Guanacaste Costa Rica Photography: Father Rooster Birthday Party-
The extraordinary talent of wedding vendors here in Costa Rica leaves me speechless week in and week out. One of those vendors happens to be wedding planner Barbara Broutin at FourNineteen weddings. I first had the pleasure of witnessing the magic of her work at a wedding in Playa Conchal in January; to say the least, I was a kid in a candy store, photographing all of her beautiful details. So when Barbara emailed me asking if I was available to photograph a 40th birthday celebration for one of her closest friends, Christine, I crossed my fingers and toes that I was not already booked. I for sure did not want to pass up the opportunity to photograph another one of Barbara’s events! Add in an awesome beach front location, Father Rooster in Playa Ocotal, and I was stoked to be photographing this birthday party.
Picture this: magnificent views of Gulfo Papagayo, sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, and a variety of fishing boats bobbing in the calm bay of Ocotal. Christine’s 40th birthday party was held at her family owned restaurant, Father Rooster, one of the last remaining beach-front haciendas in Costa Rica.
To say the least, this birthday party was one heck of a celebration. Having battled with cancer over the past couple of years, Christine’s birthday was one of celebrating life and love with her family and friends. 120 loved ones came from near and far to celebrate this wonderful woman. The love and friendship that surrounded Christine during her party was permeable, right down to Christine’s staff at Father Rooster who adores her! Christine just radiates love and good energy.
This celebration of the year kicked off with a gorgeous sunset passing through the gap in the peninsula rocks on Playa Ocotal, which only happens for short time each year.
A live band, Kaye Latin, started the guests dancing, followed by DJ AClass mixes.
The food was phenomenal, from sashimi tuna, fried sushi rolls, fried wontons, mini tacos, crab soup, rice and beans, chicken skewers with peanut sauce, mozzarella and tomato soup, ceviches, and flatbreads…oh my! And that desert table and beautiful birthday cake by the oh-so-amazing Victoria Zoch!
With the help of Christine’s husband Steve and her friends, she enjoyed a beautiful photo slideshow. Steve toasted the birthday girl, and provided some laughs with the story of how they met 19 years ago as mystery shoppers working for Disney. Christine’s “wedding” certainly was one for the books!
Feliz Cumpleaños Christine!
Pura Vida,
Kristen
P.S. Barbara, I can’t thank you enough for this incredible opportunity to photograph one of your beautiful events! The magic you create and your hustle, having been working in California AND Manuel Antonio only days before this party, is truly remarkable. I am so glad that you got to enjoy this one as well!
Event Planning: FourNineteen Weddings
Location: Father Rooster in Playa Ocotal
Rentals: Cabo Luna
Music: Band: Kaye Latin, DJ: Alvaro Vega, DJ AClass
Flowers: Floristeria Cristal
Birthday Cake: Victoria Zoch
Photography: Yours truly, Samba to the Sea Photography
