasions

 

Pretty Little Things, Real Weddings from 2010

The following is a mix of some fun weddings we did this season with some nice color combos and fun details. I feel so bad that we have been so busy I have had so little time to blog the many many great weddings we have been blessed with this year.

So here is a look at a few and I promise to share more eye candy soon....

Photos courtesy of El Velo Photography

Hope you enjoy! 

Aimee

 

Simon & Christina- Married at the Hilton Papagayo

 

Ralinda & David- Bahia del Sol, Playa Potrero

Alexandra & Edmonds - Villa Marrakesh, Playa Langosta

Suejily & Jeff - Villa Caletas, Playa Herradura

Real Weddings, Alex & Akil, Photographs by Jose Villa

This Wedding was SO much fun. It started with me just adoring the bride Alex. As soon as her and I got on the phone we were like "Peas and Carrots" and I was simply so excited to work with her. She also let me know her husband to be, was a wedding photographer and she would get to plan the wedding 100% as he wanted to be surprised. The groom the very talented Akil Bennet only had one detail and that was he wanted to hire the photographer. Alex let me know they were hiring the one and only Jose Villa. I about jumped out of my seat with this news.  Jose Villa had yet to do an event in Costa Rica, so knowing we would help produce the first one he captured was well pretty flippin awesome news. Anyone who works in the wedding industry is aware of the genius who is Jose. He has been quoted as one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world and his work is called fine art photography. He actually uses film! He wants that organic and beautiful natural light that only film can truly capture. He then develops the film and scans in high resolution so client can have digital images. The outcome is, as you will see, simply stunning. Take his art, add the incredible looks of the beautiful Alex and her handsome now husband Akil, combined with the fast as lightning film loading skills of the equally wonderful Joel Serrato   finally add another flawless event produced by us and we had a masterpiece event on our hands.   

I could say so much more, but I will let these photos do the talking.

 



     
 


 

 

Akil and Alex, you two are such beautiful people, I so enjoyed working with you both, Anahi and I had a blast on the creative shoot day, helping out, being makeup artists, carrier of all things- even your underpants! We wish you an amazing life together, you are a wonderful couple and I was honored to help you.

Thank you as well to Reserva Conchal for all your efforts with this event- You run a beautiful property and we are so thankful for your efforts with this event in particular.

Jose and Joel you guys are in a league of your own and hanging with you was so fabulous. You are truly wonderful in every sense of the word and I look forward to working many more times together and having lots of more fun with you both.

Aimee