An Intentional Destination Wedding in Las Catalinas, Costa Rica

Written By monika Herbert

Kaylee & Jake’s Three-Day Wedding Celebration in Las Catalinas, Costa Rica

Nestled along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Las Catalinas is a dream for any couple seeking beauty, charm, and intentionality for their destination wedding. For Kaylee and Jake, it offered something truly unique, a car-free town where guests could stroll cobblestone streets, take in sweeping ocean views, and feel fully immersed in the celebration and it’s where their love story began. They met while surfing near Playa Grande. That same evening, they happened to sit next to each other at dinner and shared their very first meal together. What started as a chance encounter quickly became a friendship that led to something more, and Costa Rica remained woven into the foundation of their relationship.

When it came time to choose where to get married, the answer felt obvious. They wanted to return to the place where it all began. Costa Rica represents living an intentional and in the moment way of being, they resonate immensely  with the “Pura Vida” lifestyle they both fell in love with early on.

Day One: Welcome Party at the Villa

The festivities began with an intimate welcome party at the couple’s villa. With its breezy terraces and golden hour views, it set the tone for the weekend ahead. Food played a central role throughout the weekend. Jake and Kaylee are true food lovers, and while living in New York City, they make it a tradition to try a new restaurant every week. For the welcome party and pool party, they invited a local woman whose cooking they fell in love with during their first trip to Costa Rica to prepare the meals adding an authentic and deeply personal touch to the weekend.  In a heartfelt surprise, Kaylee hosted a “Something Blue” dinner for her closest friends, a nod to tradition with a personal twist. From the curated table decor to the warmth in the air, it was a night filled with connection and anticipation.

Day Two: Ceremony & Reception in the Heart of Town

Kaylee and Jake’s ceremony was a lesson on intention. Overlooking the water, they chose simplicity to let the setting and their love shine. One of the most powerful moments was watching Kaylee walk herself down the aisle. At her request, there were no photographers or videographers in the aisle. This allowed us to capture stunning, unobstructed angles of her path to Jake — a quiet, powerful moment of independence and beauty.

Cocktail hour featured a live sushi chef and saxophonist, setting the tone for an interactive and elevated celebration.

The reception was held in the heart of Las Catalinas, where the town’s open-air design lent itself perfectly to a night of celebration under the stars. Each floral arrangement sat in a hand-thrown pottery vase, thoughtfully chosen to reflect the earthy luxury of the setting. The purple florals and chartreuse linens created a bold yet refined palette that was both romantic and striking.

They wanted their wedding to reflect that shared passion and feel more like a culinary experience than a formal meal, so a ceviche bar, grilled steak, and refreshing watermelon margaritas was such a hit.

For Film Lovers: 35mm and 120mm favorites

Las Catalinas is a vibe, to showcase its true colors and authentic feel, a mix of digital and film was used. Here are some favorite images on film.



Day Three: Poolside Farewell Fiesta

The weekend wrapped with a vibrant taco-and-margarita pool party — a final, joy-filled gathering that blended indulgence and relaxation. Guests enjoyed poolside lounging, local fare, and even massages from an on-site masseuse. It was the perfect way to wind down and soak up the last moments of this coastal celebration. From start to finish, Kaylee and Jake’s wedding was a reflection of who they are: warm, intentional, effortlessly stylish, and deeply in love. Being part of their story in Las Catalinas was nothing short of magical.

monika Herbert
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