Costa Rica Wedding - Hilton Papagayo

Oh what a glorious day this was! I woke up to the chirping of birds at my window, iguanas and crabs walking around my patio and beautiful Hibiscus flowers blooming everywhere you looked! Costa Rica and the Hilton were an amazing backdrop for this beautiful wedding. Noelle started the morning at the spa for hair and makeup. The dressing area had the most beautiful light cascading through it and I was anxiously waiting for the last bit of makeup to be done so I could steal the bride and get these wonderful ethereal shots. She's makes cotton waffle ribbed robes look hot! And that's not easy!

We also had to get in some guy time ofcourse. Even though this day is all about the bride...we do have to give a little camera love to the men too. I thought this was the most adorable shot of David and his son, Devin.

The ceremony was short, sweet and oh so lovely! The aisles were lined with tiki torches and the seats were adorned with pink ribbon and delicate tropical flowers. The bride and groom both made a special committment to their children during the ceremony that was very sweet too.

And of course - no latin ceremony is complete without some sort of live musicians! The guitar players had arrived late for the ceremony that day and I almost had to have Brian, my boyfriend, play for the ceremony. The hotel staff were tracking down a guitar for him but then the musicians arrived just in time. That would have been an interesting twist!

After this shot we ditched the wedding party at the bar and headed off with the bride and groom for some steamy shots! I was a bit jealous though...sitting at the bar with a few dacquiries sounded really good at that moment - did I mention Costa Rica is a tad bit humid!

and on to the steamy shots! Here are a few of my favorites from the evening. Noelle and David really worked it for my lens!

This last shot is oh so sweet! Little did we know - there was a skunk like creature waiting to make his grand entrance in the middle of our shoot. I don't think I've ran any faster than I did when that creature came running into the lobby. It was like a cross between a skunk and a squirrel - I really don't know what it was! I must have looked rediculous jumping onto the lobby chairs!

Aside from our skunk encounter - the day went beautifully. Noelle and David - I can't thank you enough for including me in your celebration. I have really enjoyed getting to know you and your wonderful family over the past week and can't wait to reveal all of the images from the days.

After returning to California - I shot Noelle and David's Italian themed reception. I've got more great images of the couple from that so stay tuned!

Many thanks to Brynn, of Tropical Occasions, who was Noelle's wedding coordinator in Costa Rica. If any brides are thinking of getting married in Costa Rica - Brynn is a great resource. She moved to Costa Rica from the US 2 years ago and loves planning these destination weddings. Fabulous job Brynn!

Hilton Papagayo - Day 1

We're here! After a long red-eye flight in coach and many hours sleeping in airports - Demi and I finally made it to the lovely Hilton resort in the Gulf of Papagayo. David and Noelle made it safely with all of their family and friends. You can see me below being their personal paparazzi as the bride and groom arrived at the airport. The Liberia airport is interesting...it's basically an open air hangar with a small customs counter waiting between you and the masses of taxi cab drivers. Oh by the way...it's really really humid here...so please...no commentary on the horrible hair you will witness over the next few days!

We all piled in a shuttle and left the airport to our awaiting oasis - the Hilton Papagayo. How wonderful is this place! Everyone is so attentive and just so helpful. While we were waiting to check in they brought us flutes of fresh squeezed tropical fruit - wow! Check out the cute oceanview bungalow we're in! It's all just amazing...Demi and I still can't believe we're here!

We didn't want to waste anytime so we headed down to the pool for some sun and relaxation. I can't begin to tell you how lovely this is...you all will just have to come and see for yourselves!


Friday's Drink of Choice: Strawberry Daquiri. Yum!

And just incase you forgot that this is work - here's me working!

We met with Brynn, the wedding coordinator, to go over all the details at the rehearsal. Unfortunately, I don't have any shots of me flailing like a goober as I fought off the army of ants that crawled up my leg. You got to watch out for those ant hills here!

Demi nabbed this one while I wasn't looking! The mix of dark and light sand made such beautiful patterns...I couldn't pass up the chance to capture it!

Tomorrow's the big day for Noelle and David so stay tuned for more to come...

I'm on a sleeve!

So my wonderful friend Nick (of Generation Fate/Simple Heroes) has a run club to help raise money for his non-profit. They are getting ready for their upcoming Bay to Breakers race and they are making t-shirts. Since I'm his biggest fan and exclusive photographer - I get my logo on the sleeve! So when the runners are running (cuz that's what I hear runners do) they probably will wipe their sweat all over my sleeve. Awesome! If anyone would like to sponsor Nick's team or run - please email him at nick@generationfate.org. If you can grant a simple wish - check out the site - we have a few kids that need our help.

Hilton Papagayo here I come!!!

The countdown begins...only 3 more days till Demi and I leave for Costa Rica to shoot Noelle and David's wedding at the beautiful Hilton Papagayo in the northwest region of Costa Rica. I was so thrilled and honored to be asked to join them to photograph their wedding. They are such a sweet couple. After the wedding, I'm flying Brian out to join me for a week of rest and relaxation on the beach. And...it just so happens we will be celebrating his birthday there! I cannot wait to get my toes in some sand! I think the thing I am most looking forward to is the opportunity to do nothing...absolutely nothing. No cell phones, no emails, no 2am editing sessions...no nothing! I'm ready to just be in the moment and be relaxed. But that doesn't mean I won't be busting out the camera now and again. I've got strict orders from Carlos to document everything...and I won't disappoint him! WIth that being said - if you are reading this and you happen to be in the Papagayo region from the 9th-16th and want some stellar beach portraits - definitely email me!

Olga and Charles' little baby bundle...

I had the priviledge of sharing a morning with Olga, Charles and their new baby girl. She was such a good little baby - she was entranced with my lens which made for some adorable images. I am so happy for Charles and Olga - they are a wonderful family. Here are a few shots from their session...the rest are a surprise! Enjoy!

It's FashionSAC time...

So we just wrapped up another lovely FashionSAC shoot last week for Lazio Boutique of El Dorado Hills. Sarah (Lazio owner) brought an adorable floral dress for Nicole to wear - which looked fabulous on her. I have to give many thanks to my aunt and uncle who allowed us to interrupt their Sunday for the photoshoot. They have such a beautifully landscaped estate - it was the perfect backdrop for this shoot. This is my favorite shot of the day - but not the image for the ad. Check out the May issue of SacTown Magazine to see the featured image. Toodles!