Sean & Claire : Cala Luna : Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Okay, so if I'm being completely honest, about once every day, I think to myself how lucky I truly am to be a part of such an amazing moment in people's lives, but with Sean and Claire's wedding, that thought crossed my mind almost every five minutes during my amazing experience planning their Costa Rican nuptials. Now, don't get me wrong, like all destination weddings, this one had it's challenges, including an all around laid back culture, a wind storm that wiped out every cymbidium orchid in the country and tons and tons of paperwork to get the legalities in place for the marriage to be official, but I think if you ask Claire and Sean, the sacrifices were definitely worth the end experience. The event was not only beautiful, chic and romantic, but Sean and Claire gave their guests an experience none will ever forget.

Sean and Claire planned a four day affair including beachside massages for the ladies, a snorkel tour for all of the guests and dinner at the town's finest restaurant, but it was obviously the wedding that was the highlight of the week. They chose to marry on an ultra secluded beach in Tamarindo, which is on the Pacific side of the country, know for it's sun, surf and of course, pina coladas. With guests being greeted with Mojitos and bamboo fans, the couple exchanged vows just before sunset on a lazy Monday afternoon. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed champagne and passed appetizers oceanside right before heading to dinner at the couple's private villa at the very boutique, Cala Luna Hotel. Dinner consisted of a four course meal of local cuisine accompanied by Sangria Roja and Sangria Blanca, which the guests drank every sip of. Following dinner, the couple and their 19 guests danced the night away and just all around enjoyed the company of their closest friends and family. All in all, it was a major success and definitely will stay at the top of my list of blessings for 2009. What a way to start the wedding season!

Check out the images below from the wonderful Julie Comfort of Comfort Studios. Julie not only is beyond talented, but she could definitely make a few dollars on the side as the perfect tour guide, as she very often served as my eyes and ears throughout the planning process. Take note, if you are planning a destination wedding, make friends with at least one or two locals. They'll not only give you a heads up of any potential issues, but they can also show you where all of the good stuff is that the guidebooks may never mention.