Wedding in Nosara Costa Rica – Shani + Rich –
There is just something magical about a wedding in Costa Rica. Whether it be the golden lighting during what I like to call magic hour at sunset, all the natural beauty, great wedding planners and fantastic venues, or the laid-back Costa Rican “Pura Vida” vibe, it’s no wonder why a destination wedding in Costa Rica is an easy decision. And then there is something even more magical about a wedding in Nosara Costa Rica, a sleepy yoga and surf town on the Pacific Coast that embraces healthy living. From the moment I arrived at Lu Luna restaurant, I was head-over-heels in photographic love with this beach front venue.
Similarly, Shani and Rich just knew that Nosara was a perfect place for their destination wedding, especially when they learned that friends had their wedding at La Luna in 2012. From Indianapolis, Shani and Rich met five years ago on Match.com. Two years ago they brought a beautiful and fiery red head little girl into the world named Samantha. And last week, among their family and close friends, they said their “I Dos” on a golden afternoon on the beach in Playa Pelada in Nosara.
Wedding Detail by Weddings Nosara
Given that rainy season just started here on the North Pacific side of Costa Rica, I was a tad bit worried about the typical rainy season afternoon thunderstorms. Rich and I were even emailing back and forth several weeks before the wedding day discussing other options. However, once I stepped foot inside La Luna restaurant and saw the beautiful interior, with patterned cobblestone floors and beautiful archways, I knew that Plan B would be equally as beautiful as a Costa Rican beach wedding. Fortunately enough, the dramatic, white thunderhead clouds held off for Shani and Rich’s wedding day, creating a magical sunset beach ceremony.
La Luna Restaurant in Playa Pelada, Nosara, Costa Rica
Planning for a possible rain delay, Shani, Rich, and I elected to do photos before the ceremony in the lush gardens of their hotel, Teak Pacific. Shani wore a stunning lace wedding dress that fitted her beautifully. Coincidentally, Rich pointed out the same tree that I spotted while scouting the hotel grounds. He felt that the tree symbolized their beautiful, strong relationship and family – so eloquently said!
Teak Pacific Hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica
Shani’s father walked her down the sandy beach aisle and Samantha was the cutest flower girl, rocking a beautiful flower crown. Little Samantha stood between her parents while they said their vows. Shani and Rich were so grateful and their love for one another radiated. Magical, just so so magical.
Beach Wedding in Playa Pelada, Nosara, Costa Rica
After the ceremony, I whisked Shani and Rich to take advantage of the golden afternoon lighting. One of my favorite things about Playa Pelada is the diversity of the beach to utilize in photographs, from a rocky peninsula, a curve in the middle of the beach, panga boats used by the local fisherman, and volcanic rocks. I was stoked to incorporate these distinct features while photographing such an amazing couple. To top it all off, we were fortunate enough to borrow a beautiful horse for some photos. Little did I know, Shani has been riding horses since she was eight and was beyond excited to hop up on the horse!
During the whole day, Shani and Rich, you two were so grateful and I could not have asked for a better couple to work with. I wish your family the best and a lifetime full of love!
XOXO,
Kristen
P.S. Check out the sneak peek for more beautiful photos of Playa Pelada!
Wedding Design: Alexa Bolles at Weddings Nosara
Flowers: Phyllis Kramer of Weddings Nosara
Location: La Luna Restaurant in Playa Pelada
Photography: Yours truly, Samba to the Sea Photography
